2014 Ford Focus

The 2014 Ford Focus is a compact car that offers a blend of fuel efficiency and practicality. Engine options include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine that provides 123 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a five-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic transmission, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). Owners appreciate the Focus for its handling, fuel economy, and stylish design. Common complaints center around the reliability of the dual-clutch transmission, particularly in the earlier model years, as well as some electrical issues.

Engine

2.0L Four-Cylinder Engine

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased fuel economy, check engine light. Can be caused by faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Replace faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the number of parts that need replacing
  • Recalls: None Found
• Purge Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, difficulty starting, rough idle, decreased fuel economy. Caused by a faulty purge valve.
  • Solution: Replace the purge valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

1.0L EcoBoost Three-Cylinder Engine

• No Issues Found

Transmission

Six-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission (DCT)

• Harsh Shifting/Jerky Acceleration
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation during acceleration, jerky or erratic shifting, especially at low speeds. The transmission may shudder or feel like it’s slipping.
  • Solution: Ford issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to address this. Solutions may include transmission control module (TCM) reprogramming, clutch replacement, or in some cases, complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4,000+ depending on the severity and required fix. TCM reprogramming can be on the lower end, while a new transmission is much higher.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Complete loss of power, inability to shift, loud grinding noises. This is a common failure point of the DCT.
  • Solution: Clutch replacement. Consider replacing the clutch fork as well, as it can also be a source of issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises coming from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. This can be caused by worn sway bar links or bushings.
  • Solution: Replace worn sway bar links and/or bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• MyFord Touch/MyFord Sync Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response times, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and system crashes. The MyFord Touch system was known for its unreliability.
  • Solution: Software updates, system resets. In some cases, replacement of the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 for a software update, $500 - $1,000+ for APIM replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use. Can be caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic drain and repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue and the cost of the replacement part.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric starts to detach from the roof and sag down.
  • Solution: Re-glue the headliner fabric or replace the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ depending on whether you re-glue or replace the headliner.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Ford Focus, while a stylish and fuel-efficient compact car, is known to have some notable issues, particularly regarding the dual-clutch transmission and the MyFord Touch system. The DCT issues can be severe and costly to repair. While the other issues are generally less expensive, they can still be frustrating for owners. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and carefully inspect the vehicle before purchasing.