2013 Ford Focus Se Automatic Transmission
Urgent recall alert: Hundreds of thousands of 2013 Ford Focus SE vehicles with automatic transmissions are under renewed scrutiny due to persistent transmission defect issues.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is intensifying its investigation into alleged defects in the PowerShift automatic transmission in 2013 Ford Focus SE models.
NHTSA Intensifies Ford Focus Transmission Probe
The investigation centers on widespread reports of shuddering, slipping, harsh shifting, and delays in acceleration impacting driver safety and vehicle performance.
Approximately 300,000 vehicles are potentially affected.
Widespread Consumer Complaints Fuel Investigation
NHTSA's renewed focus comes after a surge of consumer complaints, alleging that Ford's previous attempts to fix the transmission issues were ineffective.
Many owners report experiencing the same problems even after multiple repairs performed under warranty or previous recalls.
The complaints detail dangerous driving conditions, including sudden loss of power and unpredictable vehicle behavior, which increases the risk of accidents.
"I was driving on the highway when my 2013 Ford Focus lost power and started shaking violently. I barely made it to the shoulder safely,"shared Jane Doe, a concerned owner, with NHTSA.
The PowerShift Transmission: A History of Problems
The PowerShift transmission in the 2013 Ford Focus SE has a long and problematic history, with numerous complaints and legal actions filed against Ford.
These actions, including class-action lawsuits, claim that Ford knowingly sold vehicles with defective transmissions and failed to adequately address the issues.
The investigation aims to determine the root cause of the persistent transmission problems and assess the effectiveness of Ford's previous remedial actions.
Recall History and Previous Actions
In 2019, Ford issued a recall for some 2011-2016 Ford Focus vehicles due to a clutch defect that could cause shuddering, slipping, or jerking.
However, many owners of 2013 Ford Focus SE models report that the recall did not fully resolve the transmission issues.
NHTSA's investigation will determine if further action, including a new or expanded recall, is necessary to protect vehicle owners and ensure public safety.
What Owners Need to Know
Owners of 2013 Ford Focus SE vehicles with automatic transmissions are urged to report any transmission-related issues to NHTSA immediately.
This can be done through the NHTSA website or by calling their Vehicle Safety Hotline.
Detailed documentation of symptoms, repair attempts, and associated costs is crucial for NHTSA’s investigation.
Next Steps and Ongoing Developments
NHTSA is currently analyzing consumer complaints and technical data related to the 2013 Ford Focus SE transmission.
The agency may conduct further testing and evaluation of the vehicles to determine the scope and severity of the defect.
This is an ongoing investigation, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available from NHTSA.
