Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the wrench symbol was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and shaking and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle, the engine was still running and attempted to shift into reverse(R), but the vehicle would not shift into reverse(R). The contact was able to shift into drive(D) however, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact had been informed by the mechanic that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Several times, my breaks have not responded while pressing down on them, my foot will be to the ground and there is nothing. It caused my vehicle to crash into the vehicle in front of me the first time it happened going 35 miles an hour.
Takata recall I was coming up to a stop light ready to push the clutch in to slow down. I tried to push in the clutch and it was stuck. I let my foot off and tried agian. The clutch went down. I thought that was odd and dangerous. I was glad my wife wasn't driving. I wanted to pull over and see what was going on. I got in the turn lane. When I pushed the clutch in to go the clutch went to the floor and I was stuck in the turn lane. It was a busy road, but I was offered help and was able to push it through the light as it changed. I noticed that the connection from the clutch to the pedal was broken. A plastic piece had broke. The car only has 57000 miles. I feel like I was lucky nothing happened. That part should not break on a car. I want to feel safe when me or my wife are driving our vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the transmission shuttered while driving at lower speeds. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the vehicle shuttered and hesitated, but stated that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. Prior to the failure, the vehicle exhibited the same failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,719. Updated 08/03/16 the consumer stated several adjustments were made to the clutch. However, they were only temporary fixes. Updated 08/09/16.
Only 3 out of 4 doors open, the outside door latches have failed since purchase in 2013. Have also continually failed/re-broke after being fixed. Car also does not unlock after being locked and inside door mechanisms do not unlock after being engaged.. Huge safety issue. Also multiple times the a solenoid has to be replaced due to the car does not shift correctly and fails to accelerate safely (takes a over a min to go from 35-60) and even then it will not maintain 60 miles per hour going up a hill . This is a automatic vehicle , and it is unsafe , especially when exiting off a onramp trying to excel to posted speed limit to merge into traffic off the ramp. I have had multiple problems/issues with this vehicle since its purchase and it is a very unsafe vehicle.
My 2012 Ford Focus is equipped with the dual clutch transmission and has had issues from the day I bought it. Shuddering upon start was the biggest issue. Car finally stopped running and was repaired at dealer but now the transmission is extremely noisy and will slip out of gear into neutral without warning, including on highways at speed. Transmission will also slip quite badly upon launch at times which can be a cause of an accident when trying to enter traffic.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would abnormally vibrate while idling. The failure happened without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The clutch system on my manual 2011 Ford Focus went out. The clutch now plays on the floor board with no catch in it. The gears wont budge. I researched and seen the newer models have had this same problem. Please please please look into this. I absolutely love my car. When the clutch went out it was on the main highway in bridge city, tx.
2011 Ford Focus se transmission pulling and jerking, causing the tires to vibrate while driving. Upon first accelerating before motor warms up, the car sounds like a truck. It is extremely loud. The car has to be moving for awhile before the loud noise decreases some, but the noise continues.
With less that 70000 miles on the car my transmission started to go out on me. I have since had the transmission replaced as it is under warranty, and less than a week after getting it fixed it was already started to go on me and has gotten progressively worse over the six months.
Transmission complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 Ford Focus, 18% of the model year's 113 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Ford Focus transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2011 Ford Focus. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Ford Focus transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.