Last Updated on September 23, 2022
On March of 2020, a proposed class action settlement against Ford alleging DPS6 Powershift transmission defects was formally approved. The settlement covered all 2012 through 2016 Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta vehicles equipped with the now infamous 6-speed automatic transmission.
Naturally, 2017-2019 Fiesta and 2017-2018 Focus owners experiencing the same questionable transmission behaviors, were feeling a bit left out.
As such, owners of these vehicles have since filed their own class action against Ford.
Owners allege the DPS6 transmission slips, bucks, and experiences a delay in downshift among many other complaints – all of which ultimately lead to premature transmission failure.
If you own a MY2017-2019 Fiesta or MY2017-2018 Focus equipped with the DPS6 Powershift 6-speed transmission, here’s what you need to know.
Brief History: Ford Powershift DPS6 Transmission Problems
Ford’s Powershift 6-speed transmissions have a long and storied history, starting with the 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta and 2012-2016 Focus models. Forum thread after forum thread, owners complained of erratic transmission behavior.
And while designed to be a perfect blend of an automatic and manual transmission, it turned out, it was anything but. In fact, the transmission was subject of various class-action lawsuits in the U.S. and even other parts of the world due to shifting issues and other alleged defects.
The problem became so widespread that even Consumer Reports placed the 2012-2016 Focus on its Cars Most Likely to Need a Transmission Replacement and What to Buy Instead list. That’s kind of like being on Santa’s naughty list.
But on March 5, 2020, a settlement was reached, but did not include owners of the MY2017-2019 Ford Fiesta and MY2017-2018 Focus vehicles. This despite being equipped with the exact same allegedly defective DPS6 Powershift transmission.
As one can imagine, owners of these vehicles were naturally a little confused.
Now 2017-2019 Ford Fiesta and 2017-2018 Focus owners have taken up their own class action lawsuit against Ford for alleged defective 6-speed Powershift transmission.
Lawsuit Alleges Ford Concealed Transmission Defects to Buyers
Ford publicly has never acknowledged that the Powershift Transmission has inherent engineering flaws. This despite Ford issuing multiple Technical Service Bulletins (“TSBs”) to dealers, but never alerted vehicle owners of known problems with the transmission.
And despite numerous complaints from customers, Ford allegedly concealed, and continues to conceal, the transmission defect.
In fact, customers had been told that the transmission defects were “normal driving conditions” despite TSBs sent to dealers.
And despite the March 5, 2020 legal settlement and press coverage, Ford actively continued to sell and lease the Class Vehicles through the 2019 model year with the known defective PowerShift Transmission.
Making matters worst, DPS6 Powershift transmissions have no known repair. Ford workers even spoke out to the Detriot Free Press that there is no permanent fix for the PowerShift Transmission, despite their best efforts.
New Ford DPS6 Powershift Transmission Lawsuit Alleges Premature Transmission Failure
2011-2016 Ford Fiesta and 2012-2016 Focus vehicle owners allege that a design and/or manufacturing defective with the PowerShift Transmission causes the vehicles to experience the following behaviors:
- Slipping
- Bucking
- Kicking
- Jerking
- Harsh engagement
- Premature wear
- Sudden acceleration
- Delay in downshifts
- Delayed acceleration
- Difficulty stopping vehicle
These defects allegedly cause premature internal wear of the gears, and eventually lead to costly catastrophic transmission failure.
Ford Models Affected
The following Ford models are affected by this defect:
- 2017-2019 Ford Fiesta
- 2017-2018 Ford Focus
Status of the Ford Powershift Transmission Class Action Litigation
This is an active class action lawsuit. This suit has been brought on behalf of the Plaintiffs and a class of current and former Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus vehicle owners and lessees.
Barnes et al v. Ford Motor Company et al. Case No. 2:22-cv-06147, was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
Questions About This Lawsuit?
MyCarVoice.com is not counsel or the settlement administrator in this class action lawsuit. Our goal is to inform owners of these vehicles of the recent lawsuit. This post will be updated when/if new suit information is released.
Please considering subscribing to this post for critical updates.
Have you owned or leased a vehicle manufactured by Ford containing a defective 6-speed Powershift transmission? Add your voice to this post in the comments below.
Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
Timothy Mathison
January 3, 2024 at 4:36 pmMy wife and I bought a 2017 Ford focus new and at 13,897 miles they had to replace the dual clutch assembly under warranty in 08-14-2019. Now were having slipping again. Vehical has 26,749 miles on it and I found out that there was no extended warranty. Ford dealer says it will cost approx $3000
or so to repair. I have to take it in for a 220 dollar estimate fee. Hope Ford will do something about this.
Belinda Albury
August 10, 2023 at 2:54 amWe purchased a 2012 Ford focus in 2021 and have transmission problems right after we bought it I can only conclude that the pre ious owner was aware of the issue and concealed the knowledge from us so we were just stuck with a car that we can’t drive.us our car eligible for warranty and r we eligible to participate in the class action settlement?
Rahul
August 2, 2023 at 6:27 amBought 2019 ford fiesta 2019 in 2020. Now in 2023 all kind of transmission lights coming up. Not to mention I lost power while I was on highway because light came brake safely and wait 5 minutes transmission is hot. Took it numerous shops but nobody wanted to fix it because their isn’t any fix to this mechanical issue.
Dan Martin
July 13, 2023 at 12:59 pmI’m experiencing most of the symptoms stated but haven’t brought the car in yet for fear of spending money I may not want to spend. I’m driving another vehicle in the meantime. But spending money on insurance and a note soooooo…. Not so happy
Calli
May 27, 2023 at 7:30 pmI bought my 2018 Ford from a third party dealership. Am I covered under this lawsuit? What if the dealer concealed information?
Joseph J. Philbin III
April 30, 2023 at 2:26 pmMy wife and daughter bought a 2018 Focus for our daughter. As of 4/28/2023 we have now had the car back 3 times to Apple Ford of Red Lion (PA) and this last time were to that the DPS6 transmission will need to be replaced at a cost of $7,300 plus labor!
Please help!!!
Becky
April 18, 2023 at 2:54 pmI have a 2017 focus and have continued problems with the transmission. Ford has fixed twice and I just replaced transmission module but still have clutch issues.
Christopher Rossen
April 18, 2023 at 3:37 pmBecky, thanks for the comment. Lots of power train complaints logged for this make and model: https://app.mycarvoice.com/trends/FORD/FOCUS/2017/
Johnathan
February 17, 2023 at 3:50 pmI purchased my 2018 Ford Focus SE off the lot in June ‘18 and within three months I had began experiencing shuttering transmission problems. We had the clutch replaced while within the warranty and within one year, the issue resurfaced. I’m now in the same position with continued transmission problems; however, due to no warranty, I am told that this is a common problem within these cars and I now have to pay $1400 to have the clutch replaced.
Eric Hughes
February 11, 2023 at 9:35 pmI am experiencing the symptoms that have been discussed in the above information. I have had my car on a few times since 2019 for this reason and they state as above it is normal for the car. Taking it back again to ensure I have documentation when needed.
Roland
January 24, 2023 at 3:52 pmRecently bought 2018 ford focus for my daughter, please update me on any progress or settlement of the DPS6 transmission lawsuit