SSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. When specified in the WSM, the turbocharger oil supply filter must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Ford Focus engine problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Ford Focus have filed 147 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 60,777 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
147
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Focus | 27 |
| 2011 Focus | 3 |
| 2012 Focus | 177 |
| 2013 Focus | 102 |
| 2014 Focus (this page) | 147 |
| 2015 Focus | 75 |
| 2016 Focus | 154 |
| 2017 Focus | 191 |
| 2018 Focus | 245 |
2crashes
4fires
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 147 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Ford Focus, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 147 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. For all turbocharged engine applications, the turbocharger oil supply filter (6C683 gas engine/6L625 connector style or 6A968 diesel engine) must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2011-2014 Fiesta and 2012-2014 Focus vehicles equipped with a DPS6 transmission may experience a fluid leak between the engine and transmission. Be aware that the engine oil and DPS6 transmission fluid are similar in color and texture. A transmission fluid leak at the input shaft seal can cause a buildup of fluid in the bell housing; creating the appearance of a rear main seal leak. The rear main seal should only be replaced after a rear main seal failure is confirmed through appropriate diagnostics outlined in the updated online Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 303-00 / Diagnosis and Testing with the use of Fluorescent dye (164-TP33200601).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015-2018 Edge, Fusion, Focus, MKZ, MKC, Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit coolant consumption, white smoke and/or a runs rough condition. Refer to the extended coolant pressure test and checking for combustion gases in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03A. If internal coolant loss is confirmed, further investigation of the head gasket interface is required. Carefully inspect the cylinder block and head for erosion, pitting, and flatness defects, primarily between the cylinder to cylinder bore bridges. If defects to the aluminum surface on the cylinder block and/or cylinder head are found, follow the cost cap tool for component replacement. Follow WSM, Sectio
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2014-2017 Focus ST vehicles equipped with a 2.0L gasoline turbocharged direct injection (GTDI) engine may exhibit an audible engine idle ticking noise at normal operating temperature. This is considered a normal operating characteristic and no repair should be attempted.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Focus experiences recurring transmission control module (TCM) failures that cause the vehicle to lose drive engagement or go completely into neutral without warning—often at highway speeds or traffic lights, creating serious safety hazards. Owners describe stalling, inability to accelerate despite depressing the pedal, and being stranded in traffic lanes. Dealers struggle to diagnose these faults because trouble codes don't always store, and some owners report the problem recurring after TCM reprogramming or replacement.
The dual-clutch transmission exhibits severe shuddering, jerking, and jolting during acceleration from stops and low-speed driving. Owners say it feels like a "broncing buck" or whiplash-type movement. Some have had multiple clutch replacements—one owner reports seven clutches installed—with no permanent fix. Dealers often dismiss the symptom as normal or "within design specifications."
Engine stalling occurs intermittently during normal driving, rain, and wet conditions. One owner's engine died and caught fire within days of purchase. Overheating warnings and blown head gaskets have been reported. Rough idling, surging, and erratic RPM swings plague some units. Fuel pump and fuel system failures cause loss of power and stalling. Oil consumption problems, radiator leaks, and repeated ignition coil failures round out the mechanical woes.
Owners frequently cite parts backorders, warranty coverage gaps, and dealer reluctance to perform repairs without stored codes or within the narrow window of recall eligibility. Some report being told the issues are normal or that they need to "learn how to drive the car."
Same Ford Focus engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure & Transmission Engagement Loss
TCM malfunction causes intermittent loss of drive engagement, vehicle going into neutral unexpectedly, inability to accelerate, and complete stalling. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault or claim no code is stored. Owners report the problem recurs after TCM reprogramming or replacement. One owner had the TCM replaced, only to have the vehicle fail again and get stuck in reverse due to clutch damage from TCM wear.
When: Mileage varies widely: 12,000–91,000 miles. Some owners experience the problem within months of purchase; others see it develop years later.
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent loss of drive while driving at various speeds; Vehicle goes into neutral without warning; Inability to accelerate despite pressing pedal; Complete stalling on highways, at traffic lights, and stop signs; Check engine light illumination; No trouble codes stored in some instances; Problem recurs after dealer TCM reprogramming
Codes mentioned: POA0A: 01-08-PCM, Check engine light (code not always captured)
Repairs/costs cited: TCM reprogramming attempted multiple times; TCM replacement quoted at $48.13 diagnostic fee. Owner reports dealership quoted $7,000 for transmission replacement after TCM module replacement. Parts backorders reported. Extended warranty coverage available under Ford's extended program (14M02, 14M01), but coverage varies by VIN and build date; some owners denied coverage despite recall letters.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage) and recall 14M01 (transmission input shaft seal leak). However, VIN discrepancies exist in Ford's database—some owners receive recall letters but Ford's system shows no outstanding field service actions. Dealers have refused to honor recalls citing VIN database conflicts. Parts shortages for TCM replacement have prevented repairs.
Transmission Clutch Shudder & Jerking During Acceleration
Owners report severe shuddering, jerking, and jolting of the transmission during acceleration from stops and when shifting between gears. The DPS6 dual-clutch transmission exhibits bucking behavior that owners describe as feeling like a 'broncing buck' or whiplash-type jerking. Some dealers perform sensor adjustments and reprogramming, but the symptom returns. Multiple clutch replacements have been required for some owners—one owner had seven clutches installed with no permanent resolution.
When: Can occur from first weekend of ownership through vehicle lifespan. Mileage at onset varies: 1,500–25,000 miles for initial symptoms.
Symptoms owners cite: Severe shuddering/jerking when accelerating from a stop; Jolting forward with light or heavy acceleration; Dramatic transmission shudder in stop-and-go traffic; Grinding or rattling noise in engine/transmission area; Hesitation and rough shifting between 1st and 2nd gear; RPM spikes with transmission slippage; Lurching forward unintentionally; Vehicle won't move smoothly from a stop without deliberate foot pressure
Codes mentioned: RPM clutch shudder measurement (e.g., 143 or 349 out of max 250)
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replacement (some owners report needing replacements multiple times—up to seven replacements reported). Sensor adjustments. Dealer reprogramming/recalibration. TSB 150120 performed with shudder measurement relearn. Parts backorders reported (4–6 week delays noted). One owner paid $3,571.77 for clutch replacement. Dealers have told owners they need to 'learn how to drive the car' and stated the shuddering is 'within Ford's design specifications' and 'normal.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15B22 (Transmission Clutch Shudder / Adaptive Learning Procedure). Covers clutch and sensor adjustments/reprogramming. Warranty coverage extended for some owners under recall 14M02. However, some owners report the clutch recall has expired (7-year or 100k-mile limit) while the TCM recall remains active, creating coverage gaps. One owner noted the two recalls are functionally linked but expire at different times.
Transmission Hesitation & Loss of Power During Acceleration
Vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate when pedal is depressed, sometimes feeling as though it slips into neutral. Owners report near-accidents due to inability to merge, accelerate from stops, or move during traffic light changes. Problem worsens with prolonged driving. Dealers claim the hesitation is 'normal' or within design specifications.
When: Intermittent; some owners report it worsens in stop-and-go traffic and on hills. Onset varies from early ownership to higher mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Severe hesitation when accelerating from stops; Delayed response to accelerator pedal input; Loss of power at traffic lights and stop signs; Inability to merge safely on highways; Vehicle does not accelerate despite full pedal depression; Feels like transmission slips into neutral; Slipping gears, particularly around 2nd–3rd gear transition; Dead spot in acceleration response
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (may not store permanent codes)
Repairs/costs cited: Software/TCM updates and reprogramming attempted. Some dealers performed no repairs, stating behavior is normal. One owner was told to limit accelerator pedal depression to 30% to avoid the symptom. Another owner paid for independent transmission shop diagnosis ($100+ tow fees reported).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates/TCM reprogramming covered under warranty for some owners. Dealers have refused further warranty work after initial reprogramming, claiming the hesitation is part of the vehicle's design. Extended warranty coverage (14M02) applies to some, but parts availability has delayed repairs.
Engine Stalling & Loss of Power While Driving
Engine dies suddenly while driving at highway and city speeds, sometimes with no warning. Vehicle displays 'Stop Safely Now' or 'High Engine Temperature' warning before stalling. Owners report becoming stranded in traffic lanes, creating serious safety hazards. Restart is sometimes possible after minutes of waiting; in some cases the vehicle becomes difficult to restart.
When: Intermittent stalling events. Some occur early in ownership; others at higher mileage (69,000–91,000 miles reported). Frequency varies from single incidents to multiple times weekly.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; 'Stop Safely Now' or 'High Engine Temperature' dashboard warning; Loss of power steering and braking assist (no power to move vehicle); Vehicle stranded in traffic lane unable to restart immediately; Engine restarts after 10–15 minutes; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle becomes inoperable; In one case, stalling occurred during rainfall after wire repair
Codes mentioned: POA0A: 01-08-PCM, Check engine light codes (not always stored)
Repairs/costs cited: Tow fees ($100–$120 reported). Diagnostic costs $48.13. Dealer diagnostics found no codes or cleared codes without identifying root cause. One owner had engine wire replaced ($800 spent with no permanent fix). Another had cylinder head and computer box replaced. Fuel pump and fuel pump control module replacements attempted. Chafed wire found in one case but not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; case number assigned (CAS12243967 in one instance). Some owners referred to NHTSA Hotline. No recalls identified for stalling in most narratives.
Fuel Pump & Fuel System Failures
Fuel pump and fuel pump control module fail, causing vehicle stalling and loss of power. In one case, a fuel pump failure was followed by a control module failure, then a chafed wire issue. Check engine light illuminates due to lean condition and oxygen sensor failure.
When: Approximately 69,000 miles reported in one detailed case.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving at highway speeds (55 mph reported); Check engine light illumination; Lean fuel condition; Oxygen sensor failure as a consequence; Loss of power
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (lean condition code)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement attempted; failure recurred. Fuel pump control module replacement attempted; failure recurred again. Vehicle idled at very high RPMs during third failure, and overheating warning illuminated. Chafed wire identified on third dealer visit but vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and stated they would file complaint with NHTSA. No recall identified.
Excessive Oil Consumption & Oil Burning
Engine consumes or burns oil rapidly despite recent oil changes. Oil level drops significantly between services. Dealers have difficulty diagnosing the cause and suggest either inadequate fill-ups or oil burning. One owner had multiple trips to the dealership without definitive diagnosis.
When: Early ownership: One owner experienced rapid oil depletion starting in January 2016, less than 5,000 miles after previous oil change.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil warning light flashing on dashboard; Oil level drops to minimum or below within 500 miles of service; Inconsistent oil level readings between services; Suspected oil burning problem
Repairs/costs cited: Oil top-ups performed multiple times. Dealers inconclusive—some suspected oil burning, others blamed inadequate fill. One owner used Ford Motorcraft 5W20. Dealership refused detailed diagnosis after owner added oil between services, claiming they needed exact consumption measurement. No rental car provided by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in this narrative.
Engine Overheating & Cooling System Failures
Engine overheats with warning messages displayed. In one case, smoke and then flames were observed under the hood shortly after vehicle purchase. In another, blown head gasket required replacement. Oil cooler failure forced engine oil into cooling system.
When: One case at 90,537 miles (within days of purchase). Another at 56,000 miles. Oil cooler failure noted but mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: 'High Engine Temperature Stop Safely' warning displayed; Smoke coming from under hood; Flames visible from engine area; Engine stalls after overheating warning; Blown head gasket condition; Oil/coolant mixing due to oil cooler failure
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle towed to police impound then to dealer; insurance company totaled the vehicle (purchased 2 days prior). Blown head gasket repair quoted; vehicle not yet repaired. Oil cooler replacement cost $1,200 (OEM part; aftermarket alternatives $100–$250). One owner paid $800 in repairs with no permanent resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in overheating cases; case number provided (CAS12243967). No assistance offered. Vehicle not covered by recall in one case.
Fuel Tank Issues & Collapsed Fuel Tank
At least one owner reported a collapsed fuel tank at 45,000 miles, despite proper maintenance. Owner was told this is a 'rare occurrence' and no preventive action could have been taken. Owner's research suggests collapsed fuel tanks in 2014 Focus are more common than dealers claim.
When: 45,000 miles reported in one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel tank collapse
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost quoted at over $2,100.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed it was a rare occurrence. Owner notes no recall identified for this issue.
Engine Dies in Wet Conditions (Rain)
Engine dies or runs rough specifically during rain or wet weather. Owner had engine wire, cylinder head, and computer box replaced without lasting fix. Vehicle continues to stall when it rains. Fuse 38 blows when attempting to jump-start after stalling.
When: First noted about 1 year before complaint. Repeated after initial repairs.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs rough when raining; Complete engine shutdown at highway speeds during rain (50–55 mph); Engine stalls when wet, restarts when dry; Fuse 38 blows repeatedly when jump-starting after stall
Repairs/costs cited: Engine wire replaced; issue recurred after one week of dry weather. Cylinder head replaced; issue recurred when it rained again. Computer box replaced; issue still present. Total repairs cost $800 with no permanent resolution. Owner gave up after multiple repair attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Owner could not determine if a recall exists.
Rough Idling & Engine Surging with Stalling
Focus ST model exhibits rough idling and engine surging at normal operating temperature. Escalates to frequent stalling on highways and at red lights. Technicians are aware of the issue and resolution (TSB harness repair) but refuse to perform repair without a failure code present.
When: Issue occurs at regular intervals; mostly during normal operating temperature.
Symptoms owners cite: Constant rough idling; Engine surging; Frequent stalling on highways; Stalling in city driving; Stalling at red lights while downshifting
Codes mentioned: No failure code generated (preventing TSB harness repair)
Repairs/costs cited: TSB harness repair known to address the issue but Ford corporate will not approve repair without a stored code. Technicians refuse to proceed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB available, but corporate approval required to proceed without code. Not approved.
Intermittent Stalling & Erratic Idle (Focus ST)
Focus ST stalls intermittently when clutch is pushed in fully or shifted into neutral. Erratic idle swings wildly between 400–800 RPM. Vehicle stalls dozens of times, including on highways during gear shifts. Issue worse in hot, humid, or rainy conditions. Dealers cannot reproduce issue without a trouble code and refuse to apply known TSB fix.
When: Intermittent; may occur after 200+ miles of driving between events. Seems worse when hot, humid, or raining.
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent stalling when pushing clutch in fully; Stalling when shifting into neutral; Erratic idle swinging 400–800 RPM; Stalling on highway during gear shifts; Stalls dozens of times since issue started
Codes mentioned: No trouble code in most instances (preventing TSB application)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner has recorded videos of the stalling. Dealer observed car struggling to keep idle but refused to apply known TSB fix without technician observing the stall live or a trouble code registering. Over 100+ pages of similar complaints from Focus ST owners online.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known TSB FIX available but not applied without stored code. Regional CSM (Customer Service Manager) stated they cannot apply TSB without observation or code. Over 20+ Focus ST owners reported the same issue on forums.
Radiator Failure & Coolant Leak
Radiator develops a hole causing coolant to leak from underneath the vehicle. 'Extreme Heat, Park Vehicle' message displayed.
When: 81,409 miles reported in one case.
Symptoms owners cite: 'Extreme Heat, Park Vehicle' warning message; Extreme heat in engine compartment; Coolant leak from underneath vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement needed; not yet repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no assistance offered.
Starter Motor Failure with Repeated Ignition Coil Failures
Starter motor failed, causing vehicle to shut off completely while driving. Additionally, multiple ignition coils have failed or are failing (four in 9 months reported). Dealers replaced broken parts but did not address root cause of the stalling hazard.
When: Vehicle shut off at 25 mph while in motion. Four ignition coil failures reported within 9 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shut off completely while moving at 25 mph; Repeated ignition coil failures; Vehicle stalling on active roadway; No check engine light or warning prior to stall
Repairs/costs cited: Starter motor replaced. Two ignition coils replaced initially; four total coil failures within 9 months. Mechanics confirmed starter motor failure via ASE certified technician. Parts replaced but root cause not identified or addressed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Fuel Tank Gauge Malfunction & Inaccurate Fuel Level Reading
Fuel gauge displays inaccurate fuel level, sometimes swinging dramatically between readings. One owner reports fuel gauge malfunctions after CPV (canister purge valve) recall work, causing inability to accurately determine fuel remaining. Creates safety and operational concerns.
When: One owner reported issue starting after October 2018 canister purge valve recall work.
Symptoms owners cite: Inaccurate fuel level reading on dashboard; Gauge swings between full and low unexpectedly; Fill vehicle completely, drive one mile, then gauge drops to 3/4 tank; Cannot determine actual fuel remaining
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available. Dealership advised keeping fuel tank at under half capacity as a workaround.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated no remedy available yet and offered workaround of keeping fuel below half tank.
Transmission Slipping & Loss of Drive Engagement
Transmission slips gears, loses drive engagement, or refuses to engage in drive or reverse. Vehicle may lurch when attempting to accelerate or be unable to move at all. One owner reports vehicle stuck in reverse after TCM replacement due to clutch damage.
When: Mileage varies; some owners report early onset, others at higher mileage. One case noted reverse gear stuck after TCM service.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips gears; Sudden loss of drive or delayed engagement in drive; Delayed or no engagement in reverse; Vehicle lurches or hesitates when engaging gears; Transmission overheating with warning light
Codes mentioned: Transmission light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: TCM replacement and clutch replacement (sometimes multiple times). Transmission overheating requires pulling over to let vehicle cool. One owner had vehicle stuck in reverse and quoted $7,000 for transmission replacement after TCM module replacement. Another owner had clutch assembly, slave cylinder, two mechanical actuators, and pressure plate replacements recommended at transmission shop (AAMCO).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty coverage under 14M02. Some dealers have blamed clutch wear as outside warranty scope. One owner reported Ford quoted $3,571.77 for clutch replacement after TCM replacement.
Synthesized from 147 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Car shudders on acceleration from a stop and jerks and lunges upon acceleration from a slowdown. Transmission slips gears and also hits a dead spot causing a lack of acceleration around gear 2-3. RPM's rev up with no acceleration and then drops quickly with a hesitation before a reduction of speed. Car can lunge when pressing accelerator when you don't want it to go that hard and the opposite…
The car shudders upon acceleration from a stop; changing gears more like a manual transmission than the automatic transmission that it is. Also, the car began shaking and shuddering during right hand turns. So far, this is an intermittent problem. The acceleration from slow speeds and from a stop is dangerously slow and nearly unresponsive at times. *js
On my way home, the car began to make a clickety clackety noise. It sounded like a belt was out of alignment. I pulled into the driveway and popped the hood. I watched the bottom gear wheel break off the engine. The engine immediately stopped. Had I been on the road, it could have been tragic. In the attached photo, you can see the metal ripped clean off at all three locations.
Had engine trouble with your 2014 Ford Focus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 Ford Focus?
It's a meaningful issue. 147 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 100 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 14,000 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 60,777. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,000; a quarter make it past 84,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Ford/Focus.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.