[Marc]

Hey, I haven’t owned a Fiesta or Focus before, but everyone on other websites are saying to NOT buy one because of their CVT or transmission or some other reason. But I’ve really like the vehicles other than that, and I just need a beater with a heater. Any particular reason ppl are constantly saying STAY AWAY from 2012-2020 model Focus or Fiestas? This one is going for $6k, only 55k miles. Seems worth it.

[Ian]

I’m a Ford tech. I haven’t seen a ton of problems with them other than the auto they come with, the DPS6. They eat TCUs and the clutches that most automatics don’t even have will need replaced sooner or later, it’s a lot of work for a not very good transmission. Find a manual focus or fiesta with a naturally aspirated engine, and you’re all set.

[Slater]

I too have heard of the dct being crap in those years. The Ford focus was reliable up until 2012 when they did the dct. I know someone with a 2008 focus that I maintain, and he has had it for 12 years now and has it at 262,000 miles. That generation’s focus went from 2008 to 2011. I will warn you though that they are a pain to work on. You do not have a lot of working room under the hood. They did not build those cars with the mechanic in mind.

[Ephraim]

Just buy a Corolla with higher miles. Save yourself the trouble. For 6k you can find a good Corolla or Accord that’ll last another 200k with maintenance.

[Steven]

If It’s manual, itll live forever, snatch it up. The dct transmissions were awful in these and are only worth buying if they’re dirt cheap, and you want to manual swap it.

[Troy]

Unfortunately, all the automatics are pretty bad in those. Besides the obvious Civic/Corolla alternatives that are usually more expensive, I’d recommend looking for Mazda 3 or a Hyundai Elantra/Kia Forte. 2000-2010 only for the Elantra/Forte because 2011 is when they switched to GDI engines, which were recalled because they fail frequently.

I had a 2010, it was fun to drive and had a fantastic sound system, and the transmission was the smoothest I’ve ever driven besides my Buick Century (and it was close). For some reason Hyundais and Kias burn through light bulbs quicker than most cars, so check them often if you ride dirty.

[Jude]

Don’t buy it!!!! I bought one and have owned it for 3 years now. Only drove it about 3 months, it was in the shop 4 times in less than a year. It is now currently parked, not running again as the same part continues to go out. It’s a $300 plus labor to fix. Between 2012 and 2020 the tried to soup up the transmission on these vehicles, but it didn’t work, causing many recalls to happen on these vehicles.

[Mason]

Had one as a cheap beater bought new in 17 or 18 forbpike 11-12k. Sold with 155k. No issues in our family w it. It DOD its job. I hated it personally. But it did its job.

[Adrian]

It’s a fine car. Drive proper and things last longer. I’m a mechanic and bought the special tools to replace the dual clutch. It’s a very easy procedure, even a novice could do it with some guidance. The issue with them was the inner seal leaking differential fluid, once the clutch gets oil on the friction material, there’s no saving it. So the one I worked on had the recall performed, which was replacing the seals – but they never replaced the clutch or the forks. One of the forks kept sticking, and eventually the clutch friction material started breaking off. So I did the clutch, both forks and one actuator, and it’s a solid car.

[Copacabana]

They don’t have CVTs? They do have transmission issues though, the clutch packs like to stick and cause all kinds of problems. The transmission already feels janky when it’s in decent shape, so just imagine what it would feel like when it’s not.

[Erin]

I own a 2012 fiesta. There is an extended warranty for the TCM on the transmission. However, even though I have ridiculous transmission issues with this car The dealer told me that it is not throwing a code for the TCM so therefore they will not replace it.

Also, they have problems with the door actuator. If I lock my car while driving, it will tell me that my driver side door is open even though it is not. I cannot use my key fob to open the doors or lock the doors, it doesn’t recognize it because of this issue.

The door actuator has actually been replaced and there has been no change.

[Christian]

Global class action lawsuit over the dct transmission’s would be why. They’re good for about 50k before needing a visit to Ford.

[John]

If you get the one with the MANUAL, then you’re good. Get the DCT, and you’ll be in a world of PAIN. The manuals in these Fords are nice and fiesty!

[Eric]

It’s the dual clutch transmissions (DCT) that were the problem. A manual or traditional automatic should last you a long time.

[Author]

Posts