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stepside454 · 11-12-2016, 02:53 PM

We are kinda shopping for a car to tow 4 down , with auto trans . We both really like the late model focus , but there's a well known transmission issue, in fact the 3 I've driven all have the same issue . There's a recall on it , but it sounds like Ford hasn't fully resolved the issue .
Anyone here have a positive experience with this issue ?
We might have to consider Chevy Sonic , but we both like the Focus .

kmbx2ind · 11-12-2016, 04:57 PM

We have a 2015 Focus Hatchback and have towed it 4 down for about 10K miles. No problems with the Focus or its tranny and it is a breeze to tow. We have an extended warranty on the car and with Fords additional coverage, I dont even think about it. good luck.

c_oneil · 11-13-2016, 08:05 AM

The most positive thing about the issues is that Ford is great about doing my repairs under warranty and has extended the warranty for both the clutch pack and the TCM to 100K miles I think it was. All the automatic transmission problems are unrelated to towing 4 down. The clutch problems are made worse by high heat plus stop and go driving. Ford has tried to improve the design and the clutch materials multiple times but may not have it solved yet. The TCM problem is much less frequent. I don't know if the '15 and '16 models have had the problems but the '12-'14 did.

stepside454 · 11-13-2016, 08:10 AM

I think we're going to take a pass on those .

grthigpen · 11-13-2016, 07:22 PM

We tow a HHR (auto) with great success

stepside454 · 11-13-2016, 08:29 PM

It's on my short list thanks

MisterT · 11-14-2016, 05:14 AM

'14 Ford Fiesta SE certified Used - 55,000+ miles towed and no problems - I initially installed a battery cutoff switch on the battery for long trips, but other than that no other requirements - just put it in neutral and go!

: )

computerguy · 11-14-2016, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c_oneil

The most positive thing about the issues is that Ford is great about doing my repairs under warranty and has extended the warranty for both the clutch pack and the TCM to 100K miles I think it was. All the automatic transmission problems are unrelated to towing 4 down. The clutch problems are made worse by high heat plus stop and go driving. Ford has tried to improve the design and the clutch materials multiple times but may not have it solved yet. The TCM problem is much less frequent. I don't know if the '15 and '16 models have had the problems but the '12-'14 did.

I have a '16 and at 10k miles I started to experience the slipping and shuddering (I presume these are the problem referenced above?)
Have an appointment scheduled to have it looked at. Mine is still intermittent but now that you mention the heat issue I will try and see if that is a trigger for it.
Other than that I really like the car. Very fun to drive.