In recent years, the Ford DPS6 Powershift transmission used in 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta and 2012- 2016 Focus models has been the subject of various class-action lawsuits in the U.S. and around the rest of the world due to quality concerns and shifting issues. The problem is so widespread that Consumer Reports recently placed the Focus from this era on its “Cars Most Likely to Need a Transmission Replacement” list, but it’s also proving quite costly for Ford as it works to reimburse owners.
Ford extended the factory powertrain warranty for some cars from 5 years or 60,000 miles to 7 years or 100,000 miles back in 2014, and the transmission warranty to the same terms just last year. However, the Ford DPS6 Powershift transmission lawsuit continues on unsettled, and even the U.S. government has threatened to intervene.
In the meantime, Ford has reached a number of settlements with owners in recent months, reducing its total number of outstanding cases from around 1,200 to 204. This is in addition to a buyback program the automaker established years ago, which resulted in Ford buying back 2,666 cars at a total cost of $47 million.
Most recently, 2014 Ford Fiesta owners Darice and Edward Wirth will be paid $49,228.96 as part of their settlement with Ford, which is around three times what they originally requested, according to the Detroit Free Press. It’s just a drop in the bucket of the millions of dollars the automaker has reportedly dished out in similar settlements over the last several years.
“Ford has been striving to resolve customer concerns for several years,” spokesman Said Deep told the Free Press. “While most concerns were resolved long ago, Ford remains committed to fairly consider any remaining concerns. Ford’s resolution program has not changed materially in several years. Ford considers each customer concern and responds appropriately based on the facts.”
We’ll have more on this ongoing financial headache soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
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Not true that warranties were extended on ALL Focuses, only the "hand picked ones by Ford" were extended. Those that have had to have multiple clutches, repairs, adjustments were left out of the extension, as it would be too costly for Ford. ALSO untrue that there are only a couple hundred left to settle, there are 12,000 people waiting for settlement.
The article doesn't say "all," and those 12,000 people are the ones who opted out of the settlement so they could sue Ford on their own.
You are absolutely right ! They definitely didn’t extend all of us in the extended warranty. And at 51,000 miles my transmission goes out or they finally admitted it was the transmission of course because my warranty was void and only after I called raising mortal h did they pay me any attention especially like like they did when I bought the lemon Hello But I had to beg and beg for help then the finally agreed to pay half but heck no that’s bull too you pay it all it’s your piece of junk so they paid all but $100 but what about the next time and we all know there will be a next time unfortunately!!!
During the first five or so years under Alan Mulally, Ford didn’t have a lot of new product so the pressure was on to freshen and expand the lineup. Along with maximizing fuel economy, this was the backdrop that led to the product onslaught that brought too many all-new vehicles to market too quickly. As you all remember, there were numerous recalls and problems (hello engineering!), and it was a period of decline from a quality perspective. The Powershift transmission is Exhibit A.
Even more disappointing however, was how poorly leadership handled customer complaints after it was obvious this transmission’s design was a lemon. (Never mind that they kept using it.) I hate to see Ford bleed out cash, but unfortunately in this case they deserve what they get IMO. These owners need to be properly compensated. Hopefully they’ve learned their lesson from this debacle.
On aside, I was at a Ford dealership this weekend, and made it a point to look under the rears of every F-150 on the lot. I was pleased to see that the supply of rusty driveline components has been used up apparently, because all I saw was spotless black paint (as you would expect) on each one of them.
It's a DPS6 transmission, not DP56.
I have a 2016 Ford Focus bought new $22,000 from day1 had problems with it jerking shuddering was told it was normal had clutch assembly replaced and still jerking and sputtering still told told normal I have 51,000 miles transmission out and clutch ass again warranty out bought extended they said said it was was out too filed for Ford to reimburse me for cost of car they said I didn’t complain the first 12,000 miles what B/s this is they knew it was a lemon when I bought this car it was a lemon I have bought and paid for 4 Ford’s in my life . What a way to reward me !!!!!!
My car the same bought it new with 4 miles on it..
I was also told that because my car now has 56,000 miles on it will cost me money for them to buy it back. I have record of the jerking and my first service of the jerking. I was told it was the best of the best transmission I guess that was a lie.
I have a 2016 Ford Focus bought new $22,000 from day1 had problems with it jerking shuddering was told it was normal had clutch assembly replaced and still jerking and sputtering still told told normal I have 51,000 miles transmission out and clutch ass again warranty out bought extended they said said it was was out too filed for Ford to reimburse me for cost of car they said I didn’t complain the first 12,000 miles what B/s this is they knew it was a lemon when I bought this car it was a lemon I have bought and paid for 4 Ford’s in my life . What a way to reward me
Unfortunately, when it comes to transmissions, most of these are purchased from a supplier, and not engineered inhouse. Regardless though, the combination of cost per unit or whatever component is being used, is always weighed against the ceiling budget for manufacturing the total product.
After watching the meetings going on daily regarding "problems" cropping up that where compromises have to either be made or rectified, in the documentary "A Faster Horse", I certainly would want to be involved in these sessions!
What difference does it make, made in house, or purchased from mfg? Ford is responsible for the product. Ford is buying transmissions from china (and have been for a while), MT82-problematic, the new bronco (if it is ever actually produced) will be available with the chinese made manual. Now that ford owns a large part of the chinese mfg facility, they are determined to use this crap, the customers be damned! Add this to the 4 cylinder ecoboom class action lawsuits, problems.....
Hire some proofreaders. This issue is not new. Many people who don't even own a DPS 6 aka Powershift transaxle know what it's called!
After several revisions, the Fiesta version of DPS 6 seems to be holding up better than the Focus version. The general consensus is the higher torque and vehicle mass of the Focus is approaching the limits of the capacity of this transaxle.
No need, there's always an expert in the comments section to point these things out.
I love to see an article-started by you Brette Foote, how many people suffering from the "Bic lighter" 4 cylinder problems, also have these DPS 6 transaxles. It would be interesting to see the responses! Thanks for the good write ups!
The DPS6 was designed for the Fiesta. It cannot handle the 160 Horses from the focus motor. There is way too much torque also. Ford should have used the transmission from the Fusion in the Focus.
My 2016 Ford focus SE is in the shop for the 3rd time in 6 months due to transmission problems. This has been a great loss and frustration for me.
Over $49,000.00 for one couple? That I don't understand. Willie Shoemaker here I come.
So my 2017 Ford Focus sel is not included in this lawsuit or settlement. My transmission has been replaced 6 times. I had to call the better business bureau and all Ford could offer me was $500 and 7 years, 100,000 mile warranty. My car didn’t start this morning!!!
7 year/100,000 mile? Why not 200,000, as you'll never be able to drive it 100,000 mine in 7 years!!
Yes I would like to know that answer also ABOUT WHY ONE PERSON GOT 49,900
My transmission just now is having to go today due to the famous oil leak and now my clutch is ruined. My car is at 158,000. I kid you not. Motorcraftservice website shows my clutch was replaced for same issues already and has been brought in for darting forward and for me it all started with the chatter at about 155,000 miles. I will be raising heck today. Oh and my back door swings open without warning and I took it to ford and waited all day and they still didnt fix it. Brought it back and it sat there for a month before I had to get my car back and it still not fixed. A seat belt holds it shut. I may be getting a lawyer.