Quick answer: The PowerShift dual-clutch automatic in the 2011–2016 Ford Fiesta and 2012–2016 Ford Focus is known for shuddering, slipping, jerky shifts and clutch and control module failures. Repairs typically cost $1,000–$2,500 for a clutch replacement and $600–$1,200 for a transmission control module (TCM). Ford extended clutch coverage on these cars, and many owners received repairs or compensation through a class action settlement.
Which cars are affected?
| Model | Years | Transmission |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta | 2011 – 2016 (2017–2019 also use it) | 6-speed PowerShift (DPS6) automatic |
| Ford Focus | 2012 – 2016 (2017–2018 also use it) | 6-speed PowerShift (DPS6) automatic |
Cars with the manual transmission are not affected.
Common symptoms
- Shudder when pulling away from a stop.
- Slipping or loss of power while accelerating.
- Jerky, harsh or delayed shifts, especially at low speed.
- Rolling back on hills or sudden loss of drive.
- “Transmission malfunction” warning on the dash.
Repair costs
Typical independent shop prices, October 2026.
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Clutch pack replacement | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Transmission control module (TCM) | $600 – $1,200 |
| Input shaft seals (leaking onto clutches) | Often done with the clutch job |
| Clutch fork / actuator repairs | $400 – $1,200 |
| Software update and clutch relearn | $100 – $250 |
| Used transmission installed | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Warranty extensions and class action
- In 2019, Ford extended the warranty on PowerShift clutches to 7 years / 100,000 miles for 2014–2016 Focus and 2014–2015 Fiesta models (earlier model years received a previous extension), and TCM coverage on many affected cars runs 10 years / 150,000 miles.
- A U.S. class action settlement offered repairs, reimbursements and, in some cases, buybacks to owners of affected 2011–2016 Fiesta and 2012–2016 Focus models. Deadlines applied.
- Many of these extensions have expired by age. Ask a Ford dealer to check your VIN for any remaining coverage or open recalls.
Should you buy a used Focus or Fiesta with PowerShift?
Only with caution: check service records for clutch or TCM replacements, test-drive in stop-and-go traffic, and get a pre-purchase inspection. A manual-transmission Focus or Fiesta avoids the problem entirely.
Repair or sell?
These cars are often worth $3,000–$7,000. A $2,000 clutch job can still make sense on a car in otherwise good condition, but repeated failures are common. Use our Repair or Replace Calculator and see How to Sell a Car With a Blown Engine for tips on selling a car with a major mechanical problem.
Sources
- NHTSA: Complaints and recalls database
- Gardner Web: Ford extends warranty on dual-clutch gearboxes