Problems · by component

2015 Ford Focus vehicle speed control problems

44 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Ford Focus cite vehicle speed control, 4% of all 1,034 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
44
4% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the vehicle speed control

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The car would not shift into a gear, would not shift gear to propel itself in traffic causing a safety issue. A warning light would come on saying the transmission was getting overheated. Ford of Glenwood Springs Colorado refused to look at the car because of its age despite the recall on the clutch for the year, make and model of the car. A NAPA shop determined the clutches were out. NAPA quoted $4,253 to fix the problem. I called Ken Garff Ford in Fort Collins Colorado at 4809 S. College Avenue to get this fixed under the recall. They said my VIN number wasn't covered, and the cost would be $6,000. I called Ford 1-866-436-7332 spoke to Ron employee #2192738 and was told he would document the call but could not do anything. Ford is aware of the safety issue we simply want them to standby their product and fix the problem or reimbursing us for the repairs to avoid a further hardship to get to work.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2025Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11688519
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a red light, the vehicle failed to move or respond as needed. The vehicle hesitated and the vehicle then worked as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The accelerator pedal was depressed but failed to accelerate. The RPM increased to high. The message that the engine was running hot was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a clutch replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 41,180.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 11, 2025Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11641904
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, but the vehicle was sluggish. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 9, 2023Vehicle speed controlODI 11554324
“I just bought this car 2 months ago after saving for a whole year. I’ve been having problems week into the purchase due to the transmission. My car has been overheating with the transmission (almost every 4 miles), going on limp mode (when pressing the gas), jerking (while driving), not reversing and not starting right away. Im trying my hardest to get on my feet after a being in a domestic abuse relationship that affected my and my daughters life. I just want to get my baby back and fourth from school. So I BEG you to approve the transmission recall for Ford Focus. PLEASE!!!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 9, 2023Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11549037
“Regrettably, the 2015 Ford Focus hatchback I purchased has been plagued by a series of critical issues. These include recurring starting problems, erratic gear behavior, such as hesitating to move in Drive and unexpectedly moving forward in Reverse, sudden and dangerous deceleration while on highways, and an incessantly illuminated tire pressure warning light. These issues have left me profoundly concerned about the overall safety and reliability of this car. Over the past four months of ownership, the last two have been marred by stress and anxiety. A harrowing incident almost transpired when the car inexplicably slowed down to a mere 15 miles per hour on a highway, placing me at great risk, with a truck narrowly avoiding a collision. What's particularly distressing is that these problems aren't unique to my vehicle alone. Numerous other owners of 2013, 2014, and 2015 Ford Focus models are grappling with similar issues, suggesting the existence of potential systemic flaws within these vehicles.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 13, 2023Vehicle speed controlODI 11544405
“2015 Ford Focus, 67,000 miles would jerk , shudder & shut off completely , it would not accelerate or reverse half of the time. Stops in the middle of no wear.. the engine light would come on for a few days then go off and come up again.. the music stopped working& the RPM’s would go pass the 6,7 or 8 at only 10-15 miles & jerk while goin forward .. a safety problem would pop up “ transmission overheating stop safety “ my air would blow hot some days and it would smell like something burning.. confirmed by dealership it’s the clutch .. no warnings for these problems besides jerking / not accelerating at a reasonable speed and safety problem stating to “ stop safely transmission overheating “ &a burning smell & 2 safety recalls for the clutch & TCM with extended warranty. Warranty would not cover for the clutch problem they stated.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 25, 2023Vehicle speed control, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11534454

Showing 6 of 44 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.