Ford Cars Affected by Defective Transmissions: A Comprehensive Guide
Ford Motor Company has faced significant challenges in recent years due to defective transmissions installed in numerous vehicle models. This issue has impacted a wide range of vehicles, causing widespread inconvenience, financial losses, and safety concerns among drivers. To provide a comprehensive overview, this guide will explore the Ford cars affected by these defective transmissions, the specific models and year ranges involved, the symptoms associated with the problem, and the steps taken by Ford to address the situation.
Affected Models and Year Ranges
The following Ford vehicles have been identified as being equipped with defective transmissions:
– Ford Focus: 2012-2016
– Ford Fiesta: 2011-2019
– Ford C-Max: 2012-2018
– Ford Escape: 2013-2019
– Ford Fusion: 2013-2016
– Ford Transit Connect: 2013-2019
Symptoms of Defective Transmissions
Drivers experiencing issues with their Ford’s transmission may encounter the following symptoms:
– Hesitation or Jerking: The transmission may hesitate or jerk when shifting gears, especially during acceleration or deceleration.
– Loss of Power: The vehicle may lose power unexpectedly or experience difficulty accelerating.
– Weird Noises: Unusual noises, such as grinding or clunking, may be heard from the transmission.
– Leaking Fluid: Transmission fluid leaks can indicate a damaged or faulty transmission.
– Check Engine Light: The check engine light may illuminate, indicating a transmission-related issue.
Root Cause and Ford’s Response
The defective transmissions in these Ford vehicles have been traced back to a design flaw in the PowerShift dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This type of transmission is known for its fuel efficiency but has been plagued by reliability issues. The problem stems from the clutch packs within the transmission, which are prone to slipping and causing the symptoms described above.
Ford has acknowledged the issue and has taken several steps to address it:
– Recall Campaigns: The company has issued multiple recalls for the affected vehicles, involving repairs or replacements of the defective transmissions.
– Extended Warranties: Ford extended the warranty coverage for the PowerShift transmission to 10 years or 150,000 miles for vehicles manufactured before July 2017.
– Customer Assistance: Ford has established a dedicated customer assistance program to provide support to owners experiencing transmission problems.
Impact on Owners
The defective transmissions have had a significant impact on Ford owners:
– Financial Burden: Transmission repairs or replacements can be costly, placing a financial burden on vehicle owners.
– Inconvenience: Transmission issues can disrupt daily routines, causing delays and missed appointments.
– Safety Concerns: A faulty transmission can lead to erratic vehicle behavior, increasing the risk of accidents.
Legal Actions
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Ford by affected vehicle owners, alleging negligence and breach of warranty. These lawsuits have resulted in significant settlements and court rulings against the automaker.
Conclusion
Ford’s defective transmission issue has been a major concern for the company and its customers. The affected models and year ranges have been identified, as well as the symptoms associated with the problem. Ford has taken steps to address the situation through recall campaigns, extended warranties, and customer assistance programs. However, the impact on vehicle owners has been substantial, leading to financial losses, inconvenience, and safety concerns. Legal actions have been pursued against Ford, reflecting the severity of the issue. As Ford continues to address these problems, it is crucial for affected vehicle owners to stay informed and seek necessary repairs or replacements to ensure their safety and driving experience.
