NHTSA Complaint #11610865 — 2015 FORD FOCUS

The transmission system, specifically the clutch assembly, failed or malfunctioned. The Ford dealership conducted a diagnostic test and determined that the clutch assembly needed repair. To manage costs, I had the repair performed at AAMCO. Despite this repair, the issue was not resolved, and AAMCO later found metal shavings in the transmission fluid, suggesting internal transmission damage. Yes, the vehicle and its transmission system are available for inspection upon request. The malfunctioning clutch and potential transmission damage pose significant safety risks. A failing clutch can lead to the inability to change gears properly, which can cause the vehicle to stall or lose power unexpectedly while driving. This could result in a loss of control, increasing the risk of an accident, especially in high-traffic situations or on highways. Furthermore, the presence of metal in the transmission fluid suggests that there might be further internal damage that could lead to sudden transmission failure, further endangering the driver, passengers, and other road users. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by two different service centers. Initially, the Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as a stuck clutch and replaced the clutch assembly, but this did not fix the problem. Subsequently, AAMCO inspected the vehicle and identified metal in the transmission fluid, indicating a more severe transmission issue. Both these findings confirm that there is a persistent problem with the vehicle’s transmission system. Yes, the vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealership (the manufacturer’s representative), who diagnosed the clutch issue and performed the initial repair. Additionally, the vehicle was inspected by an independent service center (AAMCO), which identified metal in the transmission fluid, indicating internal transmission damage. There has been no inspection by the police or insurance representatives at this time.