What is the most common powertrain problem on the 2014 Ford Focus Electric?

Owners most often report a sudden loss of driving power accompanied by a "stop safely now" dashboard warning, sometimes with the gear failing to engage.

How many complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Focus Electric's transmission and powertrain?

NHTSA lists 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2014 Focus Electric, 38% of its 55 total complaints for the year.

Is there a recall for the 2014 Ford Focus Electric powertrain?

Yes. Recall 13V523000 covers a powertrain control module software problem on 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles built between September 15, 2011 and August 23, 2013; Ford reprograms the module free of charge.

At what mileage do these transmission problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 11,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.

Does the recall cover all affected 2014 Focus Electric cars?

No. Some owners with vehicles built after the recall's August 23, 2013 production cutoff report the same "stop safely now" failure but are not covered by the recall.

2014 Ford Focus Electric Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Transmission & Powertrain complaints account for 21 of 55 total complaints (38%) filed against the 2014 Ford Focus Electric, with a median failure mileage of 11,000. A related recall (13V523000) addresses a powertrain control module software issue, though it applies to earlier production dates.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 21; 38% of 55
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 11,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Vehicles suddenly lose all driving power while moving, accompanied by a "stop safely now" warning on the dash, sometimes leaving the car stranded in traffic.
After the warning appears, the gear shifter fails to properly engage "drive," so the car will not move even though it appears to start.
Some owners report the car stalls repeatedly at stop signs and traffic signals on the same drive, forcing them to restart it multiple times.
Loss of power has coincided with loss of power steering and braking assist in at least one case, requiring the vehicle to be towed.
A subset of owners whose cars were built after the recall's cutoff production date report the same "stop safely now" failure despite not being covered by the recall.
Some owners note the issue recurs more often in damp or early-morning conditions.

When 2014 Ford Focus Electric transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 26, 2014, latest Jul 17, 2019.

21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2014 to Jul 2019; peak Nov 2014 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2014 Ford Focus Electric

NHTSA 13V523000Oct 30, 2013Transmission & Powertrain2,456 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through August 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a powertrain control module software problem may result in a stall-like condition.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the power control module, free of charge. The recall beganon November 22, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S09. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Focus Electric model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201214 (42%)
201337 (54%)
201421 (38%)
20154 (33%)
20161 (20%)
20172 (29%)

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common powertrain problem on the 2014 Ford Focus Electric?: Owners most often report a sudden loss of driving power accompanied by a "stop safely now" dashboard warning, sometimes with the gear failing to engage.
How many complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Focus Electric's transmission and powertrain?: NHTSA lists 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2014 Focus Electric, 38% of its 55 total complaints for the year.
Is there a recall for the 2014 Ford Focus Electric powertrain?: Yes. Recall 13V523000 covers a powertrain control module software problem on 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles built between September 15, 2011 and August 23, 2013; Ford reprograms the module free of charge.
At what mileage do these transmission problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 11,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
Does the recall cover all affected 2014 Focus Electric cars?: No. Some owners with vehicles built after the recall's August 23, 2013 production cutoff report the same "stop safely now" failure but are not covered by the recall.