A 2014 Ford Focus dual-clutch replacement can cost between $1,800 and upwards of $3,000.
The 2014 Ford Focus is an agile, powerful little sedan with a comfortable interior. But the Ford Focus is not without its flaws, and the 2014 model is notorious for automatic transmission problems.
In fact, Ford was the subject of a class action lawsuit for the dual-clutch transmissions it produced between 2012 and 2016. Consequently, you might not have to pay anything out of pocket to replace your 2014 Ford Focus dual-clutch pack.
We’ll break it all down so you can understand everything you need to know about a 2014 Ford Focus dual-clutch replacement.
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How much does it cost to replace the dual clutches in a 2014 Ford Focus?
The exact cost to replace the dual clutches on your 2014 Ford Focus will depend on your car’s condition, your location, and the repair shop’s labor rates. However, you can generally expect this job to cost you between $1,800 and $3,000.
Your replacement parts account for a small fraction of that price—an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) clutch kit from Ford
will only cost you around $260. Aftermarket clutch kits—like this one from LuK
—are also available from sites like CARiD, and you may be able to find cheaper parts going the aftermarket route. While the replacement parts will likely cost you between $200 and $600, the bulk of the bill for a Ford Focus dual-clutch replacement comes from the cost of labor. Depending on the car’s condition and the extent of transmission damage, it could take anywhere from six to 11 hours to complete the job. And considering the average labor rate across the U.S. ranges from $125 to $150 per hour, it’s no wonder this is such a costly repair.
Your most expensive option will be taking your car to the Ford dealership for repairs. The dealership employs technicians trained specifically to work on your vehicle and have all the necessary tools to complete the job. But dealerships also typically have higher labor rates and, in some cases, poorer customer service.
An independent shop will likely provide better service at a lower price but may use more expensive parts, as they don’t have access to the dealership’s OEM parts department. You might also consider taking your car to an independent shop specializing in transmission repairs. These shops generally only perform this type of work and are known for employing highly skilled mechanics.
However, as a result of the class action lawsuit against Ford for its faulty clutches, you might not have to pay the replacement costs if the dual-clutch transmission in your 2014 Focus fails. Before dropping big bucks on an expensive repair, check to see if your car is covered by the lawsuit.
What is a clutch?
A clutch is a vital component in both automatic and manual transmissions. While it is typically owners of manual transmission vehicles that must worry about clutch issues, some automatic transmission cars are notorious for clutch problems as well—notably, the 2014 Ford Focus is a prominent member of that group.
A clutch connects your car’s transmission to the engine. The clutch links the flywheel—which is responsible for carrying engine power to the transmission—and the transmission gears. The friction created by the clutch and the flywheel creates a solid connection, allowing energy from the engine to move the transmission’s gears and your wheels.
In vehicles with manual transmissions, you must engage the clutch manually. When the driver is not pressing down on the clutch pedal, springs maintain the friction between the flywheel and clutch plates. When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the springs relax, causing the transmission to disengage from the engine while the operator manually switches gears.
Dual-clutch automatic transmissions use two clutches controlled by hydraulics and the car’s electronic system to switch gears. There is no clutch pedal and no need for driver input. In these transmissions, even-numbered gears are controlled by one clutch, while odd-numbered gears are governed by the other one.
The dual-clutch system results in smoother and faster gear shifting and less energy and fuel usage.
The downside of clutches is the very thing that makes them work: friction. Because a clutch relies on friction to function, wear and tear are inevitable. Much like your car’s brake pads—which utilize a similar friction system—eventually, the friction material will degrade, resulting in clutch slipping and, ultimately, failure.
Clutch problems common in both manual transmissions and dual-clutch systems include:
A broken or stretched-out clutch cable
(manual transmissions only) Damaged or worn-out clutch release bearings
What are the symptoms of a 2014 Ford Focus dual-clutch problem?
The 2014 Ford Focus is part of a group of problem cars for Ford, with its dual-clutch transmissions, in particular, being the subject of a class action lawsuit. As a result, it’s likely that you will experience transmission problems with your 2014 Ford Focus at some point.
Let’s take a look at some of the common signs of dual-clutch transmission problems.
Jerky shifting: Hesitant and jerky shifting is a common complaint among drivers with dual-clutch transmissions. If the software controlling the clutches fails, the resulting lag in shifting can be both annoying and dangerous.
Clutch shudder: This phenomenon feels like vibrations from under the car as the clutch engages. It can be the result of warped parts, fluid contamination, or misaligned components.
Overheating: The dual-clutch transmission in your 2014 Ford Focus uses a “dry clutch,” which means the clutch is not bathed in transmission fluid. This can lead to overheating and damaged parts.
Loud noises: Loud clunking and grinding noises can be a sign of problems with your transmission, especially if the sounds appear to be coming from beneath your car.
If the dual clutches are bad in your Focus—or if you have transmission problems
in general—you might also notice an acrid, burning rubber smell and slipping gears. All of these issues are cause for concern. And if you encounter any of them, you should take your car to a professional as soon as possible. Is it safe to drive with a bad clutch?
It is not safe to drive with a bad clutch, whether you drive a manual or automatic transmission car. While you might be able to get by with a bad clutch for a short period of time, driving this way risks damaging other vehicle components, like the flywheel, resulting in more expensive repairs.
The best thing to do if you have a bad clutch is to take your car to the dealership or an independent repair shop as soon as you can.
How long should a 2014 Ford Focus dual clutch last?
The dual clutches on your 2014 Focus are intended to last more than 100,000 miles.
However, these particular Ford clutches are notorious for their design flaws and structural weaknesses, which frequently lead them to fail much earlier than the 100,000-mile mark. In fact, dual-clutch transmission problems are so common on these models that you can almost guarantee yours will have an issue at some point.
The good news is, because of the class action lawsuit against Ford, you can likely get your Focus repaired without the expensive repair bill.
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