Replacing the clutch on a Ford Focus can cost between $700 and $1,000 for a manual transmission and up to $4,000 for a dual clutch automatic transmission.

There’s a lot to love about the Ford Focus, even though it’s not sold in the United States anymore. This affordable car, once available as a hatchback or a sedan, is one of the few American-made passenger cars where a manual transmission is easy to come by, making it a favorite among drivers with a preference for three-pedal driving.

But clutch issues are a serious problem for some Focus models—and with used 2012-2018 cars beginning to age, it’s more likely than ever that you’ll need to replace your clutch. Here to help you estimate the costs and recognize the signs of clutch failure is trusted

car insurance

broker app

Jerry

. We’ll go over everything you need to know about Ford Focus clutch replacements and show you how to save on

Ford Focus insurance costs

to soften the blow of those hefty repair bills.

How much does it cost to replace a clutch in a Ford Focus?

Costs to replace the clutch in a Ford Focus can vary widely depending on the age of vehicle, the average cost of labor in your area, and the specific shop where you get the clutch replaced. On average, though, you can expect replacement costs to fall between $700 and $1,000.

The cost for the actual replacement part makes up a smaller portion of those costs. An OEM

Focus clutch kit (part number 7L596)

from Ford runs from about $234 to $260. You can also find

OEM Ford Focus clutch kits

manufactured by LuK® from CARiD. While you might be able to find aftermarket components for clutch repair from an auto parts store, you’ll likely need to go with the OEM part for a total replacement.

Labor costs for a clutch replacement will be higher at a Ford dealership, but you’ll also have the advantage of certified Ford technicians working on your car. On the other hand, an independent auto repair shop should be able to complete a replacement for a lower price, especially if they specialize in transmission problems.

What is a clutch?

A clutch is a crucial component of any car with a manual or automatic transmission, but it’s mainly owners of manual transmission vehicles—like the Focus—that need to worry about clutch issues.

The clutch connects the engine to the transmission, transferring engine power to the gearbox and disengaging temporarily so that you can switch gears. The flywheel connects to the engine while the clutch plate connects to the transmission, and friction between the two is what makes the whole system work.

When your foot is off the clutch pedal, springs pushing the clutch disc against the flywheel keep the transmission output shaft and engine spinning at the same speed, transferring power to the transmission. But when you push down on the clutch, a different set of springs disengage the engine from the transmission, allowing you to change gears.

This basic system makes the three-pedal driving that Focus owners love possible—but because friction is at the heart of the whole operation, wear and tear are inevitable. One of the most common causes of clutch failure is a breakdown of the friction material on the clutch plate. Much like your brake pads, the clutch can begin to slip and fail when that friction material wears down.

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What are the symptoms of a Ford Focus clutch problem?

In general, the strongest sign of a Ford Focus clutch problem is a clutch that slips, sticks, or is otherwise difficult to use.

For instance, a failing clutch can feel “spongy”—if you have to press down farther than usual to get the clutch to engage, it’s likely beginning to fail. Likewise,

if your clutch pedal sticks or won’t come back up from the floor

, it’s a sign of clutch failure.

Other common symptoms of clutch trouble—as well as transmission issues in general—are burning smells, a grinding sound when changing gears, and slipping gears. If you feel sudden hesitation or revving when you’re trying to change gears, the clutch is likely slipping.

If you suspect that you’re dealing with a clutch problem, bring your Focus to an automotive repair shop or a Ford dealer as soon as possible. Technicians will know how to diagnose any clutch issues

Is it safe to drive with a bad clutch?

No, it’s not. While you might be able to get by with a busted clutch for a few hours—or a few days—there’s no telling when that failing clutch will become a broken clutch. And once the clutch is broken, you won’t be able to drive at all, leaving you stranded.

Consequently, it’s best to get any clutch issues checked out as soon as possible to avoid a dangerous or inconvenient failure.

How long should a Ford Focus clutch last?

In most cases, your clutch should last between 80,000 and 100,000 miles, but it’s not uncommon to see a clutch outlive that predicted lifespan.

However, some Ford Focus clutches have a record of problems. The most notorious is the DPS6 dual-clutch PowerShift transmission used in the 2012-2016 Ford Focus. Its “dry clutch” technology made it cheaper to produce, but its mechanical problems were so severe that it prompted a class action lawsuit and a federal probe! The same transmission was used on the 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta.

If you’ve got a 2012-2018 Ford Focus with an automatic dual clutch transmission (DCT), keep an eye out for any problems. A Ford Focus dual clutch replacement typically costs more than a regular clutch replacement, with average costs running as high as $4,000 or more.

Ford Focus clutch recalls

Owners of the 2016-2018 Ford Focus with a manual transmission and 1.0-liter Fox GTDI engine should be aware of a recall issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Campaign Number 18V845000 for “Transmission Clutch Slip and Fluid Leak” applies to certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus SE models in which the clutch can fracture, causing the transmission assembly to leak.

Nearly 3,000 vehicles are potentially affected by this recall, so be sure to check that your Focus is not affected.

MORE:

Which Ford models have a manual transmission?

How to save on Ford Focus insurance

Replacing the clutch on your Ford Focus can be an expensive business—and because it’s such a crucial mechanical component, there isn’t always a way to reduce those costs.

Insurance, on the other hand, is easy to save on. With help from

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