If you’re driving a 2012-2016 Ford Focus with the PowerShift transmission, those unexpected “neutral drops” while driving might not be your imagination. Ford’s Transmission Control Module (TCM) issues have left thousands of drivers stranded, frustrated, and searching for answers. The good news? You might be covered under Ford’s extended warranty program that runs through 2025 – even if your car has high mileage.
What Is the Ford Focus TCM Problem?
The Transmission Control Module in your Ford Focus is essentially the brain of your transmission system. It controls gear shifts and communicates with your engine to keep everything running smoothly. Unfortunately, in 2012-2016 Focus models with the DPS6 PowerShift automatic transmission, these modules have been failing at an alarming rate.
When the TCM fails, it doesn’t just make for an uncomfortable ride – it creates genuine safety concerns. Imagine your transmission suddenly dropping into neutral while you’re merging onto a highway or navigating busy traffic. That’s exactly what many Focus owners have experienced.
Warning Signs Your TCM Is Failing
Your car might be trying to tell you there’s a problem before you end up stranded. Here are the key symptoms to watch for:
- Your transmission unexpectedly shifts to neutral while driving
- The car sometimes won’t start at all
- You experience sudden loss of power
- Your check engine light turns on
- Messages appear saying “Hill Start Assist Not Available” or “Parking Aid Malfunction”
- The gear selector indicator on your dash starts blinking
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, don’t ignore them. Your car isn’t “just acting up” – it likely has a failing TCM that needs immediate attention.
Diagnostic Codes That Confirm TCM Failure
When you take your Focus to a dealership, they’ll connect a diagnostic scanner that might reveal these telltale codes:
- P0606: TCM Internal Failure
- U0100: Lost Communication With ECM/PCM
- U0101: Lost Communication With TCM
- U1013: Invalid Internal Control Module Monitoring Data
Several other codes might appear too, including P0805, P087A, P090B, and others listed in Ford’s technical service bulletins. These codes help confirm that your TCM is the problem, not something else in your transmission system.
Your Extended Warranty Coverage: Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02
Ford initially launched this program in 2015, but it’s evolved significantly since then. Here’s what you need to know about your coverage.
Is Your Vehicle Eligible?
Your Ford Focus qualifies for the extended TCM warranty if:
- It’s a 2012-2016 model year
- It has the DPS6 automatic transmission
- It was built at the Michigan Assembly Plant between August 1, 2010, and November 5, 2015
You can check your vehicle’s build date on the driver’s door jamb sticker if you’re unsure.
How Long Does Coverage Last?
Originally, Ford extended TCM warranty coverage to 10 years or 150,000 miles from your original warranty start date. But here’s the really important update many owners miss: even if your car has exceeded those limits, Ford is offering a one-time replacement of the TCM through June 30, 2025.
This extension applies regardless of how many miles you’ve put on your Focus or how long you’ve owned it. The coverage also transfers automatically to subsequent owners – so even if you bought your Focus used, you’re still covered.
What Ford Will Do For You
When your TCM fails and you bring your car to a Ford dealer, they should:
- Diagnose your vehicle to confirm the TCM is the problem
- Replace the TCM at no cost to you
- Provide a rental car for at least one day (possibly longer with approval)
- Some dealers will even pick up and deliver your vehicle
The actual repair typically takes less than half a day, but parts availability issues (which we’ll discuss shortly) might mean you’ll need that rental car for longer.
Getting Reimbursed for Previous Repairs
If you already paid to replace your TCM before learning about this program, you might be eligible for reimbursement. While the deadline for most refunds expired on November 30, 2023, there’s no expiration date for emergency repairs performed away from authorized dealers after you received notification about the program.
The Parts Shortage Crisis
Here’s where things get frustrating for many owners: getting your hands on a new TCM can be extremely difficult.
Why TCMs Are So Hard to Find
The global chip shortage that began during the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the availability of new TCMs. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience – many Focus owners report waiting months or even years for parts.
According to Ford Authority, some customers have been placed on waiting lists so long they eventually gave up and traded in their vehicles. Ford has acknowledged these supply issues in their program updates, noting that “parts are not available in sufficient quantities to service all of the affected vehicles.”
What to Do While You Wait
If you’re stuck waiting for a TCM, Ford has provisions to help:
- Extended rental coverage: Dealers can request extended rental authorization from Ford’s Special Service Support Center
- Alternative transportation reimbursement: Up to $100 per day for taxis, public transportation, or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft
- These transportation benefits can add up significantly during a long wait for parts
| Transportation Option | Coverage Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dealer Rental Car | Full coverage | Requires dealer approval, typically 1+ days |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Up to $100/day | Can be spread across multiple rides |
| Taxi/Public Transit | Up to $100/day | Save receipts for reimbursement |
Alternative TCM Options
Recognizing the parts shortage, Ford has authorized some alternatives to brand-new Ford TCMs.
Used and Aftermarket TCM Solutions
If your vehicle is outside the 8-year/80,000-mile emissions warranty period, dealers can now use:
- Used Ford Motor Company TCMs
- Refurbished original Ford TCMs
- Aftermarket TCMs (as long as they’ll accept Ford’s software updates)
Ford allows dealers to spend up to $400 on these alternative TCMs, including markup costs. For more expensive options, dealers must request an exception.
However, if your Focus is still within the emissions warranty period (8 years/80,000 miles), you must receive a new Ford TCM – which brings us back to the shortage problem.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do If You Suspect TCM Issues
- Document your symptoms: Keep a log of when the issues occur and exactly what happens
- Contact your Ford dealer: Schedule a diagnostic appointment specifically for Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02
- Provide your VIN: When calling, have your Vehicle Identification Number ready
- Ask about diagnostic fees: Understand that diagnosis fees may apply if the TCM isn’t determined to be the problem
- Be prepared to wait: Given parts shortages, ask about rental car options or transportation reimbursement
- Know your rights: If denied coverage inappropriately, be ready to escalate
Understanding the Diagnostic Process
When you bring your Focus in, the dealer will:
- Compare your symptoms to the official list of TCM failure indicators
- Retrieve diagnostic trouble codes using Ford’s diagnostic equipment
- Determine if the TCM is indeed the cause of your problems
Be aware that only TCM-related repairs are covered under this program. If they determine something else is causing your transmission issues, you’ll be responsible for those repair costs.
Who to Contact With Questions or Problems
If you’re having trouble getting proper service under this program:
- Retail customers: Contact Ford’s Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332
- Fleet owners: Contact the Ford Pro Contact Center at 1-800-34-FLEET (Option #1)
- Online support: Visit ford.com/support for additional assistance
Representatives are available Monday through Friday during extended business hours.
Legal Considerations Beyond the Warranty Program
The TCM issues in Ford Focus vehicles have led to significant legal action.
Class Action Settlements and Your Rights
In 2020, Ford settled a major class action lawsuit by buying back affected vehicles and paying millions in damages. The company was also fined $10 million in Australia and investigated by the Department of Justice for possible fraud related to continuing to sell vehicles with known transmission defects.
Some owners have successfully pursued repairs through the Ford Transmission Settlement website and subsequent arbitration. These legal channels might provide additional options if you’re struggling to get repairs through the standard warranty program.
Act Before Coverage Expires
The current extended coverage for one-time TCM replacement expires on June 30, 2025. After this date, Focus owners with failed TCMs who have exceeded the original 10-year/150,000-mile limits will no longer be eligible for free replacement.
Given the ongoing parts shortages and approaching deadline, it’s crucial to address any TCM issues promptly. Even if your car is running adequately now but showing occasional symptoms, getting diagnosed and in the repair queue before coverage ends could save you hundreds of dollars.
Your TCM Replacement Rights: Quick Reference Table
| Coverage Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Vehicles | 2012-2016 Ford Focus with DPS6 automatic transmission |
| Standard Coverage | 10 years/150,000 miles from warranty start date |
| Extended Coverage | One-time TCM replacement through June 30, 2025 (regardless of mileage) |
| Covered Symptoms | Unexpected neutral shifts, no-start conditions, loss of power, warning lights |
| Transportation | Rental car (1+ days) or $100/day alternative transportation |
| Parts Options | New Ford TCMs (required during emissions warranty), used/refurbished/aftermarket (after emissions warranty) |
| Customer Support | 1-866-436-7332 or ford.com/support |
The transmission problems in the Ford Focus have been frustrating for owners, but this extended warranty program offers substantial relief – if you know how to use it. Don’t wait until your car leaves you stranded or the program expires. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, get your Focus to a dealer now while you still have coverage.
