Is the Focus Dual Clutch Really That Bad?
3 Answers
It depends on individual cases and how well the car is maintained. Here are the specific details about the Ford Focus: 1. Powertrain: The Ford Focus is equipped with an EcoBoost180 turbocharged dual-injection engine, delivering a maximum power of 128Kw and a peak torque of 243N·m, with a 0-60Km/h acceleration time of just 4.5s. 2. Features: The Ford Focus comes with the SYNC+ intelligent infotainment system, which boasts industry-leading natural semantic recognition capabilities, supports multi-scenario wake-free operation, and understands mixed Chinese-English commands. The in-car LCD instrument panel has been upgraded to 8 inches, while the central control screen has been upgraded to 12.3 inches, further enhancing the technological feel. 3. Suspension: The Ford Focus offers two types of rear suspension. The 1.5L and 1.0T models are equipped with a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, while the 1.5T models feature a brand-new multi-link rear independent suspension.
I'm a Ford Focus dual-clutch owner and have been driving it for almost five years. It's not as bad as the rumors suggest. Initially, I did experience low-speed shaking issues, especially noticeable jerking in traffic jams, which was quite annoying. Later, Ford provided a free transmission software upgrade, and I developed good habits like not stomping on the accelerator at start-up and regularly changing the dual-clutch oil. Now it runs much smoother. It accelerates quickly, has low fuel consumption—about 10% more efficient than traditional automatic transmissions—and is perfectly fine for daily commuting. I believe every car has its pros and cons; the key is proper maintenance, not just believing everything you hear.
I've worked in auto repair shops for over a decade and encountered numerous Focus dual-clutch failure cases. The most common issue is clutch plate wear causing jerking or abnormal noises, mostly due to owners forgetting to change the lubricant on schedule. The PowerShift design is complex, and maintenance negligence leads to problems. Ford later improved components and offered extended warranty services, which benefits users. I recommend checking transmission fluid and modules every two years to avoid major repairs. Compared to Volkswagen's dual-clutch, Ford's system has lower costs but similar stability—don't dismiss it outright.
