What Causes Severe Shaking During Acceleration in the Classic Ford Focus?
2 Answers
The reason for severe shaking during acceleration in the classic Ford Focus is carbon buildup in the throttle body. The Ford Focus is an A-segment family car equipped with two engines: the 1.5L EcoBoost and the 1.5L Ti-VCT. The 1.5L EcoBoost is a turbocharged dual-injection engine that incorporates technologies such as the PFDI dual-injection system, delivering a rated power of 174 horsepower and a maximum torque of 243 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Focus features a lightweight suspension system, including an SLA short/long arm blade rear independent suspension with an independent subframe, EBD electronic brake-force distribution system, and EPAS electric power-assisted steering system.
My old Ford Focus also had severe shaking when accelerating, feeling like being on a vibrating massage chair. This issue is quite common in classic Focus models, mostly caused by worn-out drive shafts since the drivetrain in older cars is prone to failure. Another possibility is aging ignition coils leading to cylinder misfires, making the engine run unevenly. I tried checking the spark plugs myself and found them dirty, so I replaced them with new ones, but the shaking persisted. Later, a shop diagnosis confirmed a deformed left-side drive shaft—replacing it fixed the problem. I recommend getting a full inspection at a repair shop or 4S store soon to avoid further damage or safety risks. Persistent shaking worsens handling and fuel efficiency, especially dangerous at high speeds. Regular drivetrain maintenance can prevent such issues.