Common problems · engines and gearboxes
Ford PowerShift Gearbox Problems by Model
PowerShift is the dual-clutch automatic gearbox Ford fitted to models including the Fiesta, Focus, B-Max, EcoSport and Kuga. These are the problems at least two independent publishers report on it, model by model.
- Reported by 3 publishersGearbox
PowerShift automatic: judder, jerky changes and clutch failure
The PowerShift dual-clutch automatic has a poor reputation on this Focus. Reported faults run from judder when pulling away or stopping to complete clutch failure. Ford specifies a fluid and filter change every three years; check it has been done and that the car changes gear smoothly from rest.
Applies to: Ford Focus Mk3 (2011–2018) with the PowerShift automatic gearbox
DVLA does not record the gearbox, so this shows for every Focus Mk3 — it only applies to the PowerShift automatic.
Model pages: Ford Focus
- Reported by 3 publishersGearbox
Automatic gearbox: jerky changes or outright failure
Owners of this Fiesta report jerky shifts and, in some cases, complete failure of the PowerShift automatic, and say repairs are expensive. Check for smooth changes and vibration on a test drive; the manual is the safer used buy.
Applies to: Ford Fiesta Mk8 (2017–2023) with an automatic gearbox
DVLA does not record the gearbox, so this shows for every Fiesta Mk8 — it only applies to automatics.
Model pages: Ford Fiesta
- Reported by 2 publishersGearbox
PowerShift automatic: judder on pulling away
Severe judder has affected some B-Max models with the PowerShift automatic, and long-term fixes can be hard to find. Make sure it pulls away and stops smoothly, and look for the three-yearly gearbox fluid change in the service history.
Applies to: Ford B-Max (2012–2017) with the PowerShift automatic gearbox
DVLA does not record the gearbox, so this shows for every B-Max — it only applies to the PowerShift automatic.
- Reported by 2 publishersGearbox
PowerShift automatic: harsh shifts and costly gearbox repairs
The PowerShift dual-clutch automatic has a poor reputation on this Kuga. On pre-facelift cars plastic retainers inside the gearbox can wear, break off and be churned up by the gears, meaning a gearbox strip-down; neglected fluid changes lead to shuddering, jerky shifts and big bills. It needs fresh oil and filters every three years. A manual or the post-facelift auto is the safer buy.
Applies to: Ford Kuga Mk2 (2012–2019) with the PowerShift automatic gearbox
DVLA does not record the gearbox, so this shows for every Kuga Mk2 — it only applies to the PowerShift automatic.
Model pages: Ford Kuga
- Reported by 2 publishersGearbox
PowerShift automatic: jerky driving and clutch wear
Early automatic EcoSports used the PowerShift dry-clutch gearbox, mainly with the 1.5 petrol. It is reported to be jerky at low speed, hesitant pulling away and prone to clutch wear, with clutch or control-unit failures that are expensive to fix. From 2018 Ford switched to a conventional torque-converter automatic.
Applies to: Ford EcoSport with the PowerShift automatic, 2015 to 2018 (mainly the 1.5 petrol)
DVLA does not record the gearbox, so this shows for every EcoSport of these years — it only applies to the PowerShift automatic.
- Reported by 2 publishersGearbox
PowerShift automatic: jerky changes and clutch wear
Earlier automatic Mondeos used Ford's PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox. It is reported to be jerky at low speed and hesitant pulling away, with premature clutch wear if the fluid and filter changes (every three years or so) were missed, and Car Mechanics reports communication faults that stop it selecting gears properly. The later conventional automatic is the better choice.
Applies to: Ford Mondeo Mk5 (2014–2022) with the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic (mainly earlier cars)
DVLA does not record the gearbox, so this shows for every Mondeo Mk5 — it only applies to the PowerShift automatic, not to manuals, the hybrid's CVT or the later eight-speed automatic.
These describe the model, not one car. Plenty of cars never have the problems their model is known for, and a recall may already have been done on yours. Every problem links to its sources; a reported problem needs two independent publishers before we list it.
Recalls are listed by DVSA for the model around its build date — check a specific car by VIN at GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Common questions
What are the common Ford PowerShift gearbox problems?
PowerShift automatic: judder, jerky changes and clutch failure; Automatic gearbox: jerky changes or outright failure; PowerShift automatic: judder on pulling away; PowerShift automatic: harsh shifts and costly gearbox repairs; PowerShift automatic: jerky driving and clutch wear; PowerShift automatic: jerky changes and clutch wear. Each is listed above with the models it applies to and its sources.
Does my car have one of these problems?
Not necessarily — these describe the engine or gearbox, and many cars never have them. Enter your registration in the common problems checker to see what applies to your exact car, and a service history check to see whether the work has been done.