What is a Ford Powershift gearbox?

The Ford Powershift (also known as DPS6) is a dual-clutch automatic transmission used in Ford vehicles from 2011-2019. It uses two clutches to pre-select gears for smoother, faster shifts. However, the design has proven problematic, with widespread clutch and transmission control module failures.

Why does the Ford Powershift gearbox fail?

The Powershift gearbox fails due to inherent design flaws in the dry dual-clutch system. Unlike wet clutches used by other manufacturers, the DPS6 uses dry clutches that overheat in stop-start traffic, wear prematurely, and cause the characteristic shuddering. The transmission control module (TCM) also frequently fails, causing gear selection issues.

How much does it cost to fix a Ford Powershift gearbox?

Powershift repairs typically cost £1,500-£2,500 for clutch replacement alone. If the transmission control module (TCM) needs replacing, add another £800-£1,200. A complete gearbox replacement costs £3,000-£5,000. Given these costs on an older Ford, selling the car is often more economical.

Is it worth repairing a Ford Powershift gearbox?

In most cases, no. The Powershift's fundamental design flaws mean even a new clutch pack may fail again within 30,000-50,000 miles. On a 2015 Ford Focus worth £5,000, spending £3,000+ on gearbox repairs rarely makes financial sense. We pay £1,500-£4,000 for Powershift-affected Fords, often more than you'd get back in value after expensive repairs.

Will you buy my Ford with Powershift problems?

Yes, we specialise in buying Fords with Powershift gearbox problems. We understand the issue thoroughly and value your car based on its parts worth, not just scrap value. We buy Focus, Fiesta, C-Max, B-Max and EcoSport models with Powershift issues.

How much will you pay for my Ford with gearbox problems?

We typically pay £1,500-£4,000 for Fords with Powershift issues, depending on the model, year, mileage, and overall condition. A 2016 Focus with 60,000 miles and Powershift problems could fetch £2,500-£3,500 - significantly more than scrap value and often more than you'd recover after expensive repairs.

Was there a Ford Powershift recall?

Ford extended warranties and issued technical service bulletins for Powershift issues but never issued a formal recall in the UK. Ford USA settled a class action lawsuit for $30 million in 2017 over the same DPS6 transmission. UK owners have not received similar compensation.

Known DPS6 Transmission Defect

Ford Powershift Gearbox Problems?

The DPS6 Powershift dual-clutch gearbox is one of Ford's most problematic components. Don't spend £3,000+ on repairs – we'll buy your Ford for £1,500-£4,000.

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What is the Ford Powershift Gearbox?

The Ford Powershift, technically known as the DPS6 (Dual-clutch Powershift Six-speed), is a dual-clutch automatic transmission fitted to millions of Ford vehicles worldwide between 2011 and 2019. Unlike traditional automatics, it uses two separate clutches to pre-select the next gear, theoretically providing faster, smoother shifts.

However, Ford's decision to use dry clutches instead of oil-cooled wet clutches proved catastrophic. The dry clutches overheat in stop-start traffic, wear prematurely, and cause the characteristic shuddering that affects thousands of UK Ford owners.

Ford USA Lawsuit

In 2017, Ford settled a $30 million class action lawsuit in the United States over the DPS6 Powershift gearbox. Ford admitted knowing about the defects before production. UK owners have not received similar compensation.

Powershift Gearbox Symptoms

Recognise these warning signs? Your Ford likely has the common Powershift problem.

Shuddering or juddering when pulling away

Hesitation between gears

Grinding or clunking noises

Warning lights on dashboard (transmission, engine)

Loss of power in low gears

Car lurching or jerking

Difficulty engaging reverse

Slipping between gears

Complete loss of drive

Affected Ford Models

Ford Focus

2011-2018

DPS6 Powershift fitted to all automatic models

Ford Fiesta

2011-2017

DPS6 Powershift in automatic versions

Ford EcoSport

2013-2017

Powershift automatic option

Ford C-Max

2011-2019

DPS6 dual-clutch transmission

Ford B-Max

2012-2017

Powershift automatic variant

Repair Costs vs Selling

Repair Costs

Clutch pack replacement£1,500 - £2,500

TCM (Transmission Control Module)£800 - £1,200

Complete gearbox replacement£3,000 - £5,000

Mechatronic unit repair£1,000 - £1,800

Even after expensive repairs, the Powershift may fail again within 30,000-50,000 miles due to fundamental design flaws.

Sell to Us Instead

Get £1,500 - £4,000

Based on model, year and condition

Free Collection

We come to you, anywhere in the UK

Same-Day Payment

Bank transfer on collection

No Repair Gamble

No risk of repeat failures

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Why We Pay More Than Scrap Yards

A 2015 Ford Focus with Powershift problems might fetch £200-£300 at a scrap yard. We'll pay £2,000-£3,000 because we understand the value:

Parts Value

Body panels, interior, electronics, and non-gearbox components are all valuable

Repair Potential

We can repair or replace the gearbox at trade prices for resale

Market Demand

Strong demand for Focus and Fiesta parts in the UK market

Ford Powershift FAQs

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Ready to Sell Your Powershift Ford?

Don't waste thousands on repairs. Get a fair price for your Ford with gearbox problems today.

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