The PowerShift Story, and Why It Matters to You
This is the one worth understanding on its own, because it's affected more owners than almost any other single issue on this page. When Ford introduced the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic in the 2011 Fiesta and 2012 Focus, it promised manual-transmission efficiency with automatic convenience. In practice, the dry-clutch design let transmission fluid from a leaking input shaft seal contaminate the clutch surfaces, and owners experienced shuddering, jerking, delayed acceleration, and eventually outright failure. It became the subject of a class-action lawsuit covering roughly 1.5 to 2 million vehicles, and Ford extended warranty coverage on the clutches, input shafts, and transmission control module as a result.
If you own a 2011-2016 Fiesta or 2012-2016 Focus and it shudders or hesitates from a stop, that's very likely what you're feeling, not something wrong with how you drive. We test it properly rather than telling you it's just how the transmission feels.
EcoBoost Carbon Buildup
EcoBoost engines use direct injection, so fuel never washes over the intake valves the way it does in older port-injected engines. Carbon deposits build up on those valves over time, causing rough idle, hesitation, and a gradual loss of power. Periodic intake cleaning keeps it from becoming a bigger problem.
The 10-Speed Automatic
Ford's 10-speed automatic, developed jointly with GM and used across much of the current F-150, Explorer, and Expedition lineup, has a documented history of shudder and hard downshifts, often tied to torque converter or fluid condition. Worth having checked rather than ignored.
Aluminum F-150 Body Repair
Since the 2015 model year, the F-150's body panels have been aluminum instead of steel to save weight, which means collision and rust repair calls for different welding equipment and technique than a steel-bodied truck. Not every shop is set up for it correctly.
Mustang, GT, and the Electric Side
Ford's performance and electric lineup deserves its own mention. The Mustang remains a genuine enthusiast car across generations, and we service them, old and new, the same way Zach S.'s 2001 model got its ABS system sorted out above. The mid-engine GT supercar and the electric F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E are a different story: for these, we're upfront about which repairs are within what we can do and which need specialized dealer support, particularly anything involving the high-voltage battery packs on the electric models.
Why American & Import Auto Repair for Your Ford
Ford owners across Johnson City choose us because we tell you what's actually wrong instead of what's easiest to say. Every qualified repair is backed by our 36 month, 36,000 mile nationwide warranty on parts and labor, and for bigger jobs we offer financing options. Learn more about what sets our shop apart or head back to our home page.
