Ford’s Dual Clutch Transmission Under Fire Again

Let’s face facts about the dual-clutch transmissions that Ford put in the Fiesta and the Focus. It’s trouble, and potentially the subject of a $4 billion lawsuit. The outcry about the transmission became so loud that the company quietly told dealers to repair it! Worse yet, Ford reportedly knew it was a bad part for years and failed to make necessary fixes. Now this week, Ford told the press it will extend warranties on the Fiestas and Focuses that carry the dual-clutch transmission.

The factory warranty extension is two years and 40,000 miles. Along with it comes a software update for customers with continuing gearbox issues. Together, Ford hopes the two fixes will get it out of the nightmare this has become for the company. read more »

VW recalls 679,000 cars for rollaway risk

Drivers may be able to remove the key while the car isn't in park.

Volkswagen is set to recall 679,027 cars as documents published with NHTSA on Thursday detailed a fault in the shift lever that poses a rollaway risk.

The affected vehicles include the 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Volkswagen Golf, 2015-2019 Golf GTI, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta. Affected models are equipped with automatic transmissions, a manual handbrake and keyless entry. The vast majority of these are Jettas, at 541,376 cars recalled. read more »

Ford Explorer Hood Rust Recall Needed, Alleges Lawsuit

A Ford Explorer hood rust recall allegedly should have been ordered long ago, or so says a plaintiff who filed a proposed class action lawsuit about aluminum hoods.

The lawsuit alleges Explorer hoods suffer from premature rust and corrosion and bubbling of the paint. read more »