The DPS6 is a dry dual-clutch transmission, which behaves like a manual transmission controlled by computers and electric actuators — but was marketed as an automatic.
Ford hoped that this transmission would benefit them and the consumer in the following ways:
Feels like the car is shaking or vibrating when taking off from a stop.
Caused by oil contamination on the clutch friction surfaces, which ruins engagement quality.
Why this happened: The DPS6’s input shaft seals leaked transmission fluid directly onto the clutches.
Transmission randomly slips between gears.
Hesitation or weak acceleration under throttle.
Vehicle feels like a new driver learning manual transmission.
Why this happened:
The dry dual-clutch design requires extremely smooth, precise clutch control — but:
Car won’t shift out of 2nd or 3rd gear.
“Transmission Hot” messages.
Car suddenly drops into neutral.
The TCM is responsible for shifting and clutch control, and internal solder joints commonly failed due to heat and vibration.
Note: Ford extended the warranty to 10 years / 150,000 miles for this component.
Clutches wore out extremely early — sometimes under 30,000 miles.
Replacement clutches often failed again within a short period.
Because the DPS6 was dry, not wet, the clutches were exposed to excessive heat and poor cooling.
Losing power when the clutch temperatures rise.
Warning messages telling the driver to stop the car.
The dry system could not shed heat properly during stop-and-go or hot-weather driving.