Does Transmission fluid need to be changed?

Asked by NCochran25 May 30, 2020 at 07:41 PM about the 2012 Ford Focus SEL Hatchback

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I was 50,000 miles overdue for a transmission fluid
change when I took it to the dealership.  They said
don't do it at all since I missed the recommended
mileage.  That doesn't make any sense to me.  Is
that right?  I have 153,000 miles on the vehicle.

4 Answers

155,455

My philosophy is it shouldn't be changed if it's not leaking or the transmission is working fine. If it works, don't fix it! On older higher mileage vehicles the dirt and junk in the transmission fluid can actually help worn parts continue to work. If you replace the fluid and remove the junk the worn parts in the transmission have nothing to grab onto so your transmission starts to not work correctly and may stop working all together. I agree with the Dealer on this one. Leave it alone! Hope that helps! Jim

1 people found this helpful.
40,240

I normal would say to change it, but the Focus has had issues with the transmissions in that model year and you never changed the fluid. So I would also say Leave it.

2 people found this helpful.
157,555

Change it, but don't flush it would be my official recommendation.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Focus

Looking for a Used Focus in your area?

CarGurus has 5,358 nationwide Focus listings starting at $850.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2012 Ford Focus

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Savoy_1800
    Reputation
    3,260
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    2,580
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,380
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Fusion
764 Great Deals out of 9,322 listings starting at $1,300
Used Honda Civic
1,455 Great Deals out of 30,970 listings starting at $1,250
Used Ford Fiesta
142 Great Deals out of 1,914 listings starting at $1,990
Used Toyota Corolla
1,530 Great Deals out of 23,635 listings starting at $1,500
Used Ford Mustang
946 Great Deals out of 22,506 listings starting at $2,000
Used Ford Escape
2,466 Great Deals out of 46,556 listings starting at $700
Used Mazda MAZDA3
551 Great Deals out of 12,562 listings starting at $1,500
Used Honda Accord
1,557 Great Deals out of 30,281 listings starting at $1,250
Used Chevrolet Cruze
467 Great Deals out of 6,558 listings starting at $750
Used Toyota Camry
2,081 Great Deals out of 33,496 listings starting at $1,100
Used Hyundai Elantra
896 Great Deals out of 27,301 listings starting at $1,900
Used Ford F-150
6,313 Great Deals out of 135,949 listings starting at $1,100
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
158 Great Deals out of 3,866 listings starting at $2,995
Used Nissan Altima
1,408 Great Deals out of 37,896 listings starting at $1,495

Used Cars For Sale

2018 Ford Focus SEL Hatchback For Sale
30 listings starting at $8,999
2017 Ford Focus SEL Hatchback For Sale
41 listings starting at $5,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.