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

159,025

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.
41,940

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.
160,315

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 4,564 nationwide Focus listings starting at $1,800.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2012 Ford Focus

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Savoy_1800
    Reputation
    3,350
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    2,680
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,420
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Civic
1,355 Great Deals out of 20,187 listings starting at $1,275
Used Ford Fusion
523 Great Deals out of 7,400 listings starting at $750
Used Ford Fiesta
63 Great Deals out of 1,580 listings starting at $2,495
Used Toyota Corolla
1,514 Great Deals out of 28,240 listings starting at $1,000
Used Ford Escape
2,204 Great Deals out of 42,510 listings starting at $995
Used Ford Mustang
1,052 Great Deals out of 24,503 listings starting at $1,987
Used Toyota Camry
2,258 Great Deals out of 44,442 listings starting at $1,050
Used Honda Accord
1,493 Great Deals out of 30,763 listings starting at $800
Used Ford F-150
6,598 Great Deals out of 160,279 listings starting at $1,470
Used Chevrolet Cruze
345 Great Deals out of 5,589 listings starting at $600
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
185 Great Deals out of 3,736 listings starting at $3,900
Used Mazda MAZDA3
377 Great Deals out of 9,939 listings starting at $650
Used Hyundai Elantra
813 Great Deals out of 29,221 listings starting at $1,346

Used Cars For Sale

2018 Ford Focus SEL Hatchback For Sale
35 listings starting at $4,999
2017 Ford Focus SEL Hatchback For Sale
30 listings starting at $6,000

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.