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DPS66DCT250

PowerShift DPS6 dry clutch, revised clutch (2016-2023) gearbox: faults and reliability

Ford PowerShift (DPS6 and 6DCT450) version

With caution

It improves the clutch's thermal behaviour compared with the first generation, but Auto Express still warns of vibrations and that the clutch can fail in the Fiesta VIII; do the same road test and check the gearbox history before buying.[1]

Years
2016–2023
Power
No data
Faults that affect it
3
2 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
6
in our database

8 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

From 2016 Ford changed the clutch friction material to improve its behaviour with temperature, as part of at least six revisions to the clutch and the control module (TCM) software applied to the DPS6 since launch. We have not been able to confirm the exact date this change reached European production, only that the sources consulted place it as a 2016 model-year change in North America; the Fiesta VIII (2017-2023), already fitted with this revised gearbox, gets somewhat better reviews in the British press than the Fiesta VII, although Auto Express still warns of vibrations and that the clutch can fail.[1][2]

Engine codes of this version: DPS6, 6DCT250.

Faults of the DPS6 gearbox

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentClutchJuddering, hesitation and slipping of the dry clutch (DPS6)Yes: the dry-clutch DPS6 judders, hesitates when pulling away and slips in a very large number of cars. Ford revised the clutch and software at least six times without fully solving it, and in the US a 2020 court settlement covered close to 600,000 Ford Fiesta and Focus cars.
  2. 2High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentClutchClutch pressure plate breakage (2018 and 2019 recalls on the Focus and C-MAX)Ford recalled the Focus III and C-MAX II with the Powershift gearbox over the risk of the clutch pressure plate breaking, in two successive campaigns (2018 and 2019) covering vehicles built between August 2012 and May 2018.
  3. 3Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonElectronicsCold hesitation and electronic faults in the control module (TCM)Both the DPS6 and the 6DCT450 depend on a control module (TCM) that manages the clutches; there is cold hesitation, resonance at idle and occasional electronic failures, and Ford has revised the software several times without a single fix.

Cars fitted with the DPS6 gearbox

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Ford

Frequently asked questions

Is the DPS6 gearbox reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It improves the clutch's thermal behaviour compared with the first generation, but Auto Express still warns of vibrations and that the clutch can fail in the Fiesta VIII; do the same road test and check the gearbox history before buying.[1]

What faults does the DPS6 gearbox have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: juddering, hesitation and slipping of the dry clutch (DPS6) (high severity), clutch pressure plate breakage (2018 and 2019 recalls on the Focus and C-MAX) (high severity) and cold hesitation and electronic faults in the control module (TCM) (medium severity).

Which cars use the DPS6 gearbox?

Ford Fiesta VII (2013–2017), Ford Fiesta VIII (2017–2023), Ford Focus III (2011–2018), Ford C-Max II (2012–2018), Ford B-Max (2012–2017) and Ford EcoSport (2015–2017).[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Are you buying a car with the DPS6 gearbox?

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Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. 1.Used Ford Fiesta (Mk7, 2017-2023) buyers guide: a solid second-hand superminiAuto Express · Motoring press · published 26 June 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. 2.Ford Focus (third generation)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. 3.Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Powershift, gran combinaciónAutopista.es · Motoring press · published 8 November 2013 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. 4.Ford Fiesta (sixth generation)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. 5.GetragWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. 6.Ford C-Max recallsAutoinsider · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. 7.Ford B-MaxWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. 8.Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.5 Ti-VCT 82 kW (112 CV) Powershift (2015-2017): ficha técnicakm77 · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish