Amid concerns over the dual-clutch automatic transmission in its Fiesta and Focus sedans and hatchbacks, Ford announced plans to extend warranty coverage on key hardware for a wide swath of owners.

Priced about the same as the Honda Civic, the 2013 Ford Focus have been given thumbs up for handling. Ford Ford (F) has extended the warranty on the DPS6 transmission of its Focus and Fiesta vehicles.

This story has been edited to correct a mischaracterization of wording in the memo from Ford Motor Co. to its dealers regarding Focus and Fiesta transmissions. Ford Motor Co. quietly notified dealers ...