2014 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 2,657 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 69 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 47 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, evaporative emissions, canisterJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJun 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJul 5, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.
Campaign 19V515000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageOct 22, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
Campaign 18V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hatchback/liftgate, lockSep 28, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.
Campaign 16V698000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchSep 6, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringDec 2, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17-S1.
Campaign 15V813000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJan 9, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S30.
Campaign 15V005000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, deliverySep 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 24, 2014, 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured on June 6, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to July 7, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack between the filter body and the filter cap, possibly resulting in low fuel pressure.
A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S20.
Campaign 14V525000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringDo not drive until repairedAug 22, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled.
The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S18.
Campaign 14V514000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringAug 11, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.
Campaign 14V495000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
464 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Apr 20, 2023
The transmission control module cause my car to only work in drive. I was in a rural area without adequate resources or any warning that the module would go out. After being able to get if eventually towed to a dealership they fixed the tcm module and then informed that the clutch in my vehicle with an automatic transmission was out and the vehicle was now stuck in reverse. The clutch going out is a result of the tcm component wearing out the clutch this information was provided by a ford mechanic. Both the parts are faulty in the vehicle leaving drivers stuck in places without any warning that they will soon need to be serviced. Ford covers repairs for some of these things under their customer satisfaction program; however, that does not remedy the fact that the parts are faulty and will need constant repair throughout the vehicles lifetime.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 13, 2023
Car stalls, shakes,won’t accelerate properly, won’t go passed 35mph, engine fault light comes on, and car goes into limp home mode.
Power train, Engine, Mar 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering, and the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that upon shifting from park(P) to drive(D), the vehicle hesitated. The contact turned the vehicle off, and the vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The part was replaced; however, the dealer diagnosed that the clutch also needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired and advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Engine, Mar 16, 2023
Transmission fault!!! Once I noticed the previous recall on the gas tank valve it ultimately stopped my vehicle. I cannot drive it due to first running out of gas from fault in miles to empty. Car would out of nowhere stop driving as well as barely start. The gas already reading incorrect, the. Now the transmission light continues to come on. I almost crashed more than once with kids in the car due to it after 2hours of driving fine, immediately stopping and not allowing the car to drive. Gas tank recall when sent into the dealership yet the issue is still there. It is obvious because the miles to empty are still wrong cause me to possibly put too much has not enough gas. It is very unsafe to drive.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the engine remained running. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been draining the battery. The contact’s husband had to disconnect the battery after turning off the vehicle in order to prevent the battery from being drained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 15C06. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the wrench symbol warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was turned off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was an internal coolant leak and that the high voltage battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,305.
Electrical system, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Feb 20, 2023
- Faulty windshield washer pump pushing liquid into the Body Control Module and harness - Damaged electrical communications communications controlled by the Body Control Module including: 1) functionality of the wipers resulting in obscuring the windshield from clear visibility of the road 2) vehicle will not reliably shut off after removing the key. It continues to run. 3) vehicle will not reliably shift into different gears due to the disruption of the electronic transmission signaling. 4) electrical system drains the battery after a few hours of sitting idle. - The problem has been identified by a dealership - A dealer has inspected the problem. - Washer pumps would intermittently function and then randomly would not.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 13, 2023
Transmission and engine failure Available for inspection Failure on highway Inspection by others: yes mechanics warning indicators failed
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 12, 2023
I started having problems the minute I drove off the lot they told me my transmission was fine when I knew it wasn’t 2020 started going in to be repaired transmission needed rebuilt rear main seal needed to be replaced that’s when the tech realized my transmission needed to be rebuilt it’s been in the shop three or four times for the transmission and the clutches then I think my transmission started messing up again 2021 then found out it was misfiring replaced spark plugs and coils all of it now on top of all my other problems my check engine lights back on it’s flashing I’ve done the spark plugs again just replaced my O2 sensors going to take it back to a mechanic and have it looked at don’t know what’s going on I’m really worried that my coolant is leaking because it’s went down and done and now I just filled it up again and it looks like it’s dropping again i’m hoping it’s nothing because I just found out that the eco-boost motors are leaking coolant into the cylinder heads they’re saying trucks right now I think it’s in Canada in California I know I have a eco-boost your car flex fuel or whatever you wanna call it so I’m really hoping it’s nothing but problems after problems with his car and Ford doesn’t wanna do anything about it they gave me some money as a good faith thing but that’s it I got a hold of Ford and they will the lady called me once she says she called three times she won’t return my phone calls I was told that they wanted to buy my car back now they won’t do anything and like I said I’m having problems with it again these cars are crap they need to take all of them back and I’m sitting here reading even more people having issues that’s not OK and I don’t even know what’s wrong with my car right now
Engine, Jan 29, 2023
There is a CSP recall on shudder clutch. The car shudders to the extreme and sometimes doesn't shift into second or third gear for 2-3 seconds nearly causing accidents while merging onto highways several times. I contacted I have taken it to the Ford dealership 3 times and called Ford and now want to acknowledge that that is the problem, but unfortunately the warranty has expired. I have been dealing with this for two years.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Jan 19, 2023
My car is still at the dealership (CrossRoads Ford ,of Indian Trail, NC). The vehicle has been there since 11/22/22. The Service Department keeps telling me they are waiting on a Recall Part to come in and have not given me anything else. The car will not drive, and they advised it was a Recall Part, but the system shows all Recall has been repaired? I need my car back- I have already paid 3 months for a car payment, on a car that is still sitting in the Service Department there.
Engine, Jan 11, 2023
I went to get into my car and it wouldn’t start. I called a tow truck to have it brought to my mechanic. It wouldn’t go in reverse once it did start. My mechanic thought it was the transmission module. I had it towed to Walls Ford Deslership. They stated it was the shift stuck in my transmission. Somehow it controls the power, etc. my car only has 51,000 miles on it and was past the 6 year warranty. It cost me $2,550 to fix it. I believe with all the transmission issues on the Ford Focus vehicles, this issue should have been covered and not paid out of pocket.
Engine, Jan 5, 2023
The rpm of the car all of a sudden felt like it was being forced just to accelerate. When I get to certain velocity the cars rpm shuts up and then come down again. After that it started saying that the transmission was getting over heated and that I needed to stop safely.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 14, 2022
The entire car is a a safety issue. From the breaks and door latches, to the fuel system, electrical system, to the transmission. The 2014 Ford Focus SE needs to ne recalled aand taken off the roads.
Power train, Engine, Oct 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while shifted into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond. The contact also stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the RPM increased and the engine revved while the brake pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone where it was placed on a diagnostic machine and produced codes: P090C, U0100-00, U3003-17, U3003-16, U0101-00, U0401-00. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Power train, Engine, Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the clutch was slipping. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated and flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Aug 26, 2022
Took my vehicle to a dealership for TCM work they could not see anything wrong with it even though I had the check engine light on for it and read the code and it said it was the TCM. took it to the dealership again they said they replaced it but my vehicle is still having the same exact issue intermittently as always. I have been stranded once as it failed JUST after they said they “fixed my car. I didn’t even make it home at least the dealership towed my vehicle again saw nothing wrong with it then said there was a wire that was cut. (That was not there before at this point they were doing things and just wanted money) in the long run they said they fixed everything but my car is still having the stalling of tcm modual part failing and going to neutral. I’ve had almost MULTIPLE car accidents with the TCM going out at stop and go lights, and stop signs. ford NEEDS to fix this issue in all vehicles before someone gets hurt or worse.
Power train, Engine, Aug 21, 2022
While driving down the road I went to accelerate and the vehicle revved up but didn't accelerate at all so I parked my vehicle and when I tried to move it again I had to back up yet I had no reverse all of a sudden. I limped it to my dealership and they told me that my clutch went out but it's an automatic so I didn't understand that, I had to get a new transmission and ever since it hasn't shifted smoothly and not even 50000 miles later I'm having the same problems only it's not under warranty and I can't afford a new transmission or a new car. I know that's my problem but what if I had been turning into traffic and it slipped? I would be at fault for an accident that wasn't my fault, it was a crappy transmission that failed and could have cost me my life, my son's life, or whoever I would have collided with's life. I just want to make sure no one else has the same false hope of merging into traffic and instead causes an accident.
Engine, Jul 13, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,317.
Engine, Jul 10, 2022
Transmission service failure comes on car runs like it is going 90 miles when it's just going at 25 and the car only has 30,000 miles. The system doesn't bring any codes of what's wrong with it and it keeps on doing it. It goes away and it comes back on and acts the same way all over again
Power train, Engine, Jun 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, after coming to a stop, the vehicle started jerking and sputtering. The contact stated that she thought the vehicle was going to lose motive power however, the vehicle remained running. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired under an unknown recall 2 years ago for the fuel injection or fuel tank. The contact stated that recently while driving, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle was sputtering. The contact stated that she had to depress the accelerator pedal for the vehicle to remain running. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone to be diagnosed. The DTC reading stated power train system and reprogram transmission control module. The Auto Zone employee advised her to contact a Ford dealer. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Over the years, the contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer for multiple repairs; however, the failure persisted. The contact was informed that the transmission control module was the cause of the failure. The dealer then informed her that parts were on back order and that due to a limited amount of parts available, the transmission control module might never become available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The manufacturer offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Jun 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate independently. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving to his residence while experiencing the failure. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Engine, Jun 23, 2022
There is a problem with the clutch slipping