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: fuel/propulsion system
309 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 3, 2014
THREE SEPARATE TIMES WHILE BACKING UP FROM PARKING SPACES AND WHILE PULLING FORWARD, THE STOP SAFELY NOW LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE NORMALLY BUT HAVE HEARD OF THIS CONDITION HAPPENING WHILE AT SPEED. CAR IS IN DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT OF HIGH VOLTAGE WIRING HARNESS. *JS
Power train, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 18, 2014
THIS VEHICLE HESITATES UPON ACCELERATION, LOWERS RPMS, JERKS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE AND REVS UP THE RPMS ONCE IT ACCELERATES IT HAS HESITATION AND IS NOTIFIABLE THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS CHANGING GEARS THERE IS A LAG AS IF IT WAS A MANUAL AND THE OPERATOR COULD NOT CHANGE GEARS APPROPRIATELY. THE VEHICLE ALSO TENDS TO ROLL IN A REVERSE MOTION AS IF IN REVERSE UPON INCLINATION. UPON ENGAGING THE BRAKES THERE IS A POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE ALSO SOUNDS AS THOUGH IT HAS THE KEY IN AND ISN'T TURNED OVER COMPLETELY TO START AT TIMES VEHICLE IT TURNED OFF, IN PARK, WITHOUT KEY IN THE IGNITION, AND REMAINED THIS WAY FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME. THIS 2014 FORD FOCUS WAS MANUFACTURED 6-17-2014 IN THE MICHIGAN ASSEMBLY PLANT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 3, 2014
UPON ACCELERATION, CAR HESITATES, STUTTERS, SHAKES AND MAKES A GRINDING NOISE. WHEN ENTERING THE HIGHWAY, IT REALLY HESITATED AND TOOK LONGER THAN USUAL TO GET TO THE SPEED LIMIT. HENCE, SOMEONE WAS COMING UP QUICKLY BEHIND ME AND WAS VERY IRATE WITH ME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR SOMETHING OTHER . . . LIKE ROAD RAGE BY THE OTHER DRIVER. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 16, 2014
WHILE CRUISING AT A STEADY 65MPH IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE MY VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY WENT INTO WHAT THE FORD DEALER LATER CALLED "LIMP MODE." THE CAR LOST ALMOST ALL ITS POWER AND AT FIRST SEEMED TO BE STALLED. I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND THE SPEED GRADUALLY DROPPED. THERE WERE TRACTOR-TRAILERS MERGING ONTO AND OFF THE INTERSTATE, AND I HAD A FEARFUL SENSATION OF GOING UP UNDER ONE. THERE WAS TOO MUCH TRAFFIC TO "BACK OFF" AND GO BEHIND THEM, AND I HAD NO ACCELERATION TO GET AROUND. IT FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO BE "RUN OVER," AND I'M NOT SO SURE THE TRACTOR-TRAILER DRIVERS COULD EVEN SEE ME. AT THE NEXT EXIT I IMMEDIATELY LEFT THE INTERSTATE AND PULLED INTO A GAS STATION, TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. TAKING OFF AND ACCELERATING FROM THE INTERSTATE EXIT TO THIS STATION WAS ACTUALLY VERY DIFFICULT. IT FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH ACCELERATION TO PROPERLY MANEUVER. I WAS NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE NEAREST FORD DEALER. I SPOKE WITH A LADY WHO SEEMED VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE PROBLEM, (WHICH ACTUALLY WORRIES ME BECAUSE THAT MAKES IT SEEM LIKE A COMMON ISSUE), BUT OFFERED NO SOLUTION. SHE ALMOST SEEMED SLIGHTLY "IRRITATED," AS IF IT WAS SOMETHING SHE HAD "EXPLAINED MANY TIMES BEFORE." SHE SAID "TURN THE CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES AND LET THE COMPUTER RESET. IF THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IT WILL STILL BE IN 'LIMP MODE,' BUT MORE LIKELY IT WAS A FLUKE AND WILL TURN OFF." I ASKED, "WHY DID THIS HAPPEN? IT'S ONLY SIX MONTHS OLD AND I WAS JUST CRUISING DOWN THE HIGHWAY." HER RESPONSE WAS 'YEAH, IT JUST HAPPENS.'" I PERSONALLY FEEL LIKE THIS IS SOMETHING THAT COULD BE WIDESPREAD AND NEEDS INVESTIGATION. IT FELT LIKE A HIGHLY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND IS APT TO REPEAT ITSELF. THE DEALER OFFERED NO IMMEDIATE SOLUTION OTHER THAN, "LET'S JUST SEE WHAT HAPPENS." *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 16, 2014
3 MILES AFTER LEAVING THE PARKING LOT WITH MY MOM AND 2 KIDS IN THE CAR THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING FLASHED AND THE CAR LOST POWER. I FOUND SIMILAR COMPLAINT 10512459. I HAD TO PULL OVER IN THE BIKE LANE, TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT UNTIL POWER WAR RESTORED. SAME THING HAPPENED NEXT DAY RIGHT AFTER LEAVING HOME. NOW I AM AFRAID TO GO OUT ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON NARROW COUNTRY ROADS WITH THIS CAR. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 7, 2014
THIS ISSUE STARTED MAY OF 2014 WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS AT 13,000 MILES. WHEN AT A STOP LIGHT AS I RELEASE MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE CAR WILL SHAKE IN IDLE. ONCE I PRESS ON THE GAS THE RPMS WILL SLOWLY GO TO AROUND 2000 RPMS. AT THIS POINT THE ENTIRE CAR WILL SHAKE THEN JUMP INTO THE NEXT GEAR. THIS IS HIGHLY UNSAFE AS THE CAR WILL JUMP FORWARD. I HAVE ALMOST HIT SEVERAL VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. LUCKLY NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET HOWEVER THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS OPERATING WITHIN NORMAL PARAMETERS ESTABLISHED BY FORD. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN ON TWO OCCASIONS AND AM GOING TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP FOR A SECOND OPINION. FROM MY DISCUSSIONS WITH FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE FIXED AS NOTHING HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED. IF THEY WOULD DRIVE THE CAR FOR MORE THEN A COUPLE MILES THEY WOULD FEEL THE ISSUE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN MY BRAND NEW FORD ANYMORE. THIS ISSUE HAS CONTINUED TO OCCUR ON A DAILY BASIS. *JS
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 21, 2014
CAR WAS IN THE GARAGE WITH FULLY CHARGED. I TRIED TO START CAR AND I GOT MESSAGE "SAFE MODE SHUTDOWN" ON THE RIGHT SCREEN AND "STOP SAFELY NOW" ON THE LEFT SCREEN. CAR LIGHTS START BLINKING AND AFTER A WHILE WHOLE CAR SHUTDOWN AND DISABLED. CAR IS NOT RESPONDING REMOTE KEY. BACK DOOR IS LOCKED AND CAN'T OPEN. I TRIED TO PUT BACK TO CHARGED AND NOTHING CHANGED AT ALL. I CALLED FORD ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE AND TAKING CAR TO SERVICE TOMORROW. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 11, 2014
MY CAR HAS SEVERAL ISSUES WHICH ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH AND DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIX THEM: 1. VIBRATION ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN I LET THE CAR GO FROM A STOP BEFORE PUSHING THE GAS. 2. TRANSMISSION IS JERKY WHEN I ACCELERATE, IT SEEMS TO STOP, GO BACK AND FORTH, AS IF SOMEBODY'S PULLING ME BACK 3. ANTIFREEZE SMELL WHEN I TURN ON THE AC (HAVE A HEADACHE) *JS
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR BEGAN TO DECELERATE, GAS PEDAL WAS NON RESPONSIVE. TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH IN 5TH GEAR. DECELERATION OCCURRED IN 5TH GEAR. WAS ONLY ABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED IN 4TH GEAR, BUT WAS UNABLE TO GO ANY FASTER THAN 50- 55 MPH WITH GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE DISPLAYED SOME SHUDDERING AND SLIGHT SPUTTER EFFECT. IF VEHICLE WAS PLACED BACK INTO 5TH GEAR DECELERATION WOULD CONTINUE. TACHOMETER SHOWED 3000 RPM REGARDLESS OF GEAR PLACEMENT. NO WARNING LIGHTS, OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS. TWO DAYS LATER VEHICLE HAD THE SAME SYMPTOM BUT ONLY MOMENTARILY. *TR