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: power train
1,597 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module and canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,595.
Power train, Apr 25, 2025
Transmission unexpected stalling and acceleration while driving. Yes Ford dealer located on 9371 Roosevelt blvd Phila PA 19114 they refused to fix the issues stating that the TCM 14302 warranty expired although it has been extended to June 30Th 2025.as well an an independent dealer who has fixed the clutch and transmission but I am still having transmission issues and warning lamp “service transmission now” and vehicle is still experiencing sudden stalling shuddering and is unsafe to drive. I purchased the vehicle Feb 2024 I started experiencing issues the end of December 2024 I took my vehicle to Ford Jan 9th and Fixed the Vehicle through and independent shop on 04/14/2025 and after replacing clutch and transmission I am still experiencing transmission issues.
Power train, Apr 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the transmission shifted hard and hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on three occasions, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired twice however, the failure returned three years later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Power train, Engine, Apr 16, 2025
Dual transmission clause stooped working properly in the road ....I was in the uphill ride so the car behind me had some problems due to me slowing down abruptly in the road.
Power train, Apr 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her sister was driving 30 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that when her sister attempted to reverse, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a software update was performed on the rearview camera. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that her sister’s vehicle was not under recall. The contact related to the failure of the Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 -(Focus Vehicles Equipped with a DPS6 Automatic Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage); however, the VIN was not included in the customer satisfaction program. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 143,000.
Power train, Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the transmission was slipping. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission clutch failure. The dealer determined that the clutch assembly, the clutch actuator, and the levers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact was informed that a driver from Ford valet service drove the vehicle to the dealer for the vehicle to be diagnosed; however, the contact was unaware of the diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Power train, Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact became aware that while attempting to accelerate, the RPMs increased, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the clutch had failed. The clutch was replaced under warranty. The failure persisted, and the clutch was replaced approximately 4 additional times. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
Power train, Engine, Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond. A transmission overheated fault message was displayed. The contact's husband merged to the side of the road while the vehicle was losing motive power. The vehicle was driven into a gas station and placed into unknown gears as the transmission seized. The contact towed the vehicle to the residence. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,771.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2025
I just bought a 2014 Ford focus and after getting it a transmission fault warning came on and there was a time I was on my lunch break and the car stalled out and would only let me drive in reverse. Luckily I was able to pull in to a parking lot at a gas station without causing an accident. I put transmission fluid in but the light stayed on. It noticed that there was a leak and my check engine light has also been on the entire time. I've tried having the place I bought it from fix it but they haven't been able to get to it
Power train, Engine, Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while refueling, the vehicle started shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the driveshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately 11 days later. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the same code and that the clutch assembly had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Power train, Mar 16, 2025
Excessive jerking when accelerating from a stop.
Power train, Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently shifted into neutral(N), with the "Transmission Fault" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact coasted the vehicle into a parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and repeatedly moved the gear shifter back and forth until the vehicle correctly recognized that the vehicle was in drive(D). The contact was driven to the residence and remained at the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was contacted about the failure and the contact was informed that a recall related to the failure had expired and that the vehicle no longer qualified for the free repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, but the contact was offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Power train, Mar 2, 2025
Zero codes, but massive stuttering/hesitation when accelerating from stop. Almost in several accidents when turning across traffic or with traffic.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled while the RPM was elevated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road on one occasion, and the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road on the other occasions. The vehicle was restarted after an extended time. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the canister purge valve and the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the canister purge valve replacement was covered under Ford Campaign Number: 24N07, and a repair fee would be charged for the TCM replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the TCM failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 30, 2025
I HAVE TWO RECALLS ON MY FORD FOCUS 2014. FORD REFUSES TO FIX THE TCM DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN WITH ISSUES DEALING WITH THE TSB REVOLVING AROUND THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AND TOLD THEM MY CAR BATTERY DIED AND IT COULDN'T REVERSE NOW BROUGHT IT TO GET THE WORK DONE WHICH I THOUGHT INCLUDED THEM LOOKING AT WHY IT COULD NOT REVERSE I PAID THEM OVER 1,300 DOLLARS TO FIX THIS ISSUES AND THEN AFTER I PULL OFF AND NOTICE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON I BRING IT BACK INSIDE AND THEY HIT ME WITH OH THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS A DIAGNOSTIC AFTER I PAID THEM A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT I WANT THEM TO GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK
Power train, Jan 29, 2025
I took my car to Downtown Ford Sacramento for a door latch recall and Transmission Control Module (TCM) coverage under Campaign #14M02. A day later, they called saying it was ready for pickup. When I asked about the transmission, they claimed a diagnosis was required at my expense before warranty coverage would apply. I approved the diagnosis, yet my car sat for over a week with no updates. Every time I called, I was directed to Service Advisor Christian Silva, who never answered or returned my voicemails. When I finally went in person, they asked me to sign paperwork but refused to provide diagnosis results. Another advisor then admitted no diagnosis was ever performed, they only completed the door latch recall. They now demand $360 for a diagnosis and insist I leave the car again, refusing to honor Campaign #14M02. This is unacceptable, and I need Ford to address this. (VIN# [XXX] ) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions however, the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The contact was eventually informed that the transmission clutch was defective, causing transmission failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Power train, Jan 24, 2025
Transmission is jerking/hesitating between gears. I carried it into the Ford Dealership in Rockingham, NC thinking it was the TCM which is covered under the extended warranty recall. The dealership says it is the transmission clutch.
Power train, Jan 20, 2025
When driving the car it shutters, jerks, loses power and accelerations, shakes. The transmission was replaces once and it is doing it again under 100k miles. It could easily cause an accident. Transmission also randomly says it is hot to stop. There is a customer safety extended warranty on the tcm for this specific car. From what I have seen there is a recall on transmission clutches for the 2014 Ford Focus SE just not my car apparently for the clutch. Ford wants me to take it to pay 250 to tell me if its covered under warranty recall but a transmission place already told me it was a faulty clutch they told me about the extended warranty. I have read this happened to hundreds of people. It is dangerous. How can I file a class action lawsuit, report to the better business bureau to be resolved or report to the proper place? Also not to long ago driving down the highway the doors just swung open door locks stopped working. There was a recall and got fixed but this car is a safety hazard and ford should care more about their product and customer safety. Is there anyone who has a 2014 Ford Focus with a clutch issue. I was told if its the TCM the car wont start I don't want to spend 250 to be told the clutch isn't under warranty. It is a ripoff. I know its not the TCM.
Power train, Jan 14, 2025
I have had the vehicle in the shop many times for tcm clutch and it is doing the heavy jerking again I believe the same issues are happening.
Power train, Dec 30, 2024
Customer experienced sluggish performance and failed starts along with computer error code P0456. Independent mechanic found open recall for canister purge valve associated with error code. Two different ford dealerships in Massachusetts indicated that the vin number associated with the recall was not covered. As a result, Ford failed to honor recall notice for canister purge valve. A year later, Ford mailed a notice to owners regarding this recall. Consumer called ford and was instructed to apply for a refund under the recall by visiting the very dealerships that denied recall services previously. This represents a failure by ford motor company to effectively comply and address a federally mandated recall causing consumers to pay for repairs and then request a refund.
Power train, Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and jerked while accelerating. The check engine warning light illuminated with the message “Transmission Failure" displayed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer three times and it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch, TCM, and the clutch actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,000.
Power train, Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the light changed and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was jolting into gear. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed a software update. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission clutches needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure of the clutches. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2024
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