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: other or unspecified
279 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2023
as I am not 100% sure where the problem comes from. And I know that this car and other Ford vehicles are infamous for these issues. My Ford focus’s transmission will spontaneously without warning completely shut off while driving which has caused me to almost get into crashes multiple times. I have brought my car to a ford dealership to get inspected in hopes of being included in a program which makes ford pay for a rental car while the part that causes the issues is delivered (there is large back order on the TCM) but when my car was done being diagnosed they claim my clutch needs to be replaced for 3200 which is ridiculous first of all but the main problem with this is that the broken TCM is what is causing the clutch to break creating a never ending cycle of replacements I have to pay for and even if i get a clutch replacement it won’t fix my overheating issue. These problems that are caused by ford have caused me to almost get into mulitple crashes and is restricting me from getting to work and I am getting no help from ford customer service and the individual dealerships try and scam me any chance I get so this is my last resort at getting any help
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2023
tHIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE SAME ISSUE 3 TIMES AND STILL DOING THE SAME THING. SO OBVIOUSLY NOT PROPERLY REPAIRED, AND FORD HAS CLOSED THIS RECALL ON IT. I CALLED OVER THE CONCERN THAT IT IS STILL NOT PROPERLY REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. THEY OFFER NO HELP OR SOLUTIONS OTHER THAN, TOO BAD IT ISN'T REPAIRED PROPERSLY BUT IF I WANT IT REPAIRED IT WILL HAVE TO PAY. THIS IS A CONCERN THAT THEY CANNOT REPAIR IT PROPERLY AND STILL CLOSE THE RECALL.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 23, 2023
This car had transmission problems from the day I bought it. Then with less than 50,000 miles on it, it quit on the highway. I had it towed to the local Ford dealership where they charged me $150. to tell me the antifreeze had leaked into the engine and ruined the engine and it would cost me $9,000 to have it fixed.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2023
There was a recall several years ago on my 2014 Ford Focus in regard to the dual-clutch system. The system has been replaced once already. The vehicle is now showing the same symptoms. I feel that Ford should be replacing the system again at no cost to me. I am afraid to drive the vehicle. I am a cancer survivor and also work full-time. I need access to a functional vehicle that is safe to drive. The contact stated Ford replaced the clutch once and the car is doing the same thing again.
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2023
In heavy traffic, car slowed down and stopped. Got it started but it hesitated a few times until the next time I had to stop again.
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2023
• DOOR LATCH REPEAT REPAIR INHTSA #20V331)
Other or unspecified, Mar 29, 2023
2014 Ford Focus transmission has been giving me problems for years, It shudders badly. I am afraid to drive the car, It has been diagnosed.with needing a transmission. Ford has told me that that is how it supposed to run, Please take a look at all the transmission problems of the ford focus that people continue to have today. This is truly a safety issue. The cars are still on the highway. Having zero recalls doesnt make the road safe if someone doesnt listen and solve the problem of ford focus transmission.
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
Other or unspecified, Dec 30, 2022
Car just stopped on a 5 lane highway while waiting at traffic light. Car just stopped and would not go forward. All lights came on. Police officer helped get car off of highway and pulled Into a business parking lot. Mechanic looked at vehicle, police officer also looked as well as a few others. Noone could get car started. Friend ended up having to take my 16 yr old son home. This is holiday weekend so dealership not open until next year. Car will need to be towed to dealership for repairs. Car is not recognizing any drive reverse etc...is not safe to drive. All lights came on on the dashboard. Check engine oil light etc...
Steering, Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2022
When trying to accelerate, it hesitates. Not sure if it’s a transmission problem.
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2022
Car does jerking on initial gears and stall, Rpm increases/decreases suddenly. Engine lights on. Air bag error for driver seat.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2022
There was an open recall on the vehicle that was extended to 2021 regarding the clutch. There is a shudder that occurs when the vehicle is accelerated from a stop. I bought the vehicle used from a dealership in April 2022, and this problem was obviously not fixed. The dealership did not indicate any past recalls or current issues with the vehicle, even though the problem has persisted. I now have an unsafe vehicle that needs a complete part replacement. I am being quoted at 3,500 dollars. I am baffled that the safety of the person driving the vehicle and others on the road is being blatantly disregarded. Is there anything that can be done about this with Ford. I know that the recall warranty expired in 2021, but this issue should have been fixed upon the vehicles purchase by the previous owner or fixed under their ownership as they had almost 8 years to fix this recall.
Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2022
Transmission Control Module has failed on the car. The car is currently in the car dealership and can take months to receive the part.
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2022
While in heavy traffic, the car started to "shake". At one stop point I removed feet from brakes pedal to move forward, but car did not reacted and stayed in same spot as if car was parked. I then put the par in "P" and then "D" and then I was able to continue driving. Car has been "shaking" and "pulling" after that. That happened two week ago, I call Ford, but they hang up, I leave voicemails and they have not responded.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2022
The car was having problems shifting and the check engine light came on. Took car to independent mechanic and they discovered the Transmission control module needs to be replaced, but not able to get one. Told there is a 50,000 on a waiting list to get one. Went to trade car in at ford dealership towards a new ford and they will give $100 for our 2014 focus with the TCM problem.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2022
Transmission has failed. It’s available for inspection. Car wouldn’t drive up an incline. The problem has been reproduced at 2 mechanics. In the first 2 years of owning the car I had taken it to 2 Ford companies and the dealership that it was bought from. Jerking, slowing down between 15-25 miles, car wouldn’t start the first time after turning the key, when opening the door I heard noise coming from under the hood, the radio would turn on when opening the door.
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2022
When Ford looked at my car during a recall for the locks I informed them of some problems I noted and they informed me that there were several reports with Ford Focus's concerning the Clutch and The Transmission control module. They said there were no known recalls regarding it. However my car once the RPM hits below a certain point like going to a stop light or going speeds below 35 the car starts to either drag when I accelerate or outright refuse to accelerate. This has happened on several frightening occasions on my way to and from work and almost caused an accident because of the drag. There were no lights or indications that there is a problem with the car.
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2022
When pulling into a parking space a few weeks ago all of the sudden my steering became extremely difficult, and an error code came up on the dash. I turned the car off, waited a few minutes, then turned it back on and everything was normal again. Then a week later while pulling out of my driveway it happened again. I pulled back in and shut the car off again, waited a few moments, turned it back on and it was normal again. The following Monday I took it to Crouse Ford in Taneytown, MD to have it evaluated. The service dept determined that the power steering electric rack and pinion assembly needs to be replaced. My car is a 2014 and has just under 67,000. This is not normal wear and tear, and this is definitely a safety hazard as it is extremely difficult to control the car, and there is no warning when it happens. I am very lucky the problem happened to occur while driving very slowly in a relatively safe place with no pedestrians or other vehicles in vicinity. The fact that it is a common problem in this make and model (well documented online) and has not yet been validated as a safety recall is unacceptable. This is a dangerous situation that could cause injury or death.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2022
I took car the get it service at Ford dealer In Nov 15 2021 after many months and many car dealers refusing or not having time to look at car and a few stalls. This being the second Ford focus same year and same problems that left us with bills that ford Corp refused to honor. Have names off peole but will leave it out. The advisor whom I was given and appt was made for transmission testing Ford said that iif I had it tested they would cover cost due to no parts to fix it due to shortages and backorders. The advisisor refused to have it tested since she said she tells all customers not to have them inspected I asked her what would be beneficial to that she got upset and limited any questions. I reported issue bt service Manger was gone for the day at 230pm. The latches and valves for tank deformations had not been started yet. Next morning after a messege and assurance issues would be dealt and advisor had said she would not deal with me service Manger tried to bully me into staying quiet. He said he would make sure advisor would help she didnt and very short time to do work which the fuel readings were worse then before. Shop foreman gave me his word that he woukd get transmission to be tested to keep agreement which he didn't follow thru after several messages and calls. And after car began to stall. Zero help from service dept. Ford Corp makes excuses never one solution to get it seen. Said i had to pay to have it seen. Zero help with dealers that refused to do recall and ford Corp work. After over 200 days and after reaching to owner of dealership that promised to make it right but service Manger refused to follow thru and after he told me to move on and go elsewhere. I got another dealer to check it but they only wanted the most expensive non covered work so I would have to say so. Not the top issue car went in. after 4 days and after ford Corp again making promises with worker not involved at all. So far 3500 bill Ford wants time but said no
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 10, 2022
Transmission, light comes on and off rpm's race and decline loses power. Sometimes won't go into gear. This is a huge safety concern.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 12, 2022
I was driving and my car started to have no power on shift then while driving down the highway my car shifted into neutral. I had to bail off to the side of the very dangerous road. I contacted Ford to have this issue fixed and they said it would be over a year for them to get me a new part. I do not fell safe driving this car and they offered me no help with this.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 7, 2022
Transmission problems at all speeds will like some help from ford
Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2022
Tried to reverse the vehicle and reverse gear was inoperable. Had to have help pushing car in reverse. A light came on the dashboard that read "Transmission Fault Service now." Car would not reverse, and it began to stutter. This was the only warning light that came on at that very moment. Had to have car taken to dealership. No update on the resolution just yet.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2022
One day as I was driving and sitting at a red light, that then turned green I was pushing on the gas but the car would not move. I placed my foot back onto the break put the car in park and then put it back in drive. The car then did pull off but very fast and kind of out of control. I felt like my safety was absolutely at risk because it continued to do this my entire way home stopping myself in traffic and jerking as I am driving. We did take the car to a shop which is where they told us it can be an electric problem somewhere in the transmission. At the time we couldn’t not afford to get any work done on the car. No the car hasn’t been inspected by the manufacturer or police or insurance. No warning lamps were on prior to these problems. The check engine light came on about 2-3 days later.