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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 2,657

Of the 2014 reports, 69 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 47 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernPower train1,597 reports · 60% of complaints
Owner complaints2,657Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship12 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train1,597
  2. Engine458
  3. Fuel/propulsion system309
  4. Other or unspecified279
  5. Electrical system274
  6. Steering227
  7. Vehicle speed control169
  8. Structure63

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

2,657 reports, newest first.

  1. Power train, Nov 16, 2013

    SIMILAR TO OTHERS GRINDING NOISE , CLUTCH IS SLIPPING . VERY BAD IN THE BEGINNING , GRINDING NOISE IS COMING JUST BECAUSE THE CLUTCH IS SLIPPING . IT IS VERY ANNOYING TO DRIVE THIS CAR IN THE CITY OR ON THE HWY , WILL YOU PASS SOMEONE WITH A SLIPPING CLUTCH ? WILL YOU TURN SOMEWHERE QUICK LIKE RIGHT ON RED ? NO . IS THAT SAFE ? NO FORD HAS ITS OPINION , SOUNDS LIKE SOON ALL CARS WILL HAVE A SLIPPING CLUTCH SOON AND THAT IS NORMAL AFTER TBS UPDATE ITS LITTLE BETTER BUT NOT ENOUGH . YOUR CAR IS LEARNING THE WAY YOU DRIVE !!!! MMMMM HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU SEEN A DRY CLUTCH DOING BETTER AFTER IT SLIPS , NEVER !!!! 2014 FORD FOCUS NOTICED THE PROBLEM AT 700 MILES . OIL LEAKAGE MAYBE THE PROBLEM , MANY PEOPLE SAID THAT IT IS FINE AFTER SEALS REPLACEMENT IN THE BEGGING BUT NOT AFTER . I AM VERY MECHANICALLY INCLUDED GUY AND I AM THINKING THAT THERE IS SOMETHING IS WRONG ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION SHAFTS OR CRANKSHAFT , NO MATTER HOW MANY SEALS THEY WILL INSTALL , IF THOSE MENTIONED ABOVE ARE BENT, NOT MACHINED CORRECTLY OR HAVE A PLAY THE SEALS WILL ALWAYS LEAK . IN THE RESULT THE OIL WILL CONTAMINATE THE CLUTCH . *TR

  2. Power train, Nov 12, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FUSION. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AN INCLINE, THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO IMMEDIATELY TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE ALSO SPUTTERED AND SHOOK WHILE ATTEMPTING TO INCREASE SPEED AND ALSO SPORADICALLY EMITTED A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE CLUTCH WAS BROKEN IN AND CALIBRATIONS WERE UP TO DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3215.

  3. Power train, Nov 9, 2013

    WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP IT ROLLS BACKWARDS BEFORE YOU CAN PLACE YOUR FOOT ONTO THE ACCELERATOR. THE VEHICLE WILL ALSO PULL ITSELF FORWARD OR BACKWARD FROM THE BOTTOM OF A HILL AND CLEARS THE HILL WITHOUT MANUAL ACCELERATION. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND CAUSES A JERKING MOVEMENT WHILE PULLING OFF. IN ESSENCE, THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE ROLLING WHEN THE FOOT IS NOT ON THE BRAKE WHICH SERVES AS A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT RISK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN WHICH IT WAS PURCHASED FROM AND I WAS TOLD BY THE MANAGER TO TAKE IT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE I WAS THEN TOLD BY THEM THAT THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH HILL ASSIST AND THAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO ACT IN THAT MANNER. IN THE FORD CAR MANUAL IT DOES MENTION THE ACTION OF HILL ASSIST BUT IT DOES NOT STATE THAT THE CAR IS SUPPOSED TO ROLL BACKWARD OR FORWARD UP A HILL WITHOUT HILL ASSIST BEING ON. *TR

  4. Steering, Nov 1, 2013

    I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW 2 MOS AGO , IT HAS ALWAYS HAD WEIRD STEERING. AS YOU'RE DRIVING IT GETS VERY STIFF AND '"DARTEY" AND IT DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE WITHOUT CONSTANT CORRECTION AND IS VERY SENSITIVE AT HIGHER SPEEDS, YOU CHANGE LANES QUICKLY AND WITH LITTLE EFFORT. I TALKED TO THE SERVICE CONSULTANT AT THE DEALERSHIP AND HE SAID THEY CAN LOOK AT IT BUT HAVEN'T HAD ANY COMPLAINTS,BUT I SEE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. I FEEL THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AND WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT, THANK YOU. *TR

  5. Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 22, 2013

    LOW GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF CAR AFTER TURNS, INCLINES, ACCELERATING AFTER A STOP. SOUNDS LIKE ALUMINUM CANS GRINDING. ALSO, LOSS OF POWER IN CAR ACCELERATION FOR BRIEF PERIODS WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY WHEN ACCELERATING ON THE FREEWAY TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. *TR

  6. Electrical system, Engine, Sep 28, 2013

    I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN MY CAR FLASHED A MESSAGE "STOP SAFELY NOW" AND THE CAR HAD LOST POWER TO THE WHEELS AND I WAS NOW JUST COASTING. I PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND GET IT STARTED AGAIN. I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GET MY VEHICLE TO A SAFE PLACE HAD THIS BEEN ON A FREEWAY I WOULD HAVE SURELY BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

  7. Engine, Sep 12, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STOP SAFELY NOW WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,323. RETURNED BY USPS ON 11-13-2013. SECOND ATTEMPT ON 11-19-2013 FAILED. *KB