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
2,657 reports, newest first.
Power train, Sep 14, 2023
Bought this 2014 Ford Focus from a used dealership for my 16 year old daughter's 1st car. Within a week of owning the car noticed the car had a hesitation going from a stop sign intersection stop to pulling out would not pickup speed but has a forced hesitation before eventually gaining speed. My daughter was also at a intersection one day when the car slipped and jerked as a result in sudden or delayed vehicle acceleration nearly causing an accident. We have a engine light code that was showing as well during the first week of owning the car and it reads as: Transmission code P090C-00 Clutch B Actuator Control Circuit Low. The Actuator part was replaced and the car continues to have the same problem and the engine light continues to go on and off.
Electrical system, Equipment, Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio was making an abnormally loud cracking noise whether the vehicle was started or turned off. The contact stated that radio fuse was hot to the touch. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Power train, Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was included in the Customer Satisfaction Program Campaign Number: 14M02 however, the parts to perform the repair were on backorder. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Steering, Sep 1, 2023
Steering gear box failure. Open recall 14s18 for same month and year manufactured but Ford declines to repair.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with evap purge valve failure. The contact was informed that the evap purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) had expired. The contact stated that there was two parts to the recall repair being completed and only one part was completed. The failure mileage was approximately 112,665.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle routinely failed to start, but would restart after 15-20 minutes. The contact stated that the failure had been a recurring failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System had failed. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Power train, Aug 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while reversing at 3 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, and it was confirmed that the clutch shudder was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 50,001.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 22, 2023
Check engine light came on due to the code P0442. It was caused by a faulty purge valve, which my car was already recalled due to this. To my knowledge the valve was replaced. The check engine light is on again, same code. The purge valve was replaced again, but the engine light did not turn off. Upon further inspection, the fuel tank is deformed. The purge valve defect can cause the fuel tank to be vacuumed in on itself, and there happens to be another recall on this issue. My car is not part of this recall. Not only is the check engine light on for the deformed fuel tank, but my MPG number does not match up with the amount of mileage I actually have left. There needs to be another recall with the cars that were not in the original group recalled.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the mechanic confirmed a failure with the clutch and ignition coils. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Steering, Aug 18, 2023
AsI drive down the road my car swerves back and forth hard to control the steering wheel. This has happened several times and gets worse every time. Very scary to drive down the road I took it to a mechanic he said that it was the rack and pinion part on the car. He also said that there was a recall on it in 2014, I have only had this car since 2018 so I don't know if it was fixed in the recall. This car is very dangerous to drive. The traction light came on and has not gone off since, also a message comes up that Hillside assist start not available . Would like to have this problem fixed if it a recall. I don't feel safe traveling in it.
Power train, Aug 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while stopped at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the transmission shifted gears rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving up an incline, there was a delay in acceleration while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle had to be jumpstarted. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced due to the clutch shudder failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 and Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08 had expired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after stopping at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact shut off and restarted the vehicle. The contact then drove to the residence; however, the vehicle failed to restart the following day. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence to replace the battery; however, the failure recurred. Another independent mechanic arrived at the residence to replace two unknown sensors, but the failure persisted, with the transmission overheating and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a third independent mechanic, who referred the contact to a transmission specialist. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the message "Extreme Heat, Park Vehicle" was displayed. The vehicle was parked and after lifting the hood, the contact noticed extreme heat coming from the engine compartment. The following day after driving and parking the vehicle anti-freeze was leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the anti-freeze was leaking from a hole in the radiator. The contact was informed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 81,409.
Steering, Aug 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the “Power Steering Failure" message was displayed, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 147,000.
Engine, Aug 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65–70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering and vibrating while shifting gear. Additionally, while driving, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated the transmission clutch had been replaced on two previous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an Extended Warranty. The failure mileage was 19,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was displaying an incorrect reading on the instrument panel, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the purge valve was replaced. Despite the repair, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed the vehicle with a defective purge valve and a defective fuel tank. The mechanic then informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Electrical system, Aug 10, 2023
The Steering Assist went out while driving 65 mph on the 15 south freeway.
Back over prevention, Aug 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera was inoperable. The contact stated that the “Camera Unavailable” message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,688.
Power train, Aug 8, 2023
The car slips gears on takeoff. This is a common problem with these cars. The problem is when people google it the results tell them to drive them hard not easy on takeoff. They say drive it like you stole it. I feel the is very dangerous and these cars should be recalled and taken off the roads.
Power train, Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop light, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the transmission erroneously shifted to neutral. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the transmission was previously serviced for the failure on multiple occasions. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2023
I am writing to express that ford issued an extended customer satisfaction program (19N08) to get transmission issued fixed within a specific window or time and mileage. Unfortunately that time has passed and the opportunity for smoother, safer driving has been missed by many people including me. Ford is unwilling to extend the warranty and fix the transmission issues which I feel is a concern. The car rattles and shakes when I go at a slower speed which I imagine could be dangerous. This fix is over $3,000 and not attainable for the average American to pay out of pocket. Ford needs to extend the warranty for the transmission clutch shift motor to keep the roads safe.
Power train, Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after arriving at her destination, the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission dual clutch and shifter cable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Power train, Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while shifted into reverse(R), the wheels locked, and the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine, Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 1 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after an hour. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.