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, Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while shifting gears. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000. The contact stated that the warranty expired so no financial assistance was offered at the time of the repair. The clutch was replaced and the shuddering seems to have stopped.
Engine, Jan 5, 2023
The rpm of the car all of a sudden felt like it was being forced just to accelerate. When I get to certain velocity the cars rpm shuts up and then come down again. After that it started saying that the transmission was getting over heated and that I needed to stop safely.
Power train, Jan 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking lot on a level surface, the RPMs revved up, the vehicle hesitated to respond and made an abnormal sound as it was shifting from first gear to second gear. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact slightly released the accelerator pedal and was able to continue driving while the vehicle was in first gear. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while making a right turn on an incline. The contact continued driving and the vehicle gradually shifted into second gear while driving uphill. However, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission clutch was previously replaced on 5 occasions due to the vehicle lunging forward and shuddering while shifting from first to second gear. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,500.
Steering, Jan 2, 2023
Driving down road car said power steering loss pulled over and restarted car and then said steering loss lost full steering going down highway at 70
Power train, Jan 2, 2023
My 2014 Ford Focus which I have had for 6 years has developed a problem with the Powertrain Control Module. This is a known problem with the car, and Ford extended the warranty for 10 years. I have been waiting 8 months now for the part which is still on backorder, with no estimate of when the part will be available. I can no longer drive the car because the car violently jerks when accelerating and almost comes to a complete stop. I can temporary fix the problem following online instructions, but it last only a day. I am afraid to drive the car because the jerking/hesitation might result in an accident. Ford does not seem to be addressing their responsibility with this dangerous issue.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shudder while accelerating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions where the clutch assembly and PCM (Power Train Control Module) were replaced under warranty after each failure. The failure persisted, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
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, Dec 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered, jolted, and hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle. However, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure also occurred while shifting into a lower gear. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission dual clutch was replaced under an unknown recall in 2019. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she had been informed that the transmission dual clutch was previously replaced in 2016 by the previous owner. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Power train, Dec 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch and an unknown transmission part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
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.
Power train, Nov 30, 2022
The third clutch has failed. This has caused massive jerking and the car actually slips out of drive stalling the car temporarily in the road of traffic. This vehicle is a danger to me and people on the road driving near me. Ford refused help with this problem.
Power train, Nov 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to accelerate moving forward or while attempting to reverse. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure might be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic who installed a rebuilt transmission to replace the existing transmission. Approximately 6 months later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the same certified mechanic who stated that the TCM needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who performed the reprogramming of the TCM; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact returned the vehicle to the mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware by the dealer who denied the repair under the recall due to the VIN not being included. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
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.
Power train, Nov 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while at a stop sign, the vehicle would not accelerate forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the clutch assembly was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. On another occasion, the contact stated he felt the vehicle shake and felt that the transmission was shifting rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and the transmission shift levels were adjusted, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced, and the shift levels needed to be re-adjusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Power train, Nov 18, 2022
2014 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 18V-735. THE CONSUMER STATED ITS BEEN ALMOST 3 YEARS AND VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALER AWAITING FOR THEM TO PERFORM THE RECALL.
Suspension, Power train, Nov 10, 2022
My 2014 ford focus will not reverse. It also does not lock the doors while driving and have had problems opening the back hatch.
Power train, Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the TCM and another unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the TCM module needed to be replaced; however, parts would not be available until 2023. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty had expired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 162,000.
Power train, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer who confirmed there was no associated recall under the VIN. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Oct 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission clutch was replaced under an unknown recall. However, the contact stated while driving 45 MPH 6-months later, the vehicle downshifted to first gear independently. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact shifted from park(P) to drive (D); however, the transmission remained stuck in first gear and the vehicle would not exceed 10 MPH while driving. The contact was able to drive back to his residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the parts were on back order. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Power train, Oct 18, 2022
In May 2022, I was stopped at a stoplight when it turned green, I pushed the accelerator but my car did not move forward. The engine revved but it seemed to not automatically shift into gear and accelerate. This caused me to hold up traffic and put myself and others at risk by not accelerating as anticipated or expected. Since then, the dealer has confirmed that the transmission control module is faulty. I believe this is the 4th time I have had a transmission related issue (either the control module or the clutch) since I purchased this car. Prior to this event, there were no warning lights that the transmission was about to fail.
Power train, Oct 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the clutch was replaced under a previous transmission control module satisfaction program. The contact then stated that while she was parked and shifted the gear into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond. Once the contact shifted the gear shifter into drive(D), the vehicle was jerking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing to replace the transmission control module and the clutch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
Power train, Oct 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle hesitated and the engine stalled. The transmission fault warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the muffle shop where the diagnostic produced a code indicating that the catalytic converter was faulty however, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve, clutch assembly, second lever assembly tube, and cylinder assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,581.