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 10, 2022
My vehicle has been sitting at a Ford dealer needing a TCM for months neither Ford Motor Company nor the Autonation Ford Dealer has made any real attempts on getting it repaired. the car has already stopped on the interstate and slowed down without warning numerous times will not go into reverse and limps along at like 20 miles per hour Ford knows about this problem and keeps blaming the dealer and saying they let the part ticket expire the dealer will not return either of my phone calls. This is car has been in and out of the shop for this same problem for years and started having problems @ less then 1000 miles and Ford put this car back up for sale and thus putting my families life in danger
Power train, Dec 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but found no issues. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the engine mounts were replaced however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact was informed that the canister purge valve was stuck. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the automatic dual-clutch was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Wheels, Dec 16, 2021
The service technician at local authorized Ford dealership (Bill Alexander Ford) informed me that during the service today they were not able to rotate my tires because the aluminum lug-nuts had swollen to such an extent that they could not get a socket on the nuts. The technician advised me to purchase steel lug-nuts and then the dealership could break off the aluminum nuts and replace them with the new ones. Of course I am concerned that breaking off lug-nuts may damage the wheel. Several years ago I replaced several lug-nuts with locking nuts and found covering them with the correct sized socket was so difficult that I have been concerned ever since about whether I could remove a flat tire in case of an emergency. Now I am hesitant to drive the car in case I get a flat.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2021
Transmission issues. Repaired multiple times but keeps coming back. Out of warranty but needs repaired again.
Power train, Dec 12, 2021
when driving or just moving forward or back the vehicle jerks violently. seems that the transmission is not working properly. my research online has found many owners of this similar vehicle to have the same issue. this began happening at 56k miles, I use this vehicle less than 5k miles a year. many people online claim that this type of vehicle has a poor/bad transmission design. This should not be occurring this soon in a young vehicles life. I am reporting this because there is a chance that a pause or jerk hesitation while in traffic or freeway can cause a serious accident.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Dec 7, 2021, crash
Transmission is overheated, burning smell, the car lost control, start zigzagging on the high way , and got into an accident, I was injured, and lost my job. The CarMax dealership, refused to take care of a car, or even take it back, because of the safety issues. Then, second time, the transmission slips on acceleration at starts and on highways. It feels like it's the transmission is in neutral. For the third time, the car was jerking and going forward and backward , that the transmission would slip badly, even totally disengage. I was getting on a very busy road and accelerated and suddenly the car decelerated; the car behind me almost rear ended me, honked his horn, but there was nothing I could do. As you can see, the problem been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center as a non-safe to drive. But CarMax dealership ignoring the issues regardless.
Power train, Engine, Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle it shuddered. While driving uphill the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A financial assistance claim was submitted on the contact's behalf. The transmission clutch assembly and fuel assembly were previously repaired under warranty in July 2020 at approximately 66,421 miles. The manufacturer was notified and offered to pay half of the cost of the repair. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Power train, Dec 3, 2021
I went to Oxford ME to buy a part on the way back to Augusta, ME the shift module shifted itself from (D)drive to (N) and the car was Rolling backwards as I was on a hill I pump the gas peddle until it shifted back into (D)drive this happened 3 times, I think it's the TCM also, the transmission began slipping after this problem and then the computer shut off the motor and I had to pull over to the side of the road and call a flatbed driver to pick me up at my house that's where I could use the phone 10 miles away! The tow was $127.00 The TMC Shift Module is $298.00 plus 5.5% Tax. This car Is Very Dangerous To Drive In Traffic or Anywhere!!! I took it to Quark Ford Dealership in Hallowell, Maine and there they said they can do a safety check on the doors & trunk the transmission check would cost me $126.00 an Hour to do! So, I left!
Steering, Dec 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that a year ago the clutch fell inside the transmission. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The transmission was replaced with an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. There was no further assistance provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign number 14V514000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall. She also mentioned that the vehicle would fail to immediately start up after refueling. Additionally, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal while at a complete stop. The contact stated that the check engine warning light would intermittently flash on the instrument panel after each failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where she informed them of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which she linked to her failure. The dealer informed her that the recall had been serviced prior by another dealer. The first dealer determined back then that the purge valve did not need to be replaced. The contact was then informed that the purge valve was now defective and was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 2, 2021
This vehicle is experiencing a relapse of the same issues that led to a previous recall. It is experiencing fuel tank issues where the fuel gauge is unreliable and acts as though it is out of fuel despite reporting 1/4 tank. This has put the safety of occupants at risk as we were barely able to get off the highway in time before the vehicle came to a sudden and complete stop. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer as to do so will result in exorbitant out of pocket expense since Ford claims to have fixed the recall issue. That however, is not the case when it reoccurs a year later. Neither police nor insurance have inspected the vehicle as I was unaware that was a possibility The warning lamps that displayed were similar to a vehicle stalling out, which should not happen in an automatic transmission vehicle. It needs to be noted that this is a reoccurring issue of an allegedly fixed recall and Ford refuses to take any action on the matter.
Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2021
hello, I have more than a month to review the RECALL that was done on this car but Ford ignores me, I've sent several emails and got in touch but I'm simply ignored by the manufacturer, I can't rent or sell this one car because of the RECALL that was not finalized, so that's why I'm opening this complaint
Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2021
The SYNC system is malfunctioning. The SYNC system controls radio/media and phone functions in Ford vehicles. It has an A.I. component to it. It will, without warning, stop working and will then begin to make loud booming, screeching and crackling feedback-like noises without warning while driving, which is a danger. The visual screen that displays the SYNC system stops working, and the buttons and A.I. controlling it stop working. The first time it happened was on the interstate and was very unsafe with all the loud random noises. It has been happening off and on for two weeks and I cannot drive my vehicle safely. I am reporting this because have found many others in online forums complaining about the same thing about their SYNC/Ford vehicles and believe it may be a widespread issue with SYNC. I contacted my local Ford dealer, but they did not seem to have a protocol for dealing with this problem, and estimated 500 to 1000 dollars to address it with a several day wait time for repairs.
Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made noises and locked up numerous times. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2021
ALMOST KILLED MYSELF IN THIS CAR!!! 2014 FORD FOCUS.power steering went out while driving.i was making a turn and the steering wheel got stiff and hard..car ran up the sidewalk almost hitting a wall.this car should be banned.FORD MOTOR should be ashamed..I contacted a dealerships because I learned of a recall on Ford focus electrical steering..but was told my car doesn't make the list for recall. cars same model and year qualify but mines doesn't. what sense does that make??!! If u have issues with your power steering in Ford focus why not change them all??!! Sent it to a shop and the quoted price to fix is insane. I have to pay for a faulty electrical power steering pump.and the curb I hit damaged the wheels..OMG this has to be illegal.. never..EVER BUYING A FORD AGAIN AND I WILL NOT LET MY FAMILY MEMBERS BUY EITHER. SHAME ON FORD
Steering, Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering fault warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to a near gas station. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the master control for the electronic system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact called and made the local dealer aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
Power train, Nov 15, 2021
I was driving my vehicle home from a friend's house, and just as I was turning into my parking spot, I got a notification in regard to my transmission needing to be serviced. I believe my transmission light was currently on, because I have recently gotten an oil change and that didn't seem to be the problem. I've experienced issues with the vehicle after i put gas in the car. When I go to start it back up, it stalls or acts as if it wants to start, but then just doesn't. After a few moments I go to start the vehicle again and in most cases this seems to be effective for the time being. There was also a notification that stated my transmission was hot, and that I should pull over safely.
Steering, Nov 14, 2021
Power steering went completely out while driving. No accidents occurred but I almost drove off the road due to not being able to control steering wheel. Warning screen on dash notified me after power steering went out.. Took vehicle to my local Ford dealership for diagnosis; code U3000. Steering gear assembly was bad. Vehicle had 64,352 miles on it at the time.
Wheels, Nov 13, 2021
A majority of the lug nuts on my wheels had to be replaced because of the severe corrosion to them due to the crappy aluminum caps on the original vehicles. Three of them had already fallen off within the past 6 months. Mechanic said I would not have been able to remove a flat tire if that had occurred do to the damage on the lug nuts. The tires shop was installing my winter tires and notified me of the need to replace them. They are NOT cheap. It appears there have been a number of complaints about this issue. Some kind of reimbursement would be appropriate, yes?
Power train, Nov 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate, shudder, and would not accelerate properly with the RPM’s fluctuating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the duel clutch however, the failure reoccurred. The contact indicated that the duel clutch had been replaced on six separate occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 9,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2021
The power steering went out. This most likely is related to the known issue like other Ford vehicles with power steering issues or power steering going out while driving.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 11, 2021
The vehicle's engine continues to run after turning off and removing the keys. After the engine has stopped running it is also draining the battery.
Other or unspecified, Nov 5, 2021
I received a recall notice from AutoNation Ford Miami but with no description or recall number. I took it to AutoNation Ford Miami for recall service. After my car was inspected I was told no recall service can be performed due to equipment no longer made/available. something about computer transmission system I believe but I'm not sure. I check online through VIN number and now it reflect my car has 0 recalls due to being fixed but nothing was done to fix recall.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 27, 2021
2014 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DOOR LATCH SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE HV BATTERY FAILED TO START THE CAR. THE SMALL BATTERY FAILED TO CONTROL THE LIGHTS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS. THE COSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WAS CHARGED $15,000.00 FOR THE REPAIRS.
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2021
The engine shut down at highway speed (62mph). At time we were travelling on a state highway at night and with inclement weather. The engine light came on and identified engine fault and service engine now. There was no prior indication of any engine malfunction. The problem was confirmed and repaired by Johnson Ford in Pittsfield Massachusetts. The wiring harnass on the intake manifold was melted and exposed wiring that when wet became a dead short for the engine.