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, Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle after a few minutes, the vehicle responded as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 30 MPH on another occasion, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch Actuator B had failed, which caused the TCM to fail. The contact was informed that the clutch Actuator B and the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the safety failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,500.
Power train, Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond upon shifting to reverse(R). The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Transmission Fault - Service Now" was displayed. The contact was able to shift to neutral(N) after several attempts, and the vehicle was pushed into a gas station with assistance. The contact stated that upon scanning the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, the contact retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating a TCM failure. The contact accidentally reset the codes, and the vehicle became drivable; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure because the code had been reset. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Nielsen Ford of Morristown (170 Ridgedale Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960), where it was diagnosed with TCM failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,711.
Power train, Aug 1, 2025
This car should have been added to two customer service programs through Ford. 19N08 and 19N08. This covers problems with the TCM and clutch pack. After speaking with Ford customer service, they confirmed that my vehicle fell within the build dates outlined in those programs and was built at the Michigan facility that is outlined in these programs. They refused to add my VIN to these customer service programs stating that it has expired. Had I known about the customer service programs when I was supposed to know about them, I would have easily had this issue fixed, but now I am left with a car with severe transmission issues. The only thing they could tell me to do was file a complaint with NHTSA. I need help getting Ford to acknowledge and fix this issue.
Power train, Jul 28, 2025
My car was purchased in 2015 and currently has ~69,000 miles. All routine maintenance has been completed on schedule. The clutch was repaired under warranty around ~10,000 and the Transmission Control (TCM) was corrected via software update in 2017. The TCM is now failing and requiring replacement. Ford Motor company was offering extended warranty to 150,000 miles or 10 years with one free replacement after that milestone was reached. That program apparently expired 6/30/25. Ford lost litigation on this vehicle as they sold the vehicles knowing the defect in the transmission. I am now responsible for an out of pocket repair due the expiration of the program. I contacted Ford Customer Care Ford Customer Care case number CXH05090063W2F2H4 and they suggested I file a complaint with the NHTSA.
Power train, Service brakes, Jul 26, 2025
1) power train system- P090C AND P090C-00 clutch b actuator circuit low causing transmission to slip. dangerous when driving 2) anti-lock brake system code U0401-00 and U3003-16
Power train, Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, failed to accelerate, or shift into the intended gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a wiring harness needed to be repaired. The dealer made the contact aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Power train, Jul 21, 2025
I recently purchased this car from a private seller. Within weeks, the vehicle began exhibiting serious transmission issues — including sudden loss of power, inability to shift correctly, and entering “limp mode”, which severely restricts speed and performance. I had the codes scanned and received P090C and P090C-00, which point to a transmission control module (TCM) or clutch actuator circuit failure — an issue widely known in these vehicles with the DPS6 PowerShift transmission. Ford previously issued a Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP 14M01) for this exact TCM failure, but they have since ended the program (as of June 30, 2025), and they are refusing to cover the repair — even though my vehicle is within the affected model year range and has not yet had the TCM replaced. The car has already had the clutch replaced, but the shifting problems and check engine light returned, putting me at risk while driving. This is a known, recurring safety issue, and the manufacturer is not standing behind its repair despite the car being part of a program that previously acknowledged this defect. I’m filing this complaint to urge the NHTSA to reopen its investigation or require Ford to reinstate support for affected owners
Power train, Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop at an intersection, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to restart and remained on the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train); which the contact related to the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,800.
Power train, Jul 14, 2025
Driving and all of a sudden the engine light comes on while sitting at the light. Went to accelerate and it was like I was driving a stick shift and then it was a big jerk. The car has never done this. Pulled over in a parking lot and then was not able to reverse my car.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 12, 2025
I’m pretty sure the tcm went out because the check engine light is on and it is shuddering and losing power randomly. Also will not go into reverse unless I shut car off.
Power train, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Transmission Malfunction" message was displayed, and the contact continued driving to the destination. Additionally, the message "Transmission Overheating – Pull Over Now", displayed and the contact stopped driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Power train, Jul 10, 2025
Transmission Control Module stopped working. The car is significantly below amount of miles when the TCM should stop working.
Power train, Engine, Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Overheating" was display while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Certified Mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission control module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of a possible recall but confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 5, 2025
Improperly shifting, intermittently stalls in shifting and loses transmission power. Scan code PO902 Clutch Actuator circuit low Plus 3 other possible
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 3, 2025
I have a 2014 Ford Focus. For years, the car has been shaking when I slow down and speed up. I never really cared because it got me from point A to point B. But now it stalls and won't shift gears unless I go to high RPMS. The check engine light is on and a mechanic told me the transmission needs replaced. I have a DPS6 transmission and discovered that it is part of the class action lawsuit and extended warranty. I called Ford and they told me to write a letter to their office of general counsel. I am worried that is a stall tactic so I want to report it here. I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 3, 2025, crash
Car stalls and have had three car accidents and ford refused to pay for gas tank isoes and car does not start after it is used for a few mins. There is a serious mileage fluctuations and ford dealership tefises to repair failed recall and claim ford Corp will not pay for repairs so that is nothing to be seen. Car has been seen 3 ties after failed repair and ford will nit take any responsibility for tevlls that didn't work.. Ford might offered some repair program but honoring it is another matter. Ford is aware of car accidents and claim they rather be sues then Repair car.
Power train, Jul 1, 2025
In 2018/2017 I became aware of the extended ford warranty on the TCM for a period of Fords in which my vehicle fit under. It was difficult discussing this issue with ford in getting it in to be replaced under warranty but eventually I was able to get it in for a diagnosis and appointment. Meanwhile, the whole time my car has maintained shifting roughly even though it had gotten the supposed replacement - and the vehicle was sold to me this way from Hayes Chrysler in Lawrenceville, GA. ]About a month and a half ago, my car shifts rougher than usual and my check engine light comes on, I make an appointment with Ford since there is another extended warranty covering the TCM but the dealership fails to replace it and states that it needs a new clutch - when in fact it is reading a code unrelated to the clutch (P07A5).
Vehicle speed control, Jun 30, 2025
My car RPM get stuck on 3 and begin to jerk while driving on the Highway.
Power train, Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear and the transmission was slipping. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 24, 2025
When you turn on defrost it fogs up all the windows quickly. Can't see out windows. Have to roll windows down to see.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2025
My car smells like it’s leaking gas and when I took a flash light n went under the car it shows the tank and the hose connected to the tank has signs of it being wet but when the car is running it smells a lot worse and constantly is shaking, shuddering and causing my transmission to malfunction and I’ve read online that there was a re call # 14S20 But i can’t find it on this website
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 18, 2025
On June 10th 2025 the engine light came on in my 2014 Ford Focus and I lost transmission function. The car was slipping out of gear, completely losing power and speed between first & second gear and third & fourth gear. I pulled into traffic before realizing the issue and almost got hit by two oncoming vehicles - one locked up their brakes to avoid hitting me, the other swerved into another lane which thankfully was empty. Slowing down was difficult, it was very hard to stop and I lost reverse gear. The overall driving experience was very rough and jerky. Driving 3 miles home I almost got rear ended two times due to loss of power between first & second gear. Driving 6 miles to the Ford dealership I almost got rear ended 1 time & 1 time I could not completely stop until I was halfway into a busy intersection. I had no ability to backup and traffic was completely blocked in one direction until I was able to safely cross the other 3 lanes of the intersection on a red light!! Prior to this incident & since I bought the car with 12,000 miles in 2020, it ALWAYS had rough transitions between gears & sputtering/brief loss of power when accelerating from stopped. I formerly had a 2013 Ford Focus which had these same issues so I figured that’s just how these cars drive with the Powershift dual clutch transmission. I had no idea that I should have been extremely concerned about the hard shifts & sputtering. I never received a single Customer Satisfaction Program letter from Ford about the clutch, leaking seals, or TCM warranty extensions and issues. If I had I would have brought my car in for service a long time ago. I am disappointed & dismayed that a recall has not been forced by the NHTSA. Ford has gotten away with putting unsafe vehicles on the road with little to no accountability. I, and dozens of others, could have been killed or severely injured while I was on the road in this unsafe car.
Power train, Engine, Jun 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. While the contact’s daughter was driving approximately 30 MPH, the lost motive power and started to decelerate unintendedly. The driver coasted to the side of the road; however, while attempting to turn around to return home, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The driver drove the longer route back to the residence because the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. The check engine warning light was illuminated but was off the following morning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Power train, Jun 13, 2025
Jerking or shuddering when shifting gears Delayed or harsh gear changes The check engine light is on Trouble accelerating or decelerating The car stalls or has trouble starting