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.
Steering, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH and pulling up to the fuel pump at a gas station, the steering wheel was turned to the right, and the contact could not release the key from the ignition. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited a while before restarting the vehicle. The contact attempted to turn the vehicle and noticed that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact checked the diagnostic app for the vehicle and noticed it had stated that the power steering assist had failed. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) but not in any recall regarding the power steering. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in a steering recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Power train, Sep 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,500.
Power train, Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while accelerating at various speeds, or while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating before the vehicle accelerated. The message to service the transmission was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact had received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where the repair was completed on July 31st, 2024. After receiving the repair, the failure reoccurred and became more persistent and pronounced. The transmission failure, Hill Ascend Assist, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle had not been taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the input shaft had failed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Power train, Aug 25, 2024
I have a recall on the transmission control module which is out on my vehicle. I got the letter about the recall then mine went out. Thornhill Ford in chapmanville WV does not want to replace this part they are trying to say it's not defective and I know it is code test says exactly that. Even if it isn't they have to replace one time free of charge. They refuse to replace and want to charge me 400$ please help with getting the part fixed on my car. I need my vehicle for work and childcare
Steering, Aug 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the "Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic also made the contact aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,520.
Power train, Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and was jerking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine, Aug 10, 2024
Engine service now popped up on my dashboard and the car did not want to drive it wanted to stall out and die, car is not driveable. Have not had the car long only 8 months I’ve had this car, this car has been having transmission issues since we bought it and we also were sold this car with a known recall. Dealership will not do anything to fix these issues and I am going to be without a car and way to work.
Power train, Aug 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while shifting to reverse(R) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, jerked, and failed to properly respond. A message indicating transmission failure was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission control module was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that transmission needed to be replaced out-of-pocket. The contact declined to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Power train, Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated when starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle would hesitate and then jolt into gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was increasingly harder to shift into gear. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Dual Clutch Transaxle (DCT) DPS6 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the transmission failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was no longer drivable. The contact related the transmission failure to two manufacturer recalls, 14M02 Transmission Control Module and 19N08 for the Transmission Clutch Shudder. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, all four doors opened, prompting the driver to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where he became aware of the failure to securely lock the doors. The door-ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift into gear as intended. Additionally, the RPM gauge fluctuated between 2,000 and 6,000 RPM; however, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the clutch had previously been replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the clutch needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 2, 2024
Previous owner & myself have continually experienced transmission/clutch shudder and hard shifting from a stop. Have had clutch and/or clutch assembly replaced twice since 2015. The dealer wants to replace the clutch AGAIN! This is not correcting the faulty DPS6 transmission which I believe is faulty. Now am afraid to drive car and have been told by dealer that Ford will not do anything unless shudder reaches certain limit. They have now informed me there is a problem with the Fuel EVAP system, according to the latest error code which had a recall back in 2019, so that is expired. And the clutch Customer Satisfaction Program 19N08 has also, expired, leaving me with a car unsafe to drive for both issues. I contacted Ford Motor Co today, and was told there is no Conflict Resolution Dpt., that they only deal directly with the dealer.
Power train, Jul 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed up an incline, the vehicle struggled to maintain speed, after which the vehicle began to jerk and then lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch and clutch assembly. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred a year later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who again diagnosed a failure with the clutch and clutch assembly. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Jul 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic; however, the independent mechanic was not equipped to service the vehicle. The independent mechanic referred to contact to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that there were no recalls or Warranty on the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine, Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was driven to a local independent mechanic where it was advised to have the vehicle diagnosed by the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the RPM clutch shudder was at 349 when the normal RPM was 250 and that disks 1 to 3 were burned due to overuse. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the vehicle remained in the dealer possession pending repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Power train, Jul 20, 2024
The "transmission fault service now" light has came on. The vehicle almost stalled on the interstate due to sudden loss of power. The vehicle is not operable currently. According to previous recalls, this should have been fixed already.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2024
This TCM issue is a known issue with Ford. They issued recalls on this in 2015 and 2017 and extending the coverage in 2023. Please put this on the recall list as it has affected many people
Power train, Jul 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering abnormally. The contact stated that the shuddering occurred while the transmission was shifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed clutch assembly failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the clutch assembly was previously replaced in 2016 by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Power train, Jul 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After having the vehicle towed home, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the powertrain control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the wiring harness in addition to the power train control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. 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 140,000.
Power train, Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission failed to shift as intended and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the TCM module was reprogrammed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that two clutches needed to be replaced inside the transmission. 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 unknown.
Power train, Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light illuminated, and the transmission hesitated while shifting gear. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally slightly rolled backwards. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer retrieved DTC codes: P0783 and P2872. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2024
The general information I have is my transmission is not working, and it causes the car to stall and jerk unexpectedly, it will be driving fine then aggressively slow down almost to a stop, then launch forward, which could cause an accident to the person in front of me or behind. When these events happen it’s on and off, and the stalling will follow multiple times during a driving period. The engine light will come on, and many mechanics we have talked to have said to either replace the transition or sell the car, and the transmission is the same price I paid for the car. It’s ultimately unfortunate because it is a great car, low miles, in great condition, and I am young into college with big loans and can’t afford to fix this car.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and then decelerated independently, surging several times before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Engine, Jun 23, 2024
Transmission went out
Power train, Engine, Jun 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The service engine soon warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02, and Technical Service Bulletin: 16-0129 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.