2015 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,030 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 32 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 29 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, manual transmissionJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V376000 on NHTSA.gov
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, 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
Power train, manual transmissionMar 12, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission and 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Also included are four 2017 Ford Focus vehicles that had clutch replacements with potentially affected parts. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. Owners of Fusion vehicles will have their clutch assembly replaced free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07.
Campaign 18V169000 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, ignitionJul 8, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 1, 2014, to June 12, 2015, Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, to June 12, 2015, and Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured April 22, 2014, to June 12, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the engine may continue to run after the key or the START/STOP engine button is turned to off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C06.
Campaign 15V436000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
140 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 31, 2023
Car began losing power particularly at low speeds. AAA inspected vehicle and determined that clutch and transmission would need to be replaced (~$10K repair). This is the second time the transmission and clutch have been replaced. The car has a total of 50,000 miles on it (ie, it is still, mechanically, very, very young ) Manufacturer seems to have known about the issue.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 7, 2023
Check engine light came on Code P1450 Dealer diagnosed Canister Purge Valve needed to be replaced. My ViN not under recall! This has been a common problem for other 2015 Ford Focus vehicles and many under recall. Recall notice should be expanded to include those of us with this same issue.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 15, 2022
When driving my car the first day I bought it, the wrench icon illuminated, telling me to check the manual. I figured I would do so after work, but as I tried to start the car to leave work, I received a "Stop Safely Now" message and could not start the car. It had at least 30% charge, being electric, so that had nothing to do with it not starting. I am glad this did not happen when I was driving, as I have seen other instances of earlier years of the Ford Focus electric with this same issue. In other cases, it came in while the owner was driving, causing all power to the accelerator to stop. It was recently serviced since I just bought it, so I know there shouldn't have been any outlying service to be done. I am calling a tow service in the morning to have it taken to a dealer, so hopefully they can figure out the issue. I just wanted to let others know that this item that has had a recall on earlier years still persists with the 2015 model.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 11, 2022
Car stalling out while driving with gas tank under half full. Canister fuel pump bad again after 2 1/2 years of replacements
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 30, 2022
The transmission has been repaired only to have worse problems surface. Overnight, I lost my Reverse and a week later the Drive function stopped working. It placed me in a dangerous situation. I was at a gas station, suddenly no Reverse. I was wedged between cars. I had to push it backwards to give room for the car in front. I took it to Ford and they wanted $3000 for a clutch, they made me pay $210 diagnosis fee at Gene Butman Ford. I was angry. I went to a part store, the part was $245!!! I told Ford this car has been in for recalls with transmission and evaporative system. This is at least the third time for the transmission. It's a 2015, only 115,000 miles on it and it already is a piece of junk. I'm never buying a Ford again. The dealership folk were rude and offered nothing even when I mentioned a recall on the transmission.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 30, 2022
On August 14th at approximately 2 pm my Ford Focus came to a complete stall at the intersection of Seymour Hwy and Brookes Ave in Wichita Falls, Texas. After several failed attempts to restart the vehicle it was pushed into a saver location and towed by Mike's Towing in WF to Quality Lube on Pearlie Drive also in WF. Fuel gauge was sitting at a little over 1/4 tank and panel was reading 78 miles to empty. I ran the VIN and pulled up a recall from 10/22/2018 that Ford neglected to contact me the owner of. The mechanic at Quality Lube would not touch it because of the recall. On August 15th I put gas in and the vehicle started right up, I drove the vehicle from Quality Lube straight to Pruitt Ford (location of purchase) located in Burkburnett, Texas. Left the vehicle and my mother called the next day and explained the problem and dangers improper vacuum through the fuel tank could cause and recall was pulled up. Pruitt Ford failed to run diagnostic to insure their fix actually fixed the issues, stating that they performed the recall and the check engine light was no longer on so they were done on their end. Picked up the vehicle from Pruitt Ford midafternoon on August 18th. August 24th the Check Engine Light came back on, Pruitt Ford was called and stated I would be responsible for $135 to run a diagnostic. I had the code pulled up and it stated P1450 Unable to Bleed Up Fuel Tank Vacuum. Pruitt Ford failed to repair the vehicle to a safe condition. On the 25th the vehicle was taken back to them after being supplied a case number to get the vehicle properly repaired through Ford Motor. CAS-38298302-J2R8C6 This morning I get a call from Pruitt Ford stating that Ford Motor will not honor the recall due to the mileages on the vehicle. This is a 2015 with 65,844 miles on it, there is no mileage limit on a recall and recalls have no expiration date. Ford Motor states it is not a warranty problem therefore the dealership is responsible recall repairs.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 30, 2022
Car turns off after filling with gas. Does not start properly after refilling tank. If I stop sometimes even in traffic it’ll automatically turn off.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 26, 2022
Vehicle stalls & shuts off during use with zero warning, both while in park and while car is running and stopped with foot on brake at a stoplight, and also seems sluggish and straining during active driving as if it wants to stall and shut down. When car stalls, a warning displays (System Start Fault) when attempt is made to restart vehicle and the vehicle WILL NOT restart for anywhere between 45 minutes to 4 hours (so far). The vehicle will then go through varied reactions to attempts to restart when ignition key is turned ... ranging from the dashboard warning of System Start Fault with no success at restart to absolutely NO response of dashboard or other lights/warnings/electrical (completely dead). When this stall/complete shut down occurs, it also becomes locked in whatever gear it was in (Park or Drive) when the stall & immediate shutdown occurs and the gearshift locks in place and you're unable to shift into park or neutral as needed for tow or to move the vehicle off the roadway without the tow driver or other person dismantling the area covering the gearshift to access the hidden pin to shift into neutral to move the vehicle from the roadway. After the first complete shutdown during use occurred, it was taken to a local Ford dealership who was "unable to find the cause" at that time. Since that time, this complete shutdown while in use has occurred another four times within the 3 months following, resulting in either towing the vehicle or waiting 1-4 hours where the vehicle stalls/dies (parking lot, stoplight, etc) until the vehicle decides to restart. I have become terrified of driving this only means of transportation as I don't know when or where this vehicle is going to shut down without warning and fear I will be struck and killed by another vehicle or someone else killed when it shuts down again on the active roadway.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, May 16, 2022
I had a ford certified tech work on my Ford Focus and after my recalls were supposedly repaired my car is doing worse than ever, if I stop on a hill I will sometimes roll backwards due to apparent engagement issue, and after a new tcm to fix that my car now displays “transmission overheating stop safely” after a few miles on the highway. it shifts really rough and I haven’t ran the risk of stopping on a hill. Not what I would expect coming from a family who has over 100 years put into working at ford motor company.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 18, 2022
after fueling the 2015 ford focus.Car is very hard to start and when it does start engine runs rough spits and sputters.Check engine light is on had diagnostic done, code was evap problem. was told problem was canister purge valve. no recall that i know of on this issue. this is very concerning because my wife drives this car hauls our grand kid and very elderly mother this should be a recall. THIS IS ALSO A VERY SERIOUS SAFTY ISSUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you.This is not the first time this has happened. fifth to sixth times. ford needs to man up on this issue.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 10, 2022
I received a P1450 Code on my Ford Focus ST Accompanied with a CEL, after researching there seems to be a issue with the purge valve and not displaying gas levels correctly. It is available for inspection, I am concerned regarding this issue because I want my fuel levels to display correctly, and if I stall on the road I want to be able to reactivate my car without any issues. The issue is reported on a engine code recording device. There was a Check Engine Light.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 21, 2022
My car‘s check engine light came on, then the whole car suddenly shut off while I was driving down the highway. After getting it restarted, I filled it with gas and after beginning to drive it, the car shut off again. I have run a code on the check engine light and it stated that the EVAP hose needed to be replaced. I called the dealership and they said that it was likely the CVP as this caused the same issue and multiple vehicles were having to have them replaced.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2022
Vehicle looses all power while driving on freeway. Gas guage inaccurate, after filling gas and driving 150 miles it is out of gas without warning and will loose power under any operating condition. This has happened numerous times.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 4, 2022
Check engine light went on 2 minutes later a notification came on dash saying transmission hot safety pull over for 5 mins. Sat there for an hour scared to drive it cause I didn't want to make worse. When I went to drive home it struggles shifting into 1st and not even 3 mins after it shakes into 2nd gear it notifies me that transmission is hot to pull over. I will not drive it afraid it could catch fire and won't shift Car in a shopping plaza waiting to tow to house. Called 2 shops in Canton Ohio and they both said not a shop in town would touch the dual clutch transmission to take it to ford.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 22, 2021
My 2015 ford focus has continually stopped in traffic causing a safety risk to other drivers and myself. I've taken it in for recalls and repairs but the problem still exists. The front rail hp switch was replaced and the hp fuel pump was replaced too. I'm afraid for people and my life. I have googled the problem and I see thousands of people have the same problem and can't get it fixed without dumping thousands of dollars into it. This has gone too far. I need help. Please. I'm old and not rich.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 23, 2021
The engine on the car stalled shortly after the vehicle purchase from a local dealer (within less than two weeks), The dealer claimed that he never had a such issue, I had to get the car towed to a local Ford dealership then they found out the issue was the purge valve sticking causing negative pressure in the gas tank, so they ended up replacing the purge valve and updated the PCM which should have been addressed by the Safety Recall 18S32 & Safety Recall 19S22. What makes me confused is that when I did VIN lookup , my car was not affected, however the issue I had seems to be the exact match of those two recalls I mentioned. I nearly paid $800 after tax and this seems quite upsetting after I found out Ford had to recall nearly 1.5M cars for the same issues which excluded my vehicle. Is there anyway appeal this issue? I highly believe that Ford is responsible for those two issues I had to pay for. I attached the dealer invoice that explained what they did to fix the car.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 10, 2021
MY CAR HAS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH CODE P1450. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED IN 2019 AND WAS ADDRESSED BY REPROGRAMMING THE PCM. IN 2021 I GOT THE SAME CODE AND NOW THE PURGE VALVE IS STUCK OPEN. I NOTICED THAT AFTER ADDING FUEL THE CAR HAD TROUBLE STARTING UP UNTIL I GAVE IT A LITTLE EXTRA GAS. I WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS IT MAY STALL, SUDDENLY GO INTO LIMP MODE, OR THE FUEL TANK MAY COLLAPSE. I WOULD LIKE TO NOTE THAT ALL OTHER FOCUSES OF THIS GENERATION HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL ON THE PURGE VALVE, BUT EXCLUDING MY ENGINE THE 1.0. A LOT OF DIGGING INTO FORUMS HAS SHOWN ME THAT MANY 1.0 OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR FOCUS. QUITE SHADY TO RECALL ONLY SOME OF THE FOCUSES WHEN IT SEEMS THAT IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL ENGINE VARIATIONS.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 3, 2021
ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING IT AND WON'T START BACK WITHOUT WARNING IT USE AFTER PUTTING GAS IN IT I SEEN WHERE THEY ARE RECALL 2012-2018 FORD FOCUS CPV BUT WHEN I PUT THE VIN IN IT DOESN'T SHOW UP BUT MY IS DOIN THE SAME THING
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 8, 2021
CAR WILL NOT START AFTER GAS IS PUT INTO THE CAR. TAKES A FEW TIMES TO START IT BACK UP AND WILL STALL IF NOT THROWN INTO DRIVE REAL QUICK AND SPEED OFF. RPM'S WILL CONSTANTLY RUN UP. TAKES A LOT OF POWER TO PICK UP SPEED OR GO UP A HILL.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2021
I STARTED THROUGH A BUSY INTERSECTION ON A GREEN LIGHT. THE CAR LOST POWER STEALING IN THE INTERSECTION. I BLOCKED TRAFFIC FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE I COULD GET ASSISTANCE TO MOVE THE CAR OUT OF THE WAY. NO ONE HIT MY CAR BUT IT WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 22, 2021
THIS CAR CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE FORD PLACE IN COVINGTON GEORGIA THE PROBLEM IS STILL HERE ALMOST COST ME MY LIFE CUT WHILE ENTERING INTO TRAFFIC IT HAPPEN OFTEN I AM PAYING ON THIS CAR MY JOB CLOSE DO TO COVID I NEED THIS CAR TO RUN BETTER SO I CAN WORK
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 25, 2021
DRIVING ENGINE WILL STALL AND ENGINE WON'T START IF YOU GET GAS. PURGE VALVE IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY AND THERE ISN'T A RECALL CURRENTLY ON THIS CAR BUT ON OTHERS 2012-2018 FOCUSES.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 10, 2020
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR OR EVEN ALLOWING MY CAR TO IDLE IT STARTS SHAKING AND WILL SHUT OFF. ONCE IT IS OFF IT IS VERY HARD TO GET AND KEEP IT STARTED. ONCE I DO GET IT STARTED I HAVE TO REV THE ENGINE BETWEEN 3K AND 4K RPM JUST TO GET IT TO STOP DOING THIS. I FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS ONLY WHEN PUTTING FUEL IN OR IDLING BUT IT IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME. I USED INJECTOR CLEANER AND OCTANE BOOSTER TO TRY TO HELP BUT IT IS NOT WORKING. IT IS THROWING A FUEL ISSUE WHEN PUT ON THE DIAGNOSTIC. IT HAPPENS TO THE POINT WHERE I CANNOT SAFELY DRIVE MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP STATED IT IS PROBABLY THE CANISTER PURGE VALVE BUT MY VIN IS NOT LISTED ALTHOUGH IF FALLS WITHIN THE YEAR OF THE RECALL.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 1, 2020
THE CAR FEELS LIKE LOTS LACKING FUEL AND IT STARTS TO DIE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2020
STARTED CAR IN PARKING LOT, ENTERED ROADWAY, TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND CAR WOULD NOT GO. PULLED OVER TURNED CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. CAR WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME HOWEVER NEXT TIME CAR WAS STARTED CAR AGAIN WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ON ROAD. WHOLE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE. CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP UNSAFE FOR DRIVING. TOLD IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP THAT WAS BAD. ONLY HAVE 33,552 MILES ON CAR. COST $700 TO FIX. AFTER IT WAS FIXED CAR NO LONGER STUTTERED (WHICH IT'S DONE THE WHOLE 5 YEARS I HAVE OWNED IT) AND THE MILEAGE TO EMPTY READ 418. NOT ONCE HAS IT EVERY READ 400 OR OVER BEFORE. DEALERSHIP COULD GIVE NO EXPLANATION WHY FUEL PUMP WENT BAD.