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: power train
562 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Feb 9, 2022
While returning from vacation, my transmission failed with only a displayed message that the transmission was hot and to stop for 5 minutes. I immediately pulled off the highway and parked the car for 15 minutes. The message cleared and I proceeded to drive about another 15 miles and the car lost power to the transmission while in traffic on the interstate. I had to make a lane change and pull off the road. Fortunately I was close to a vehicle repair facility so I drifted to the facility. They immediately evaluated the problem and I was told the transmission had completely failed, which apparently is an issue that Ford was aware of during manufacture. This failure could have caused a crash because I had to switch lanes with perfect timing to prevent an accident. The repair facility contacted a Ford Technician about a mile away who came and tested/evaluated the transmission and confirmed that it had a total failure. From the first warning message until the complete failure was within a ten minute period after allowing the first warning message to clear from the 15 minute cooling period. I am still waiting on parts and repair bills as of 02/09/2022. They will be forwarded as received. This will be the 3rd transmission installed on this vehicle.
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.
Power train, Dec 14, 2021
CLUTCH ASSEMBLY part of Ford recall. This vehicle had CLUTCH ASSEMBLY recall repair in 2017, 2018, 2019. I purchhased in Jan 2019 & NO info regarding ongoing SAFETY issue of this CLUTH ASSEMBLY failure was ever disclosed to me by dealership, King's Ford Cincinnati, Ohio! I now am told it needs the 4TH repacement of CLUTCH ASSEMBLY @ the cost to me of over $1800.00!. This is a total failure on Ford Company & the dealership that sold me this car without disclosure! I am on a fixed income, senior citizen with an active life to live and should not have to endure the cost or more importantly the SAFETY ISSUE on this vehicle.
Power train, Dec 12, 2021
We have brought the vehicle in twice to the dealership, once at 30k miles and another at 64k miles for a clutch replacement in the automatic transmission due to shuddering. It is now at 88k miles and the clutch is shuddering again. Ford reuses to fix the problem even though this is the third instance of this issue occuring. This shuddering makes merging unsafe as the vehicle hesitates and the car jerks back and forth. It extreme cases, it causes motion sickness to the passengers. Shuddering takes place up to third gear which does not help the driver concentrate and negotiate traffic if the car is shaking or jerking back and forth. There is a constant fear that the vehicle will just fail in the middle of traffic and we will be stranded. No illuminated lamps on the dash board to indicate a potential code. As stated before this vehicle has been brought to Ford twice already and the part they replaced keeps failing at roughly every 30k miles. We have tried to work with Ford to have them fix the problem but instead of replacing the faulty part they now want to charge us $2500 dollars. Why does the transmission seem to fail at every 30k miles? The dealership does not return our calls: we have called roughly 10 times and left messages. When calling Ford directly they state we have to bring it to the dealership, the same dealership which does not return our calls. Having a component in the transmission that makes it unsafe to drive is unacceptable. What makes it even more unacceptable is the fact that Ford has replaced this part 2 times already and it is failing again just 30k miles later, but now it somehow is not covered under the part warranty.
Power train, Nov 21, 2021
I have read multiple reports on ford focus from 2012 and newer having the same issue as me. I was driving one day and the car started to rev, shake and drastically slowed down then the check engine light came on as I was almost rear ended. I took an obd reader and got code P07A5 came back to transmission friction element B stuck on. I Have found I’m not the only one with this issue I feel ford should be responsible to fix this problem before someone gets hurt or killed from the car just at random not wanting to go and shake violently. My car only has 89,000 miles for a 2015 it shouldn’t be having this kind of problem already.
Power train, Nov 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the "Brake fluid level low" warning message was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission control module failure. The mechanic informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for repair. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer informed the contact that it would be 2–3 days before the vehicle could be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed to the contact's residence. The contact also contacted another dealer, Dick Smith Ford (9505 E State Route 350, Raytown, MO 64133). The dealer informed the contact that the transmission control module was on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,900.
Power train, Nov 4, 2021
Loss of power to transmission, extended warranty not honored on repair
Power train, Nov 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled temporarily. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving uphill and while driving at slower speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle would also hesitate to respond when accelerating from a complete stop. The contact stated he received an unknown recall notification from the manufacturer for transmission control module failure however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000. Parts distribution disconnect
Power train, Nov 1, 2021
A message keeps coming up on my car saying that the Transmission is over heating and my car is will stall out and stop driving
Power train, Oct 12, 2021
Transmission stopped working after overheating of engine. Clutch stopped working as well.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2021
While driving to work, my transmission started to slip. On the freeway, if I pressed the gas pedal, my car would NOT go faster. Instead, my engine would rev to almost redline and my car would continue to coast, but loose momentum. Once the transmission downshifted to a lower gear, then the transmission would begin to work. Once I got into the City, I almost rear ended someone when the transmission surged. I was pushing the gas through an intersection, and suddenly my car lurched forward, the tires squealed, etc. I had to slam on my brakes to avoid slamming into the car in front of me.
Power train, Aug 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while accelerating from a traffic light, the clutch failed to operate as designed. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated she heard an abnormal noise. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated the vehicle failed to accelerate over 25 MPH. The vehicle was jerking while shifting gears. The vehicle overheated and shut down however, the vehicle was restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The transmission warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions and diagnosed that the transmission module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 72,664.
Power train, Jul 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered without warning. The contact then received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18V169000 (Power train). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the recall was serviced, and the clutch was replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred a year later. The contact then took the vehicle back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the clutch needing to be replaced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the warranty being expired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Power train, Jun 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminating from the time the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where no issue was found. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to reverse when the gear shifter was shifted into reverse. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the check engine warning light was illuminated and the RPM started to rise. The contact also stated it the vehicle was rough when shifting gears. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The contact called a local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Power train, Jun 19, 2021
Car shifts bad then makes noise and light comes on for engine so park car shut it off wait a few mins and crank again but it won't go still
Power train, Jun 14, 2021
Code error P07A3 Transmission FORK A, car is jerking and gears 3 and 4 are getting stuck!
Power train, Jun 12, 2021
on multiple occasions, the transmission will shudder. this shudder occurs between 1st and 2nd and/or 2nd and 3rd gears. a few times, while driving in the snow, after some tire spinning or sliding, the transmission either slipped from a high gear or froze while driving on the highway at highway speeds. i have been told by Ford and the dealer that the clutch system has already been replaced under the recall and i would now need to pay for repair. along with the clutch recall, there was also a recall on the software component, and i don't believe that has been replaced. there are no warning lamps or messages with this malfunction
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jun 7, 2021
Upon entering Interstate highway 66, my car started jerking and the RPM gage was fluctuating and loosing power. A tractor trailer swerved and blew the horn. My car shut off on me in the right lane. I was able to restart and drive toward the shoulder and a warning light states “Transmission Overheating Stop Safely”. I took it to my certified mechanic and it read code P0460. When he lift the car, the gas tank is sunk in. Back in summer 2019 there was a recall on the “purge valve” and we notified them in 2020 that the car stared jerking and acting like it wanted to shut off. Again the code #P0460 same part and they said the warranty on the valve expired they can not reopen the recall. Now my gas tank is caved in and the car is stalling out on the highway getting worse. Ford Motor company keeps brushing us off and not concerned about the safety of their vehicle.
Power train, May 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered however, the vehicle never lost motive power. The contact also stated that water was leaking from the bottom of the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 18V169000 (Power Train) prior to the failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with nothing needing to be replaced. The dealer updated the engine module to keep up with the rpm's however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Power train, May 20, 2021
While driving in traffic, car started lurching, speed slowing down check engine light came on doing about 20 miles, barely made it to my home. Went from about 30 miles speed to barely 20. No warning, just started lurching and shuddering. Was on recall for clutch work was done on Sept 19, 2020.
Power train, May 12, 2021, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONTACT LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE PERSON WHO WAS STRUCK WAS THE ONLY INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A STORAGE FACILITY WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V169000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.
Power train, May 3, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO UPSHIFT AS NEEDED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE CASTRUCCI FORD (1020 OH-28, MILFORD, OH 45150, (513)275-1048) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,000.
Power train, Apr 25, 2021
THE CAR WAS PARKED AND IT REFUSED TO GO IN REVERSE OR IN DRIVE.