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, Nov 12, 2022
Trying to cross road with traffic. Car sometimes not accelerating. Rpms go up but seems no power to the wheels. Car is shaking when this happens. Not all the time but very frequent
Power train, Nov 11, 2022
I had 5 clutches put in it and now with 87,000 miles it stalls when I start it and put it in gear. This happens 4 or 5 times before it will stay running. The transmission shudders and shakes always. Vehicle also periodically will almost stall while driving. Overall the vehicle just feels incredibly unsafe and unreliable while operating.” I feel it is unsafe to drive. The last time it stalled the engine light came on so I made an appointment to get it checked. I took it to the dealer and he told me it was the high pressure fuel sensor. which he replaced and charged me $419 dollars. The next day it did the same thing, it stalled. So I took it back to the dealer and that is when he told me it was the transmission and that there was a waiting list and that the parts are unavailable. So I asked for a refund on the $419 I just spent and did not rectify the problem. He then told me there would be no refund because the engine light is no longer on. At this point I became upset and raised my voice and said but the problem is not fixed. At this point he asked me to leave. So now I have a broken car, I'm out $419 and don't know if they are going to give me a loaner or even fix the car. I had it to the dealer and he told me there is a recall, however the part is unavailable. He also told me he has 4 cars sitting at the dealer waiting to be fixed. [XXX] Don't recall his name, I believe he is the service manager INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Other or unspecified, Nov 7, 2022
Overheating. Car stalling. Jerking of the vehicle while in motion. Pauses in between acceleration.
Power train, Nov 5, 2022
Ford dealership allowed someone to trade-in their 2015 Ford Focus. I bought it, 7/2020. 10/2022 the transmission and reverse stopped working. After having the car towed to the dealer, the TCM was the issue and is on back order. No ETA and was notified (surprisingly) I had an extended warranty; 10yrs 150,000 miles - which covers a rental. I had to call the dealership owner with docs to request a loaner. I was notified I could trade it in - but why would I pass this issue onto someone else? Once I got through that I began arbitration. I was notified by Ford manufacturer they’d offer a $1500 cash and keep settlement! I still owe $4k on a while that has 3 yrs left on a transmission warranty that is known to reoccur! Ford is continuing a vicious cycle!
Power train, Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and started to shudder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring mostly while driving uphill or while turning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission clutch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Campaign Number: 19N08 (Transmission Clutch Shudder-Transmission Clutch Warranty Extension) due to the mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on various occasions after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would not immediately restart and required multiple attempts. The contact also stated that when she was able to restart the vehicle soon after refueling, the vehicle stalled and then lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure was reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve (CPV) needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V479000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in either recalls. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Oct 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond and seemed as if the vehicle was in neutral(N). The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a code reader and retrieved a fault code on the transmission. The contact was also informed that there was an extended warranty on the vehicle for the failure. The manufacturer was notified, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Power train, Oct 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the dealer previously replaced the TCM; however, the failure recurred while driving at an undisclosed speed, and the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. Additionally, the vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Power train, Oct 12, 2022
I bought this car from Carvana and have only had it for 1 month. The clutch is slipping upon acceleration from a complete stop. It posses a safety hazard especially in busy traffic as it jerks and sputters. Was told by Ford dealer it has a bad clutch Ford dealer informed me my car is no longer under extended Ford warranty on this problem!
Power train, Oct 11, 2022
Transmission stuttering, stalling while accelerating
Power train, Sep 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 67 MPH, the vehicle would no longer accelerate and instead decelerated to 30 MPH. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift as designed. The check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle was overheating. The contact stated she was almost struck by an oncoming truck but was able to pull over safely and waited until the vehicle cooled down. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dual clutch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the mechanic stated that the actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 31,000.
Power train, Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while parking in the driveway, she shifted to park(P) however, the vehicle rolled backward. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and then shifted the vehicle back into park(P). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and had remained illuminated for three months. The contact stated that recently while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 90,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 23, 2022
Vehicle will loose power and ac as if the gears are slipping causing a sudden reduced speed. The transmission warnings will also light up stating transmission overheating.
Power train, Sep 23, 2022
while driving the car stalls and sometimes will not switch gears. have taken it in twice and they do not repair the clutch on the transmission. they only reprogram the car. took it in a couple years ago and they did not replace it. took it in a couple weeks ago and they reprogrammed it again and charged me 170 dollars at d patrick ford in evansville. said it was past the mileage for warranty. niw i am going to have to take it in a third time when they should have fixed it the first time.
Power train, Sep 16, 2022
I was driving on my way home from work when the transmission failed. Car lost all ability to maneuver - no forward or reverse. I was in the middle of an incline when the car stalled, had to roll to the bottom of the hill and call a wrecker. If I had been in high volume traffic, this would have been a death sentence.
Power train, Sep 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and the transmission would not operate in reverse. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the vehicle operated normal. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission clutch actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Power train, Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. On several occasions, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved and the RPM’s increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Power train, Aug 31, 2022
The transmission of my car has always been jerky and unreliable, sometimes causing the vehicle to shake when driving at high speeds. While driving through the mountains, the transmission continuously got worse, eventually causing me to be unable to put the car in reverse. The car also failed to switch gears adequately while driving on the highway, making it difficult to accelerate and increasing the likelihood of an accident. There were no warning symbols on my dashboard to alert me to what could be the issue. My vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealership, manufacturer, or independent service center.
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.
Power train, Aug 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH from the driveway, the transmission failed to operate as designed. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The contact related the failure to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Power train, Aug 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate the vehicle shuddered before operating normally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer for a power train recall on the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired under the recall however, the failure persisted. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under the extended warranty coverage. The approximate failure mileage was 87,415.
Power train, Aug 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was in the driveway, the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact related the failure to Ford Technical Service Bulletin 19N08. The vehicle was diagnosed with a transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact towed the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 90,000.
Power train, Aug 3, 2022
Transmission occasionally fails to shift into reverse and has issues properly shifting gears automatically. Gear shifting has been a very minor issue for at least 5 years, only happened once. In the past week, the issues mentioned in first sentence has grown progressively worse starting with minor juttering when gears are shifted higher. Reverse issue has started at the start of this week, and the juttering has gotten worse. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request at this time. Vehicle fails to speed up when acceleration is applied for a good while, engine reving into 4000-5000 rpm range before it corrects itself after 5-10 seconds. Acceleration issues may cause collision issues with drivers following. Lack of reverse leaves vehicle requiring to park in ways it can drive forward or roll back out of the parking spot, making parking more dangerous. This system has been a part of a prior recall. Since the recall was supposedly fixed, the system has not been inspected since. The check engine light illuminates from time to time, mainly when the vehicle can't reverse.
Power train, Aug 2, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while her son was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH independently. The contact did not know whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact's son drove to the dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the gearbox and the transmission clutch were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and jerking significantly while driving. The contact stated that while her son was attempting to reverse, he moved the gear shifter into reverse but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.