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: other or unspecified
119 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2026
Clutch not shifting and was told by Lincoln for the TCM neede to be replaced. Got a second option and it was to by AAAMCO that it was clutch and it was replaced and now it’s says transmission which I’m told is external and insurance is not willing to pay for it but I keep coming up with all the information that’s says there is a recall and letters went out July 6 2026 on 2015 ford focus for these parts on the car.
Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2026
Inside of door latch malfunctioned and my driver side door opened up while driving.
Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2026
I bought my car last Feb and didn't know there was a recall on it was never told I have had shutter problems with it as well as sticking in gear when parked it ide high then battery jus goes dead get a jump n the check engine light comes on n have no reverse this hasn't been safe to drive my sister was perivous owner nnwhen she bought it they told her that when it would shutter she jus needed to go through the gears on an open rd to make it stop shutter n now it is showing that there no recall on this site but showing on my credit n other platforms as well as ford that there is a recall for this along with other but ford refuses to fix this n had never sent a letter about this to my self or my sister who bought it In 2020 this needs to be fixed or car bought back
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 29, 2026
own a 2015 Ford Focus that has experienced repeated transmission-related problems over several years. The symptoms have included harsh shifting, hesitation, failure to shift properly, and at one point the vehicle would not shift into reverse. These transmission issues have caused ongoing concerns about the vehicle's safety and reliability. I have brought the vehicle to Ford dealerships on multiple occasions seeking diagnosis and repair. Ford replaced the Transmission Control Module (TCM) on November 16, 2024 under Ford Field Service Action 14M02 after diagnosing transmission-related problems, including Diagnostic Trouble Code P087A. Despite that repair, the vehicle continued to experience transmission-related concerns. Approximately one year later, another Ford repair order documented multiple TCM-related diagnostic codes and directed that the vehicle be returned to a Ford dealership for further evaluation. The transmission concerns persisted even after the previous TCM replacement. Most recently, I again presented the vehicle to a Ford dealership because of continuing transmission issues. I was provided an estimate of approximately $2,000 for additional transmission repairs. At the time of the estimate, I was not provided the complete diagnostic trouble codes or technician findings explaining why another major transmission repair was necessary. Over the course of ownership, I have made multiple appointments, diagnostic visits, and repair visits related to the transmission and have incurred significant out-of-pocket expenses, including diagnostic charges, towing costs, and repairs. The repeated failures and recurring transmission concerns have required multiple visits to Ford dealerships and have not resulted in a lasting repair. My concern is not only the financial cost but also the safety of operating this vehicle. Unexpected transmission malfunction can affect acceleration, shifting, and the vehicle's ability to move normally in traffic, creating a potential safe
Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2025
The driver’s side door will not latch and the door cannot close. This is the same defect covered by Ford recalls 16S30 and 20S30, but my VIN was excluded. Ford CRC opened case number CXH05284452-Z8X6J1, but denied coverage. I have had to rent a vehicle while my car is unsafe to drive. This is a major safety hazard as the door can open while driving.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2025
A major electrical issue has occurred in this car since June 1, 2025. The Traction Control System dashboard indicator (the skidding car) comes on even though I am not using the TCS. When this happens, I get a message saying "Hill start assist not available," and am unable to manipulate my headlights, use turn signals, or lock/unlock my doors (I need to use the physical key to lock/unlock the driver's side door). If this "Hill start assist" issue occurs and I turn off my car (or if it occurs when the car is off), then I am unable to start my car. I get a new message saying "No Key Detected," and the ignition does nothing. I have a physical key, and not a fob. If the TCS light goes away, then I am able to start up my car. However, this is unpredictable; there appears to be no way to force the TCS light to disappear, and sometimes it will stay on for over an hour with my key in the "on" position. As of late, it hasn't gone away at all, making the car unusable. This causes obvious safety issues when on the road, as I cannot use turn signals or change my lights as it gets darker or it begins to rain/snow. When not on the road, I cannot use my car at all. A dealer recently confirmed the problem with the Body Control Module, but was unable to fix it. They managed to turn the car on, but the problems returned after 24 hours. As I was driving home on July 18, 2025, the TCS light came on and suddenly I could not use turn signals or change my lights. I still had over an hour to drive home. I did arrive home safely, but have not been able to use my car since.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2025
Vehicle stopped in the middle of the road while driving and would not restart. My safety was put at risk. No warning
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 2, 2024
Transmission control module, transmission clutch
Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2024
The transmission system, specifically the clutch assembly, failed or malfunctioned. The Ford dealership conducted a diagnostic test and determined that the clutch assembly needed repair. To manage costs, I had the repair performed at AAMCO. Despite this repair, the issue was not resolved, and AAMCO later found metal shavings in the transmission fluid, suggesting internal transmission damage. Yes, the vehicle and its transmission system are available for inspection upon request. The malfunctioning clutch and potential transmission damage pose significant safety risks. A failing clutch can lead to the inability to change gears properly, which can cause the vehicle to stall or lose power unexpectedly while driving. This could result in a loss of control, increasing the risk of an accident, especially in high-traffic situations or on highways. Furthermore, the presence of metal in the transmission fluid suggests that there might be further internal damage that could lead to sudden transmission failure, further endangering the driver, passengers, and other road users. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by two different service centers. Initially, the Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as a stuck clutch and replaced the clutch assembly, but this did not fix the problem. Subsequently, AAMCO inspected the vehicle and identified metal in the transmission fluid, indicating a more severe transmission issue. Both these findings confirm that there is a persistent problem with the vehicle’s transmission system. Yes, the vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealership (the manufacturer’s representative), who diagnosed the clutch issue and performed the initial repair. Additionally, the vehicle was inspected by an independent service center (AAMCO), which identified metal in the transmission fluid, indicating internal transmission damage. There has been no inspection by the police or insurance representatives at this time.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2024
I bought a brand new Ford Fusion in 2015 at Planet Ford Dallas. Since then, I have had my car maintained regularly at this dealership. However, my car has recently showed symptoms of intermittent loss of transmission. Then, I made an appointment on Aug. 19, 2024 and showed the recall letter to the dealership to request an inspection, but the rep refused to take a look at it, saying there were 20 people ahead of me and said the wait time for fixing TCM (the transmission control module) problem was at least three or four months. On Aug. 20, 2024, I called Ford Customer Relationship Center but could not fix this issue. I am very angry and frustrated because I trust Ford and its dealership will take good care of my car whenever I have my car maintained there. I believe fixing recalls is mandatory, so Planet Ford Dallas should fix it for me voluntarily. Why did they not notify me about this TCM problem and fixed it for me in the first place whenever they serviced my car in the past 9 years? If they had found this problem, I would not have to worry about the possibility of my car breaking down in the middle of the road anytime, not to mention the possibility of a car accident. Ford company should monitor its dealerships whether they fix Ford Recalls and if Ford customers still experience some problems because this is an issue of passenger's safety. Also, Ford company should notify Planet Ford Dallas about its poor performance and poor customer's satisfaction. If all dealerships work like this one, no customer will want to buy any Ford cars any more just like me.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 3, 2024
It was mainly the clutch, apparently, but the work order includes a lot more. Yes, it is available for inspection. The car was difficult to control. It was slipping and was having trouble getting into gear. I was driving on a winding mountainess road, parts of it are along a cliff with a reservoir/lake below. Just my usual drive to work here in the Sierras. It go's without saying that others were put at risk since the car was difficult to handle. Yes, the car needs a new clutch and other stuff to the tune of $5,000 up. The car has less than 80,000 miles on it and has had two transmission replacements and a prior clutch replaced a little over a year and a half ago. I was unaware of these prior problems as the car was purchased by me one year and a month ago. The Ford Corporation was part of a class action suit and it was settled a few years ago, unfortunately, I did not own this 2015 Ford Focus at the time. No, the car has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative. But, yes, by a Ford Dealership mechanic here in Sonora, California. The extended warranty for the clutch has expired on this car not that long ago. The extended warranty for the transmission has not expired. I wonder if the problem is the transmission since the transmission light came on but then I would'nt have to pay them anything. The independant garages around here won't work on this car. The first time the car engine light came on the car died. I went to the nearest repair shop and they put in a new battery but that was not the problem. So, the next day I'm driving to work on the winding mountainous road and a light came on, it said transmission overheating.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2024
Unknown
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2024
Unknown
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2024
Stalling, jerking when stopped
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2023
In August 2023 Focus would not accelerate smoothly while in traffic. Check engine light turned on. Vehicle would not go into reverse. Diagnostic scan negative with personal scanner. Took to transmission shop. Actuators replaced per diagnostic check $880. TCM ok. Slipping on acceleration continued with RPM to between 5-6 on acceleration. Took vehicle back to shop and actuators resynched with TCM. I received Ford Recall for defective TCM module dated September 2023. Ford evaluated by local Ford repair shop. Diagnostics performed. Recommendation was to replace clutch assembly $4100. Was charged $200 for diagnostics. Ford diagnostic report states: Description-U0073 Control module communication bus A off Failure type-88 Bus off Status-28 (Not current DTC) *Fault previously detected, not currently present* My concern with this info is if the fault was detected there is still fault! Am concerned that the faulty TCM and actuators caused issues with the clutch assembly and do not feel safe operating my 8 year old Ford due to skipping while accelerating in traffic. Vehicle one owner with 70,000 miles. No accidents and am young senior driver-age [XXX] . I can forward repair shop documentation. Thank you for your review and look forward to your recommendation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2023
Car will go into reverse but won’t move. Car will not go over 2500 RPM and won’t go over 11 MPH
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 5, 2023
Transmission had randomly started to jerk and then stopped accelerating. Left me stranded on the side of the road on a 5 hour trip and when I turned it off and back on it would move very little and I could hear grinding noise from the gears. I had to get a tow truck which cost me 1.5 k to tow back to my house
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2023
I bought my car off of a friend who bought it pre-owned certified from a local ford dealer. The car had 59,000 miles on it and had the transmission already replaced by ford (the second transmission on the vehicle under 60,000). After having the vehicle a year I was driving home and the clutch in the transmission got stuck and the car would jolt me forward and when I would come to a complete stop it would skip me forward and jolt me, I also experienced the car not being able to move uphill. My situation was very dangerous and happened all of a sudden with no warning signs of a check engine light or symptoms of the car before. If I didn’t stop so far away from the other vehicles at stop lights I could have been very easily pushed into another vehicle, as well as other vehicles possibly hitting me when my car could not shift into gear. I was extremely disappointed due to the fact my car was at 80,000 miles and the transmission in the vehicle had already been replaced once before, this is also not a cheap fix and costed me close to $2,800. The transmission shop that fixed my issue told me this is the most common issue with the 2015 Ford Focus and that he’s repaired multiple with the same issue at moderate/low mileage.
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2023
This car was previously recalled for issues with the clutch. After “repairing” the clutch the issue has returned. Dealer refuses to pay for repairs as the repair warranty has “expired”
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 28, 2023
I’ve been having issues with my automatic clutch transmission since I’ve bought this vehicle. There has been numerous repairs done but the company tells me they aren’t responsive on covering another. It causes the car to jerk when accelerating aggressively and has almost caused a wreck. It has been confirmed by the dealership. No warning signs with this. First started to appear a few months after buying the vehicle and then upon repair the issue would return I few months after the fact and the dealership would not help.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2023
Service engine soon light came on, repair shop said I needed a tune up and could still drive ok. Broke down. Got that done and still engine light on so transmission fluid changed too. Now repair shop says it’s the transmission and clutch assembly that the dealer recalled and fixed a few years ago. I’m stuck with payments still and no way to get the $5000 the dealer days it will cost to fix this. Car value is the same. Everyone I’ve talked to has said this is a bad year’s model and will continue to break down even after fixing. Can you offer any advice? Thank you!
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 25, 2023
2015 Ford Focus, 67,000 miles would jerk , shudder & shut off completely , it would not accelerate or reverse half of the time. Stops in the middle of no wear.. the engine light would come on for a few days then go off and come up again.. the music stopped working& the RPM’s would go pass the 6,7 or 8 at only 10-15 miles & jerk while goin forward .. a safety problem would pop up “ transmission overheating stop safety “ my air would blow hot some days and it would smell like something burning.. confirmed by dealership it’s the clutch .. no warnings for these problems besides jerking / not accelerating at a reasonable speed and safety problem stating to “ stop safely transmission overheating “ &a burning smell & 2 safety recalls for the clutch & TCM with extended warranty. Warranty would not cover for the clutch problem they stated.
Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2023
My driver rear door does not shut. The latch is not broke but it will not latch on the metal part it is suppose to.
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2023
My car I believe is transmission problem I just paid Ford to fix my car for $784.00 do to the care just completely stopped while driving and it shut down while driving and wouldn't restart. I have the receipt showing what the problem was suppose to be. Now 3 weeks later while driving the car I noticed it loses speed while driving and sound as if it want to cut off. I have a code popping up as PO3A7. I don't understand when my car was diagnosis this didn't pick up I'm thinking ford have know of the different problems with the engine or transmission and its began to be at the expense of the customers.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 30, 2023
I found the ac compressor clutch hub plate in my driveway detached from my vehicle somehow...