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
1,030 reports, newest first.
Power train, Dec 21, 2022
The contact's mother owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shook and hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an automatic clutch failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2022
Smells like gas especially after adding fuel and when idling with either defrost or heat on. Causes head ache, shortness of breath, blurred vision, light headed, and fainting while operating vehicle. I was lucky I fainted while stopped at a red light so the driver in the vehicle next to me assumed i had over dosed called 911 but when he came to see if i had a pulse and to turn my vehicle off he noticed the oder as he was opening the door and i came to so he told 911 operator i was not over dosing.
Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2022
Ive had this vehicle for almost 3 yrs and I've taken it to the Ford Dealership numerous of times. They have failed to repair ANYTHING that's associated with this particular model. I have been without transportation for a year now. I've had several break-downs that "I" had to come out of my pocket to repair. I really and desperately need help or some kind of reimbursement.
Power train, Dec 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when shifted to reverse(R). The contact also stated that the transmission was slipping while driving and the vehicle failed to accelerate properly while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the transmission control module (TCM), but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the clutch had previously been replaced; however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Power train, Dec 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while parking the vehicle in a parking lot, the contact was unable to shift the vehicle into reverse(R). The contact stated that she then shifted the vehicle to drive(D) and was able to front-end park the vehicle and then shift to park(P). When the contact returned and started the vehicle, she could not shift the gear shifter into reverse(R). The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that once she left the parking lot, the vehicle engine would rev as she depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to properly respond. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The TCM was replaced; however, the contact was told by the dealer that the transmission needed additional work. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Power train, Dec 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, the clutch intermittently started to shake. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that clutch and the seal failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired and there was no warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Power train, Nov 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the "Transmission Not in Park" message was displayed, and the vehicle started to stall. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart, and the "System Fault" message was displayed. The contact stated that after waiting an hour, she was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle would only restart after waiting for several hours. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Power train, Nov 21, 2022
This is a automatic transmission car. Accelerating from a stop, the car shakes/shudders when the transmission is going through first gear and again in second gear. The shaking/shuddering stops when the car reaches third gear and beyond.
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.
Power train, Nov 15, 2022
When I was driving on the highway I received a notification that my transmission was overheating. The car dropped to 40 mph and I had to put on my 4-ways. I managed to get off the next exit where the transmission died.
Power train, Nov 15, 2022
The vehicle has continuous issues with the TCM. Error lights were presented on the dash. Shortly after the error light presented - the reverse stopped. This is the 3rd time the TCM has been worked on in 2.5 years. Currently, the vehicle is at the dealership waiting on a national back ordered part.
Electrical system, Nov 13, 2022
Ford Focus 2015 w Select Shift. The warranty is in effect for 10 yr 100,000 drivetrain. TCM - AE8Z7Z369F The car began sputtering in the middle of August when pressing on the gas. The car would jump when hitting about 12-15 mph and again at 28-35 mph. At this point the engine light was on I took the car to a local certified auto shop where it was diagnosed that the TCM module was having problems and I would need to take it to a dealership. Late august I took it to the Beacon Healey Ford Dealership to get it fixed and they confirmed it was the TCM and that it could be a few weeks because the part was on backorder. I called every few weeks and it has been the same status since then. Luckily this part and the labor will be covered under warranty but this has left me in a very difficult situation that the dealership or ford are not doing much to help with. I was not offered a loaner/rental car and have been using a relative's car which they will be needing back soon. It has been 3 months and they still do not have a loaner for me or any updates at all on an estimated time for resolution or when the part will at least become available.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The contact stated after several attempts the vehicle restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while her daughter was at a complete stop, the vehicle was making an abnormal pumping sound. Additionally, the vehicle would shudder and would hesitate to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the engine was making abnormal knocking sounds while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle then failed to start and was towed to her residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
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
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, 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.