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, Vehicle speed control, May 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle started to decelerate without warning. After stopping and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle regained normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure recurred while attempting to accelerate from a stop light. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission shift lever failed causing the clutch to fail. The contact was informed that the shift lever and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 101,000.
Power train, May 11, 2022
My car is not currently drivable. It has stalled on the freeway which is unsafe. I had to drive it to a dealership with my car stoppable multiple times. I’ve had it at a Ford dealership and they are unwilling to pay for the clutch. The clutch had an extended warranty through Ford and I ran out of the extended warranty by 20K due to being able to take it in sooner due to it being my only car and the pandemic. I feel that this is on Ford due to it being a safety concern and not being drivable. They had an extended warranty because the clutch on these specific models has been faulty and I already had it replaced 5 years ago. I feel I should be compensated at least for the clutch and they are refusing.
Power train, May 10, 2022
When taking off from a stopped position, such as stop sign or light, car stutters/stalled like jumping. It only does this in first gear, once it has shifted into second it continues to shift fine. However, once back in first gear it does it again. I fear that it will stall completely in first or power way down as I’m pulling into traffic, very likely causing a collision. This is a continual/daily occurrence. The date I specified for date of incident is just a general idea of when this started.
Power train, May 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into gear as needed. The vehicle then stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure by several independent mechanics. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90, 000.
Power train, Apr 29, 2022
Transmission slips jerks shakes when trying to take off. It will not pick up speed until it's in third gear,. This car is not a manual it's an automatic transmission. It was taken to a Ford dealer and we were charged money and told that it was fixed. This Is a 78-year-old womans car. She was unaware that the vehicle had an issue. The car only has 62,000 miles on it and is a 2015. And it also has a warning light that comes on when you drive with the AC on or on hot days or if you drive longer than a few miles a warning light comes on and tells you to pull over and that the car is overheating. Both of these items I'm listing are very dangerous especially when getting on an interstate or pulling out in traffic. I don't know if it's an electrical issue with the overheating light coming on but the radio has also stopped working. The transmission definitely has a safety issue. I'm afraid of driving very far because of these two issues.
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2022
Violent shaking, not starting , feels like it’s switching gears while driving. Was told may be clutch b actuator motor , started as soon as purchased car and has worsened. Rpm randomly revving
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to operate as designed with the fuel tank half empty. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and diagnosed with a defective canister purge valve and provided an estimate. The contact was also informed that her vehicle had been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and that she no longer qualified for a free repair under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 18, 2022
after fueling the 2015 ford focus.Car is very hard to start and when it does start engine runs rough spits and sputters.Check engine light is on had diagnostic done, code was evap problem. was told problem was canister purge valve. no recall that i know of on this issue. this is very concerning because my wife drives this car hauls our grand kid and very elderly mother this should be a recall. THIS IS ALSO A VERY SERIOUS SAFTY ISSUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you.This is not the first time this has happened. fifth to sixth times. ford needs to man up on this issue.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle would inadvertently lose motive power. On several occasions, the vehicle would not immediately restart. Additionally, while idling the RPM would erroneously increase; and after refueling, the vehicle would occasionally not restart. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the canister purge valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 143,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Apr 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed his daughter that vehicle was included in an unknown recall. The contact’s daughter was informed by the dealer that parts for the recall were on back order and she was advised to leave the vehicle in their possession however, the driver declined. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted into neutral and restarted the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the evaporator system had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
Power train, Mar 30, 2022
Car studdering and shuts off. Transmission seems to get hot and causes car to shut down. After a few minutes can restart car and go again. This seems to happen more if the car stops and goes alot.
Steering, Mar 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with steering rack failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Mar 19, 2022
I was driving down the highway and my door locking latch and cable failed. The door came open going 75 MPH.The defective dealership part I found out is the subject of recalls on other Ford Focus year models but my model was left off the recall. This is a huge safety concern as my door is unable to lock at all times including highway driving.
Power train, Mar 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 19N08 (Transmission Clutch Warranty Extension). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle was not able to reverse. The check engine warning light and transmission failure warning message were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN and she had to pay out-of-pocket for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Other or unspecified, Electrical system, Mar 17, 2022
1. Fluctuating fuel gage. 2. Car stopped while driving on highway multiple times. 3. Rough Idle and hard to start. DTC code P1450 is displayed. I went to the Ford dealership for 18S32 Recall and I was charged over $ 400 for recall to be performed. I did show them the Safety Recall Notice-18S32. There was not a crash but I went from Middle lane on GSP to right most lane and a nice lady slowed down to let me pull over to the shoulder. This could have been an accident. How can Ford dealership refuse to perform this recall and charge customers over $ 400? I will have to scan and upload the bill tomorrow.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 10, 2022
I received a P1450 Code on my Ford Focus ST Accompanied with a CEL, after researching there seems to be a issue with the purge valve and not displaying gas levels correctly. It is available for inspection, I am concerned regarding this issue because I want my fuel levels to display correctly, and if I stall on the road I want to be able to reactivate my car without any issues. The issue is reported on a engine code recording device. There was a Check Engine Light.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2022
When moving forward from a stopped position, the front tires shake/stutter which requires you to let up on the accelerator and move forward at a lesser speed to stop the shaking/stuttering. Also while the engine is warming up, the transmission is slow in changing gears, and in some cases it doesn't feel as if they change at all.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the key fob was inadvertently touched and the rear lift gate erroneously opened. The contact indicated that the fob was not pressed twice as needed to open the hatch. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 16V698000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Power train, Mar 1, 2022
The transmission control module was the first to be replaced when the car began to shudder upon acceleration from a complete stop. Took to Ford Dealership where it was replaced under recall warranty. In 2020, was driving on highway and merged to an exit when at a red light then green car would not move forward. Car was turned off and on and nothing. Was stuck in the middle of an exit ramp for about an hour until I messed with the clutch and made a popping noise and began to move. Took to Ford dealership and the power train clutch was also replaced. Notified that there was a recall on that part again. Thought problem was fixed, car began to shudder again. It is 2022, the shuddering is really bad again. Took to ford dealership once again, car no longer falls under warranty because of mileage (I am just over 100,000 miles) and it is the dual powershift clutch again (the same one on recall) just almost two years later and they want almost $3000 to replace.
Power train, Feb 23, 2022
My vehicle is having issues regarding the clutch and transmission module. This issue has been going on every since I bought my vehicle new in 2015. The last time they fixed the issue (free) was in May of 2020. When I went to the dealership where I bought my car and where they have replaced this issue, I was told that they will have to charge me to diagnose the problem. I told them that they never charged me before and the issue it’s having is the same so why today are you charging me? They said that it’s because it could be the clutch issue that’s not covered. However they have fixed the clutch issue before in which that time was May 2029. The for recall for my vehicle is 18V169000 to be fixed up to 150,000 miles my vehicle has 102,000 miles. Another recall that I looked up is 18S07 which is regarding the clutch. Website https://www.cars.com/research/ford-focus-2015/recalls/ So why will they not fix my car when both recall # say they will be fixed at no charge to me.
Wheels, Feb 21, 2022
Two part lug nuts experience swelling over time and make removal of the lugs very difficult and may result in the lugs not being adequately tight when the wheel is put back on. The dealer confirmed that this is a known problem and when they repair this issue, they use an after market lug that is not a two part lug, and therefore doesn't have the swelling issue. I was not aware of this problem till my most recent annual inspection and when I expressed surprise, the dealer mechanic stated that even though Ford is well aware of this issue, Ford will not cover this item and its the owner's problem.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 21, 2022
My car‘s check engine light came on, then the whole car suddenly shut off while I was driving down the highway. After getting it restarted, I filled it with gas and after beginning to drive it, the car shut off again. I have run a code on the check engine light and it stated that the EVAP hose needed to be replaced. I called the dealership and they said that it was likely the CVP as this caused the same issue and multiple vehicles were having to have them replaced.
Steering, Feb 20, 2022
My vehicle began making loud rubbing noises when turning and then in addition, progressed to having trouble steering. I took it to a shop that advised me that I needed a new rack and pinion steering system. I took the vehicle home and when I went to get return to the garage to have it replaced, the car would not turn at all except with extreme force; I had to have it towed. I had to pay for an entire new rack and pinion steering (and labor) and for the front end to be aligned after. I checked and even though there are numerous complaints, there is no recall.
Power train, Feb 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 20 MPH and depressing on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started to shudder. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission clutch assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact became aware that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train) in 2019 under the previous owner. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.