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, Mar 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and was not properly shifting gear. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed clutch. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. However, the clutch had been replaced three times prior, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Power train, Mar 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the RPM's increased rapidly however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Overheating - Please Wait 5 minutes" was displayed. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Power train, Mar 2, 2024
When I left work one evening, my 2015 Focus transmission started slipping and wouldn't stay into gear. The folks at Koons Automotive (Silver Spring, MD) indicated that this transmission is habitually problematic and has probably failed.
Power train, Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Feb 28, 2024
Unknown, vehicle slips out of gear leaving you stranded in the middle of the street
Power train, Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving below 15 MPH, the transmission began jerking and slipping and there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.
Power train, Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, stalling, and shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 24,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that there were metal fragments in the oil. The contact stated that the drive belt was disintegrating, and there were fibers in the engine. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. No additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Feb 5, 2024
Transmission jerking and shaking
Power train, Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered when the transmission was shifted from 2nd to 3rd gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in Customer Satisfaction Program: [XXX] (Transmission Clutch Shudder - Transmission Clutch Warranty Extension – Power Train); however, the dealer denied performing the repair due to the vehicle having a Salvage Title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Jan 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speed and attempting to accelerate, the RMP would rise, but the vehicle would not move. The check engine warning light illuminated with the following messages: Transmission friction element B performance/stuck in off position - control module of transmission (TCM); Apply time range/ performance of transmission friction element B- control module of transmission (TCM); and Control module communication Buss 'A' off instrument control panel module. The contact stated, when the engine failed there was a message that stated transmission fault, service now. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a diagnostic was performed. The dealer stated that the clutch was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 25, 2024
The contact’s daughter owned a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while his wife was driving the vehicle 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact’s wife pulled off the roadway and the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the engine failed due to the failure of the internal oil pump belt. The vehicle was not repaired, and was instead traded in. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Power train, Jan 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly jerked and hesitated before returning to normal functionality. The message "Transmission Overheated" was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the TCM and actuators A and B. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 43,000.
Power train, Jan 24, 2024
My check engine light came on and I took it to oreily to read the codes. It stated O2 sensor. Had it replaced immediately. Light went off for 2 weeks. I've notice my car having a lack of power but I thought it was due to the cold negative temperatures. Last few days the light came back on and I tried driving in D gear and my car would not move. It went in reverse. Transmission fluid was LOW. Had it filled and the next day it was back low. At this point I already had an appointment to get the TCM replaced (experienced all symptoms including lack of power, no start, engine light on). since there is a warranty extension and I was finally able to get in after waiting a few months. I called when I received the letter back in September of 2023 and was told by multiple dealers that they were booked and I would get a call back after giving them my name and number. Dropped my car off today at the dealer and as I pulled in my car stopped moving and I got an emergency message stating to stop the car and that the transmission was over heating. Wait 5 minutes until it cools. Keys were given to the workers and I get a call stating that I need a new clutch and that's the code they got back from the transmission. They also stated that warranty won't cover since I'm over the mileage and date. Had I received an initial letter about the warranty I could have had this situation resolved and a vehicle to drive. Im now stuck with the cost and just found out that I can't get it covered. My family's safety was put at risk because I was not made aware of this problem since I never received a letter and I assumed my car was reacting to its environment. My car has always had a lack of power when taking off from breaking or not driving in D when I first press the gas. I've received a letter about the transmission before and it's shuddering, lack of power and other symptoms, and assumed it was just that. Nothing to do with the clutch.
Power train, Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping. An unknown warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the transmission clutch was replaced, and unknown repairs were performed. Additionally, the contact stated that while on vacation on an island, the vehicle was started, but the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a second dealer, Larson Ford (1150 Ocean Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701), where the same assessment was made and the TCM was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Jan 24, 2024
The contact's father owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shifted out of gear into neutral. The contact's father pulled over and waited before restarting the vehicle. There was an unknown warning message displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle intermittently did not start as needed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact stated that the vehicle failure was associated with Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Vehicle equipped with DPS6 Automatic Transmission) however, the manufacturer declined to cover the cost of the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
Steering, Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The contact stated that the failure occurred during freezing temperature; however, after approximately 45 minutes, the vehicle warmed up and regained power steering functionality. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Power train, Jan 21, 2024
Transmission failure, car seized on freeway going 75mph and almost lost control and crashed. Car is locked in park and inoperable.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2024
Stalling, jerking when stopped
Power train, Jan 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly shuddered. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure but performed a reprogramming of the transmission control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 9,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine made an abnormally loud sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspecting the oil level, she noticed that there were metal shavings in the oil. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt had fractured, causing the engine to seize. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 68,362.
Power train, Jan 13, 2024
Drove home from work and stopped at Walmart on the way home. Pulled into a parking spot against a curb and when I came out to start my car and reverse out of the spot, it would not move. I got the car pushed out of the parking spot, and when driving out of the parking lot could not go past 1st gear. It has now been sitting at my apartment complex for two days. Couple years ago the transmission was replaced due to manufacturer recall. At the time, I had stopped in the middle of the road and could not go past 1st gear driving all the way home like this. I addressed the recall, and now I would like to believe the same thing is happening again. I have not gone to any mechanic or dealership yet for analysis however will attempt as soon as possible.
Engine, Jan 13, 2024
My 2015 Ford Focus was operating without issue until one day in December the engine power significantly decreased. At that time, the oil pressure light came on as well as the check engine light. I stopped driving the car immediately and had it towed to a local Ford Dealership for inspection. Upon inspection, they found metal debris in the oil suspecting internal pump belt fracture causing internal damage to the engine. They advised a new engine and turbocharger replacement of the EcoBoost engine at a cost of $7,800 +tax. After research, it appears a recall for this issue may be forthcoming and would like to report the 2015 model year as a candidate for the recall with cost of engine replacement to be covered. This car is in otherwise great shape with only 110k miles.
Power train, Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power, shuddered, and failed to properly accelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission actuators and clutch were faulty needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 103,500.
Power train, Dec 23, 2023
Transmission has been jerking and shifts hard into gears. A messaged popped up as well that the transmission was running on hot. Transmission control module was recently replaced by a ford dealership but problem still persist.
Power train, Dec 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while at a stop, the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle failed to move forward when in third or fourth gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who informed him there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 69,759.