2018 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 835 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 15 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 11 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 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. 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 blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
Campaign 26V012000 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
Engine and engine cooling, engine, oil/lubrication, pumpDec 22, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.
Campaign 23V905000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, manual transmissionNov 28, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. 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 vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-169.
Campaign 18V845000 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
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
49 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Electrical system, Sep 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the purge valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact also indicated that the vehicle had previously experienced rough idling, check engine light illuminated, fuel gauge reading errors, and the Distance to Empty reading was incorrect. The local dealer was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 2, 2023
Transmission issue. Dry clutch system causes the clutch to overheat and the TCM to fail. The car jerks and lurches and doesn't shift when it should. FORD issued recall for 2016 and the same transmission is in the 2018 as well.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 28, 2023
I brought my 2018 Ford focus in July 22 2021 . I took it in because it had taken over an hour to crank and when it did crank it get really bad had it brought to Green Ford in Greensboro North Carolina. They said they fixed it. I end up having to bring it back the next day. When I brought it back they said that the head gaskets had cracked so they were going to replace and the engine. The engine was on back order. The engine was on backorder. They finally had it fixed and ready for me September 16th, 2021. May 26th, 2022. I brought it down to town and country Ford in Charlotte, North Carolina because I had a light on and something smell like it was burning. They informed me that my engine once again had overheated and a head gasket was cracked . Again, the engine was on backorder so I received my car June 22nd 2022. At that time I was told that my warranty was 60,000 mi or 5 years. July 24th 2023 driving home from work. My car overheated and I pulled over and had called it to be towed into green ford in Greensboro, North Carolina again. They called July 25th, 2022 stating that the engine had blown again. But this time is because the fan had died in that my car was not under warranty. I had asked for the invoice at green ford from the back in July 22,2021. As my stepfather and I were looking over both invoices, we noticed that green Ford had a code on there for a remanufactured engine/ OEM long block. When called about this they stated that's how they bill for labor. I'll try to call customer service with Ford. They can't give me any information on how they bill for labor. My complaint is that I've had two engines put into my car in a year and a half and no one's wanting to figure out why my car is overheating. I believe that it have been the fan the whole time. Down for the third time. My engine is blown. I have no warranty and they're trying to charge me $9,500 for parts and labor.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 15, 2023
I was driving on the thruway when my car came on with a warning that I have never received before. Stating that my transmission was overheating and that I need to stop for five mins to let the transmission cool down. As soon as that light came on the car stopped moving and I could not get off the road. There was no indicator before that the transmission was even having issues of any kind. I could have died that day because of the car. I have only owned the car two years and this is the problems that this car has.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2023
Car does not start or stalls when new fuel is added, poor fuel mpg. Check engine light with 1450 code. Recall on other fords 18s32 has the same issues but is not covering this model.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 21, 2023
Vehicle GPS goes out and I have no idea if/when the road changes (curves, turns, and if I'm on the correct road or not) apparently APIM module goes out all the time. From stop to start vehicle shudders, lurches, and hesitates. Several times wrecks were miraculously avoided. It's only a matter of time before one does. While driving vehicle looses power, high revs, and losing MPG. For being fuel efficient its burning a lot of it. Ford refuses to even acknowledge my problem. Waiting for my powertrain warranty to expire which is very soon.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 12, 2023
My car died had trouble starting while driving Check engine kept showing code for purge valve replacement and fuel neck line. Had both replaced out of pocket had my battery replaced.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 6, 2023
The transmission is going out, they’ve replaced it and it’s still a bad transmission. Having a bad transmission could cause the car to shut off in the middle of the road causing an accident. My engine is constantly overheating, my car gives me warnings to stop the car because of overheating. I can’t even drive on the expressway because i’m scared my car is going to blow up or something. The electrical inside the car does not work, i can’t unlock the doors on the driver side but on the passenger side i can. The sunshade blocking thing you pull down lights don’t come on, nothing about the car really works. The car jerks when driving like it’s about to shut off in the middle of the road, that’s a safety defect or whatever you wanna call it. The car makes a ticking noise when you start it up and OH the idle, let me tell you about the idling of this car. I could be driving 25-35 MPH and the car idles up to 5! literally, it’s unsafe! I have to use my flash light at night when getting things out my car, getting my baby brother out of the car. it don’t make sense.
Electrical system, Power train, Feb 1, 2023
Car will not go in reverse transmission went out and needs tcm repair, so to shift fork b circuit going out causing damage to transmission
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission experienced rough shifting while the vehicle jumped, and the engine revved loudly. The transmission fault message was displayed. Additionally, the fuel gauge level was inaccurate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control unit (TCU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,474.
Electrical system, Dec 5, 2022
USB, Sync, radio system and A/C stopped working. Dealership found APIM is defective and needs to be replaced. This issue has occurred for many other Ford vehicles and is a known defective part, although Ford will not cover the cost (over $1500) to replace since there is not recall for this Ford make, model and year.
Electrical system, Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Transmission Failure, Service Immediately" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where she was informed that the electrical wiring was soy based, which attracted rodents to chew on the wires. The contact stated prior to the failure, the oxygen sensor warning light had appeared on the instrument panel and was serviced by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 12, 2022
1) The car shuts off and has difficulty turning on after filling up the gas tank. It will turn on for five seconds, lung forward, and then shut off. It has not been inspected yet. There is a check engine light on and showed up about 2 months ago (same time as when the issue started). 2)The center media screen shut off. This is a risk because the backup camera no longer works as the screen no longer turns on. It has not been inspected yet. There were no warning lamps or messages.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 11, 2022
Vehicle stopped working June 21. Car refused to start up. Had it jumped, battery was completely drained. Discovered had no reverse, drive works up to 10-15mph. Drove it short distance to a Ford dealer service center. Discovered they said it's a powertrain issue and they're 3 weeks behind as they have no available mechanic to look at it. Called another dealer and was told the same thing. Had it towed home. Took it to a highly recommended mechanic and they said the powertrain is shot and needs replacing. Discovered it's a well known documented issue as of 2020. I have extended warranty on it but it may be denied because A) one ford dealer who did some work on the car within first few months of purchase "lost" my service records as they claim its not in their system. B) possibly denied because it's a known defect and they'd lose money to replace it. There's no recall on this defect. I wonder why!? This is a well known issue and seriously affects the value of my vehicle if I want to trade it in or sell it since it's all over the place and all mechanics know to "RUN" away from this car. No engine light on until arriving at dealer. No leaks, bluetooth stopped working as well. In early 2020 I did take it to get serviced and complained of shuddering and shaking upon acceleration but was told it's fine and within normal specs. Car left me stranded so they knew since then they've got a problem. Car is currently available for inspection at the garage where I'm expecting it to get fixed.
Electrical system, Jun 21, 2021
Everytime I fill my gas tank .Dies ,cuts out ,won't stay at a idle. Also the power train .When taking off at times feels like the transmission is falling out jerking or hesitant.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 26, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE SOLENOID NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 13, 2021
FUELED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT LATER AND IT STALLED. WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. IT IS A 2018 WITH ONLY 26,000 AND WE OWNED IT A WEEK. BOUGHT FROM WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS A REPUTABLE DEALER. HILLYERS FORD
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 23, 2020
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT INDICATED EVAP,VERY SMALL LEAK. RESET CODE AND A DIFFERENT CODE CAME UP FOR A VACUUM IN THE FUEL TANK. UNABLE TO EFFECT REPAIRS MY SELF AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT CARDINAL FORD DEALERSHIP. 11400 NEW HALLS FERRY RD. STL, 63033. ATTACHED DOCUMENTS DETAIL REPAIR AND COST.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2020
EACH TIME I FILL THE CAR WITH GAS, EVEN WITH THE TANK HALF FULL, THE CAR STALLS AND HAS TROUBLE STARTING. I HAVE CHECKED FOR CLOGGED OR CRACKED FUEL LINES AND THERE ARE NONE. IT PUTS OUT THE CODE P1450. REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SOLENOID AND IT'S STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE READ THAT THERE MAY BE A RECALL OF SOME SORT ON THE FUEL SYSTEM IN THESE CARS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 5, 2020
HEAD LAMP SERVICE FAULT . YOU LOSE ALL POWER TO THE HEADLIGHTS AND YOUR KEY FOB DOES NOT REGISTER. MEANING YOU CAN JUST HOP IN THE CAR WITH NO KEYS AND DRIVE. ALSO THE CAR TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 26, 2019
I APPROACHED A STOP SIGN, AND LOST COMPLETE POWER, COULDN'T EVEN MOVE IT OUT OF GEAR, TRIED TO JUMP IT AND NOTHING. I COULD'VE WRECKED BECAUSE OF THIS
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2019
I HAVE A 2018 FORD FOCUS SE THAT IS LESS THEN A YEAR OLD AND IT BOGS DOWN, ACTS LIKE ITS GOING TO STALL OUT AND DOESN'T GET THE GAS MILEAGE IT'S SUPPOSE TOO. IT BOGS DOWN WHEN I AM DRIVING IT AND WHEN DRIVING IT WILL SPIT AND SPUTTER LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL OUT ON ME THEN SNAPS OUT OF IT. FORD KEEPS TELLING ME THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 5, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO PROVIDE AN ACCURATE READING. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO START. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,333.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 30, 2018
I WAS DRIVING NORMALLY AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITH NO WARNING (LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT OFF) THEN CAME BACK UP. NOT LONG AFTER THIS, I CAME ACROSS AN ARTICLE THAT SUGGESTED A CURRENT RECALL COULD BE TO BLAME FOR THIS BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. IT SHOULD BE. (DATE OF OCCURRENCE IS APPROXIMATE.)