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: engine
349 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving uphill, the vehicle lost power, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Engine Fault" was displayed. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the check valve on the vacuum pump had separated. The check valve was replaced every 1,000 miles. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the oil warning light flashed. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The contact inspected the vehicle and checked the dipstick, noticing bits of rubber inside the oil. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Engine, Sep 14, 2026
My Ford vehicle has experienced repeated and significant engine problems that have never been successfully resolved despite numerous repair attempts at multiple Ford dealerships. The engine has been repaired/rebuilt multiple times, yet the underlying issue has continued and the engine has now seized. Most concerning, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off. Fortunately, it started again yesterday, but I do not consider it safe to drive because I am concerned it could shut off again while being driven, causing a sudden loss of power and creating a serious safety risk. Ford is declining further assistance because the vehicle odometer is approximately 105,000 miles. However, the engine has been rebuilt multiple times and has substantially fewer miles since its most recent rebuild. This is not simply an engine that failed for the first time at 105,000 miles; it is an ongoing problem that Ford dealerships have repeatedly attempted and failed to correct. Ford has advised that its assistance for this known issue is a "program," not a warranty. If Ford is aware of an engine condition that can result in repeated failures, engine seizure, or an unexpected shutdown/loss of power, I believe the safety implications should be investigated. I am asking NHTSA to determine whether this is part of a broader safety defect affecting this Ford model/engine and whether a safety recall or other action is warranted. I have extensive dealership repair records and Ford correspondence documenting the history.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Sep 10, 2026
First my wind shield wipers were coming on by themselves and not cutting off when I flicked the switch. Now my car is jerking when I press the gas to drive and sometimes moving in reverse after I press the gas to drive. Jerking and barely accelerating, then it decides to driver in between gaps. My safety is put at risk because sometimes it slows down or barely accelerates in oncoming traffic and moves backwards when cars are behind me at a light or stop sign. Manufacture by others which is a neighborhood auto shop. Just the check engine light came on.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 3, 2026
There was supposedly a recall of 2012-2018 Ford focuses such as mine, which is a 2018, but somehow my car is not included in this recall even though it seems to be affected by the same problem. I believe it to have a faulty purge valve (forgive me if I am not precise in my terminology) as it stalls after I get gas and try to start it up. I have to rev the engine to get it to stay on. I cannot stop after I get it started because it roughly idles and seems like it will shut back off if I do, which makes this a little dangerous as well as damaging for my car. I am distressed that my car is not included in this recall because I desperately need to repair it before I ruin my engine but I cannot because I don't have any money.
Engine, Aug 4, 2026
at 72000 miles the vehicle stopped running no power no warning lights on indication of any issue. luckily it was on a side road. hade it towed to the ford dealer diagnosed with a broken timing belt and needed a new engine. the quote off $7000.00 to replace the engine with a new long block after paying the lone on the car I replaced the long block myself just last week on 07/20/2026 at a cost off around $5000.00
Power train, Engine, Jul 19, 2026
An authorized dealership performed a mandatory manufacturer safety recall repair on my vehicle for the Engine Oil Pump Belt and Tensioner (Ford Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Campaign 23V-905). While performing this specific recall, the initial facility negligently compromised the cooling system and created a severe leak, directly causing complete and total engine destruction. A subsequent independent diagnostic inspection by a separate authorized dealership confirmed this negligence. The vehicle became instantly disabled while driving, creating a severe road hazard. Total documented property damages are $14,448.31. Furthermore, the dealership and Ford Corporate have explicitly refused to repair the vehicle, despite Ford's dealer bulletins authorizing long-block engine replacements for failures related to this recall. They have also refused to reimburse me for the totaled vehicle or the out-of-pocket expenses incurred. Ford customer service has employed shady tactics, denying liability and stonewalling my attempts to reach a resolution, completely failing to provide the remedy mandated by this safety recall. The vehicle and all documentation are available for inspection upon request.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 20, 2026
Purge valve sensor and canister is malfunctioning causing my car to stall out
Engine, Jun 4, 2026
I had an oil pressure light come on while driving and it was followed by the car shutting off and not starting back up. It was towed to a mechanic who told me the timing belt broke while driving and the car requires a new engine. The car was the towed to a ford dealer who confirmed his diagnosis. The car has the 1.0l ecoboost engine and manual transmission. I saw that there is an open investigation on this exact problem and a recall would be greatly appreciated. I'm shocked they are allowed to use a wet timing belt and not a chain.
Engine, May 15, 2026
Last July my car was overheating and breaking down as I was driving on I4 to work one morning which it overheated and broke down which was the precursor the last time My engine blew in December 2024 which the engine was already repaired January 2022 (Dumphy Ford,Pa), December 2022 (Tropical Ford, Fl) then I got notices there is a recall with the oil pump and belt since February 2023 however the remedy parts were not available and kept getting notices that the parts would be in by fall 2024 then it kept getting pushed back when they would be available, meanwhile my car broke down again July 2024 which the engine needed to be replaced and was covered because oil and coolant was leaking into the engine due to the recall and they still didn’t have parts available and then car broke down again December 2024 which Tropical Ford covered because the recall parts were still not available. So in July 2025 they attempted to fix it and I picked it up and it overheated again and they kept it till September 2025 and fixed a bunch of things like transmission, recall and other things and now the car began to overheat again and took it to [XXX] and now they are saying the engine is blown again… I believe the recall failed and I shouldn’t have to pay for the 5Th engine replacement INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 25, 2026
RECALL 23V905 February 2024 This is a complaint about service for the Recall. Or, the lack thereof. Still hasn't been serviced by dealer Serramonte Ford in Colma, CA.650-395-2728 Car was delivered to dealer Wednesday April 22, 2026. And still hasn't been serviced, as far as I know. Inquired for status on Thursday 23rd, and Friday 24th. Never received any. call back. Called today, Saturday April 25, and was told that Service Department is closed. Left message on Service Manager voicemail. Monday the 27th will be 6 days without a car.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2026
The dual clutch PowerShift DCT transmission has failed. When placed in reverse, the engine RPM increases when accelerating but the vehicle does not move at all. While driving forward, the vehicle struggles to reach 10mph and the transmission slips severely. The vehicle is essentially undriveable. The vehicle has gotten stuck on neighborhood roads on 3 separate occasions due to complete loss of reverse function. I was stuck for 30 minutes to an hour which put me in way too much preassure and possibly, I could have ended up in danger. The vehicle had to be physically pushed by hand to move it. This created a dangerous situation for myself and others on the road. An independent mechanic diagnosed and replaced the clutch actuator assembly and fuel pump. After repairs the problem persists unchanged. The mechanic has noted the vehicle requires a full transmission replacement. This is a known defect with the Ford PowerShift DCT transmission affecting multiple model years. Repair costs have exceeded $1,500 with no resolution. The failed transmission puts safety at risk as the vehicle cannot accelerate properly in traffic and has no reverse function. Problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. Vehicle is available for inspection.
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Apr 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering, jerking, and hesitating to accelerate as needed. The vehicle then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Engine, Mar 16, 2026
Engine light is on with the code reading the clutch and the transmission is overheating with sticking gears as I drive
Engine, Mar 13, 2026
Recall 23s64 was completed and immediately was smelling and losing oil. Took back to dealer twice and second time they said it was fixed. A few thousand miles later I had sudden turbo failure. Lost all power and a huge amount of smoke making it impossible for me and other highway drivers to see. The turbo failed
Engine, Mar 10, 2026
All a sudden struggling to start. Crankshaft was bad and replaced. Still had issues. Checked plugs and they needed replaced less than 18.5k miles since engine and plugs replacement (under previous owner). Still had trouble starting. At least 12 different codes. Dropped off for diagnostics and now they're saying they found coolant in the cylinders and I need a whole new UPDATED engine. If the engine was replaced just under 2 years ago, why was the updated engine NOT used?? Engine replaced at 65k miles in April 2024. I bought the car used in July 2025 with 78k. Car now has 84k. I can tell you the exact miles I was able to get out of it was 7887. That's it. I have not had my car since thanksgiving 2025. This issue is STILL ongoing.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine and Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and stopped in the middle of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road and activated the hazard lights. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, while the contact and her [XXX] son were picked up by the contact's grandmother. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was engine-related. The contact was informed that the repair would be covered under the recall; however, the part was not yet available. The dealer ordered the part. The contact stated that the vehicle had been with the dealer for approximately six weeks. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft sensor was not operating properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the residence, where a handheld diagnostic machine confirmed a failure with the camshaft. The contact’s son became aware that the rear sensor was covered in oil and the front sensor was dry. The vehicle was driven for 20 minutes but the failure persisted. Three separate dealers were contacted, but the contact was informed parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist because parts were not available, even though it was indicated that parts were available. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Engine, Feb 7, 2026
At 80000miles I noticed misfires and replaced original spark plugs per spec At 107578, misfires occurred, when I pulled plugs pos 1 was completely worn out, as well as pos 4.Codes were seen P0304 and P0301. Car ran well after replacement. I have been troubled by loss of coolant lately and could find no leaks. Also temp gauge in dash “wanders” Being retired I can’t afford to go to dealership. I believe spark plugs should not wear out after approx 25000 miles No overheating of engine has occurred . I drive about 12000/yr. Car is available to be seen. Dealer has not seen car Concerned problem could cause engine failure. Thank you
Engine, Feb 6, 2026
The engine stopped running do to bad timing belt / oil pump belt.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and was taken to the dealer to be repaired under the recall. Approximately 2-3 months after the recall repair was completed; while driving approximately 25 - 35 MPH, the engine made a loud thumping sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not returned to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 22, 2026
The malfunctioned component Engine Oil Pump failed while driving on highway causing the vehicle to both overheat and stall all at once, causing the vehicle to stop running in the middle of a main highway forcing me and another pedestrian to push the car into a gas station, out of the way of oncoming traffic, Ford did send out a recall notice for the Failed Oil Pump in December 2025 the same month my vehicle broke down. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanics shop, Master Muffler & Brake repair shop in Wareham Ma. as well as Empire Ford of New Bedford, Master Muffler & Brake concluded that the Head Gasket had blown, and Empire Ford of New Bedford concluded the issue was due to a cracked engine block. Prior to any issue there had been no warning signs then once the 2018 Ford Focus began to stall an overheating warning light as well as the check engine light began to flash at the same exact time as the vehicle itself breaking down.
Engine, Jan 12, 2026
Ref Recall #23V905: I brought my 2018 Ford Focus into Northside Ford, San Antonio on Tuesday, Jan 6th, to comply with referenced recall. I was told that to "get in line" I would have to leave my vehicle at the dealership until parts were available, approximately a one month wait. There was no provision for a written recall wait list - then notify the customer when parts are available. Nor was a loaner car available. I believe such a policy that requires customers to lose use of their vehicle for a month is a barrier to referenced recall compliance. I ask that Ford change their procedure.
Engine, Jan 6, 2026
I was driving on a major road at about 40mph. The oil light unexpectedly came on and I experienced a sudden reduction of engine power. There was no prior warning about this issue before the oil light suddenly came on. This power reduction caused unpredictable vehicle driving behavior that could have caused an accident. I was able to get the car to a nearby Ford dealership who told me that the oil light came on because the timing belt started to break apart and began to seize up the engine. They have told me that the entire engine will need to be replaced. The malfunctioning parts should still be available for inspection. So far, only the initial Ford dealership and the auto shop I had my car towed to for repair has inspected the vehicle. I have called Ford directly and they would not help with my problem because there has been no recall issued for my manual Focus model, though the automatic models have been recalled for a very similar or the same issue according to the Ford dealer.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer informed the contact that the engine was replaced; however, the contact stated that after the recall repair, the vehicle started to overheat. The contact added coolant to the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was not experiencing the failure prior to the recall repair. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant contamination. The dealer replaced two reservoirs and cleaned out the coolant. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle in the driveway, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the spark plugs were removed, and the mechanic noticed that there was coolant leak on the spark plugs. The mechanic determined that the engine had seized. The contact sent pictures of the failure to the dealer, who advised that they would need to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, but was not yet diagnosed due to the cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,947.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 16, 2025
Vehicle experienced a highway-speed overheat and automatic engine shutdown. Inspection revealed antifreeze intrusion into the under-hood engine fuse box, causing widespread fuse degradation and electrical failure. This occurred following recall-related service. Vehicle lost power and is unsafe to operate due to electrical contamination and fire risk. Manufacturer and dealer have been unresponsive.