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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Dec 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the PCV value needed to be replaced, and that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 34,000. The contact stated that their vehicle has the same issue as other 2012-2018MY Ford Focuses but their vehicle is not included in the recall.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 29, 2022
Purchased a Ford Focus 2018 (42,000k miles) in August 2019 from Drive Time Stone Mountain as a graduation gift for my daughter. In December 2019, while driving she notices her ECO went out and it no longer turned off when the car stopped, 2 weeks later the car stops in the middle of the street. We take it to a dealership in Statesboro, GA where she attends college and they inform us that the motor needs to be replaced. The motor is replaced and the ECO comes back on but goes off again in abt 3 mos. not even a yr later same thing happens same diagnostic of motor went out. The same FORD dealership installs a new one. Sept 2022, she is driving car stops a good Samaritan who happens to be a mechanic told her its the motor and power train and it will cost $7000 to replace because we are 60 days past warranty. Needless to say the car is still there. I have since purchased her a Kia with a lifetime engine. However, I need for this FOCUS to be fixed as a good will courtesy so I can sell it or trade it in. Paying $550 a month for a note and insurance for a non working car SUCKS! By the way, the car has 61,000k miles on it when it went out this last time. The sad part is that there are hundreds of FORD FOCUS owners with the same issue! Why not put a recall on this hunk of junk??!!!!
Engine, Dec 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the engine was replaced under a warranty; however, approximately 2 months later the engine was overheating and burning anti-freeze causing an abnormal odor to enter through the exhaust system. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to the NHTSA hotline to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000. The consumer stated vehicle was repaired under initial incident but 2 months later the head to be replaced at the owners expense.
Engine, Nov 12, 2022
I was driving on interstate at 75 mph when my vehicle oil light came on. Before I could react, I lost cruise control and my engine began to stall. A loud noise came from my engine and it shut off while still driving. I was able to pull over without being involved in an accident. I towed the vehicle from the side of interstate to the nearest ford dealer. I explained the oil pressure light came on and my car instantly stalled and how I was put in a dangerous situation. He told me before the inspection that I would need an entire engine replacement. He explained this is a very common issue with 2016-2018 ford focus with eco boost engine. The timing belt fails early, causing debris to fail the engine,. He explained that if this light comes on, ford will automatically recommend a new engine as the light comes on too late. He explained that Ford have been aware of this problem but have not provided any solution or guidance besides to quote an engine replacement. He showed me that in his small service lot of 20 cars, 5 of them were 16-18 ford focus with the exact same timing belt issue and awaiting motors. I contacted ford and explained my situation. Ford said they could not help in any way as I was 7k miles over my 60,000 mile warranty. I am the only owner of this vehicle and maintain frequent oil changes. The repair was quoted at $10k by a certified Ford dealer.
Engine, Oct 25, 2022
Transmission failed to engage in changing gears on the road. When idle wouldnt go in reverse and can hear grinding sound or gear changing sound . Gear moving or changing sound when I turned car off. Few minutes after this happened engine light came on. Problem has not been confirmed by dealer, etc. Bought at approximately 40k miles - Ford replaced 2 clutches,now. They will not extend warranty for new clutch. When I called national Ford customer service since I have no warranty I will have to pay for tow and work, etc. Would be out of pocket. Used code machine - have code numbers if needed.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 28, 2022
Yes, both the safety of myself as well as others is at risk. The engine shuts off while driving, which is extremely dangerous in many scenarios: on a highway - the risk of rear-ending at high speed, hazardous when passing another car on a two-way street, inability to leave the intersection safely etc. During regular operation, the vehicle loses power and enters "idle mode"; the car shakes a bit like choking, the engine shuts down, and no acceleration is possible. An error message " engine fault service now" appears. You are losing control over a car and cannot safely leave a line or an intersection. Turning the engine off and back on clears the message, and the vehicle typically runs back and runs without problems. The incidents happen entirely at random without any warning. There is no pattern, fast or slow drive, length or dynamic of the drive, the weather, etc. Happened to me multiple times. Around August 8th - the first observance, on an interstate highway, the car entered idle mode and died numerous times when slowing down. The car was dropped off at the authorized FORD dealer. The dealer cannot replicate the issue. Car picked up from the dealer around August 30th - throttle body replaced as per dealer recommendation. September 15th - same problem. The car shuts off during driving. No acceleration, same message. Fulls speed, city driving, lost acceleration mid-intersection. Car towed to an authorized dealer. The dealer cannot identify the issue, cannot replicate the problem and says everything is ok. On September 23rd, the car was picked up from the dealer, stating that they replaced the harness and resolved the issue. September 24th card enters "middle mode" while on the highway off-ramp. Unable to accelerate same error message. Miraculously avoids being rear-ended by the driver behind. The message clears off after tuning the car off and on. The vehicle operates normally after. Dropped the car off at the authorized dealer.
Exterior lighting, Structure, Engine, Aug 30, 2022
My Vehicle has been with me since I’ve had It since 32,000 miles it’s up to 87,000 miles now The first thing I had to replace the starter at 32,000 the alternator and CV axle on the passenger side and the clutch is second and third clutch And the inside dome lights an the dash lights shorted out all went out the day after I got it now since then at 84,000 the The front clip just fell off going down the road it never dragged the ground an it was never broken but going down the interstate at 70 the speed limit it fell down an ripped out from under the car an hit the car behind me costing me a lot of money but now currently at 87,000 The cv axel on the passenger side has started knocking again bye far one of the worst cars I’ve ever bought
Engine, Aug 10, 2022
Engine just stopped working and white smoke came out the exhaust.
Engine, Aug 4, 2022
On 07/13/22, I was driving my 2018 Focus from a stop light, when I noticed that it was not accelerating properly. I looked down and both the check engine and oil pressure light had come on. I immediately pulled over and called my mechanic, to whom I drove it to (approx 3 miles) after being instructed to check the oil levels, which there was plenty of. Upon my mechanic inspecting the vehicle, he informed me that he believed the oil pump belt had snapped, but he didn't feel comfortable working on it because it is in the engine. I contacted the dealership and had it towed there. A few days later they confirmed that it was a snapped oil pump belt, and I would need an engine replacement. Further research has shown that this is a fairly widespread problem with Ford Focuses and other vehicles with the EcoBoost 1.0L engine. Others have expressed that their engines have flat out seized in the middle of driving. There were at least 2 TSB's issued regarding this specific engine problem as well. It should also be noted that per Ford's own service recommendations, this part should not need servicing until 150k miles. I believe it is fairly obvious to see how this could pose a significant safety risk and that the manufacturer is far past the point of addressing this.
Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the EVAP system was leaking and that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,800.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2022
Engine shudders and sometimes stalls out when accelerating from complete stop and from low speed. Shudders also after changing gears or when trying to accelerate quickly like to change lanes. Especially after being driven more than about 50 miles without stopping. Has to be cranked 2 or 3 times after fueling and engine will only stay on if accelerator is pressed almost to the floor. Check engine light comes on and goes off randomly.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2022
My car sounds like its going die when putting fuel in my car, I have to leave car running while fueling. No matter the level of fuel. If I turn on my car after fueling, it takes a few tries to get car started back. Sometimes my car shakes when taking off or speeding up. This has been going on for the last year. Check engine light is on.
Engine, Jun 17, 2022
My engine cracked its block rendering it useless; the 4th cylinder injector came out of timing causing all of the damage vapor locking the 4th cylinder this all occurred while at highway speeds the problem occurred at 70000 miles on a 2018 Ford focus sel this was diagnosed by the dealer and told us this is not covered because this Vin isn't listed under any active recalls involving
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 5, 2022
Cause not cranking and boost for while but stopped while running… displaying transmission fault service now… codes P1450 unable to bleed up fuel vacuum P0456 evaporative emission system leak detect..P144A emission system purge vapor line restricted/ blocked P0171 system too lean… seems to be bad vac line to tank and air leak… car stalling
Engine, Jun 2, 2022
The component that failed is the CANISTER PURGE VALVE. The engine light was on and we took it to a certified auto shop. Report from the auto shop: Diagnosis for check engine lamp on, run tests for codes P0300 random misfire, P0316 misfire on startup, P1450 cannot bleed fuel tank vacuum. No misfires present at this time found sticking canister purge valve pulling a constant vacuum on the fuel tank, makes is possible to pull raw fuel if the fuel level is high, suspect this to be the cause of misfire codes. Recommendation by the auto shop: Replace canister purge valve, clear computer, and retest on cold start.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the purge valve, fuel pump, fuel tank, gasket, and fuel sender valve were replaced. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 49,805.
Engine, May 14, 2022
My vehicle broke down on the side of a major highway at nighttime. We would not find out later that it was both the engine and turbo that needed to be replaced. We purchased the vehicle brand new in 2018 and purchased the maintenance plan with it. Vehicle was maintenance by Ford only and to their standards as recommended yet the vehicle still died with less than 84k miles on it. In fact two weeks prior the vehicle had an oil change. When we finally received the diagnosis of needing a new engine the mechanic stated this is an issue with the 3 cylinder Fords that the company has not addressed yet. My friend who has the exact same car just had hers break down for the same reasons but at 67k miles. The difference is she purchased the extended warranty and we purchased the maintenance plan so hers is being covered 100% and she is being provided a loaner vehicle. Ford refused to cover all of the repair costs even though this issue was clearly a manufacturer issue. They actually kept lowering the assistance amount as time went on. They refused to provide a loaner or reimburse any of the hundreds of dollars we spent on towing. We were without the vehicle for several months and Ford could care less and suggested several times to get a rental even thought we expressed we could not afford it due to costs we already put into the car but especially because we are still paying on the original vehicle loan as well as insurance. Fords customer service was the worst I ever experienced and in every aspect we dealt with them all the way to corporate.
Engine, May 3, 2022
Engine, and computer that controls check engine and low oil pressure lights. Car started ticking, had appt but not until may 18th dealership where I bought it. On Friday April 15th when I turned car off and got out smelled burning smell. Husband lifted hood and let cool down for an hour, when to go check fluids and no oil, looked under neath no leaks. Have video of all and everything. No alert senor came on to say low oil pressure, or check engine especially since it was bone dry no oil. Bought car with 11800 or so miles on it 6 weeks before. When bought car had oil in it. At 13510 miles no oil. Safety was at risk because it could have caught fire with running it with no oil in it, until app time of May 18th 2022. Took to key scales ford where car was bought, and confirmed no leaks, no oil, no warning lights. Was towed to them on Monday April 18th, was inspected wensday April 20th. No warning lights what so ever came on at all. Car information stated no warnings no messages. Again I have video taken from Friday April 15th when we found car to have no oil. Ford after 2weeks finally decided to replace engine but no answer on computer for warning lights as of now. Engine on back order.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 14, 2022
I purchased this vehicle used in 8/2021 and within 6 months, I have an inoperable vehicle with a hefty car loan of over $15,000 to payoff monthly. I can’t afford another car and I should not be responsible for paying for a car due to defective parts from the manufacturer that is causing other damage to my vehicle. I haven’t had the use of my vehicle since this time. This is unfair and unacceptable. The component that failed/malfunctioned was the double clutch on the transmission. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This poses a safety risk because the vehicle ultimately can lose control, it jerks, slow drags/stalls, gets hot while in traffic which will which eventually shut off preventing me from moving the vehicle out of traffic. This can put me and my passengers in danger of getting hit in the event of a collision from oncoming traffic resulting in eminent danger of getting seriously injured or killed. The problem has been reproduced at an independent service center, Gray’s Garage in Dover, TN. The problem is a known issue on Ford Focus 2016 – 2018 manual transmissions vehicles and associated with recall NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 18V845000. It is evident that this issue is also present with 2018 Ford Focus automatic transmission vehicles. Car was inspected by certified mechanic in Dover, TN and I was advised the double clutch was broken and it messed up the transmission. The issue first appeared on 2/14/22, I was stopped at a traffic light with my foot on the break. When moved feet off break just before beginning to accelerate, I heard a noise. The car began to jerk until I got to 15 mph speed and then it downshifts or slow drags. The car alerted me that the transmission hot and to pull over, turn the car off for 5 minutes to let it cool off. I kept trying the steps on multiple occasions this day and the result was the same every time I come to a stop it happens. I was basically stranded, unable to drive any distance with a non-functioning car.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Apr 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the emission system had failed. The canister purge valve and the vapor vent valve were replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the canister vent valve and the canister vent solenoid needed to be replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to independent who provided the same diagnostic; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the canister vent valve and the canister vent solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 25,509. Vehicle had an issue with the Canister Purge Valve, canister vent solenoid and also other issues related to a recall that is on this type of vehicle. Our VIN number was not included with the recall, but it is the same thing that they are saying in the recall that happened to our Ford. The car only has 25817 miles. Warranty ran out on years but not mileage.
Engine, Jan 2, 2022
My car was serviced for the works oil change on 12-5-21 @ Quicklane-ford. Car has 72k miles, on 12-31-21 heading home from work early morning my car at light started to shake. No warning lights or nothing. I went to gas station to get gas so I wouldn’t have to stop later. i attempted to start my car the oil and battery light came on. It took a minute but car initially started. I drove 2 miles home and when i got to a stop sign my car wouldn’t go. When autozone opened i took my car 2 miles to have them test the battery. The tech said,”hey is your car off, the machine says it’s still on.” I stated it wasn’t but he went inside my car to see if it was. He thought that was weird and so did I. The battery was good. So I proceeded to head to quicklane which was 2 miles aways. This time when I got to a intersection my car begin to shake and rpm wouldn’t go up as I attempted to accelerate. I pulled over, to get a tow. When i started the car again oil, battery and overheating light turned on. At Quicklane I got terrible news, that coolant was leaking into engine and that I may need a engine or my head gasket replace. Which may cost at minimum $4000. I asked how could this happened I get my car serviced here all the time. Wouldn’t the ford mechanic detected coolant leaking into oil. When they test that as well. I read that ecoboost suv were recalled but my focus is ecoboost and have similar issues. I treat my car with care get any and every service suggested by Quicklane. Quicklane worker stated that my 2018 car that i bought brand new no miles in 2/19/2019 was old. How so i had a 1997 camry with 330k miles never did this and had same motor. I never got a warning on car about a coolant leak. This is a shame that at 72k miles, I am having to buy a expensive engine or new car. They had recalls on other ecoboost but now I’m thinking all ecoboost by Ford has this issue that is becoming to common. It’s not safe and dangerous Shaking and stopping out of nowhere and no real warning.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 1, 2021
Suddenly, the vehicle will stall only after it's been fueled. I've read reports of this being common in lots of Ford vehicles with it having something to do with a fuel filter or emissions. The vehicle continues to run and drive but I fear it will continue to do worse. My only option currently is to leave the vehicle running while being fueled.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 18, 2021
Purchased with less than 50k miles with warranty. 2k miles until warranty expired car started jerking and shuddering when taking off. Took to dealership no codes or recalls. A month later car would not start after refueling. Had mechanic replace fuel evap. Fixed one problem but not the shuddering. Problem seems to be worsening. Recall for half of the 2018 focus models for same issues but recall does not include all!
Engine, Sep 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated, shook abnormally, and shuddered. The RPM’s increased and the miles per gallon increased to 99.9 miles per gallon. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the purge valve, vapor canister, fuel tank, and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. No further assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 29,106.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 2, 2021
Vehicle stalles, stutter on startup.evap faults. Problem with the canister purge valve. Seems the car has some recalls issues.