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, Fuel/propulsion system, May 25, 2024
The oil pump belt broke and lost oil pressure causing the car to lose power while pulling out onto a busy highway. Had to have car towed to dealership. They diagnosed the problem as related to the recall and have recommended engine replacement but are not able to repair as the recall is in the advanced notice stage. I have contacted Ford everyday for a week about needing a vehicle in the meantime. They finally approved a car rental for $45/day but it has to be a Ford. I’ve called 8 car rentals and no one carries a compact Ford at that price. I would like my vehicle fixed or reimbursed 100% for a rental. I have spent hours on the phone trying to get this resolved. I’m being told I will need to pay out of my own pocket for anything more than $45/day or pay $8100 to replace my engine with no guarantee that I will be reimbursed.
Engine and engine cooling, May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power with the check oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed as a failure with the fuel pump. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Engine, May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle was shaking and rattling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Crest Ford, in Center Line (26333 Van Dyke Ave., Center Line, MI 48015), where it was diagnosed that the EPV valve clutch and purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V845000 (Power Train) and 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,374.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 20, 2024
P219a, p064d Total system shutdown was not recrank. Was in the middle of a four-way intersection when car died. Independent service diagnose the problem Have checked the Ford recall list and there are three recalls address to my vehicle Oil pressure light battery light and check engine light
Engine, May 16, 2024
I was driving and my check engine light came on. Immediately after the light hits vapors started coming out of my tail pipes and my car heating gauge goes to hot. I pull over turn the car off and wait for it to cool down and then I add some anti freeze 50/50 to the reservoir. It still had a lot of antifreeze in it so I basically topped it off to the do not fill past here line. I turn the car back on and go to drive off. The car won't go above 20 miles per hour and it immediately over heats again and there is still vapor coming out. I have it towed home and then I have it towed to the dealership where they informed me that the head gasket is cracked. The component is available for inspection upon request. I could no longer go above 20 mph in Las Vegas with heavy traffic someone could have easily hit me or caused a crash. I'm not sure how deadly a blown head gasket is but it's possible the engine could have exploded or worse it was confirmed by Gaudin Ford of Las Vegas. An Internet search shows that A LOT of others have had blown head gaskets with low miles also. My source was Reddit and car forums related to the Focus ST. Check engine light came on and then literally 1 second after that the vapors started. After letting the vehicle cool down I could no longer drive above 20 mph. It was like the car lost all of its power
Engine, May 13, 2024
Earlier this year, I was driving my Ford focus and the car stopped at a stoplight and the engine shut off. The engine never restarted. I had the car towed to a garage and eventually a Ford dealership where it was determined that the reason the car broke was due to an active recall on the oil belt, as the oil belt broke. That active recall number is 23S64 and concerns the belt that delivers the oil to the engine and the oil to the turbo charger. Without the oil being delivered, the engine and turbo charger seized as the belt broke. The Ford dealership said that the oil belt, engine, and turbocharger would all need replacing but the recall only covers the oil system at this time. They were explicitly clear that the engine and turbocharger failures were due to the oil belt failure. My car has been at the Ford dealership for multiple months, awaiting the next steps, but as of now, it has been communicated to me that the recall only covers the oil system and not the cascading effect that the oil system had on the engine and the turbo charger. I’m writing this complaint so that there is a documented instance where the oil belt recall has led to a cascade of multiple other parts on the car failing. The oil belt is currently in advanced recall notice and no remedy is available for the situation. I do not feel this has been remedied in a timely manner as my car has been on the dealership lot for multiple months now and they have said only the oil belt may be covered. I have opted to wait until the recall switches from advanced notice until I make a decision what to do. Let me know what other information I can provide. This problem poses a safety risk as a loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine damage and/or seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of the mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle decelerated, with the oil pressure and battery warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over off the highway and stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,643. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence and then had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 5, 2024
2018 ford focus shit down while driving down a main road in December 2023 Had it towed at our expense to a ford dealership, they told us the engine needs replaced, estimated around $9000 Recall came out a week or so later, for the oil pump causing the engine to seize. Still waiting to hear from ford about the recall, and have been out of a car for 5 months, and they declined offering me a temporary car. I don’t know what to do from here as the car has been sitting in my yard and the battery has also died now.
Engine and engine cooling, May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 26, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine, Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 24, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 5 MPH in the driveway, the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and shut off independently. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact's son attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. On the second attempt, the vehicle started; however, the oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with belt corrosion that affected the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Apr 16, 2024
Loss of oil pressure and engine did seize up on the road, had a hard time steering it off the side of the road. Then the check engine light came on after it was on the side of the road. Cars engine was destroyed due to the oil pressure. Car was Take to Ford Shop in Sioux Falls SDak to have a new engine put in, on [XXX]. This is the recall that is currently in affect that cause this engine loss. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the hood. The check engine and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle turned off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer but was not diagnosed due to the warranty being expired. 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 approximately 51,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 10, 2024
My family and I were moving across the country due to my husband being stationed in a new location in December 2023z My cars check engine light came in and about 1 minute later it started flashing. I had to get it towed to our final destination. We then had it towed to the Titus will ford dealership in Lakewood Washington. I was then notified by that shop that it had an advance notice recall on it. It has been there since the beginning of January 2024. The dealership told me my whole engine needs replaced because of the recall. The mechanic has told me the recall will cover the repairs fully. It is estimated to be $7,000 to repair. I could pay for the repair and then file for reimbursement. I do not have $7,000 to fix this. Ford continues to tell me there is nothing they can to but to have me wait till the remedy is available. I have NO mode of transportation to and from work, to get on base(home), to get my kids to and from school. They say there is no rental car available for me. Ford has said that the remedy should be available “sometime” in the second quarter. I am paying my car payment and insurance for this vehicle every month without having the vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the "Low Oil Pressure" warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and related the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Apr 5, 2024
Was driving and the low oil pressure light came on. pulled over as the engine stalled and would not restart. towed vehicle to an local shop. They confirmed belt material in engine oil and open recall. Called Ford and they have no parts and no direction on what to do until the recall is open. told it could be months until they have any information. towed vehicle out of the shop it was at and it is sitting . Ford is providing NO support until the recall is offically open however they have sent out pre notices and my car needs an engine.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. A warning light was illuminated which displayed that the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a repair code given as p2872 and it was unknown what parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost all motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pump belt, resulting in damage to the engine and requiring a replacement engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that her daughter stated that the check engine warning light and the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter was able to coast to the side of the road however, the vehicle was not accelerating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump had failed and caused damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. The check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the turbo booster. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who did not provide a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.