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 and engine cooling
124 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 12, 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, Aug 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 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 unavailable. 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, Aug 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 6, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 2, 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 an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled with the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the oil pump tensioner which caused the engine to seize. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated while driving at an undisclosed, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and jerked with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed as a failure with the torque converter. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM's increased. The contact stated that the engine was loud. The contact turned off the vehicle and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 69,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 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 unavailable. 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 stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering with smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be duplicated. The contact related the failure to 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 failure mileage was approximately 126,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 12, 2024
The contact's son 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 the driver was driving 50-55 MPH in the rain, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that while the driver was depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered and became undriveable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer related the failure to the recall. 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 and offered to reimburse the contact for any rental vehicle expenses incurred. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 12, 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 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked at the residence and upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jumpstarted by a towing service. The contact stated while driving to the dealer at 25-30 MPH, the vehicle experienced engine hesitation. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with metal shavings in the engine oil. No further information was provided. The dealer related the failure to the recall and informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 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 while driving approximately 60 MPH, the "Low oil pressure" warning illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the oil pump had failed and damaged the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and was informed that the oil pump had failed and that the engine and oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 3, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the engine seized with a loss of oil pressure. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pump and 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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost 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 not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. 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 notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 53,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 51,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver 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 resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included, but the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 21, 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 55 MPH, there was air coming from under the hood of the vehicle and the RPM was fluctuating. In addition, the vehicle failed to respond, while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt, drive belt tensioner, and an unknown sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with engine oil pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then 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 dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 55,428. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 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 while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the contact heard a loud ticking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,084. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 18, 2024
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, where the engine was replaced. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a significant amount of smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the turbo charger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. Additionally, the dealer determined that the failure was related to 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70–75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off. The contact pulled over, and the vehicle failed to restart. The oil pressure warning light illuminated and blinked. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and requested a buyback. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer agreed to assist with the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 13, 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, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 11, 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 began to lose motive power with the check engine, low oil pressure, and low battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.