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: fuel/propulsion system
131 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2024
Vehicle has been having more frequent issues starting up. Engine stalls intermittently and hesitates after fueling up. Been getting inaccurate fuel gauge and distance to empty readings lately. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety was compromised because the car stalled without warning on the highway almost causing me to get into an accident, and it also shut down on me after pulling out from the gas station after fueling up. Car also loss power and hesitated on highway when merging, causing traffic to back up. I feel extremely unsafe. Problem was replicated with my mechanic after driving with him from the gas station. The car has always passed inspection from when I bought it and i stay up to date with its maintenance from the dealerships. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp just illuminated a few days ago from 7/18/2024 but have been experiencing this issue slowly for a few months, and has been progressively getting worse until the check engine light came on which is the current situation. Mechanic found multiple codes P1450, P0456 and etc when he connected the computer to my car showing a CPV purge valve and other issues associated.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2024
Oil light on engine is on. Issue is related to recall. Not able to fix issue until early next year
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2024
My check engine light came on. I have the code P0456 indicating the evaporative emission system has a leak. This is the same code that caused a recall for 1,282,596 Ford focuses on recall #18S32. My VIN number is not in the recall, but I’m having the same problem.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 22, 2024, crash
My car keeps stuttering and stalling. I've been trying to get it fixed at specialists but they say nothing is wrong with the car, even though I've been stuck on the side of the road multiple times. Not to mention the intense jerking the car does when I try and speed up .
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 20, 2024
previous recall 18V735000 that covered the fuel system was inadequate. my 2018 se is constantly displaying incorrect fuel levels, and it has multiple warnings regarding the fuel system.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 26, 2024
My fuel system failed, causing fuel leakage, problems with starting my vehicle, pressing on the gas and the vehicle not driving, which caused me to get in almost 3 collisions. my check engine light sensors are being triggered for no reason and my car continues to jerk and not drive, even if there is fuel in the tank.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 9, 2024
1. The code indicates that the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system is unable to bleed up the fuel tank vacuum. p1450 2.Purge Valve needs replacement as it is sucking p0456 3. After getting gas, gar does not start Sick of being told nothing is wrong and it isn't happening to my 2018 Ford Focus. Now I have to have it diagnosed again for 280.00 when I know that my car should be included in all recalls. Yes it has been confirmed by a mechanic I am at risk constantly in this car. Yes check engine soon light keeps coming on
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 26, 2023
The dealership told me that the sensor I read that was a recall wasn't covered because my vin wasn't on the list of re-calls. I looked up what auto zone pulled up as the code and pretty sure it was the fuel filter valve. But after taking it to our regular mechanic he replaced a line in the engine area that connect beside the battery going to the air filter area looks like a long black hose and then stated that may have been bad gas but was reading the re-call and my car was doing what I was reading. Some one said purge valve. He already replaced it and works fine. But I would get gas started off not starting up good then got worse had to leave it on while pumping 1 day it just died on me on fourth of a tank in the middle of rush hour and about got hit a bunch of times and nearly had to go to the e.r. made my heart rate escalade to high. Then got to were I couldn't even barely get it started so my ex husband paid to get it fixed costing dang near $250 I shouldn't have to be responsible for. There was never anything ever wrong with my car prior had it since new took very good care of it only put 60 thousand miles on it in 5 years maybe a very few oil changes and 1 set of tires but that was it. It won't let me upload my files either
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 2, 2023
The purge valve problem persists well into this model year. The car is hiccuping and stalling at lights and has difficulty starting after fueling. I find it appalling that reprogramming the "check engine" light to acknowledge the defect, rather than actually repairing the defect was considered an adequate solution. My car has 59,000 miles and is just out of warranty. I think had this purge valve problem (rather than just the engine light symptom) been properly addressed by the NHTSA and Ford, my family would be safer in this car. I will never buy a Ford again.
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Visibility/wiper, Sep 23, 2023, crash
The purge valve has been an ongoing continuous problem since we bought the vehicle. I have fixed it multiple times. It’s caused the vehicle to stall after putting gas in the tank, and just recently stalled while driving, causing me to hit a curb leading to the passenger front tire popping, the rim being dented, the tire rod bent, alignment out of wack, and the valance ripped off. It also caused a dashboard light to pop up saying Hill Start is Not Available. I was in the car thankfully alone and not with my children. The windshield wipers are a fairly newer issue, they come on whenever they want with the switch being touch. But won’t come on when I try to do it myself. I had my mom take a photo of the steering wheel/road while I was driving to show the severity of the alignment needed, it’s causing extra wear and tear EXTREMELY fast on tires. Rainy season has begun and this is absolutely unsafe and not my responsibility.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2023
Slave cylinder on 2018 limited edition focus rs, i was driving home and pedal instantly fell to the floor! In the middle of the highway right before my exit and I had to do some rather scary driving when the car wouldn't change gears & stalled. I had to get the car to emergency lane/shoulder to pull over! No previous signs/warning lights or vehicle drive ability leading up to complete catastrophic failure of said slave cylinder. It's currently at the dealership where I had it towed with the clutch still on the floor &. Although the clutch was still on the floor the dealership took 2 DAYS TO "DIAGNOSE" the issue with the vehicle when its obviously a hydraulic issue with either the master cylinder or slave cylinder smdh thats an issue in of its self but i digress.The dealership did confirm that it is indeed a complete failure of slave cylinder. I've read that this is a known issue with ford focus vehicles that ford is well aware of yet they haven't recalled this part let alone acknowledge said issue when brought in for replacement. This is the 2nd time I have an issue with the slave cylinder which I had replaced 26,000 miles ago my vehicle currently has 126,699 but I replaced slave cylinder @ 104,568 miles so new slave cylinder doesn't even have 30,000 miles on it.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2023
NHTSA number 18v845000 and 18v735000, my car is showing the same symptoms transmission and purge valve and should be included in these recalls
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 26, 2023, crash
While driving my car cuts off in the middle of the intersection of one of the most busiest streets where I live causing someone to bump into me nothing major but I was already still at that point with my Emergancy signals on but the oil pump went causing my car to shut completely off oil light comes on I contacted a mechanic just to look and he said my oil pump blew I have a crack in the pan smh no warning until it happened found out it’s a common issue with fords it really sucks
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 10, 2023
[XXX], oil light came on, and engine fault light, That day I made a appt at the dewey ford dealership, in ankeny iowa, for monday, august 8..., I had no car problems before this date ( the 5th) august 9th, dewey texts me to let me know, the oil pump failed, and there is metal contamination in the engine and the turbo , I need a new engine and turbo charger.. to the tune of 6249.71 dollars my car is a 2018 ford focus with 50.500 miles on it !! They are saying there is not any warranty on the car, .. I see that there are some class action lawsuits for ford, with the very problem I am describing.. of course no one from ford has mentioned that... please let me know what to do... Thankyou for your help [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] .. text only please.. dont hear well ( or e mail ) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2023, fire
As I was driving my 2018 Ford Focus, the check engine flashed on. Almost as soon as I noticed it flashed on, it went away. Several more miles down the interstate, it came on again. Almost as soon as it came on, a warning displayed stating Engine Temp Hot, Stop Safely. As I started to pull over onto the shoulder, the power steering went out and then the brakes became extremely hard to push in. As my car slowed down I noticed smoke and as soon as we stopped flames came out from under the hood of the car. I called 911 and the Indiana State Police came and Incident # 2023-00344031 was filed after Pike Township Fire department extinguished the flames. State Farm Insurance was contacted and my car was deemed a total loss. I have photos but the website wouldn't upload the photos.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2023
For a couple months I’ve noticed after I pump new gas, my car hesitates. It acts as if it’s going to turn off. I see this is a known issue but not for my year which is absolutely crazy. Not to mention how the car has jerked when you take off from a stop. This has been going on since I purchased the car new & I’ve continued to be told “it’s normal”. Nothing normal about a car hesitating and jerking.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 13, 2023
There was an immediate loss of power while on the highway driving normally at about 70mph. There were no codes indicated previous to this incident, after vehicle was in a safe location I checked the codes. I believe it is the fuel tank purge valve as all symptoms point to that. It’s a known issue for this vehicle but for some reason my model/ year isn’t covered.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2023
1) purge valve, available for inspection 2) causes stalling when driving and difficulty starting after a fresh refueling unless completely pressing onto the gas pedal 3) problem confirmed, Ford refused to fix the issue 4) inspected through diagnostic tools 5) several codes and the check engine light. Identical to recall 18S32 but 2018 Ford Focus S is not within the accepted years. Any sudden change in speeds will cause it to jolt and seize and/or rev the engine to over 4000 rpm even if less than a 5mph shift in speed Ford has a audio recording of several calls tied to the matter within the last week (31Mar-6APR and ongoing) Issue has been ongoing for several months
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2023
Car does not start or stalls when new fuel is added, poor fuel mpg. Check engine light with 1450 code. Recall on other fords 18s32 has the same issues but is not covering this model.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 30, 2023
Initially the check engine light came on; took it to service center and the fuel sensor was replaced. Check engine light comes on the next day which revealed an evap code error. Suggestion was take it to dealer for recall check. Safety became an issue when the vehicle sputtered and stalled on the highway. I visually inspected the fuel tank which appeared "sunken" which suggested a vacuum pressure problem which the dealer also confirmed. All this is part of a recall which "should" include my VIN, make, model and year.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 17, 2023
The check engine light came and the code for CPV show up. When you put gas in it doesn't start up right away like it suppose to. And the acceleration take time on occasion. Basically what the recall said for the car. But the dealship says my Vin numbet doesn't match the recalled so I don't know what to do.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 15, 2023
The check engine light came on and the code reads P0456. The car also has a rough idle and loss of accleration power. We had the car inspected at the mechanic and the shop said the Cannister Purge Valve (CPV) needed replaced and the PCM software needed to be updated. They notified us there was a safety recall on 2012 - 2018 Ford Focus - #18S32 that describes this exact issue, but when we contacted Ford, they said even though our car was a 2018 Ford Focus the VIN # was not included in the recall. Ford suggested we report the issue.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 14, 2023
I keep having an off and on check engine light with a P1450 code for the last two months. I’ve looked up my vehicle history. I found that my vehicle came up as a 2.0L GDI engine type which my car would qualify under the recall. But when I look up my vin, it tells me no. What do I do? I just financed this vehicle in October.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 6, 2023
Hesitation, stuttering, and lack of power have plagued me since purchasing 2022. When I put my foot on the accelerator the car should go. My car decides to take a coffee break, then smoke break, then bathroom, another smoke break then decides to go.