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
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2023
MY VEHICLE IS THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL AND ENGINE AS THE ONE ON RECALL. BUT MY VIN ISNT. BUT I HAVING ISSUE WITH THE RECALL PART . OCTOBER AS PUMPED GAS , MY VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING AND CUT OFF, THOUGHT MAY OF BEEN BAD GAS. WELL EACH TIME I ADD GAS , IT STARTS SPUTTERING, DIES AND STALLS AT STARTING. I LOOKED IT UP AND REALIZED PURGE VALVE ON CAR WAS OBVIOUSLY CAUSING ,MY ISSUE. COUPLE WEEKS AGO ON JANUARY 20TH I DROVE VEHICLE TO DO A DASH AND MY CAR DIDNT WANT TO CHANGE OUT OF FIRST GEAR , LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING BAD, I LITERALLY HAD TO SHIFT TO LOW GEAR ADN BACK TO DRIVE AND NEXT DAY IT DIED ON ME AT RED LIGHT BUT STARTED BACK UP . WELL 1/30/23 WAS ON WAY ABOUT MILE FROM STORE TO ADD GAS, HAD 10 MILES TO E AND MY CAR DIED GOING 45 MPH AND WOULDNT EVEN START BACK. LUCKILY NOONE WAS BEHIND ME OR MY SON AND HIS FRIEND MAY OF BEEN HURT FROM GETTING HIT. DUE TO CAR SHUTTING OFF GOING DOWN THE RD. I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD NO RECALL ON MY VIN BUT SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL AND 2.0 GDI ENGINE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2023
FORD REFUSAL OF NO COST SERVICE/REPLACEMENT for an ACTIVE RECALL on 2018 FORD FOCUS Canister Purge Solenoid Issue: Engine stalls at idle. Engine underperforms at lower speeds (under 40mph). Engine does not start immediately after refilling gas tank. Check engine light is on. Independent (i.e. non-dealer) mechanic checked on 09Feb2023. Diagnostic codes report Canister Purge Solenoid error. Independent mechanic noted a FORD recall (reference: 18S32) for 2018 Ford Focus Canister Purge Solenoid replacement, but my VIN does not show an active recall. FORD Customer Service and local dealers refuse to include my VIN on the active recall. FORD has not offered any opportunity for an appeal to have my VIN included on the recall.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 14, 2023
Got engine lights and promble truning on and when accelerating and deccelerating car will shake and wont change gears. Took the car to have a diagnostic told purge valve has some damage and was told some ford focus where being recall for this promble.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 13, 2023
The vehicle is a 2018 Ford Focus SE sedan. The purge valve canister caused my car to stall in traffic and it would not start for up to 20 minutes the recall number is 18s32 but my car specifically does not have this recall, the service engine light is on it turned on right before the car stalled, this is a safety issue because it could lead to a crash due to stalling. The transmission is slipping when it is cold outside and it will not shift until 7,000RPM there is no recall on this but my vehicle has 74xxx miles and should not be having this issue, there is no warning light about the transmission. Ford is going to do a diagnostics for my purge valve but has stated they will not repair unless I pay for it due to lack of recall.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 12, 2023
My car died had trouble starting while driving Check engine kept showing code for purge valve replacement and fuel neck line. Had both replaced out of pocket had my battery replaced.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 3, 2023
Vehicle does not start after filling tank with gas. We have to keep 1/2 tank at all times and leave the engine running when filling up. You can feel the engine sputter as it fills. Check engine light gives code P1450 "unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum." I believe it falls under the recall 18V735000 but my Vin doesn't pull up any recalls.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 25, 2023
While driving at normal speed of approximately 40 mph in Raleigh, NC, the check engine warning light illuminated. I took the vehicle to AutoZone where a diagnostic test was performed and produced code: P0456 indicating (Evaporative Emission System) by process of elimination (starting at the basics such as gas cap) it is the purge valve that failed and needs to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and I was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
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??!!!!
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 19, 2022
A couple weeks ago I went to put gas into my car and after filling up my tank I tried to turn on my car and it would not turn on. I knew it was not a battery problem because I just bought a brand new battery in July. This issue put me in danger because I was by myself in a busy gas station with no where to go or anyone to help me safely push my car into a safe area. This occurrence keeps happening when I pump gasoline in my car and after the first incidence a service light popped up but never any warning prior to that day. The vehicle has not been inspected because I am afraid to start my car and it will not work. When I would try to start my car after pumping gas it would stall and my engine would shake the car. I have checked my VIN # on all the websites possible but my VIN is not a part of the recall but it should be because my car is having the same issue any other 2018 Ford Focus have been having.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 13, 2022
2018 Ford Focus shutters, bucks when starting out from stopped position. Vibrates and lunges. RPM's too high. Dealer could not duplicate issue when I took it in
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2022
The fuel pump keeps burning out even though the tank is clean and there are no other obvious issues.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 4, 2022
Car will not start after I get gas. When it does start, it "jumps"
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 26, 2022
Occasionally, car lurches forward at stop signs without pressing the gas pedal, and other times, the car doesn't initially respond to gas pedal at a stop, stalling for 1-2 seconds and then lurching forward unexpectedly. Vehicle also trembles and shakes when upshifting from gears 1-2, and 2-3.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 12, 2022
1) The car shuts off and has difficulty turning on after filling up the gas tank. It will turn on for five seconds, lung forward, and then shut off. It has not been inspected yet. There is a check engine light on and showed up about 2 months ago (same time as when the issue started). 2)The center media screen shut off. This is a risk because the backup camera no longer works as the screen no longer turns on. It has not been inspected yet. There were no warning lamps or messages.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2022
I'm pretty sure my car is having the problem with the fuel something because EVERY TIME I put fuel into my car it wants to choke up and die. It's very annoying now. It's been doing it for a couple weeks now but my car is not on the recall list and my car also is doing a thing when I accelerate it is very jumpy and feels like I'm going over rumble strips. I'm very unsatisfied with my car.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 13, 2022
Engine light on for fuel purge valve . Once vehicle is under half tank it struggles to start after fueling unless putting gas to floor while still in park. Once started struggles to stay on .
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 10, 2022
Transmission control module failed, and according to Ford Service tech, basically "ate" the clutch. Vehicle can not go above 30 mph, and does not shift properly. Tech states is not included in recalls, though thinks it should be included. Parts on backorder with no ETA on resolution. No repairs able to be made. Purge Control Valve failed, causing engine to die while fuel gauge showing 3/4 tank, repeated issue until tranmission control module failure rendered vehicle mostly unusable. Tech states is not included in recalls, though thinks it should be included. Parts on backorder with no ETA on resolution. No repairs able to be made.
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
Fuel/propulsion system, May 25, 2022
Last Sunday, May 15th, 2022 my check engine light suddenly came on. Monday morning, I drove to Auto Zone and had a chip reader placed on it. Gave me error code P1450 Unable to Bleed Up Fuel Tank Vacuum. When I went to gas up that day, I was a 1/4 tank and my vehicle would not start immediately, it stalled. I had to pump the accelerator and it eventually started. This same thing happened to my 2014 Ford Escape. My Focus is a 2018 SE and has 51k miles on it. My VIN is not associated with recall, however, if this is a known problem, it needs to be addressed by Ford. I talked to my independent mechanic, and he said he’s seen a lot of Fords with this and it’s hard to diagnose. I work 45 mins away from his location, so on my end, trying to find a few days off to have my car worked on and unfortunately, I’ll have to miss work as it’s my only mode of transportation working out of the area.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 18, 2022
the purge value and cancaster is going bad and i know some 2018 ford force had a problem with these i would like my vin to be added to the recall since it should not had went bad
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 26, 2022
Every time I fill up my has tank my car stalls. And after 3 or 4 tried with me giving it gas it will start and idle super high. I have even switched to a higher grade gas and it happens with all grades. And if it doesn't stall right away it will cut off shortly after putting it in drive.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 2, 2022
Currently there is a recall for 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles due to a malfunctioning canister purge valve. This issue causes the vehicle to have trouble starting up after refueling. I currently own and and use a 2018 Ford Focus as my primary (only) form of transport. This vehicle is experiencing the same exact issues noted in the above mentioned recall. I have made contact with Ford through dealerships as well as through their customer service chat and they have advised me that the included vehicles in their recalls are determined by the date and location of manufacture and my vehicle is not included. I am hoping someone can help me with this as it is a serious safety issue. My vehicle refuses to start after refueling until multiple attempts are made causing undue wear and tear on the starter. It is obvious that this issue is getting worse as the vehicle now shudders at times and acts as thought it is going to stall out or it is not getting enough fuel or has air entering into the fuel system. The check engine light is on and the codes states there is a problem with the emissions. I would really like to have this problem addressed as I am fearful of being stranded or worse yet the vehicle stalling out in traffic. Ford told me that I would need repair this at my own cost and MAYBE some day it will be added and they will reimburse me for the cost. Is there anything thing that can be done to assist with this issue short of me paying with money that I absolutely do not have? Please help!
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 18, 2022
Suction on gass tank collapsed causing stalling