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 system
65 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately restart. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle eventually restarted and was driven to an independent mechanic. The contact was notified of fuel tank failure caused by an excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 39,500.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on numerous occasions upon acceleration, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact then stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. Additionally, the contact stated that after the vehicle stalled, she was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred, and another vehicle provided a jumpstart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the caliper and fuel tank needed to be replaced. The contact was then informed that her vehicle was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and she advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for the repair. The undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was pushed into the driveway after stalling on the street. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a leak in the evaporative emission control and EVAP purge valve. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the battery and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over into a parking lot. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who replaced the canister purge valve. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked, lost motive power, and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting, and while shifting into reverse(R). The contact used an ODB reader and retrieved fault codes for the fuel pressure sensor and fuel pump. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pressure sensor and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Feb 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated abnormally. There was message indicating that "transmission was overheating" displayed. The contact also stated that after refueling the vehicle would fail to immediately start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the purge valve, motor mounts, and shift motor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where a diagnostic test was performed and produced codes: P1450, P0456 indicating (ECM fault) however, the contact stated that the purge valve failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that vehicle was previously repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Dec 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the PCV value needed to be replaced, and that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 34,000. The contact stated that their vehicle has the same issue as other 2012-2018MY Ford Focuses but their vehicle is not included in the recall.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle, but the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 76,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while stopped at a stop sign the vehicle shut down completely. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle drove rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the canister purge valve was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 53,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 11, 2022
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 contact was able to restart the vehicle. However, the failure reoccurred increasingly while at a complete stop. The contact stated that the vehicle would jerk, would shudder, and would hesitate to respond when accelerating from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with the fuel line and the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however the VIN was not included. The local dealer and other unknown dealers were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and climbing a steep grade, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that at the crest of the grade, the vehicle regained motive power. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who advised that the failure could be associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The independent mechanic recommended that the vehicle be taken to a dealer. The dealer confirmed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and that the fuel tank was damaged and the purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the VIN should be included in the recall. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would not start immediately. The contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle started and operated normally. On another occasion, the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The contact explained to the dealer that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate and shutter upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. As the failure persisted, the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective canister purge valve. The contact stated that an unknown part was repaired to correct the failure; however, the failure returned. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic who then linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000( Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was then notified about the recall and informed her that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the EVAP system was leaking and that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,800.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the purge valve, fuel pump, fuel tank, gasket, and fuel sender valve were replaced. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 49,805.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,600.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Apr 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the emission system had failed. The canister purge valve and the vapor vent valve were replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the canister vent valve and the canister vent solenoid needed to be replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to independent who provided the same diagnostic; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the canister vent valve and the canister vent solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 25,509. Vehicle had an issue with the Canister Purge Valve, canister vent solenoid and also other issues related to a recall that is on this type of vehicle. Our VIN number was not included with the recall, but it is the same thing that they are saying in the recall that happened to our Ford. The car only has 25817 miles. Warranty ran out on years but not mileage.
Other or unspecified, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would stall after being started. The vehicle had to be started several times before being able to accelerate. The fuel gauge was occasionally inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic which diagnosed the failure to be an evaporative emission control system. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the highway, the vehicle stalled and then stopped independently. The check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was restarted and driven safely to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with canister purge value failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,555.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling, the fuel gauge failed to provide an accurate fuel level. The contact stated the vehicle was difficult to start and required that the accelerator pedal was pumped while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Days later, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts. The contact retrieved several DTC codes on the low fuel rail pressure and a defect with the fuel rail circuit. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 31, 2021
This is Safety issue because vehicle stalled and check engine light comes just before Christmas. Dealer reset check engine light and a few days later the vehicle was idling rough and check engine light came on again. There have been numerous recalls over several years for this problem identified in Fords recall notice 18S32A,B,C,D,E,F,G (Oct. 25, 2018). Car was purchased on Oct 19,2018. Ford issued a Delivery Hold on Oct. 25, 2018(1 week after purchase). Returned vehicle to dealer on 12/29/2021 who'd confirmed defective evaporative emission purge valve and need for Fuel Induction cleaning for a total of $857.60 which includes a $189.95 diagnosis charge. Dealer stated that the VIN # is not on the recall list. Contacted Ford recall department on 12/29/2021 who assigned case #CAS-347-49595-X1C1F4 and told me that i would receive a call back within 24 hrs. I never received a call. In addition to the recall this part is covered under the 8/80,00 mile emission warranty. Ford's TSB 17-0050 defines the part (#BVZ-9D289-E) as Evaporative "Emission" Cannister Purge Valve
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The failure nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with canister purge valve failure. The canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall randomly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unavailable.