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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle began to lose motive power and would not accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the canister purge valve had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact called the dealer where she was informed that her vehicle could not be inspected the same day. The contact then had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The mechanic called the manufacturer and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle remained in the possession of the mechanic and was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated while driving out of the parking space. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto Parts where the diagnostic code showed the canister purge valve failure. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer a month later as he was advised that an immediate fix was not required. The dealer diagnosed the failure as a canister purge valve failure that was stuck in the open position. The valve needed to be replaced as the vehicle was currently at the dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with code P1450 (Control System failure of fuel tank vacuum). The dealer was made aware of a recall but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 55,261.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact managed to veer to the shoulder of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact waited for approximately 5 minutes to restart the vehicle. The vehicle resumed its normal function. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the gasket, fuel pump, fuel tank, and purge valve failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while that while his daughter was driving 30 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The driver continued to drive to her residence. The contact then took the vehicle to the local dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to an evap leak. The dealer repaired the vehicle by replacing the defective part. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,100.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle would not restart. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor 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 not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 11, 2021
Vehicle stalls when driven. Consistent with the 2018 Ford Focus deformation recall. Dealership says this vehicle was not part of this recall. Vehicle has been repaired by dealership.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light disappeared but re-appeared prior to the vehicle losing motive power and stalling. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated that the failure was related to the purge valve. The contact was advised to unlock the fuel cap and tighten to remove air from the fuel tank however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Apr 12, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER REFUELING. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE PURGE VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 17, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT A GAS STATION, AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD TO ATTEMPTED TO START-UP THE VEHICLE FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 9, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CLONINGER FORD (511 JAKE ALEXANDER BLVD S, SALISBURY, NC 28147) AND WAS PROVIDED A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 2, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT VEHICLE START-UP. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A DEFECTIVE STUCK OPEN CANISTER PURGE VALVE. DAYS LATER WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AFTER SOME TIME AND RESUMED NORMAL DRIVING. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED OURISMAN FORD LINCOLN OF ALEXANDRIA (6129 RICHMOND HWY, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22303) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000. *BF
Fuel/propulsion system, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 17, 2020
WHEN YOU REFUEL THE CAR IT WILL HESITATE TO RESTART, IT TAKES AT LEAST THREE TIMES TO GET THE CAR TO START.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jun 26, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO PROPERLY SHIFT GEARS WHILE THE RPMS INCREASED AT LOW SPEEDS. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START IMMEDIATELY WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. MOUNTAINEER FORD LOCATED AT 615 N. EISENHOWER DR, BECKLEY, WV 25801, WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.