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: power train
319 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jun 6, 2021
I bought my car on July 12, 2019 and had a PCM issue few months after that was messing with the transmission. it was covered under factory warrenty. Now 18 months later im having the same transmission issue but with a different code.. (P07A5) which is something internal. there should be a recall for this transmission cause i cant keep spending money to have this fix
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, May 31, 2021
First the car engine light came on. Auto put on computer said it's was a emissions thing ..Now Everytime I put gas in it the car stalls and it is hard to keep it going. Also when pulling out it will jerk like the transmission is falling out
Power train, May 12, 2021
EVERY SO OFTEN WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR SORT OF SHUDDERS. I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE CAR BEFORE AND KNEW IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. I'VE ALSO HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR I HAD PREVIOUS TO THIS ONE WHICH WAS A 2014 FORD FOCUS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR TRANSMISSIONS TO ACT THIS WAY, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED WAY TOO OFTEN TO BE NORMAL.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2021
WHEN DRIVING, THE CAR WILL SHUTTER WHEN CHANGING GEARS. ALSO IN MARCH 2021, RADIO, BACKUP CAMERA AND USB PORTS STOPPED WORKING. DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND PAID OVER $800 FOR A NEW RADIO TO BE INSTALLED.
Power train, Apr 21, 2021
I WENT ON A TRIP AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD JUMP AND BUCK IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR AND I ALSO HEAR GRINDING NOSES WHEN IT STARTS JUMPING CALLED DEALERSHIPS AND WAS TOLD I WAS NOT COVERED ON THIS YEAR MODEL
Power train, Apr 13, 2021
HI I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE 2018 FORD FOCUS HAS THE SAME CLUTCH AS THE OLD 2012-2016 FORD FOCUSES AND THAT THEY'LL CHANGE THE CLUTCH AND THAT THEY'RE IS NO REAL FIX. I SEEN THAT THE 2012-2016 FORD FOCUS HAS A RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION HOWEVER THE 2018 DOESN'T HAVE A RECALL THROUGH THE NHSTA AND IT IS THE SAME TRANSMISSION AND THAT THE DEALER SAYS PEOPLE NEED TO NOTIFY THE NHSTA AS IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM AND THAT THEY CHANGE MANY CLUTCHES AND TRANSMISSIONS ON THE 2017-2018 AND THAT THE PROBLEM KEEPS PERSISTING THE SAME AS THE 2012-2016 MODELS. THE TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES, AND THE TRANSMISSION WILL ALSO GRIND WHILE DRIVING.
Power train, Mar 30, 2021
CONSTANT INCONSISTENT SHIFTING OF THE TRANSMISSION, ALONG WITH A PAUSE ON OCCASION WHEN YOU GO TO ACCELERATE ACROSS AN INTERSECTION.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2021
WHEN MY CAR IS RUNNING AND SITTING IDLE AT AN INTERSECTION, IT STUTTERS ANS HESITATES TO ACCELERATE. WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I BEED TO SLIW DOWN OR SPEED UP; MY CAR STUTTERS AND HESITATES.
Power train, Feb 17, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHCILE WAS TAKEN TO RICART FORD (4255 S. HAMILTON RD, GROVEPORT, OH 43125) WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE AND LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 18V845000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 22, 2021
ISSUE WITH THE FUEL PURGE VALVE. AFTER GETTING GAS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE WILL NOT START. ALSO, PROBLEMS WITH THE CLUTCH. VEHICLE STUTTERS AND STALLS, AS WELL AS LEAPS WHILE IN GEAR.
Power train, Jan 14, 2021
THE VEHICLE STUTTERS AND HESITATES WHEN TAKING OFF OR GOING AROUND CORNERS. I HAVE PANICKED SEVERAL TIMES WONDERING IF I WAS GOING TO GET HIT BY SOMEONE WHEN THE VEHICLE HESITATES AND STUTTERS. IT'S SO PRONOUNCED THAT IT FEELS LIKE THE TIRES BOUNCE. I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS TO TWO FORD DEALERS AND ALSO FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR A VERY LONG TIME AND HAVE TAKEN IT IN 2-3 TIMES TO LOOK AT THE TRANSMISSION AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED, NOR WAS THERE A RECALL. I DO KNOW THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS TRANSMISSION.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 13, 2021
MY BOYFRIEND GOT THIS CAR APRIL 13 OF 2020 AND ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AFTER WE GOT IT IT STATTS ACTING UP... NOT SHOFTING OUT OF LOWER GEARS. SHUDDERING . WHEN YOU STOP AT A STOP LIGHT FOR TOO LONG AND GO TO TAKE OFF IT ALMOST STALLS. WE ALMOST GOT HIT BECAUSE OF IT! IT SOUNDS LILE GEARS ARE GRINDING OR LIKE WE ARE DRAGGING SOMETHING UNDER THE CAR. WE HAVE TAKEN IT IN TWOCE TO GET CHECKED AND THE FORST GUY THAT SROVE IT AROUND THE LOT SAIS SOMETHING WAS WRONG WOTH IT NUT AFTWR THEY HAD IT ON THE SHOP FOR ABOUT AN HOUR ANS A HALF THEY BRING IT BACK TO US THE SECOND TIME AND SAY NOTHING OS WRONG WOTH IT.... IT IS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. IS STATTED OUT JUST NOT WAMTING TO SHIFT FROM SECOND GEAR NOW IT DOESNT EVEN WANNA SHIFT OUT OF FIRST MOST THE TIME. 45000 MILES. THERE SHOULD BE NO ISSUES WOTH THIS CAR.
Power train, Jan 3, 2021
WHEN I AM IN THE STOP LIGHT AND BEGIN TO RUN THE CAR, SOMETIME, WHEN THE CAR MAKE THE CHANGE OF FIRST SPEED TO SECOND SPEED, IT BEGIN TO TREMBLE (SHAKE).
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 9, 2020
I GOT THE VEHICLE ON 4/30/2019, ONE MONTH LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN WITH ISSUES. AFTER YOU COME TO A FULL STOP AND THEN YOU LET YOU FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND PRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO GO FORWARD, THE CAR SHAKES / VIBRATES. I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN MY VEHICLE 3 TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE, THE ISSUE DOES GET FIX BUT AFTER A MONTH, THE SAME ISSUE BEGINS AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL HAPPEN EVERY MONTH, I WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT IT BEFORE I BOUGHT/FINANCE THE VEHICLE. ALSO MY VEHICLE IS NOT GETTING THE PROPER FULL MILEAGE IT SHOULD BE GETTING
Suspension, Power train, Dec 8, 2020
VEHICLE IS SLOW ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY GETTING ON AND OFF RAMPS. IT JERKS AND LAGS WHEN PROCEEDING AFTER A STOP. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASE. SERVICED MULTIPLE TIMES. PROBLEM ADDRESSED FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND THE JERKING ALWAYS RETURNS.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 4, 2020
AFTER YOU COME TO A FULL STOP AND THEN YOU LET YOU FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND PRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO GO FORWARD, THE CAR SHAKES/TREMBLES. IT HAPPENS VERY OFTEN. DIDN'T PAY TOO MUCH MIND TO IT AT FIRST, BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING.
Power train, Nov 21, 2020
A YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW THE CAR BEGAN TO 'SLIP' AND SHUDDER DURING ACCELERATION. THE CLUTCH WAS FOUND TO BE BAD AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. A YEAR LATER THE CAR IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND IS HAVING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING GEARS ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY. WAY TOO MUCH RPM IS REQUIRED FOR THE CAR TO FUNCTION AT HIGH SPEEDS.
Power train, Nov 11, 2020
MY CAR STARTED SHAKING WHEN TAKING OFF. LOOKING INTO IT I FOUND OUT IT IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH A BAD TRANSMISSION THAT IS THE FORD FOCUS. IT WAS RECALLED IN PREVIOUS YEARS BUT FORD SAID THEY FIXED IT IN THE NEW MODELS. I CAN'T AFFORD TO TAKE IT TO A SHOP TO HAVE IT REPLACED SO I JUST HAVE TO DRIVE IT HOPING IT GET RECALLED BEFORE MY TRANSMISSION GOES OUT. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE TRANSMISSION IT SHUDDERS FROM 1-2 GEAR. THEY WERE FORCED TO RECALL THE MANUAL VERSION BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT NOT THE AUTOMATIC AS OF YET. WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND IN PARK YOU CAN TURN THE TIRE BACK AND FORTH AND HEAR THE GEARS CLANGING BACK IN FOURTH IN THE TRANSMISSION WHICH IS NOT NORMAL. I DON'T HAVE A MECHANICS REPORT TO SUBMIT. THE ONLY THING I HAVE IS A VIDEO OF WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE BUT IT WON'T LET ME SUBMIT IT THROUGH HERE. YOU CAN EMAIL ME WITH ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OF IF YOU WANT THE VIDEO. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. WHILE AT THIS POINT IT ISN'T A SAFETY CONCERN OF IT PROGRESSES OR THE TRANSMISSION GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING IT COULD BE.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 30, 2020
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. SERVICE DEPT IDENTIFIED PROBLEM CODES P1450, P0456 WHICH ARE UNDER RECALL BUT THE VIN FOR MY CAR IS NOT UNDER RECALL. RECALL NOTICE WARNS, ENGINE COULD STALL AT ANYTIME! CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER, NOTHING DONE BECAUSE VIN IS NOT UNDER RECALL. CANNOT DRIVE CAR BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE. ON FIXED INCOME, CANNOT PAY FOR REPAIR OUT OF POCKET. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU.
Power train, Oct 15, 2020
WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE IT IS STUTTERING. NOT MUCH MORE INFORMATION THAN THAT IT'S CLOSE TO WHAT WAS HAPPENING ON THE OLDER FOCUSES HAPPENS MORE UPON ACCELERATION
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2020
MY TRANSMISSION CLUTCHES. THEY HESITATE , SHUTTER AND IT NEVER WANTS TO MOVE AND HAS ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED TWICE.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 25, 2020
THE ENGINE STALLS AFTER ADDING FUEL AT A GAS STATION, THEN HESITATES TO START. BEEN TOLD ITS THE PURGE VALVE STUCK, BUT DEALER CHECKED AND ONLY CLEARED THE ENGINE LIGHT. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH SLIPS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEARS, ESPECIALLY WHEN VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR LONG PERIOD OF TIME. TRANSMISSION ALSO MAKES CLICKING NOISES WHEN DRIVING OFF. NOTE; THE SAME VEHICLE, YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE VERY SAME ISSUES, HOWEVER FOR SOME REASON MY VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 29, 2020
IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS I HAVE STAYED STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES. I DID HAVE GAS, THE TIMES I STAYED RANGED FROM IT SAYING I HAD 13MILES, ANOTHER TIME I WAS AT 28MILES, ANOTHER TIME AT 30MILES AND THE MOST RECENT TIME WAS 20 MILES. 3 DAYS AGO THE ENGINE SIGN CAME OUT, THAT DAY I AS AT A FORD QUICKENED GETTING AN OIL CHANGE AND TOLD THEM ABOUT IT AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME $75 TO CHECK THE CODE SO I DIDN'T TILL TODAY THAT I HAD TIME TO TAKE IT TO AUTOZONE AND IT WAS FREE. THE CODE THAT CAME OUT IS P1450 (3/3) PERMANENT. I DID NOTICE THERE WAS A RECALL IN OCTOBER 2018, I BOUGHT MY CAR FEB 2018. PLEASE PLEASE HELP, I AM BARELY AFFORDING THE CAR PAYMENT, I WOULDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO IF I STAYED STRANDED AND THIS TIME IT DOESN'T TURN ON, I NEED THE CAR FOR WORK, IT COULD AFFECT ME FINANCIALLY AND EMOTIONALLY.
Power train, Engine, Aug 12, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY START. THE FAILURE WAS ONLY PRESENT WHEN REFUELING MORE THAN A HALF TANK OF FUEL. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUTOFF AND THE MESSAGE TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK WOULD BE DISPLAYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER PALMETTO FORD LOCATED AT 1625 SAVANNAH HWY, CHARLESTON SC 29407 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.*DT*JB
Power train, Jul 22, 2020
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP THE CAR WILL OCCASIONALLY SHUDDER. MY GEAR ALSO SHIFTS HARD AND SLIPS SOMETIMES ON THE DOWNSHIFT TO 1ST. THE SLIP ON THE DOWNSHIFT LURCHED MY CAR FORWARD IN THE RAIN AND ALMOST SLID ME INTO AN INTERSECTION THAT WAS BUSY. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR TO FORD THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE MY ISSUE AND THAT THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING WHICH MEANS I AM NOW STUCK TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY CAR IN THE RAIN. WHICH IS RIDICULOUS CONSIDERING IT ONLY HAS 49K MILES