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, Mar 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was operating as if the vehicle was in LIMP Mode. The contact stated that when the gear shifter was in reverse, the vehicle did not function as needed. The contact parked the vehicle and turned off the vehicle, however the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with failed transmission clutch packets and that the transmission clutch packets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 97,500.
Power train, Engine, Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the fuel injectors were replaced. The failure recurred three additional times. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a stuck clutch and stated that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.
Power train, Mar 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly shuddered and hesitated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Power train, Feb 28, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the vehicle began to hesitate with the "Temperature Hot, wait 5 Minutes" and check engine warning lights illuminated. On both occasions, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective transmission module and actuator assembly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 100,908.
Power train, Feb 17, 2024
Only after 30,000 miles the clutch became defaulty. Vehicle is unable to go in reverse and CLutch B is stuck engaged.
Power train, Engine, Feb 8, 2024
My 2018 Ford Focus has not been running correctly since about 30000 miles. As I accelerate, the car has trouble shifting into the next gear and will make a rattle noise that sounds like an object hitting against a fan blade. This makes it difficult to speed up on the freeway or accelerate correctly when I get a green light. I take it into the dealership regularly for an oil change and tune up but when I mentioned the issue they have told me they don't hear it and nothing is wrong.
Power train, Feb 4, 2024
I purchased this car recently, and it ended up having a faulty transmission. Research shows many of these car’s with a “Power shift” transmission have had the same issue. Please do what’s right, and initiate a recall. Thank you!
Power train, Jan 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM's were increasing and decreasing erratically on the tachometer, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission was not shifting properly. Due to the failure the clutch 'A' stuck-engaged fault requiring the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving from a complete top. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving uphill and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to respond. There was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the powertrain system. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be charged a diagnostic fee. The contact declined to pay the diagnostic fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,890.
Power train, Jan 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that when her son started the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact's son immediately parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed tube assembly and a failed clutch assembly. The contact was informed that the clutch assembly and tube assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,834.
Power train, Jan 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was stuck in first gear and the vehicle failed to shift gear as designed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the transmission control module was replaced; however, the failure recurred at the dealer. The dealer then diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there were metal shavings inside the transmission and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 17, 2024
IN SEPTEMBER OF 2023, I EXPERIENCED AN OIL PRESSURE LIGHT. IT WAS EXPALIEND THAT THE OIL PUMP DRIVE BELT FAILED AND I NEEDED MY ENGINE REPLACED. SINCE THEN, I HAVE REACHED OUT MULITPLE TIMES TO FORD WITH LITTLE RECOURSE AS TO HELP WITH MY PROBLEM. NOW, RECALL # 23S64 / 23V905 HAS BEEN ISSUED CONCERNING MY PROBLEM. IN MY CHAT WITH FORD, THEY INDICATED THE PROBLEM IS MY RESPONSIBILITY AND WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECALL AND ANY HELP.
Power train, Jan 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal down to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact continued driving; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly, and the vehicle was towed to the residence on one occasion. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start while shifted into park(P), and only start while shifted into neutral(N). The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to respond while shifting into reverse(R). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Jan 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before shifting to the next gear. The contact stated that the hard shifting occurred at various speeds. The failure also occurred while the vehicle was down shifting. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Power train, Dec 29, 2023
Transmission control module went at 85,000 miles cost me 3500 in repair. Causing the clutch and clutch solenoids to go early.
Power train, Dec 28, 2023
Symptoms began 2020 with grinding and vibrating when automatic shift from A stop to first gear especially on inclines. Dealer inspected transmission and found excessive clutch residual, replaced the duel clutch, cleaned clutch housing, and reset the transmission 11-17-2020. Symptoms have re started 2023. Clutch and transmission issues can lead to leaks and fire risk.
Power train, Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle came to a complete stop, and the transmission inadvertently downshifted. The vehicle then jerked forward. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch forks, transmission, and activator were faulty, and determined that the clutch, clutch forks, and activator needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 13, 2023
Transmission has failed the clutch got stuck and transmission overheating.
Power train, Dec 13, 2023
While backing out of a parking spot vehicile was in reverse and without notice the car slamed in drive. My daughter slammed on the brakes and tried agian the car got alomost out of the parking spot and it did it again shifting gears with no warning. This happened three times. She checked to make all the doors were closed. No others cars were anywhere near her. She finally got the car home and we took it to the local Ford dealer and they said they never heard of this problem. This seems to be documented with Ford Focus autos. The car has 38,000 miles and is out of warranty by 2 months. This seems to be a safety issue Ford should correct. The car is not safe for the road.
Power train, Dec 3, 2023
Last week the service engine light appeared. I was due to get an oil change, so I had it done that day. The light remained on, so I took it to a local auto shop and they did a code reader. The code was P0783, drive train. I googled my car and the error code and a huge list on recalls appeared related to the same make and model of my car, but different vin number. If this is true, why isn't my car a part of this? I'm going to call the Ford company and see if they can help me. When I'm driving she chokes and chugs and lurches above 40mph and goes into a high rev then back down within seconds. She also stutters at a stop and just doesn't drive smooth like she used to.
Power train, Nov 25, 2023
Hi I have a 2018 Ford Focus SE with less that 64,000 miles that had the same Powershift Transmission problem as the older recalled ones. It is certainly a safety issue since it involves a loss of power and not switching gears correctly. I called the Ford Customer Service Center and they appeared to agree with me that this type of failure shouldn’t happen so quickly but after a week of waiting for a response after a follow up call they told me via email that they would do nothing and there were no current programs to help out. I see that there is currently is a class action suit involving this very issue and many forums with complaints so there must be many more people out there with the same issue. The car has less than 64,000 miles and had a clutch failure with the Powershift Transmission, still an ongoing issue that it appears Ford doesn’t care about. Our dealer is aware of issues involving these transmissions and they too were unable to get any help from Ford. It appears Ford would rather wait to there are more deaths, lawsuits and/or Government action before doing anything. We have had it repaired and it cost almost $2,000 even after the dealer helped a bit. I’ve attached the bill.
Power train, Engine, Nov 7, 2023
While driving vehicle two "Oil Lights" on dash came on and car instantly began making a noise. Pulled over and had it towed to a service shop, they are telling me the "Oil Pump Drive Belt" broke and now the entire engine needs replaced. Upon researching this issue I come to find that this is a VERY COMMON issue that Ford is aware of but refusing to fix. This needs addressed!
Power train, Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that he depressed the accelerator pedal and heard an abnormally loud bang and pulled over. The contact stated that the “Engine Fault - Service Immediately" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Power train, Oct 21, 2023
Car failed to engage transmission at low to moderate speeds particularly when accelerating. RPMs revved with no acceleration and then engaged suddenly causing the car to lurch forward and jerked while accelerating. The check engine light appeared. The car was brought to an independent service station. Repairs were made to the computer system and motors but the problem is still not resolved. Mechanic recommends full transmission replacement at this point. Called Ford Dealer who said this is a known issue with dual transmission system. Called Ford Motor Co to make them aware of the issue and no assistance was provided (they stated that my consumer score did not qualify me for assistance but would not disclose what was impacting my score).
Power train, Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating, which caused the vehicle to jerk. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty dual clutch transmission. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,200.