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, Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering, the clutch was slipping, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission clutch was replaced but the failure recently reoccurred and the transmission clutch was replaced a second time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 19,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Engine, Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine light had been illuminated. The vehicle would suddenly stall while idle causing the contact to have to restart the vehicle or continually reeving in order to prevent stalling. The vehicle would also display a sputtering when slowing down. The contact noticed that the mileage per gallon ratio had decreased significantly. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the purge valve had been stuck open causing multiple failures. The fuel tank had been warped a bit and may need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact was informed that their vehicle's year/make/model was involved in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however their VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
Power train, Sep 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, moments later the vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond when shifted into reverse(R). The contact stated that while driving the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH and failed to drive in the lower gears. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 134,000.
Power train, Sep 28, 2023
Vehicle with no warning or signs displayed a transmission fault while in cruise control on flat straight road and began to rev. Pulled off of main road into parking lot and attempted to back into space but vehicle would not reverse. There was no issue backing up 15 minutes prior and of course it happens shortly after the 100,000 mile mark.
Power train, Sep 21, 2023
I was driving and could not get the transmission out of first gear and will not go in reverse. I was broke down waiting for a tow n 110 degree Texas weather. I have vertigo so I do not drive much. My car only has 55018 miles. I cannot afford a $6500 transmission repair. I am a single mom trying to put two girls through college. Help!!
Power train, Sep 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the following morning the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced however, after starting the vehicle, the vehicle was operating in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced; however, after retrieving the vehicle the check engine warning light remained illuminated and the RPM was revving too high. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the TCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Power train, Sep 2, 2023
Car started making a noise and jerking, couldn't go above 12 mph and wouldn't go in reverse. Check engine light came on. This is same fault we had with our previous Ford focus which was supposed to be corrected in 2018 models but clearly isn't. Dealership said it is tcm and back order for part could be months, told us they don't do loaner cars but the repair is free. The repair isn't free because this is our only car and my disabled husband needs transport to weekly hospital appointments so it is costing 30 dollars a day for a rental we shouldn't have to pay for. Ford TCM is clearly a huge issue no matter what year you buy.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2023
Slave cylinder on 2018 limited edition focus rs, i was driving home and pedal instantly fell to the floor! In the middle of the highway right before my exit and I had to do some rather scary driving when the car wouldn't change gears & stalled. I had to get the car to emergency lane/shoulder to pull over! No previous signs/warning lights or vehicle drive ability leading up to complete catastrophic failure of said slave cylinder. It's currently at the dealership where I had it towed with the clutch still on the floor &. Although the clutch was still on the floor the dealership took 2 DAYS TO "DIAGNOSE" the issue with the vehicle when its obviously a hydraulic issue with either the master cylinder or slave cylinder smdh thats an issue in of its self but i digress.The dealership did confirm that it is indeed a complete failure of slave cylinder. I've read that this is a known issue with ford focus vehicles that ford is well aware of yet they haven't recalled this part let alone acknowledge said issue when brought in for replacement. This is the 2nd time I have an issue with the slave cylinder which I had replaced 26,000 miles ago my vehicle currently has 126,699 but I replaced slave cylinder @ 104,568 miles so new slave cylinder doesn't even have 30,000 miles on it.
Power train, Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Power train, Aug 26, 2023
Ford Focus went into automatic limp mode after a dead battery with no reverse. I've heard it's an ongoing issues with these cars. And Ford has a program to fix these issues unfortunately my car year falls outside their current criteria. Took the car to the mechanic and they said it's an ongoing issue with these cars.
Power train, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after several attempts to start the vehicle, the vehicle started however, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact shut off the vehicle and waited for a while however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, but the vehicle would not start. The contact added oil to the engine and the vehicle was able to restart but with a clicking sound coming from the engine. Additionally, the vehicle would not accelerate properly. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced due to the clutch sticking. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 83,900.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 10, 2023
[XXX], oil light came on, and engine fault light, That day I made a appt at the dewey ford dealership, in ankeny iowa, for monday, august 8..., I had no car problems before this date ( the 5th) august 9th, dewey texts me to let me know, the oil pump failed, and there is metal contamination in the engine and the turbo , I need a new engine and turbo charger.. to the tune of 6249.71 dollars my car is a 2018 ford focus with 50.500 miles on it !! They are saying there is not any warranty on the car, .. I see that there are some class action lawsuits for ford, with the very problem I am describing.. of course no one from ford has mentioned that... please let me know what to do... Thankyou for your help [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] .. text only please.. dont hear well ( or e mail ) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the clutch started slipping. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the RPMs increased; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under Warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,133.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 2, 2023
Transmission issue. Dry clutch system causes the clutch to overheat and the TCM to fail. The car jerks and lurches and doesn't shift when it should. FORD issued recall for 2016 and the same transmission is in the 2018 as well.
Power train, Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition switch had to be turned several times before the vehicle started. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and shuddered while changing gear, with the check engine light warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who determined that the transmission control module (TCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.
Power train, Aug 1, 2023
Slipping of transmission in my Ford Focus 2018 SE With transmission not in-gaging fully and sluggish have difficulty with it not pulling up hills. My vehicle has an automatic transmission, not a clutch. Had repair vehicle about 2 years ago. Under supposed recall. Vehicle is now reacting the same as before. I am not sure what the previous repairs entailed. However, the vehicle has ran fine until 2 days ago.
Power train, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to shift gear properly. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and then unintendedly accelerated. The check engine warning light and the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and scanned with an OBD2 scanner however, the vehicle produced unknown codes. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and not covered under warranty. The contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Jul 19, 2023
UNKNOWN clutch actuators housing needs constant cleaning and causing car to not go into reverse
Engine, Power train, Jul 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the purge valve and coolant reservoir needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,691.
Power train, Jul 13, 2023
My 2018 Ford focus has an issue with the clutch in the automatic transmission. I have been told by my local dealership this is caused because people drive the car to “nicely” and the clutch gets polished. I believe this is a hazard because my car had been having issues starting to move when going uphill since 12000 miles
Power train, Jul 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift out of first gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the TCM; however, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced due to extreme internal damage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Jul 5, 2023
At ~84k miles the vehicle lost the ability to shift into reverse gear. Upon reading about the issues with dual clutch transmission, swapped the actuator motors and some gears were restored but quickly lost all gears. Took to local transmission shop where they explained this is common issue with vehicle model. My options were to rebuild the transmission or replace the transmission, in either case costs would be approximately 50% of the vehicle's fair market value. Given other year model issues with the powertrain, this needs to be addressed by Ford and extend the same options given to purchasers of earlier year models. I was told the 2018 models had this issue "fixed", which led me to purchase the vehicle. Otherwise, great car but this is a design issue that there is no fix for.
Power train, Jul 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that she attempted to start the vehicle twice before the vehicle started as needed. After the vehicle started, the gear shifter was difficult to shift into the intended gear. The contact was able to shift to drive; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,800.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 15, 2023
I was driving on the thruway when my car came on with a warning that I have never received before. Stating that my transmission was overheating and that I need to stop for five mins to let the transmission cool down. As soon as that light came on the car stopped moving and I could not get off the road. There was no indicator before that the transmission was even having issues of any kind. I could have died that day because of the car. I have only owned the car two years and this is the problems that this car has.