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 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after stopped, or while the vehicle was idling, upon acceleration, the vehicle hesitated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact then stated that while shifted in gear, she heard a grinding sound. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was then taken to AAMCO where it was placed on a diagnostic machine and produced undisclosed codes indicating a faulty transmission. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed until a failure had occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Power train, May 15, 2023
6 times (to date) - the car has needed repair for transmission issues and has been undriveable. The car's messaging system has displayed appropriate warnings, but the transmission issue has taken the car out of service all 6 times, at one time when parts were not available, for about a month. The Detroit Free Press has extensively reported on Ford's fraudulent conduct --- they knew about the transmission problems, but continued to sell the car without any disclosures.
Power train, May 7, 2023
Transmission went out when car overheated. First it would not go in reverse but then none of the gears work. Took to ford dealer advised the clutch was out then was told transmission needs to be replaced. Was getting error code p2837 and p287B.
Power train, May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to drive properly or as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). 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 80,000.
Power train, Apr 23, 2023
Transmission overheating going up hill , vehicle has the faulty dps6 transmission in it , FORD needs to recall the 2018 year model for repairs
Power train, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while accelerating the vehicle started to shudder. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to shudder. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed by a transmission tech that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Power train, Apr 10, 2023
recurring transmission problems. Clutches and clutch actuator have been replaced and still studdard shifts and loud noises. same problems as our 2012 ford focus that did have a transmission recall. why has this not been recalled
Power train, Apr 1, 2023
Transmission Control Module (TCM) does not work and the car does not start on.
Power train, Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to shift gear, the transmission was slipping and failed to register the intended gear. The failure caused the vehicle to stall, and the vehicle needed to be restarted to change gear. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was malfunctioning and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 30, 2023
Initially the check engine light came on; took it to service center and the fuel sensor was replaced. Check engine light comes on the next day which revealed an evap code error. Suggestion was take it to dealer for recall check. Safety became an issue when the vehicle sputtered and stalled on the highway. I visually inspected the fuel tank which appeared "sunken" which suggested a vacuum pressure problem which the dealer also confirmed. All this is part of a recall which "should" include my VIN, make, model and year.
Power train, Mar 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift into 2nd gear at 4,000 RPM. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, who diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 14, 2023
I keep having an off and on check engine light with a P1450 code for the last two months. I’ve looked up my vehicle history. I found that my vehicle came up as a 2.0L GDI engine type which my car would qualify under the recall. But when I look up my vin, it tells me no. What do I do? I just financed this vehicle in October.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Mar 9, 2023
My 2018 Ford Focus has a recall, it has been in the service center since November for non-repairable issues. Ford Motor company has lacked transparency and disclosures by lying about the recalls and defects as more than one the Ford certified dealership confirmed my emissions warranty and recall on parts but the manufacture continues to deny any sort of warranty and recall which is “VIN” specific but my engine and transmission falls under the classification of the recall “1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission.” Recall is for 2016-2018 and mine is a 2018. The condition and symptoms of just under 49k miles has these ongoing, Non-repairable issues as it’s since had its Clutch motor replaced, Transmission Control Module that was on a National back order because thousands of other vehicles identical to mine have the same issues but some do and some have “no recalls on their VINs” but after even this part was replaced, my vehicle still being in the service center, just like other past and pending lawsuits have stated - one part is replaced and the other malfunctions because now, after 5 months and four clear diagnostics - after the TCM was replaced, my vehicles Clutch Levers have malfunctioned all while still not operating the vehicle. The battery was also completely dead after being tested and fully replaced less than 3k miles ago. These Clutch Levers part is apparently not covered under any warranties and the manufacturer is not willing to pay for out of pocket expenses nor am I in the position to continue to invest in repairing, diagnosis, insurances, transportation, etc., but I don’t want to sell a vehicle that’s not safe to drive. I’d like some sort of an arbitration or buy-back option with the manufacturer but they’ve declined accountability because they’ve stated my VIN has no recall, and they’re administered from this department. I’ve filed several ongoing claims and I really hope this could be investigated internally as time is of the essence!
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 6, 2023
Hesitation, stuttering, and lack of power have plagued me since purchasing 2022. When I put my foot on the accelerator the car should go. My car decides to take a coffee break, then smoke break, then bathroom, another smoke break then decides to go.
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 21, 2023
Vehicle GPS goes out and I have no idea if/when the road changes (curves, turns, and if I'm on the correct road or not) apparently APIM module goes out all the time. From stop to start vehicle shudders, lurches, and hesitates. Several times wrecks were miraculously avoided. It's only a matter of time before one does. While driving vehicle looses power, high revs, and losing MPG. For being fuel efficient its burning a lot of it. Ford refuses to even acknowledge my problem. Waiting for my powertrain warranty to expire which is very soon.
Power train, Feb 16, 2023
The Ford DPS6 transmission has lost reverse and buck, jerks and possibly sudden acceleration. It’s a 2018 Ford Focus with the same issues as the 2012 models and up.
Power train, Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder and then decelerated without warning. The contact stated that after several minutes the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the clutch was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the transmission module was updated, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and the mechanic stated that the transmission module needed to be updated. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 8,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 13, 2023
The vehicle is a 2018 Ford Focus SE sedan. The purge valve canister caused my car to stall in traffic and it would not start for up to 20 minutes the recall number is 18s32 but my car specifically does not have this recall, the service engine light is on it turned on right before the car stalled, this is a safety issue because it could lead to a crash due to stalling. The transmission is slipping when it is cold outside and it will not shift until 7,000RPM there is no recall on this but my vehicle has 74xxx miles and should not be having this issue, there is no warning light about the transmission. Ford is going to do a diagnostics for my purge valve but has stated they will not repair unless I pay for it due to lack of recall.
Power train, Feb 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine light illuminated. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved information indicating a transmission failure. While driving to an independent mechanic at 30 MPH, a message to "Pull Over Safely" appeared on the instrument panel as the vehicle started to overheat. The vehicle was diagnosed by the independent mechanic with a defective clutch. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Power train, Feb 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated she noticed the vehicle was not shifting correctly while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the clutch was replaced, but the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 88.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 6, 2023
The transmission is going out, they’ve replaced it and it’s still a bad transmission. Having a bad transmission could cause the car to shut off in the middle of the road causing an accident. My engine is constantly overheating, my car gives me warnings to stop the car because of overheating. I can’t even drive on the expressway because i’m scared my car is going to blow up or something. The electrical inside the car does not work, i can’t unlock the doors on the driver side but on the passenger side i can. The sunshade blocking thing you pull down lights don’t come on, nothing about the car really works. The car jerks when driving like it’s about to shut off in the middle of the road, that’s a safety defect or whatever you wanna call it. The car makes a ticking noise when you start it up and OH the idle, let me tell you about the idling of this car. I could be driving 25-35 MPH and the car idles up to 5! literally, it’s unsafe! I have to use my flash light at night when getting things out my car, getting my baby brother out of the car. it don’t make sense.
Electrical system, Power train, Feb 1, 2023
Car will not go in reverse transmission went out and needs tcm repair, so to shift fork b circuit going out causing damage to transmission
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission experienced rough shifting while the vehicle jumped, and the engine revved loudly. The transmission fault message was displayed. Additionally, the fuel gauge level was inaccurate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control unit (TCU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,474.
Power train, Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission started to hard shift. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.