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: other or unspecified
77 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Sep 10, 2026
First my wind shield wipers were coming on by themselves and not cutting off when I flicked the switch. Now my car is jerking when I press the gas to drive and sometimes moving in reverse after I press the gas to drive. Jerking and barely accelerating, then it decides to driver in between gaps. My safety is put at risk because sometimes it slows down or barely accelerates in oncoming traffic and moves backwards when cars are behind me at a light or stop sign. Manufacture by others which is a neighborhood auto shop. Just the check engine light came on.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 8, 2026
The vehicle's transmission control module is not working. The Ford Focus vehicle put my family and I at risk because we would be driving along in the Ford vehicle then all of a sudden it would slow down abruptly in traffic as it loses power. We've only had the vehicle 7 years and it is one of the most expensive problems to have with the car. Many reports online state that transmission control modules and transmissions in general are known complaints for 2018 Ford Focus cars. A diagnostic was performed by a Ford dealer's service center. It was determined the part needs to be replaced. This is very dangerous. I would like for this to be repaired without causing any additional expenses to my family as the Ford company is aware that more than few models have this problem before reaching 7 years or 100,000 miles
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2026
I am reporting about the recall that was previously done about the backup camera going black and hard to see out of ect for the ford fusion and other ford vehicles . However I own a 2018 ford focus SE hatchback and the camera is doing the same thing and it is not added to the recall so I am hoping you can investigate this and help with it getting a recall for safety because the recall on the other vehicles states it can cause an accident and this would be a huge issue as there are blind spots so the camera is important thank u for your time.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 25, 2026
There is a documented recall and class action suit filed and awarded that I was unaware of. I purchased this vehicle from Enterprise rental car and it was not disclosed to me. I have been repairing this exact issues with transmission skipping, stalling and making it dangerous to drive for years. The last independent service visit i was told there was nothing more that could be done except complete transmission replacement at my own expense. When looking for recall information my VIN is showing no issues. What’s happening and how do I stand with this situation?
Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2026
Loss of engine power, engine noise. I am submitting this complaint regarding Ford Motor Company’s handling of an active safety recall affecting my vehicle and its failure to complete recall-related repairs after directing me to a dealership for evaluation. I previously filed a complaint with NHTSA regarding this safety issue. Following that complaint, Ford Motor Company contacted me and instructed me to bring my vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership for recall inspection and repair. I complied fully and delivered my vehicle as directed. The vehicle remains at the dealership and has not been returned to me in a repaired or operable condition. After the vehicle was brought to the dealership, Ford Customer Service opened Case # [XXX]. I was advised in writing by a Ford representative that the matter would be escalated and that a supervisor would contact me on or about December 30, 2025. No supervisor ever contacted me. I waited almost two weeks beyond the promised date and followed up by email with no response. When I later contacted Ford Customer Service by phone, I was informed that my case had been closed. I was not notified in advance of the closure, was not provided any written explanation, and the promised supervisory review never occurred. At the time the case was closed, my vehicle remained at the dealership and the recall issue had not been resolved. I am requesting that NHTSA review Ford Motor Company’s handling of this matter to determine whether Ford is complying with its own published recall bulletin and service guidance for this specific recall number, including required inspection, escalation, and resolution procedures. I relied on Ford’s recall bulletin and representations when bringing my vehicle to the dealership. I respectfully request that NHTSA evaluate whether Ford’s actions comply with federal recall obligations and whether recall-related cases are being closed without proper review, notice, or completion of required repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2026
My 2018 Ford Focus with DPS6 PowerShift transmission exhibits documented defect symptoms: shuddering, delayed engagement, jerking, slipping, and unpredictable low-speed behavior. Ford corporate has refused to open a defect case or provide arbitration review. This transmission family has known litigation history and systemic defect documentation.
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2025
Engine light is on for no reason and when the rpm’s spike and stutter when accelerating
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 28, 2025
The rear view camera went out on our 2018 Ford Focus some time ago. I read recently there is a recall for the camera issue with Ford trucks. I am wondering if other consumers have complained of issues regarding the camera going out on Ford Focus 2018 cars
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 2, 2025
My 2018 Ford Focus (DPS6 dual-clutch automatic transmission) suffers from severe hesitation and shuddering when accelerating from a stop, especially under 10 mph. More concerning, the car has stalled multiple times while merging into traffic and during right turns at intersections. We can no longer safely take free right turns due to the risk of the car dying mid-merge. This poses an immediate safety hazard and mirrors known failure patterns in earlier Focus and Fiesta models. Ford previously extended warranty coverage for the same TCM defect in 2011–2016 models, but my 2018 — which uses the same DPS6 system — has been excluded without explanation. The dealership acknowledged the TCM failure but refused to cover the repair. Instead, they charged me $300 to tell me they would not perform the service Ford originally recommended (a fuel injector purge) and that I now need to replace the TCM entirely. This is a known, documented issue that Ford has admitted to in other years. My car has lost power four times in the last three months, and all signs point to this being the early stages of the same defect. Allowing this failure to persist without coverage or recall is negligent and dangerous. Ford is knowingly placing families like mine at risk by refusing to act. I request an NHTSA investigation into the 2018 Ford Focus DPS6 models, which are experiencing the same failures that have already led to recalls, lawsuits, and warranty extensions in earlier years.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 14, 2025
I am experiencing symptoms of Safety Recall 23S64 on my 2018 Ford Focus — specifically, intermittent oil pressure warning lights. I took my car to a Ford dealer who initially stated the issue may be recall-related, but later refused to inspect the oil pump belt and tensioner unless I paid out of pocket, despite the recall bulletin (MT23S64A) stating Ford will reimburse 2.8 hours of labor for the inspection even if no failure is found. I contacted Ford Customer Relationship Center and they were unable to locate the labor code or confirm the policy, and gave me the same incorrect info. This appears to be a violation of federal recall policy, where the dealership and manufacturer are both refusing to honor a safety recall without charging me for the diagnosis.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 9, 2025
Recall Reference Number: 23S64 My vehicle experienced oil pressure & power loss, when taken in to be investigated the mechanic found that the oil pump belt that is in the oil pan made of rubber has detreated and there was rubber and metal in the oil. The exact issue described in recall referenced above. When checking to see if my VIN was covered I spoke with Ford and while they verified that my car was made in the correct plant and time frame as VINs that are affected by the recall, but as mine is a manual transmission vs. automatic they say its not covered. Why does that matter when the issue is with a belt in the oil pan, and nothing to do with the transmission.
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2025
This incident occured right around the time of the initial recall. In January 2024. I had it repaired at another car repair shop hoping to reimbursed by Ford. The initial recall stated they would have a remedy by June 2024. This then was delayed until 1st quarter 2025. Still no remedy for the recall.
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2025
Transmission ĥas not shifter right since I purchased the vehicle. Perking and high rpm not shifting. Tool to ford they replaced clutches and it continued. Took it back 13 months later they claimed clutches needed replaced, issue has continued. Now the TCM is bad and jerking so severe it almost caused me to wreck. Despite them extending warranty on tcm until June 2025 they are refusing to fix it.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2025
The Transmission is shuttering badly when taking off from stop . Like the transmission is slipping .
Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2024
My clutch (dual clutch automatic trans) has been replaced 4+ times in less than 5 years. It will be ok for a few months and act up again. My Trans shutters and shakes bad usually in 1st gear when I'm moving from a stop. Its now affecting 2nd gear. This started happening a few months after buying the car which only had 41,000 miles. I am now out of manufacture warranty. The problem consist.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 8, 2024
I bought this car it was used by two other owners. I bought a new battery for this car but there is some kind of electrical problem with smell coming from vents and the radio system keeps shutting off.. keeps giving me a message on the screen that says shit off admission or restart engine to save battery then my whole radio system turns off till I turn off my car... Also now it time 4 tries to start my engine. Dash board will turn on but not engine..
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2024
I was driving to church on I-95 north bound when my sunroof exploded and shattered on me and inside my car
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 5, 2024
In March 2024, I was driving my Ford Focus when the engine suddenly shut off at a stop light and never restarted. There were no warning lights or indications that anything was wrong with the car prior to it shutting off. The car was towed to a Ford dealership where it was determined that the reason the car broke was due to the oil belt breaking which is an active recall. The manufacturer recall number is 23S64. The NHTSA recall number is 23V905. This oil belt failure, led to both the turbocharger and engine seizing up and breaking due to a lack of oil being delivered to the system. This problem poses a safety risk as a loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine damage and/or seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of the mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash. In March 2024, the recall only covered replacing the oil system - not the engine or turbo charger. In mid-June 2024, the recall was updated to include replacing the oil system as well as the engine and turbocharger that was affected in the cascading effects of the lack of oil delivery. We were told by the Ford dealership that a new engine and turbocharger had been ordered and would be delivered and installed in my car at the beginning of July 2024. Since early July 2024, I have called several times for an update of the status of my car. Each time, I have been told they are waiting on parts. Most recently, I was told that the one part they are waiting on is the high pressure pump. The service advisor at the local dealership said he has ordered it twice and emergency ordered it one other time. However, corporate Ford is not getting this order taken care of in a timely manner. It is now October 2024 and I have been waiting 7 months to get my car fixed. Per the NHTSA, car companies are expected to fix the recalled issue in a timely manner and Ford has failed to do this. They have also refused to buy my car back.
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2024
The transmission began to overheat and shut the car off out of safety, upon taking it to dealership they have described the exact same problem found under recall I8S07 except this car has an automatic transmission. The clutch is stuck and has now damaged more components on the transmission resulting in a $4100 bill for repairs for something that should be a part of this safety recall.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 2, 2024
The oil pump control arm failed. There is an open recall with no remedy. We were originally told Q2 2024 and now it's Q1 2025. This is unacceptable as this recall was issued in January 2024 with no remedy.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 1, 2024
My oil light came on while driving, it was flashing. I pulled over, checked my oil level and it was full. I had it towed to the nearby Firestone that I always use to check what was going on, I was afraid to keep driving it. The mechanic called me a day later and said that my wetbelt had disintegrated and that my engine was gone. He said that there was no way to check this during oil changes also. He said this wetbelt caused a loss of oil pressure which is why my engine was impacted. Firestone didn't know what the error code was and reached out to the Ford Manufacturer and they were advised what a wetbelt was and did. I attempted to get the recall taken care of in March at Cavalier Ford and they cancelled my appointment since there was no active fix. I have also been advised I can replace the engine out of pocket and hopefully Ford will reimburse me. I also reached out to Beach Ford to see what I could do and what my options were, she also told me I would pay out of pocket and hopefully be reimbursed. No one can confirm if I would even be reimbursed, if I had the amount of money needed to get a new engine. Luckily, I was not put at risk or others. I do drive for a living, 50% of my job is on the road. I stopped driving my car at the first sign of trouble and only hurt the engine.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 30, 2024
My engine completely locked up due to a faulty part at approx 68k miles. I sued and they immediately paid what I was asking for which was only the cost of the brand new engine I had to buy and the rental car for 3 months. In January, I was traveling approximately 55 mph when the light came on and said engine too hot, stop car now. I pulled over and opened the hood. It did not appear hot. I started the car up and temp was fine so continued down road. Approx 2 miles and temp shot up quickly and light came on again. Pulled over and waited for awhile. Car would not start and had to have it towed. It has been sitting since then while awaiting recall remedy. I am too scared to drive it with the potential for more serious issues such as fire.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2024
was driving my car suddenly the car stopped working it does not reverse and goes forward the transmission no longer engages and it overheats the car can no longer be driven c because the transmission no longer works The car only has 68,500 miles, the transmission no longer works. I contacted the Ford dealer regarding the car warranty and they told me that the warranty did not cover the transmission so I had to pay $5,500 because they had to replace the entire transmission.I need your help to be able to resolve this problem. My car is almost new and the transmission no longer works.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 5, 2024
2018 ford focus shit down while driving down a main road in December 2023 Had it towed at our expense to a ford dealership, they told us the engine needs replaced, estimated around $9000 Recall came out a week or so later, for the oil pump causing the engine to seize. Still waiting to hear from ford about the recall, and have been out of a car for 5 months, and they declined offering me a temporary car. I don’t know what to do from here as the car has been sitting in my yard and the battery has also died now.
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2024
I was driving home from my doctors appointment when I noticed the oil light on then I heard like air coming from up under the hood and the car started losing compression like gas power so I pulled over and check the oil. The oil was still full and then I remembered about the recall that Ford sent me. The problem is that Ford is telling me that it will be between May and August Before my car can get fixed .I on disability my car Note is $375. My insurance is $181 a month and now I have no way of going back-and-forth to my doctors appointments. They said that they could fix it for me for. $3000-$4000 and it’s gonna be a 14 hour job,The problem with that is I have no money to put up to pay to get this part fixed. This is on Ford they have the recall they need to get the parts for the people like me who are already breaking down from there faulty parts that they put on the car. The Ford company I bought my car from is in Laurel Mississippi, and they said I am the second person that’s done called broke down with the recall problem.They should’ve had these parts before people started breaking down. Now I feel stranded with no way of going and I would like something to get done. I’m not gonna further drive my car to make it worse. I did the right thing I made it home and parked it and that’s where it’s been for a week now and I’ve been on the phone just about every day with Ford and nothing‘s getting done.