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, Apr 10, 2024
My family and I were moving across the country due to my husband being stationed in a new location in December 2023z My cars check engine light came in and about 1 minute later it started flashing. I had to get it towed to our final destination. We then had it towed to the Titus will ford dealership in Lakewood Washington. I was then notified by that shop that it had an advance notice recall on it. It has been there since the beginning of January 2024. The dealership told me my whole engine needs replaced because of the recall. The mechanic has told me the recall will cover the repairs fully. It is estimated to be $7,000 to repair. I could pay for the repair and then file for reimbursement. I do not have $7,000 to fix this. Ford continues to tell me there is nothing they can to but to have me wait till the remedy is available. I have NO mode of transportation to and from work, to get on base(home), to get my kids to and from school. They say there is no rental car available for me. Ford has said that the remedy should be available “sometime” in the second quarter. I am paying my car payment and insurance for this vehicle every month without having the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle became uncontrollable and crashed into a pole. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to her face, back, and ribs. The driver was taken to the hospital for medical attention. The air bag on the steering wheel failed to deploy. The floor air bags were deployed. There were no reported fires. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately unknown.
Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2024
When I filled my gas tank up recently my car wouldn’t immediately start up, it started but then stalled, I repeated that a couple times before revving the engine a bit before trying to put it in drive, that got it going but now I’m worried there’s something really wrong.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 17, 2024
I purchased this vehicle from a dealer on 10/3/2022 and have had some issues, and 1/22/2023 my oil light came on and i took the car to a Tires plus who said it was a camshaft sensor, and the engine was vibrating to only have the engine light come on later. Called dealership only to find that they closed shop and you have to reach out via email/text. I was told to take to a mechanic which I then took to Jensen who said that the engine was shot, could not be fixed but would have to be replaced. I contacted the dealer again via text letting them know..I did purchase an extended warranty through the dealer and they sent out their 3rd party inspector who assessed it as the same. NOW the warranty place wants to know WHY the engine failed in order for them to repair and even in that ..they said IF what caused it falls under their' do not cover' then they will not cover it. I have contacted the loan people prior to even this, the dealer (prior to this) about issues but they kept stating that nothing was wrong along with some cosmetic issues as well that they attempted to patch up..seatbelt was not working properly so they attempted to fix but still was tight and you have to pull to get it to roll up into the slot. My vehicle is now inoperatable and I have been w/o a vehicle since the date of engine failing. I also discovered other issues that were noted after the fact that were not revealed to me at the point of sale. (yes this is a branded title, and i was informed that the vehicle was ONLY hit on drivers door but was fixed, however via the warranty company who looked up CARFAX I was informed that there was way more damange to this vehicle then I was told). I am unsure what my next step and if you can give me some options of what I should do next would be great.
Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2024
I was driving my ford focus se 2018 on 1/15/2024. Once I made my stop at an intersection leaving my community my vehicle did not accelerate when ever I made my full stop. I began to repeated make an attempt to accelerate but it refused to do so. I placed my hazardous light on and attempted to reserve back into my community but I noticed my clutch was not engaging when I switched gears to the appropriate gear despite Witnessing my dash board display the rear view to reverse, my vehicle remained stalled. I placed my ford focus 2018 in park so I’m able make a phone call I noticed my vehicle began to roll forward even tho it’s placed in park. After pushing my vehicle safety to the shoulder of the road I engaged the “E” brake. I felt comfortable and safe to leave the vehicle in it current state.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 16, 2024
Purchased car 9/30 and have driven less than 3600 miles. Engine slow to accelerate, also revving up while at a stop light, lurching forward, lagging, and recently on 1/3 not drive able and had to be towed. Engine light on with codes P2837 and P287B. Two different garages (1. Fritz Ford and McNairs Auto) have diagnosed this vehicle to have a defective TCM freezing up gears, causing transmission failure. Notified Ford Motors in MI, they advised me to submit a report to NHTSA to help. Repair cost is 8600.00 at McNairs, 9600.00 at Fritz Ford in Riverside, CA No warranty on this car! Please help!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 11, 2024
My head gasket blew and there was no unjust stress put on my engine. One day my check engine light came on and then my vehicle overheated and started to have vapor leak out of the exhaust
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.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2023
NHTSA number 18v845000 and 18v735000, my car is showing the same symptoms transmission and purge valve and should be included in these recalls
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2023
The canister purge valve (which ford currently has a recall on just not for my vin) got stuck open and ruined the front manifold catalytic converter. Called ford to explain that this part is impacting other models
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 15, 2023
July 9, 2023 Rough idle and hesitant to start. No check engine light no codes on reader. Had oil changed as part of routine scheduled maintenance and was told coolant was low and topped off. July 13 noticed coolant at low on coolant reservoir. July 14 car shut off getting off highway driving to work. Check engine light now illuminated. I was able to restart the car but started to overheat and got overheating warning. Turned off ignition and restarted did not get overheating warning until I started driving. 8 hours later coolant reservoir below low line, added coolant and attempted to drive home, car shut off. Having car towed to dealership that replaced the engine. Engine only has 10,000 miles but odometer reads 68,000 Ford says no warranty is on the replacement motor.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2023
I was driving normal speed on a highway and all of a sudden my speed slowed to 0 and I had to hurry and pull over fast. I was so scared and it was so dangerous. I took it to a shop and they said I need a new transmission. The car never indicated there was an issue prior to this incident.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2023
I bought a 2018 ford focus se with 7,000 two years ago now my car only has 52,000 miles on it and the transmission doesn't work front or rear the ford dealer told me the car is out of warranty and i have to pay $4,000 for a new transmission It's not Only that they want to rob the citizens, please, the government, do justice against these corporations. Now my car is broken down in my house with the transmission that does not work.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2023
Engine stalls after filling up with fuel causing check engine light codes
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2022
The vehicle is still experiencing mechanical issues with the clutch and the check engine light is on after leaving a Certified Ford dealership for the third time now over the past month but the Ford dealership is not willing to assist nor take accountability when my vehicle has never been repaired to be safe to commute in even after a clutch replacement which according to them was a recall and apart of an extended warranty. All other Ford dealerships have months waiting period for availability and I’m attempting to sell my vehicle due to the used car market crash but am now told the market value of my vehicle will be deducted since it’s still undergoing mechanical issues and has a check engine light that is present as well as issues with the powertrain / clutch that will not allow the vehicle to maintain a consistent speed, while jerking and steering - almost colliding vehicles multiples times as well as losing control. This needs to be investigated as there’s clearly internal issues/errors going on with my vehicle like the thousands of other Ford Focuses whether VIN specific or not. I’ve retained a lawyer for a lawsuit that’s now pending against Fords manufacture and I’d love to add you to it as well if you do not respond with a sense of urgency as this is my second submission regarding unrepairable issues over the past month that have caused my vehicle to be back into a Ford certified dealership 3 times now with no resolution. Ford manufacture is stating the complete opposite of the certified Ford dealership Mossy Ford in San Diego and that the vehicle doesn’t have any recalled parts nor extended warranty but than how was my vehicle repaired without my confirmation but still not in safe, drivable conditions? It will legally be proven within the letter of the law I promise you and the negligence will be highlighted as well as your administrators handlings of this critical situation will be held against you in front of a judge as the vehicle IS A LEMON!!!!!!
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 28, 2022
Yes, both the safety of myself as well as others is at risk. The engine shuts off while driving, which is extremely dangerous in many scenarios: on a highway - the risk of rear-ending at high speed, hazardous when passing another car on a two-way street, inability to leave the intersection safely etc. During regular operation, the vehicle loses power and enters "idle mode"; the car shakes a bit like choking, the engine shuts down, and no acceleration is possible. An error message " engine fault service now" appears. You are losing control over a car and cannot safely leave a line or an intersection. Turning the engine off and back on clears the message, and the vehicle typically runs back and runs without problems. The incidents happen entirely at random without any warning. There is no pattern, fast or slow drive, length or dynamic of the drive, the weather, etc. Happened to me multiple times. Around August 8th - the first observance, on an interstate highway, the car entered idle mode and died numerous times when slowing down. The car was dropped off at the authorized FORD dealer. The dealer cannot replicate the issue. Car picked up from the dealer around August 30th - throttle body replaced as per dealer recommendation. September 15th - same problem. The car shuts off during driving. No acceleration, same message. Fulls speed, city driving, lost acceleration mid-intersection. Car towed to an authorized dealer. The dealer cannot identify the issue, cannot replicate the problem and says everything is ok. On September 23rd, the car was picked up from the dealer, stating that they replaced the harness and resolved the issue. September 24th card enters "middle mode" while on the highway off-ramp. Unable to accelerate same error message. Miraculously avoids being rear-ended by the driver behind. The message clears off after tuning the car off and on. The vehicle operates normally after. Dropped the car off at the authorized dealer.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2022
The clutch on the vehicle continues to fail. It has been replaced three times by a ford dealer. When taking off from a stopped position the vehicle makes a grinding noise and shudders when switching from first to second gear(Around 16mph). The shudders can be slight or aggressive enough that it shakes the entire car.
Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2022
My car has shuddered and dies on my 3 times. 1st time with 12 miles until empty. 2nd time with 19 miles until empty and 3rd time with 30 miles left until empty. All 3 of these times were in the middle of the road. All 3 times within the last 6 months.
Other or unspecified, May 11, 2022
There is currently a recall on 2018 Ford Focus however the dealer claims my VIN is not included. Three weeks ago my check engine light came on I went to a gas station they checked it it states it was a small evaporative leak. It went off, IT came back theee days later. I went to the auto shop they said it was a gas filler neck issues. They fixed it the light went off then a day later came back on. I took it to the shop they said there is a safety recall issue with a deformation of the plastic gas tank due to the CPV which causes the deformation. The dealer refused to fix my car claiming the recall does not included my VIN. Even though what the recall stated is EXACTLY what is wrong with my car.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 14, 2022
I purchased this vehicle used in 8/2021 and within 6 months, I have an inoperable vehicle with a hefty car loan of over $15,000 to payoff monthly. I can’t afford another car and I should not be responsible for paying for a car due to defective parts from the manufacturer that is causing other damage to my vehicle. I haven’t had the use of my vehicle since this time. This is unfair and unacceptable. The component that failed/malfunctioned was the double clutch on the transmission. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This poses a safety risk because the vehicle ultimately can lose control, it jerks, slow drags/stalls, gets hot while in traffic which will which eventually shut off preventing me from moving the vehicle out of traffic. This can put me and my passengers in danger of getting hit in the event of a collision from oncoming traffic resulting in eminent danger of getting seriously injured or killed. The problem has been reproduced at an independent service center, Gray’s Garage in Dover, TN. The problem is a known issue on Ford Focus 2016 – 2018 manual transmissions vehicles and associated with recall NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 18V845000. It is evident that this issue is also present with 2018 Ford Focus automatic transmission vehicles. Car was inspected by certified mechanic in Dover, TN and I was advised the double clutch was broken and it messed up the transmission. The issue first appeared on 2/14/22, I was stopped at a traffic light with my foot on the break. When moved feet off break just before beginning to accelerate, I heard a noise. The car began to jerk until I got to 15 mph speed and then it downshifts or slow drags. The car alerted me that the transmission hot and to pull over, turn the car off for 5 minutes to let it cool off. I kept trying the steps on multiple occasions this day and the result was the same every time I come to a stop it happens. I was basically stranded, unable to drive any distance with a non-functioning car.
Other or unspecified, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would stall after being started. The vehicle had to be started several times before being able to accelerate. The fuel gauge was occasionally inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic which diagnosed the failure to be an evaporative emission control system. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2021
The check engine light came on a week and a half ago and after having someone do a diagnostic test it sent a code saying an emissions leak somewhere. The car will sputter and sometimes will not restart after fueling and has to be revved up a bit to get it going. The scary part is when it starts to sputter when at an intersection. I called the dealership that I bought this ford focus brand new in 2018 which has 20,000 miles now and the girl answering phones at Brandon Ford Tampa Fl. said my car would not be covered for my problem under warranty. I did not know until just checking online that this was actually one of 2 recall problems with the 2018 ford focus models. Would expect a little more from what is supposed to be the number one ford dealer in the south. I was blown off. Doubt my next new car will be a ford but I am waiting to hear back from you to see if I have any recourse here. Thanks for your time. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 18, 2021
Purchased with less than 50k miles with warranty. 2k miles until warranty expired car started jerking and shuddering when taking off. Took to dealership no codes or recalls. A month later car would not start after refueling. Had mechanic replace fuel evap. Fixed one problem but not the shuddering. Problem seems to be worsening. Recall for half of the 2018 focus models for same issues but recall does not include all!
Other or unspecified, Oct 14, 2021
turn the car on going in reverse and it stalled out were I couldn't stop and this was the second time that this happen