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
835 reports, newest first.
Engine, Aug 8, 2024
I had my car looked at by a mechanic because I was losing coolant! This has been going on for a few months. The mechanic found that the coolant was leaking from a water outlet on the passenger side in front of the motor! We took the car to a dealership to try to get the part. The parts agent could only find a water outlet for the thermostat in the drivers side? The part has lower radiator hose, Overflow reservoir, and a coolant line leading to the thermostat outlet on the drivers side of the vehicle? The outlet has 3 mounting studs with 10 millimeter nuts. that part is not listed in any parts stores? It leaks down to the minimum on the reservoir daily to a point that I have to put antifreeze in it everyday just to not have my motor become overheated?
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 6, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine, Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine and low oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s son's residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,444.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 5, 2024
With out warning my car lost power and went from 65 mph to 40 in an instant, I was able to avoid hitting the side wall of the freeway and with Gods help avoided hitting any other vehicles. The oil light came on then the engine light soon after, I was able to take the first exit off the freeway and pulled over in a gas station parking lot. Tow truck took it to the dealership, this car has a recall and the recall description matches exactly what happed. The dealership told me it will take them 6-8 weeks before they can even diagnosis the car for that recall. I am stuck without a car, and I am lucky no one was injured. People with this type of Ford ecoboost need to be made aware they are driving a vehicle at any moment can have total engine failure putting lives in danger. When I received the original recall letter, I called Five Star Ford in April to set the appointment, and they told me they are not taking those recall repairs right now and to call back at another time. I called back in May and was told they are still not taking repairs for that recall, to call back 3rd quarter of 2024. You can see that Ford has put lives in danger if others who called for the repaired was turned away as well.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would shut off or idle roughly immediately after starting. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened and the contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled with the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the oil pump tensioner which caused the engine to seize. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated while driving at an undisclosed, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and jerked with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed as a failure with the torque converter. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM's increased. The contact stated that the engine was loud. The contact turned off the vehicle and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence where a relative diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC code: P1416. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure with an unknown sensor valve. The contact related the failure with the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Jul 22, 2024
In February of 2022, while driving home from work the car suddenly lost power to the engine along with the ability to brake and stop the car. This happened during rush hour traffic on a 65 mph speed major road in DE. Fortunately we were able to get off an exit without colliding into vehicles that were coming to a stop. We had to let the car drift to a stop and had to almost stand on the brake to get the car to fully stop moving. We had the car brought to the dealership that the car was purchased and it was diagnosed and reported to us that the engine needed to be replaced. At the time the car only had 63k miles on it and should not have needed a new engine. After the repair was completed it was determined that the Oil Pump Belt Tensioner failed causing the engine the go bad resulting in a replacement of the engine. Luckily for us Ford was able to help us out due to the mileage and good faith and covered a good portion of the engine replacement, however we still had to put money out of our pocket for a replacement that we are now finding out was caused by this part being recalled (Recall 23S64) and needing replacement. The dealership is now stating they can not give us our money back until there is an actual remedy for this recall. For my specific situation the remedy has already been produced in the means of a new engine with new parts. Not sure why I have to wait for parts to be distributed for a refund when I've already had to have this part replaced along with the engine. The failure of this part causing the engine to go bad is a dangerous situation and I hope nobody else has the problem I had because of the engine loses power you also lose the ability to use your brakes and if you are driving the car you are looking at the possibility of a serious crash resulting in serious injury or death.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering with smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be duplicated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2024
I bought this car in 2020-2021. My check engine light came on recently and when I took it in to get it fixed, I payed $1,140 (general maintenance, and fuel injector cleaner) and when I picked it back up they informed me that some 2018 models had a recall on my car. I called the dealership, and they informed me I had no open recalls. However, I am having all of the symptoms of the recall open on some of the same vehicles. Whenever I get gas, my car will not start. I have to turn my car over multiple times before it will safely start. Sometimes, when I get gas, if I slow down or completely stop my car will just turn off and then I have to repeat the same process over and over until it will start on its own. It has died in the middle of busy roads before and it is not safe.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2024
Vehicle has been having more frequent issues starting up. Engine stalls intermittently and hesitates after fueling up. Been getting inaccurate fuel gauge and distance to empty readings lately. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety was compromised because the car stalled without warning on the highway almost causing me to get into an accident, and it also shut down on me after pulling out from the gas station after fueling up. Car also loss power and hesitated on highway when merging, causing traffic to back up. I feel extremely unsafe. Problem was replicated with my mechanic after driving with him from the gas station. The car has always passed inspection from when I bought it and i stay up to date with its maintenance from the dealerships. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp just illuminated a few days ago from 7/18/2024 but have been experiencing this issue slowly for a few months, and has been progressively getting worse until the check engine light came on which is the current situation. Mechanic found multiple codes P1450, P0456 and etc when he connected the computer to my car showing a CPV purge valve and other issues associated.
Engine, Jul 17, 2024
Coolant keeps disappearing with no sign of leaking, only possibly on the ground when my car sit. Engine keeps overheating and smoke comes out of air vents. Recall that is out now is what seems to be the issue but does not cover my Ford focus.
Power train, Jul 15, 2024
Engine failure warnings, overheating, and car loss power slowed down to 5 miles per hour. The engine was replaced four times; head gasket replaced three times. I have had the car for three years, and it has been out of service for more than 190 days with the same problem. I have pleaded and begged Ford Motor Company and the dealership to take the car back and give me a refund. It is at the dealership service department now. They have had it from July 3-July 15, 2024.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 12, 2024
The contact's son owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while the driver was driving 50-55 MPH in the rain, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that while the driver was depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered and became undriveable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to reimburse the contact for any rental vehicle expenses incurred. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked at the residence and upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jumpstarted by a towing service. The contact stated while driving to the dealer at 25-30 MPH, the vehicle experienced engine hesitation. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with metal shavings in the engine oil. No further information was provided. The dealer related the failure to the recall and informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and idled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with purge valve failure. The contact was informed that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened and the contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Engine, Jul 9, 2024
Engine failure
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the "Low oil pressure" warning illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the oil pump had failed and damaged the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and was informed that the oil pump had failed and that the engine and oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the engine seized with a loss of oil pressure. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pump and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Power train, Jul 1, 2024
Transmission is slipping causing the transmission to emit a “transmission hot” code on car . Dealer is aware of certain cars with the same issue . This is an automatic transmission but codes are reading that the clutch is stuck . Car suddenly loses power which can cause a major accident .