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 and engine cooling, Jul 1, 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 local dealer was contacted. 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 53,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2024
Oil light on engine is on. Issue is related to recall. Not able to fix issue until early next year
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 51,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the engine would shut off or idle roughly immediately after starting up. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed; the contact was later referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Power train, Jun 25, 2024
Driving on highway, message transmission overheating, park car. We were on highway, and had to pull over, this very much put our safety at risk. 2018 ford focus titanium 29,000 miles Got it to dealership Replaced clutch/levers with seal kit $4123.05
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pump resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included, but the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 21, 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 55 MPH, there was air coming from under the hood of the vehicle and the RPM was fluctuating. In addition, the vehicle failed to respond, while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt, drive belt tensioner, and an unknown sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Power train, Jun 20, 2024
Upon purchase of the vehicle in 2018 it has been taken into Ford dealer for multiple issues over the years up until current related to transmission (cvt) and TCM. It has excessive shudder upon acceleration, feels as it will stall suddenly, hesitant upon acceleration, shifting roughly and not shifting at all at times, with and also without a check engine light on. Multiple codes have been read but the TCM has needed a reset every time it’s been taken in. There has been a recall/extended warranty on other Focus and Fiesta years due to same issue with TCM, which often times is misdiagnosed due to faulty codes. This has been an ongoing and consistent problem since I’ve owned the vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with engine oil pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then 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 failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 55,428. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 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 contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the contact heard a loud ticking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,084. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine was replaced. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a significant amount of smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the turbo charger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. Additionally, the dealer determined that the failure was related 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70–75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off. The contact pulled over, and the vehicle failed to restart. The oil pressure warning light illuminated and blinked. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and requested a buyback. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer agreed to assist with the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 13, 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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Jun 12, 2024
I began having issues with my car engine in March of 2021. I talked to a mechanic friend of mine who did and check online and found out that there was a recall for 2018 Ford Focus vehicles. I contacted Darcars Ford of Lanham in Lanham, MD and told the Service Director (NAME UNKNOWN) this information and he stated that there was no recall for my particular VIN. My car engine seized up and was undrivable. I had to pay to get my vehicle towed to Darcars and also pay approximately $600 for them to check out my car. I had to get a whole new engine which cost close to $5,000. I didn't have the money to fix it and Darcars stated that I didn't have a warranty so I would have to come out of pocket for all of it. I was unable to drive my vehicle for approximate 6 MONTHS due to this issue. Luckily, I drove for LYFT part-time and I was able to rent a car thru them so I could continue going to work and taking my daughter to school. Eventually, I was able to save up enough to purchase a brand new engine and have it installed. I would like to know how I can be reimbursed for my purchase? This recall was a MAJOR inconvenience in my life and set me back substantially. Any assistance would be deeply appreciated.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 11, 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to lose motive power with the check engine, low oil pressure, and low battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, he became aware that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with low oil pressure coming from the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 71,311.
Engine, Jun 10, 2024
In Jan 2024 the car would not accelerate. Had to have it towed and got to a FORD dealership. They told us the engine is not working and needs replaced but their was a recall on the oil pump. They also said they have several cars same year with the same issue that are undriveable. It has been half a year and there still is no end in site for recall parts. I have lost my job due to no transportation and need to get this fixed. What is my next step. I have talked to FORD and just told it would be later this year but no date known.
Power train, Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing transmission failures, and the transmission clutch was replaced several times under an unknown recall. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The message "Service Transmission Now" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The PCM was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer determined that the clutch needed to be replaced; however, an unknown recall had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 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 light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, and it was determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that recently while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to another dealer who determined that the oil pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, May 30, 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 depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond immediately and stalled shortly afterward. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). 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 approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, May 30, 2024
The power steering went out when I was 50 miles from home. It was very difficult to steer and presented a safety hazard since the handling was compromised and it was nearly impossible to steer the car.
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.
Power train, Service brakes, May 29, 2024
On [XXX] 2023, while driving on [XXX] near Dalton GA the brakes did not work. As i exited from the highway i could not stop the car, the brakes did not work. No warning lights showed up on the dashboard. I had to engage the emergency break to get the vehicle to stop. When i had the vehicle towed to the dealership for repairs it was discovered that two of the 3 pistons were not working, the break pump failed and the oil pump failed. If i had to stop suddenly on the highway, i would not have been able to do this. I would have likely crashed into something. This recall needs to be elevated as Ford has still not notified anyone of the needed repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power and the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to perform the repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the local dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.