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.
Power train, Apr 18, 2024
PowerShift transmission, including the 6DCT250 DPS6 version used in the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus, used dry clutches and electric motor/solenoid actuation, which is prone to failure. I have had the vehicle in shop for tcm replacement twice in a year. Now quoted 3300, for repair. This is not covered under recall or warranty by Ford.
Power train, Apr 17, 2024
Car was being driven on the interstate when the vehicle suddenly lost power, steering, and braking. My son was able to get the car over to the side of the road and stopped. After a few minutes he attempted to restart the car and received an display message that said Engine Service Now. We had the vehicle towed to a Ford Dealer where the problem was diagnosed as the Oil pump drive belt had failed which caused damage to the engine and turbo charger on the car. Failure occurred at 67,422 miles. Prior to the sudden loss of power there was no warning lights or indication that any thing was wrong with the car.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and shut off independently. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. 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 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 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's son attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. On the second attempt, the vehicle started; however, the oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with belt corrosion that affected the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Apr 16, 2024
Loss of oil pressure and engine did seize up on the road, had a hard time steering it off the side of the road. Then the check engine light came on after it was on the side of the road. Cars engine was destroyed due to the oil pressure. Car was Take to Ford Shop in Sioux Falls SDak to have a new engine put in, on [XXX]. This is the recall that is currently in affect that cause this engine loss. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the clutch began to fail. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was able to speak with the manufacturer and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2024
My check engine light came on. I have the code P0456 indicating the evaporative emission system has a leak. This is the same code that caused a recall for 1,282,596 Ford focuses on recall #18S32. My VIN number is not in the recall, but I’m having the same problem.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 10, 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 approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the hood. The check engine and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle turned off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer but was not diagnosed due to the warranty being expired. 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 approximately 51,000.
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.
Power train, Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift immediately from first to second gear. The vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch actuator B and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Power train, Apr 9, 2024
Transmission won't pull
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the "Low Oil Pressure" warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and related the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 5, 2024
I have had several Ford Focuses and I’m not sure why I keep buying them. The transmission shudders or slips. Makes awful noises like grinding or something hitting the fan blade. I currently have 7 codes stored in the car but no check engine light. My garage thinks maybe it needs a new ABS control module. The display screen goes black all the time and doesn’t come back on. Ford is aware of these issues in the 2018 models and continues to do nothing. I’ve been a loyal Ford buyer for years and I’m never buying “American made” again. They cut corners and produce trash vehicles that the consumer has to pay out of pocket for repairs. Current codes are P219A and C. U0121, U0140, U0256, U0452 and U2101. The car always makes a strange beeping noise. It sounds like a warning chime but no lights come on or anything. The car has AWFUL fuel mileage currently. I live 15 mins from work with only 1 traffic light and it used half a tank for 4 days of just traveling 30 mins a day. You pay a decent amount for these cars and can’t rely on them. SHAMEFUL! The transmission issues have been happening since I bought the car in 2022. The codes, beeping and fuel mileage have been a recent issue within the last few months. It shakes. The vehicle is a safety concern not only for myself driving it, but others on the road.
Engine, Apr 5, 2024
Was driving and the low oil pressure light came on. pulled over as the engine stalled and would not restart. towed vehicle to an local shop. They confirmed belt material in engine oil and open recall. Called Ford and they have no parts and no direction on what to do until the recall is open. told it could be months until they have any information. towed vehicle out of the shop it was at and it is sitting . Ford is providing NO support until the recall is offically open however they have sent out pre notices and my car needs an engine.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. A warning light was illuminated which displayed that the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a repair code given as p2872 and it was unknown what parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
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.
Power train, Mar 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jerked, displaying symptoms indicative of transmission failure. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Power train, Mar 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jerked, displaying symptoms that were indicative of the transmission slipping. After which, the vehicle lost significant motive power before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 200.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost all 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 towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pump belt, resulting in damage to the engine and requiring a replacement engine. 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Power train, Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle began shaking violently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,415.
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 27, 2024
On [XXX], I was driving to the Grocery store and didn't even drive 1/2 mile when I got a message on my dash that my transmission was over heating, while sitting at a traffic light. 28,000 miles on my Focus. I pulled into the parking lot that was there and shut the car off. I called AAA to have my car towed to MasterCare Automotive. Then I had to tow the car to Sunrise Ford 5435 US-1. Ste 1. Fort Pierce, FL 34982. Directions · (772) 461-6000. because they have the equipment to run the diagnostic on my vehicle. I received a call that they have to put a $1,300 sensor in my vehicle in order for them to do a diagnostic test. I called Ford to see if they had any help with the vehicle as I was never told that my warranty ran out in Jan 2024 nor did they offer me an extended warranty on the vehicle (which I would of purchased if I knew that my warranty expired. I was also told that more then likely would need a new transmission at over $5,000. A car that only had 28.000 miles on it shouldn't need a new transmission on it as I drive the speed limit and do not abuse my vehicle. The car that I was driving wasn't safe, if it had transmission problems, never warned about the transmission going right after the warranty ran out on the vehicle. I didn't even make it to the first transmission fluid change. Other then I receiving the message on my dashboard, I did not have any issues with the vehicle, no problems shifting the vehicle and no indications that the transmission was going to go out or I would of had my car in the shop to get my car repaired. Now I am left without a vehicle, no bus service and cannot afford to take a taxi or uber because I am disabled and don't make enough on Social Security to be able to afford these luxury of calling a cab or uber. I take car of my vehicle and have my mechanic go over my car twice a year when I have my oil changed. My records for my vehicle are at MasterCare in Port St Lucie. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 26, 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that her daughter stated that the check engine warning light and the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter was able to coast to the side of the road however, the vehicle was not accelerating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump had failed and caused damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Mar 24, 2024
Confirmation from Ford dealership that 2018 Ford Focus has worn out clutch replaced at 57,547 miles. Clutch issue was causing delays in shifting, and consistent shuddering when accelerating from an idle position. Repair covered under 5-year 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. There is a recall on this same issue on the 2012-2016 models. At 68,488 miles (approximately 11 months from former repair) the vehicle is beginning to shudder once again when accelerating from an idle position. This issue causes safety concerns as vehicle does not properly accelerate from idle position when accessing new roadways and oncoming traffic. Ford service explained that powertrain parts are covered under 2-year 24,000-mile warranty, unless that repair was completed under the powertrain warranty. Next step in the process, is to retrieve a diagnostic to confirm the issue and submit to claim to Ford to ask if Ford will cover the repair under 2-year 24,000-mile warranty.
Power train, Mar 23, 2024
The automatic transmission shudders starting from a stop. Not so much when cold but when it warms up it can be very bad. It was a recall for my year and previous years but not my vehicle. It is also a known issue by Ford Motors for Ford Focuses. It actually would not go up a hill one day from a stop. I had to back down the hill to a flat area. Wish you guys and Ford would do something about it. It's a very well known issue that was never truly fixed.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. The check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the turbo booster. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who did not provide a diagnosis. 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.