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, Jan 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before shifting to the next gear. The contact stated that the hard shifting occurred at various speeds. The failure also occurred while the vehicle was down shifting. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Engine, Dec 29, 2023
Oil pump belt failed at a little over 50,000 miles
Power train, Dec 29, 2023
Transmission control module went at 85,000 miles cost me 3500 in repair. Causing the clutch and clutch solenoids to go early.
Power train, Dec 28, 2023
Symptoms began 2020 with grinding and vibrating when automatic shift from A stop to first gear especially on inclines. Dealer inspected transmission and found excessive clutch residual, replaced the duel clutch, cleaned clutch housing, and reset the transmission 11-17-2020. Symptoms have re started 2023. Clutch and transmission issues can lead to leaks and fire risk.
Engine, Dec 28, 2023
The dealership told me that I need a new engine and they said that the engine was poorly made but that there was nothing they could do to help with the cost. I only have 103,947 miles on the vehicle and kept up routine maintenance. The dealer said that Ford is likely to recall this engine. I also tried to call Ford corporate customer support for assistance and they said they were unwilling to help at all. There is a safety issue with the coolant system that causes engine failure. The diagnostic is to replace the entire engine. There are safety bulletins that exist but no assistant other than replacing a failed engine with another poorly made engine. This should not be legally allowed to occur. The consumer is helpless here. Please help me.
Electrical system, Dec 28, 2023
When weather began to get cold in 2023, the car's Sync system and all associated electronics (back up camera, usb ports, radio, navigation, touch screen, etc.,) went dark. At first 30% of the time, but within weeks the system was dead. Looking online, we found many other people having similar experiences with Ford products. The Ford dealership who serviced the problem said it was very common in Ford 150s. At first the component would fail and turn off and on intermittently. There was no warning. It would cut out or resume mid trip. Within a day or so, failure and possible resumption only happened when the car was turned on from a full stop and key removal. Updating the Sync system was not an option as it would go black or not connect to any methods. Dealership was unable to attempt an update as well. The part was replaced by a ford dealership. I no longer have it but they may. This puts myself and others at risk for multiple reasons a) Backup Camera display failing unexpectedly, b) navigation system failing unexpectedly, c) electrical component failure in the car may lead to other electrical systems failing. The issue was investigated and reproduced by Lilliston Ford in Vineland, NJ on Dec 21, when they deemed it a failure of the AIMS component and said it required full replacement. It was at this time they indicated that they are seeing it in other Ford vehicles. There were no symptoms. It was a fairly rapid degeneration from "sometimes" to "constant" failure within 2-3 weeks.
Power train, Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle came to a complete stop, and the transmission inadvertently downshifted. The vehicle then jerked forward. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch forks, transmission, and activator were faulty, and determined that the clutch, clutch forks, and activator needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 26, 2023
The dealership told me that the sensor I read that was a recall wasn't covered because my vin wasn't on the list of re-calls. I looked up what auto zone pulled up as the code and pretty sure it was the fuel filter valve. But after taking it to our regular mechanic he replaced a line in the engine area that connect beside the battery going to the air filter area looks like a long black hose and then stated that may have been bad gas but was reading the re-call and my car was doing what I was reading. Some one said purge valve. He already replaced it and works fine. But I would get gas started off not starting up good then got worse had to leave it on while pumping 1 day it just died on me on fourth of a tank in the middle of rush hour and about got hit a bunch of times and nearly had to go to the e.r. made my heart rate escalade to high. Then got to were I couldn't even barely get it started so my ex husband paid to get it fixed costing dang near $250 I shouldn't have to be responsible for. There was never anything ever wrong with my car prior had it since new took very good care of it only put 60 thousand miles on it in 5 years maybe a very few oil changes and 1 set of tires but that was it. It won't let me upload my files either
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 13, 2023
Transmission has failed the clutch got stuck and transmission overheating.
Power train, Dec 13, 2023
While backing out of a parking spot vehicile was in reverse and without notice the car slamed in drive. My daughter slammed on the brakes and tried agian the car got alomost out of the parking spot and it did it again shifting gears with no warning. This happened three times. She checked to make all the doors were closed. No others cars were anywhere near her. She finally got the car home and we took it to the local Ford dealer and they said they never heard of this problem. This seems to be documented with Ford Focus autos. The car has 38,000 miles and is out of warranty by 2 months. This seems to be a safety issue Ford should correct. The car is not safe for the road.
Engine, Dec 12, 2023
Upon arriving at my job after a 50 mile commute, I noticed my engine making abnormal noise followed by an oil pressure engine light. After researching the symptoms, I found it is well documented that there is an issue with the Ford 1 liter ecoboost wet belt system. 2 Ford SSM bulletins (48093 and 49726) describe a wet belt tensioner failure followed by the oil pump belt shedding teeth resulting in loss of oil pressure. After removing my oil pan, the tensioner was found in the oil pan along with most of the oil pump belts teeth. Ford's recommendation is an engine replacement. Ford recommends replacing the wet belts at 150,000 miles with most failing quite prematurely This failure can happen at any time or speed causing total loss of power or catastrophic engine damage making it a safety concern for the driver as well as others.
Engine, Dec 7, 2023
In Oct 2022 we were on vacation driving on a highway in IL when my 2018 Ford Focus 3L 1.0L EcoBoost suddenly, without warning, shuddered and lost power. Luckily we were on a rural road and no one was around or it would have caused a traffic issue and potential accident(s). We live in UT and I frequently drive a very busy freeway and was grateful this did not occur there. We pulled to the side and noticed the check engine light and another message regarding Oil but I do not recall the exact words. We had pulled our car behind our motorhome so we were able to tow it back to our vehicle and towed it home. On the way home, we found that I did not have the extended warranty on the car that I intended when I bought it. This was maddening as the car was approximately 7k miles outside of the Ford Powertrain warranty. I eventually towed it to my parents home in ID and my father, a retired mechanic, inspected the car and eventually narrowed it down to the known issue of the oil pump/internal belt failure and that the entire engine would need to be replaced. I don't have the money to repair it. I have all of the service records as the oil changes were performed at a dealerships prior to the engine failure. We have not had it inspected by a dealer or other party at this time. I have been paying insurance and loan payments on a car I haven't been able to use for over a year now and it is extremely frustrating. I also hope to join a potential class action lawsuit.
Engine, Dec 5, 2023
2018 Ford Focus: Engine had knocking noise and low oil pressure due to failed oil pump belt and turbocharger was failing. Vehicle got towed to Ford Dealership and this information was confirmed by the Ford dealership. This incident happened unexpectedly. Check engine light and oil light came on in vehicle while operating moments before incident occurred. Vehicle had regular oil changes roughly every 3000-5000 miles (extended performance high mileage oil). There was a recall on this specific issue/incident with the following Ford vehicles/years: July 2023 — A Ford EcoBoost class action lawsuit alleges 1-liter EcoBoost engines suffer from oil pump failures that destroy the engines in these Ford vehicles: 2016-2018 Ford Focus 2016-2017 Ford Fiesta 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport
Power train, Dec 3, 2023
Last week the service engine light appeared. I was due to get an oil change, so I had it done that day. The light remained on, so I took it to a local auto shop and they did a code reader. The code was P0783, drive train. I googled my car and the error code and a huge list on recalls appeared related to the same make and model of my car, but different vin number. If this is true, why isn't my car a part of this? I'm going to call the Ford company and see if they can help me. When I'm driving she chokes and chugs and lurches above 40mph and goes into a high rev then back down within seconds. She also stutters at a stop and just doesn't drive smooth like she used to.
Service brakes, Engine, Back over prevention, Nov 28, 2023
The brake got stuck and made it very difficult to start the car. Considering it’s a push start. The car then started misfiring and had trouble accelerating. Took it to Ford Auto Nation a few weeks later as it had not advanced, they informed me that the clutch and petal had to be replaced along with a few other parts.
Power train, Nov 25, 2023
Hi I have a 2018 Ford Focus SE with less that 64,000 miles that had the same Powershift Transmission problem as the older recalled ones. It is certainly a safety issue since it involves a loss of power and not switching gears correctly. I called the Ford Customer Service Center and they appeared to agree with me that this type of failure shouldn’t happen so quickly but after a week of waiting for a response after a follow up call they told me via email that they would do nothing and there were no current programs to help out. I see that there is currently is a class action suit involving this very issue and many forums with complaints so there must be many more people out there with the same issue. The car has less than 64,000 miles and had a clutch failure with the Powershift Transmission, still an ongoing issue that it appears Ford doesn’t care about. Our dealer is aware of issues involving these transmissions and they too were unable to get any help from Ford. It appears Ford would rather wait to there are more deaths, lawsuits and/or Government action before doing anything. We have had it repaired and it cost almost $2,000 even after the dealer helped a bit. I’ve attached the bill.
Power train, Engine, Nov 7, 2023
While driving vehicle two "Oil Lights" on dash came on and car instantly began making a noise. Pulled over and had it towed to a service shop, they are telling me the "Oil Pump Drive Belt" broke and now the entire engine needs replaced. Upon researching this issue I come to find that this is a VERY COMMON issue that Ford is aware of but refusing to fix. This needs addressed!
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 2, 2023
The purge valve problem persists well into this model year. The car is hiccuping and stalling at lights and has difficulty starting after fueling. I find it appalling that reprogramming the "check engine" light to acknowledge the defect, rather than actually repairing the defect was considered an adequate solution. My car has 59,000 miles and is just out of warranty. I think had this purge valve problem (rather than just the engine light symptom) been properly addressed by the NHTSA and Ford, my family would be safer in this car. I will never buy a Ford again.
Power train, Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that he depressed the accelerator pedal and heard an abnormally loud bang and pulled over. The contact stated that the “Engine Fault - Service Immediately" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Power train, Oct 21, 2023
Car failed to engage transmission at low to moderate speeds particularly when accelerating. RPMs revved with no acceleration and then engaged suddenly causing the car to lurch forward and jerked while accelerating. The check engine light appeared. The car was brought to an independent service station. Repairs were made to the computer system and motors but the problem is still not resolved. Mechanic recommends full transmission replacement at this point. Called Ford Dealer who said this is a known issue with dual transmission system. Called Ford Motor Co to make them aware of the issue and no assistance was provided (they stated that my consumer score did not qualify me for assistance but would not disclose what was impacting my score).
Engine, Oct 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle independently shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,172.
Engine, Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 45 MPH, the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Power train, Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating, which caused the vehicle to jerk. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty dual clutch transmission. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,200.
Engine, Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering, failed to accelerate as needed and lost motive power and went into LIMP mode. The low oil pressure and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the messages "Reduced Engine Power" and " Service Vehicle Now" were displayed. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump belt had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: SSM49918. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Power train, Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering, the clutch was slipping, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission clutch was replaced but the failure recently reoccurred and the transmission clutch was replaced a second time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 19,000.