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, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately restart. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle eventually restarted and was driven to an independent mechanic. The contact was notified of fuel tank failure caused by an excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 39,500.
Power train, Jul 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift out of first gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the TCM; however, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced due to extreme internal damage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Jul 5, 2023
At ~84k miles the vehicle lost the ability to shift into reverse gear. Upon reading about the issues with dual clutch transmission, swapped the actuator motors and some gears were restored but quickly lost all gears. Took to local transmission shop where they explained this is common issue with vehicle model. My options were to rebuild the transmission or replace the transmission, in either case costs would be approximately 50% of the vehicle's fair market value. Given other year model issues with the powertrain, this needs to be addressed by Ford and extend the same options given to purchasers of earlier year models. I was told the 2018 models had this issue "fixed", which led me to purchase the vehicle. Otherwise, great car but this is a design issue that there is no fix for.
Power train, Jul 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that she attempted to start the vehicle twice before the vehicle started as needed. After the vehicle started, the gear shifter was difficult to shift into the intended gear. The contact was able to shift to drive; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,800.
Engine, Jun 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The oil, battery, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact used an ODB scanner to diagnose the vehicle however, the contact was unable to retrieve a trouble code. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pump had failed, and the turbo charger shattered, and pieces entered the engine block. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 15, 2023
I was driving on the thruway when my car came on with a warning that I have never received before. Stating that my transmission was overheating and that I need to stop for five mins to let the transmission cool down. As soon as that light came on the car stopped moving and I could not get off the road. There was no indicator before that the transmission was even having issues of any kind. I could have died that day because of the car. I have only owned the car two years and this is the problems that this car has.
Power train, Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after stopped, or while the vehicle was idling, upon acceleration, the vehicle hesitated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact then stated that while shifted in gear, she heard a grinding sound. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was then taken to AAMCO where it was placed on a diagnostic machine and produced undisclosed codes indicating a faulty transmission. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed until a failure had occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Engine, May 24, 2023
Every time I start to accelerate from a stop. The transmission starts to stutter heavily and many times there were times the car would not accelerate causing the cars behind me to stop suddenly as to not hit me. Very dangerous as this is not normal which means something is wrong and one day it will just not accelerate at all and could cause a very bad accident. The next question asks date of the incident, it happened from the time I bought the vehicle three years ago to current. Ford says they are aware but no recall.
Power train, May 15, 2023
6 times (to date) - the car has needed repair for transmission issues and has been undriveable. The car's messaging system has displayed appropriate warnings, but the transmission issue has taken the car out of service all 6 times, at one time when parts were not available, for about a month. The Detroit Free Press has extensively reported on Ford's fraudulent conduct --- they knew about the transmission problems, but continued to sell the car without any disclosures.
Power train, May 7, 2023
Transmission went out when car overheated. First it would not go in reverse but then none of the gears work. Took to ford dealer advised the clutch was out then was told transmission needs to be replaced. Was getting error code p2837 and p287B.
Power train, May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to drive properly or as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2023
I bought a 2018 ford focus se with 7,000 two years ago now my car only has 52,000 miles on it and the transmission doesn't work front or rear the ford dealer told me the car is out of warranty and i have to pay $4,000 for a new transmission It's not Only that they want to rob the citizens, please, the government, do justice against these corporations. Now my car is broken down in my house with the transmission that does not work.
Power train, Apr 23, 2023
Transmission overheating going up hill , vehicle has the faulty dps6 transmission in it , FORD needs to recall the 2018 year model for repairs
Power train, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while accelerating the vehicle started to shudder. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to shudder. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed by a transmission tech that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2023
For a couple months I’ve noticed after I pump new gas, my car hesitates. It acts as if it’s going to turn off. I see this is a known issue but not for my year which is absolutely crazy. Not to mention how the car has jerked when you take off from a stop. This has been going on since I purchased the car new & I’ve continued to be told “it’s normal”. Nothing normal about a car hesitating and jerking.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on numerous occasions upon acceleration, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact then stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. Additionally, the contact stated that after the vehicle stalled, she was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred, and another vehicle provided a jumpstart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the caliper and fuel tank needed to be replaced. The contact was then informed that her vehicle was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and she advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for the repair. The undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 13, 2023
There was an immediate loss of power while on the highway driving normally at about 70mph. There were no codes indicated previous to this incident, after vehicle was in a safe location I checked the codes. I believe it is the fuel tank purge valve as all symptoms point to that. It’s a known issue for this vehicle but for some reason my model/ year isn’t covered.
Power train, Apr 10, 2023
recurring transmission problems. Clutches and clutch actuator have been replaced and still studdard shifts and loud noises. same problems as our 2012 ford focus that did have a transmission recall. why has this not been recalled
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2023
1) purge valve, available for inspection 2) causes stalling when driving and difficulty starting after a fresh refueling unless completely pressing onto the gas pedal 3) problem confirmed, Ford refused to fix the issue 4) inspected through diagnostic tools 5) several codes and the check engine light. Identical to recall 18S32 but 2018 Ford Focus S is not within the accepted years. Any sudden change in speeds will cause it to jolt and seize and/or rev the engine to over 4000 rpm even if less than a 5mph shift in speed Ford has a audio recording of several calls tied to the matter within the last week (31Mar-6APR and ongoing) Issue has been ongoing for several months
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2023
Car does not start or stalls when new fuel is added, poor fuel mpg. Check engine light with 1450 code. Recall on other fords 18s32 has the same issues but is not covering this model.
Wheels, Apr 4, 2023
JUST CAME FROM DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME i NEEDED NEW LUG NUTS BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN THEY SWELL AND CANNOT BE TAKEN OF EASILY AND MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $150
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Good Year Service Center to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC code: P1405 (EGR Valve). The contact stated that a smoke test was performed that indicated that one of the valves remained open. The contact then stated that the valve was lubricated, and the vehicle was presumed repaired; however, the failure recurred. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Power train, Apr 1, 2023
Transmission Control Module (TCM) does not work and the car does not start on.
Power train, Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to shift gear, the transmission was slipping and failed to register the intended gear. The failure caused the vehicle to stall, and the vehicle needed to be restarted to change gear. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was malfunctioning and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 30, 2023
Initially the check engine light came on; took it to service center and the fuel sensor was replaced. Check engine light comes on the next day which revealed an evap code error. Suggestion was take it to dealer for recall check. Safety became an issue when the vehicle sputtered and stalled on the highway. I visually inspected the fuel tank which appeared "sunken" which suggested a vacuum pressure problem which the dealer also confirmed. All this is part of a recall which "should" include my VIN, make, model and year.