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, Mar 28, 2023
The engine component transmission failed. Yes it’s available for inspection on request. I was driving my car on the highway and out of nowhere the car went into limp mode, no lights or anything appeared on the car prior to this, when the car went into limp mode it began going 7 mph on the highway causing myself to be in danger. Multiple repair shops have inspected the vehicle. No warning lamps or symptoms appeared prior to failure.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 17, 2023
The check engine light came and the code for CPV show up. When you put gas in it doesn't start up right away like it suppose to. And the acceleration take time on occasion. Basically what the recall said for the car. But the dealship says my Vin numbet doesn't match the recalled so I don't know what to do.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 15, 2023
The check engine light came on and the code reads P0456. The car also has a rough idle and loss of accleration power. We had the car inspected at the mechanic and the shop said the Cannister Purge Valve (CPV) needed replaced and the PCM software needed to be updated. They notified us there was a safety recall on 2012 - 2018 Ford Focus - #18S32 that describes this exact issue, but when we contacted Ford, they said even though our car was a 2018 Ford Focus the VIN # was not included in the recall. Ford suggested we report the issue.
Power train, Mar 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift into 2nd gear at 4,000 RPM. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, who diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 14, 2023
I keep having an off and on check engine light with a P1450 code for the last two months. I’ve looked up my vehicle history. I found that my vehicle came up as a 2.0L GDI engine type which my car would qualify under the recall. But when I look up my vin, it tells me no. What do I do? I just financed this vehicle in October.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was pushed into the driveway after stalling on the street. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a leak in the evaporative emission control and EVAP purge valve. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the battery and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over into a parking lot. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who replaced the canister purge valve. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Mar 9, 2023
My 2018 Ford Focus has a recall, it has been in the service center since November for non-repairable issues. Ford Motor company has lacked transparency and disclosures by lying about the recalls and defects as more than one the Ford certified dealership confirmed my emissions warranty and recall on parts but the manufacture continues to deny any sort of warranty and recall which is “VIN” specific but my engine and transmission falls under the classification of the recall “1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission.” Recall is for 2016-2018 and mine is a 2018. The condition and symptoms of just under 49k miles has these ongoing, Non-repairable issues as it’s since had its Clutch motor replaced, Transmission Control Module that was on a National back order because thousands of other vehicles identical to mine have the same issues but some do and some have “no recalls on their VINs” but after even this part was replaced, my vehicle still being in the service center, just like other past and pending lawsuits have stated - one part is replaced and the other malfunctions because now, after 5 months and four clear diagnostics - after the TCM was replaced, my vehicles Clutch Levers have malfunctioned all while still not operating the vehicle. The battery was also completely dead after being tested and fully replaced less than 3k miles ago. These Clutch Levers part is apparently not covered under any warranties and the manufacturer is not willing to pay for out of pocket expenses nor am I in the position to continue to invest in repairing, diagnosis, insurances, transportation, etc., but I don’t want to sell a vehicle that’s not safe to drive. I’d like some sort of an arbitration or buy-back option with the manufacturer but they’ve declined accountability because they’ve stated my VIN has no recall, and they’re administered from this department. I’ve filed several ongoing claims and I really hope this could be investigated internally as time is of the essence!
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked, lost motive power, and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting, and while shifting into reverse(R). The contact used an ODB reader and retrieved fault codes for the fuel pressure sensor and fuel pump. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pressure sensor and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 6, 2023
Hesitation, stuttering, and lack of power have plagued me since purchasing 2022. When I put my foot on the accelerator the car should go. My car decides to take a coffee break, then smoke break, then bathroom, another smoke break then decides to go.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Feb 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated abnormally. There was message indicating that "transmission was overheating" displayed. The contact also stated that after refueling the vehicle would fail to immediately start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the purge valve, motor mounts, and shift motor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the engine failed to turn over. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pump tension assembly and the turbo charger failed to operate as designed. The contact was informed that the engine and the oil pump tension assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 21, 2023
Vehicle GPS goes out and I have no idea if/when the road changes (curves, turns, and if I'm on the correct road or not) apparently APIM module goes out all the time. From stop to start vehicle shudders, lurches, and hesitates. Several times wrecks were miraculously avoided. It's only a matter of time before one does. While driving vehicle looses power, high revs, and losing MPG. For being fuel efficient its burning a lot of it. Ford refuses to even acknowledge my problem. Waiting for my powertrain warranty to expire which is very soon.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2023
MY VEHICLE IS THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL AND ENGINE AS THE ONE ON RECALL. BUT MY VIN ISNT. BUT I HAVING ISSUE WITH THE RECALL PART . OCTOBER AS PUMPED GAS , MY VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING AND CUT OFF, THOUGHT MAY OF BEEN BAD GAS. WELL EACH TIME I ADD GAS , IT STARTS SPUTTERING, DIES AND STALLS AT STARTING. I LOOKED IT UP AND REALIZED PURGE VALVE ON CAR WAS OBVIOUSLY CAUSING ,MY ISSUE. COUPLE WEEKS AGO ON JANUARY 20TH I DROVE VEHICLE TO DO A DASH AND MY CAR DIDNT WANT TO CHANGE OUT OF FIRST GEAR , LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING BAD, I LITERALLY HAD TO SHIFT TO LOW GEAR ADN BACK TO DRIVE AND NEXT DAY IT DIED ON ME AT RED LIGHT BUT STARTED BACK UP . WELL 1/30/23 WAS ON WAY ABOUT MILE FROM STORE TO ADD GAS, HAD 10 MILES TO E AND MY CAR DIED GOING 45 MPH AND WOULDNT EVEN START BACK. LUCKILY NOONE WAS BEHIND ME OR MY SON AND HIS FRIEND MAY OF BEEN HURT FROM GETTING HIT. DUE TO CAR SHUTTING OFF GOING DOWN THE RD. I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD NO RECALL ON MY VIN BUT SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL AND 2.0 GDI ENGINE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2023
FORD REFUSAL OF NO COST SERVICE/REPLACEMENT for an ACTIVE RECALL on 2018 FORD FOCUS Canister Purge Solenoid Issue: Engine stalls at idle. Engine underperforms at lower speeds (under 40mph). Engine does not start immediately after refilling gas tank. Check engine light is on. Independent (i.e. non-dealer) mechanic checked on 09Feb2023. Diagnostic codes report Canister Purge Solenoid error. Independent mechanic noted a FORD recall (reference: 18S32) for 2018 Ford Focus Canister Purge Solenoid replacement, but my VIN does not show an active recall. FORD Customer Service and local dealers refuse to include my VIN on the active recall. FORD has not offered any opportunity for an appeal to have my VIN included on the recall.
Power train, Feb 16, 2023
The Ford DPS6 transmission has lost reverse and buck, jerks and possibly sudden acceleration. It’s a 2018 Ford Focus with the same issues as the 2012 models and up.
Power train, Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder and then decelerated without warning. The contact stated that after several minutes the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the clutch was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the transmission module was updated, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and the mechanic stated that the transmission module needed to be updated. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 8,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 14, 2023
Got engine lights and promble truning on and when accelerating and deccelerating car will shake and wont change gears. Took the car to have a diagnostic told purge valve has some damage and was told some ford focus where being recall for this promble.
Steering, Engine, Feb 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined to be a fuel system failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 13, 2023
The vehicle is a 2018 Ford Focus SE sedan. The purge valve canister caused my car to stall in traffic and it would not start for up to 20 minutes the recall number is 18s32 but my car specifically does not have this recall, the service engine light is on it turned on right before the car stalled, this is a safety issue because it could lead to a crash due to stalling. The transmission is slipping when it is cold outside and it will not shift until 7,000RPM there is no recall on this but my vehicle has 74xxx miles and should not be having this issue, there is no warning light about the transmission. Ford is going to do a diagnostics for my purge valve but has stated they will not repair unless I pay for it due to lack of recall.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 12, 2023
My car died had trouble starting while driving Check engine kept showing code for purge valve replacement and fuel neck line. Had both replaced out of pocket had my battery replaced.
Power train, Feb 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine light illuminated. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved information indicating a transmission failure. While driving to an independent mechanic at 30 MPH, a message to "Pull Over Safely" appeared on the instrument panel as the vehicle started to overheat. The vehicle was diagnosed by the independent mechanic with a defective clutch. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Steering, Engine, Feb 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel, the vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The contact also stated that the power steering assist intermittently failed to operate as needed with the steering assist fault message displayed. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Power train, Feb 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated she noticed the vehicle was not shifting correctly while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the clutch was replaced, but the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 88.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 6, 2023
The transmission is going out, they’ve replaced it and it’s still a bad transmission. Having a bad transmission could cause the car to shut off in the middle of the road causing an accident. My engine is constantly overheating, my car gives me warnings to stop the car because of overheating. I can’t even drive on the expressway because i’m scared my car is going to blow up or something. The electrical inside the car does not work, i can’t unlock the doors on the driver side but on the passenger side i can. The sunshade blocking thing you pull down lights don’t come on, nothing about the car really works. The car jerks when driving like it’s about to shut off in the middle of the road, that’s a safety defect or whatever you wanna call it. The car makes a ticking noise when you start it up and OH the idle, let me tell you about the idling of this car. I could be driving 25-35 MPH and the car idles up to 5! literally, it’s unsafe! I have to use my flash light at night when getting things out my car, getting my baby brother out of the car. it don’t make sense.