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/propulsion system, Feb 3, 2023
Vehicle does not start after filling tank with gas. We have to keep 1/2 tank at all times and leave the engine running when filling up. You can feel the engine sputter as it fills. Check engine light gives code P1450 "unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum." I believe it falls under the recall 18V735000 but my Vin doesn't pull up any recalls.
Electrical system, Power train, Feb 1, 2023
Car will not go in reverse transmission went out and needs tcm repair, so to shift fork b circuit going out causing damage to transmission
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission experienced rough shifting while the vehicle jumped, and the engine revved loudly. The transmission fault message was displayed. Additionally, the fuel gauge level was inaccurate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control unit (TCU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,474.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 25, 2023
While driving at normal speed of approximately 40 mph in Raleigh, NC, the check engine warning light illuminated. I took the vehicle to AutoZone where a diagnostic test was performed and produced code: P0456 indicating (Evaporative Emission System) by process of elimination (starting at the basics such as gas cap) it is the purge valve that failed and needs to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and I was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where a diagnostic test was performed and produced codes: P1450, P0456 indicating (ECM fault) however, the contact stated that the purge valve failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that vehicle was previously repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Power train, Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission started to hard shift. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2023
Engine stalls after filling up with fuel causing check engine light codes
Power train, Jan 12, 2023
The contact's son owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where contact’s son was informed that there were several possible causes for the failure; and he was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under warranty or recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Jan 5, 2023
My son was driving home from Boston on 12/18/22, where he attends college. About 30 minutes into his drive home to NJ his car slowed down tremendously, and his RPMs were shooting up and down like crazy. He has about 69k miles on his vehicle. We get it towed to a Ford dealership in Medford, MA. The next day I drive from NJ to the dealership where they tell us that they have seen this problem a lot lately with 2018 Focus' and it could possibly be the TCM, which has a recall on it. Well unfortunately his VIN does not fall under the recall. Personally, if there is a recall on this powertrain issue for certain VINs, it should be on all of them. Who can afford 4200.00 nowadays to pay for their vehicle to get repaired???? Especially a college student. We got him this car brand new in 2018. Well come to find out after they diagnosed it, it is the TCM. Code that the computer found is P07 ALPHA5.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Dec 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the PCV value needed to be replaced, and that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 34,000. The contact stated that their vehicle has the same issue as other 2012-2018MY Ford Focuses but their vehicle is not included in the recall.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 29, 2022
Purchased a Ford Focus 2018 (42,000k miles) in August 2019 from Drive Time Stone Mountain as a graduation gift for my daughter. In December 2019, while driving she notices her ECO went out and it no longer turned off when the car stopped, 2 weeks later the car stops in the middle of the street. We take it to a dealership in Statesboro, GA where she attends college and they inform us that the motor needs to be replaced. The motor is replaced and the ECO comes back on but goes off again in abt 3 mos. not even a yr later same thing happens same diagnostic of motor went out. The same FORD dealership installs a new one. Sept 2022, she is driving car stops a good Samaritan who happens to be a mechanic told her its the motor and power train and it will cost $7000 to replace because we are 60 days past warranty. Needless to say the car is still there. I have since purchased her a Kia with a lifetime engine. However, I need for this FOCUS to be fixed as a good will courtesy so I can sell it or trade it in. Paying $550 a month for a note and insurance for a non working car SUCKS! By the way, the car has 61,000k miles on it when it went out this last time. The sad part is that there are hundreds of FORD FOCUS owners with the same issue! Why not put a recall on this hunk of junk??!!!!
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the brake pedal was stiff upon depression and became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact then engaged the electronic parking brake in order to stop the vehicle. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,940.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 19, 2022
A couple weeks ago I went to put gas into my car and after filling up my tank I tried to turn on my car and it would not turn on. I knew it was not a battery problem because I just bought a brand new battery in July. This issue put me in danger because I was by myself in a busy gas station with no where to go or anyone to help me safely push my car into a safe area. This occurrence keeps happening when I pump gasoline in my car and after the first incidence a service light popped up but never any warning prior to that day. The vehicle has not been inspected because I am afraid to start my car and it will not work. When I would try to start my car after pumping gas it would stall and my engine would shake the car. I have checked my VIN # on all the websites possible but my VIN is not a part of the recall but it should be because my car is having the same issue any other 2018 Ford Focus have been having.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 13, 2022
2018 Ford Focus shutters, bucks when starting out from stopped position. Vibrates and lunges. RPM's too high. Dealer could not duplicate issue when I took it in
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2022
The vehicle is still experiencing mechanical issues with the clutch and the check engine light is on after leaving a Certified Ford dealership for the third time now over the past month but the Ford dealership is not willing to assist nor take accountability when my vehicle has never been repaired to be safe to commute in even after a clutch replacement which according to them was a recall and apart of an extended warranty. All other Ford dealerships have months waiting period for availability and I’m attempting to sell my vehicle due to the used car market crash but am now told the market value of my vehicle will be deducted since it’s still undergoing mechanical issues and has a check engine light that is present as well as issues with the powertrain / clutch that will not allow the vehicle to maintain a consistent speed, while jerking and steering - almost colliding vehicles multiples times as well as losing control. This needs to be investigated as there’s clearly internal issues/errors going on with my vehicle like the thousands of other Ford Focuses whether VIN specific or not. I’ve retained a lawyer for a lawsuit that’s now pending against Fords manufacture and I’d love to add you to it as well if you do not respond with a sense of urgency as this is my second submission regarding unrepairable issues over the past month that have caused my vehicle to be back into a Ford certified dealership 3 times now with no resolution. Ford manufacture is stating the complete opposite of the certified Ford dealership Mossy Ford in San Diego and that the vehicle doesn’t have any recalled parts nor extended warranty but than how was my vehicle repaired without my confirmation but still not in safe, drivable conditions? It will legally be proven within the letter of the law I promise you and the negligence will be highlighted as well as your administrators handlings of this critical situation will be held against you in front of a judge as the vehicle IS A LEMON!!!!!!
Engine, Dec 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the engine was replaced under a warranty; however, approximately 2 months later the engine was overheating and burning anti-freeze causing an abnormal odor to enter through the exhaust system. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to the NHTSA hotline to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000. The consumer stated vehicle was repaired under initial incident but 2 months later the head to be replaced at the owners expense.
Electrical system, Dec 5, 2022
USB, Sync, radio system and A/C stopped working. Dealership found APIM is defective and needs to be replaced. This issue has occurred for many other Ford vehicles and is a known defective part, although Ford will not cover the cost (over $1500) to replace since there is not recall for this Ford make, model and year.
Power train, Dec 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Wheels, Nov 29, 2022
took to discount tire and they could not take tire off due to lug nuts. they said it was a common problem with fords and we should take to a vehicle repair shop,
Power train, Nov 28, 2022
This VIN needs to be updated clearly because I was experiencing transmission issues that were extremely unsafe causing the vehicle to jerk left and ride on the road as well as not go into reverse - I almost got killed by upcoming traffic!!!! Ford as well as the dealership took no accountability but stated there was a recall with the clutch system and it needed to be replaced as well as codes that needed to be reset. My vehicles year, make, and model indeed have similar recalls so my VIN should be under that classification as well because it left the repair shop with $1,000 worth of repairs and it arrived to me unable to start! There’s still internal issues and unfixable transmission issues like many of the pending lawsuits have stated.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle, but the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 76,000.
Power train, Nov 18, 2022
The car sputters consistently in 2nd gear
Power train, Nov 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started to stall as if there was no gasoline inside the fuel tank. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle started as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the PCV needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Nov 12, 2022
I was driving on interstate at 75 mph when my vehicle oil light came on. Before I could react, I lost cruise control and my engine began to stall. A loud noise came from my engine and it shut off while still driving. I was able to pull over without being involved in an accident. I towed the vehicle from the side of interstate to the nearest ford dealer. I explained the oil pressure light came on and my car instantly stalled and how I was put in a dangerous situation. He told me before the inspection that I would need an entire engine replacement. He explained this is a very common issue with 2016-2018 ford focus with eco boost engine. The timing belt fails early, causing debris to fail the engine,. He explained that if this light comes on, ford will automatically recommend a new engine as the light comes on too late. He explained that Ford have been aware of this problem but have not provided any solution or guidance besides to quote an engine replacement. He showed me that in his small service lot of 20 cars, 5 of them were 16-18 ford focus with the exact same timing belt issue and awaiting motors. I contacted ford and explained my situation. Ford said they could not help in any way as I was 7k miles over my 60,000 mile warranty. I am the only owner of this vehicle and maintain frequent oil changes. The repair was quoted at $10k by a certified Ford dealer.
Steering, Nov 10, 2022
On Saturday October 15, 2022 while driving my 2018 Ford Focus hatchback, the steering went out. I was able to avoid being hit by the car behind me by somehow managing to pull into a driveway. I had the car towed to my home and called my usual mechanic on Monday the 17th who told me that it could only be repaired at the dealership as it would require special calibration after the steering was fixed. I then had it towed to the closest Ford dealership to my home. I was informed the next day, the 18th, that the "steering gearbox had to be replaced which was caused by intermittent overheat internal to steering gear, internal fault has caused steering gear damage internally". I was informed parts, tax and shop fees would amount to 3500.00. They also said there was a back log on parts and they have no idea when it would be fixed. It has now been there 3 weeks and they still have no idea when the parts will come in. There was no warning lights or messages prior to the steering going out. If I had been on the highway, as I often am as I am a nurse who sees patients in their homes, I truly believe I might have been killed as it was incredibly hard to even pull the car over into the driveway when I was going 30 miles an hours, let alone if I had been going 60 mph on the highway. I am a caretaker for elderly family members and as I stated, am a nurse. I have not been able to work, nor have I been able to do my usual caretaking for my family members. The car is only 4 years old with low miles and having the steering go out without warning is completely unacceptable which is why I am filing a formal complaint.