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, Aug 10, 2022
Engine just stopped working and white smoke came out the exhaust.
Electrical system, Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Transmission Failure, Service Immediately" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where she was informed that the electrical wiring was soy based, which attracted rodents to chew on the wires. The contact stated prior to the failure, the oxygen sensor warning light had appeared on the instrument panel and was serviced by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Power train, Aug 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated; the contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure continued and the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle also shifted to neutral(N) independently. The contact was able to pull over safely. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the transmission was defective. The contact was referred to the local dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and they stated that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine, Aug 4, 2022
On 07/13/22, I was driving my 2018 Focus from a stop light, when I noticed that it was not accelerating properly. I looked down and both the check engine and oil pressure light had come on. I immediately pulled over and called my mechanic, to whom I drove it to (approx 3 miles) after being instructed to check the oil levels, which there was plenty of. Upon my mechanic inspecting the vehicle, he informed me that he believed the oil pump belt had snapped, but he didn't feel comfortable working on it because it is in the engine. I contacted the dealership and had it towed there. A few days later they confirmed that it was a snapped oil pump belt, and I would need an engine replacement. Further research has shown that this is a fairly widespread problem with Ford Focuses and other vehicles with the EcoBoost 1.0L engine. Others have expressed that their engines have flat out seized in the middle of driving. There were at least 2 TSB's issued regarding this specific engine problem as well. It should also be noted that per Ford's own service recommendations, this part should not need servicing until 150k miles. I believe it is fairly obvious to see how this could pose a significant safety risk and that the manufacturer is far past the point of addressing this.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 4, 2022
Car will not start after I get gas. When it does start, it "jumps"
Power train, Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving the clutch was sticking. The vehicle hesitated and almost stopped before shifting into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The transmission overheating message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer who informed her that the clutch was rusted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 82,171,
Power train, Aug 1, 2022
I own a 2018 Ford Focus and am experiencing the same symptoms as other 2018 Focuses involved in NHTSA Campaign #18V845000, however my VIN was not part of the batch that was recalled. The car stutters/shudders when accelerating at low speeds/take off. It switches gears hard, often with a jerk or a clunk. It also switches gears inconsistently, ramping the RPMs at times. We visited the Ford dealership on 3 separate occasions to address this issue to no avail. The third time was 7 months after I purchased the vehicle - 1 month too late to qualify as a lemon under my state's lemon laws. I believe this recall needs to be expanded to include other 2018 Ford Focuses sooner rather than later.
Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the EVAP system was leaking and that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,800.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 26, 2022
Occasionally, car lurches forward at stop signs without pressing the gas pedal, and other times, the car doesn't initially respond to gas pedal at a stop, stalling for 1-2 seconds and then lurching forward unexpectedly. Vehicle also trembles and shakes when upshifting from gears 1-2, and 2-3.
Power train, Jul 16, 2022
Automatic transmission shudders going into 2nd gear, and can be felt through the steering wheel.
Power train, Jul 13, 2022
My 2018 Ford Focus has less than 35K miles on it. It has sat at a dealership since December 2021 waiting on a TCM while I am stuck with car payments and zero help from Ford. Ford has stranded over 50k customers and has no ETA on this part. Their dealerships are advising customers the vehicles are safe despite the fact that they shudder, lurch while braked, and decelerate for no reason. This is a known issue that Ford already lost a lawsuit for ok earlier models and now they’ve been sued for the 2017/2018 models. NHTSA needs to investigate this. These cars are not safe and should not be on the road.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 12, 2022
1) The car shuts off and has difficulty turning on after filling up the gas tank. It will turn on for five seconds, lung forward, and then shut off. It has not been inspected yet. There is a check engine light on and showed up about 2 months ago (same time as when the issue started). 2)The center media screen shut off. This is a risk because the backup camera no longer works as the screen no longer turns on. It has not been inspected yet. There were no warning lamps or messages.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 11, 2022
Vehicle stopped working June 21. Car refused to start up. Had it jumped, battery was completely drained. Discovered had no reverse, drive works up to 10-15mph. Drove it short distance to a Ford dealer service center. Discovered they said it's a powertrain issue and they're 3 weeks behind as they have no available mechanic to look at it. Called another dealer and was told the same thing. Had it towed home. Took it to a highly recommended mechanic and they said the powertrain is shot and needs replacing. Discovered it's a well known documented issue as of 2020. I have extended warranty on it but it may be denied because A) one ford dealer who did some work on the car within first few months of purchase "lost" my service records as they claim its not in their system. B) possibly denied because it's a known defect and they'd lose money to replace it. There's no recall on this defect. I wonder why!? This is a well known issue and seriously affects the value of my vehicle if I want to trade it in or sell it since it's all over the place and all mechanics know to "RUN" away from this car. No engine light on until arriving at dealer. No leaks, bluetooth stopped working as well. In early 2020 I did take it to get serviced and complained of shuddering and shaking upon acceleration but was told it's fine and within normal specs. Car left me stranded so they knew since then they've got a problem. Car is currently available for inspection at the garage where I'm expecting it to get fixed.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2022
Engine shudders and sometimes stalls out when accelerating from complete stop and from low speed. Shudders also after changing gears or when trying to accelerate quickly like to change lanes. Especially after being driven more than about 50 miles without stopping. Has to be cranked 2 or 3 times after fueling and engine will only stay on if accelerator is pressed almost to the floor. Check engine light comes on and goes off randomly.
Steering, Jun 25, 2022
While driving on a very mountainous, winding road, the steering became stiff as I was in the middle of navigating a corner. For a few moments, the steering was completely unresponsive, before I was able to regain control with much force and effort. As I regained control of the vehicle, a warning light came on, which indicated: "System check, Steering Assist Fault, Service Required." I tried basic trouble shooting, but could not check the power steering fluid levels and the fuse that controls the system was in good working order. My normal mechanic stated that this must be serviced by Ford. The vehicle is putting out a code, but the mechanic and O'Reillys were not able to get the code to read. The loss of power steering assist, in the area I was in, nearly caused me to drive in to a creek. Unexpected loss of power steering caused me to Jam my wrist while trying to keep control of the vehicle. Iced the wrist but it is still sore. Seeking medical treatment in the AM Vehicle (less than 4 years old) has now had: 1) cannister purge valve issue resulting in an out of pocket fix (this car not covered under canister purge recall) 2) clutch forks and clutch assembly issues 3) power steering assist issues
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2022
My car sounds like its going die when putting fuel in my car, I have to leave car running while fueling. No matter the level of fuel. If I turn on my car after fueling, it takes a few tries to get car started back. Sometimes my car shakes when taking off or speeding up. This has been going on for the last year. Check engine light is on.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2022
I'm pretty sure my car is having the problem with the fuel something because EVERY TIME I put fuel into my car it wants to choke up and die. It's very annoying now. It's been doing it for a couple weeks now but my car is not on the recall list and my car also is doing a thing when I accelerate it is very jumpy and feels like I'm going over rumble strips. I'm very unsatisfied with my car.
Engine, Jun 17, 2022
My engine cracked its block rendering it useless; the 4th cylinder injector came out of timing causing all of the damage vapor locking the 4th cylinder this all occurred while at highway speeds the problem occurred at 70000 miles on a 2018 Ford focus sel this was diagnosed by the dealer and told us this is not covered because this Vin isn't listed under any active recalls involving
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 13, 2022
Engine light on for fuel purge valve . Once vehicle is under half tank it struggles to start after fueling unless putting gas to floor while still in park. Once started struggles to stay on .
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 10, 2022
Transmission control module failed, and according to Ford Service tech, basically "ate" the clutch. Vehicle can not go above 30 mph, and does not shift properly. Tech states is not included in recalls, though thinks it should be included. Parts on backorder with no ETA on resolution. No repairs able to be made. Purge Control Valve failed, causing engine to die while fuel gauge showing 3/4 tank, repeated issue until tranmission control module failure rendered vehicle mostly unusable. Tech states is not included in recalls, though thinks it should be included. Parts on backorder with no ETA on resolution. No repairs able to be made.
Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2022
My car has shuddered and dies on my 3 times. 1st time with 12 miles until empty. 2nd time with 19 miles until empty and 3rd time with 30 miles left until empty. All 3 of these times were in the middle of the road. All 3 times within the last 6 months.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 5, 2022
Cause not cranking and boost for while but stopped while running… displaying transmission fault service now… codes P1450 unable to bleed up fuel vacuum P0456 evaporative emission system leak detect..P144A emission system purge vapor line restricted/ blocked P0171 system too lean… seems to be bad vac line to tank and air leak… car stalling
Engine, Jun 2, 2022
The component that failed is the CANISTER PURGE VALVE. The engine light was on and we took it to a certified auto shop. Report from the auto shop: Diagnosis for check engine lamp on, run tests for codes P0300 random misfire, P0316 misfire on startup, P1450 cannot bleed fuel tank vacuum. No misfires present at this time found sticking canister purge valve pulling a constant vacuum on the fuel tank, makes is possible to pull raw fuel if the fuel level is high, suspect this to be the cause of misfire codes. Recommendation by the auto shop: Replace canister purge valve, clear computer, and retest on cold start.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 25, 2022
Last Sunday, May 15th, 2022 my check engine light suddenly came on. Monday morning, I drove to Auto Zone and had a chip reader placed on it. Gave me error code P1450 Unable to Bleed Up Fuel Tank Vacuum. When I went to gas up that day, I was a 1/4 tank and my vehicle would not start immediately, it stalled. I had to pump the accelerator and it eventually started. This same thing happened to my 2014 Ford Escape. My Focus is a 2018 SE and has 51k miles on it. My VIN is not associated with recall, however, if this is a known problem, it needs to be addressed by Ford. I talked to my independent mechanic, and he said he’s seen a lot of Fords with this and it’s hard to diagnose. I work 45 mins away from his location, so on my end, trying to find a few days off to have my car worked on and unfortunately, I’ll have to miss work as it’s my only mode of transportation working out of the area.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the purge valve, fuel pump, fuel tank, gasket, and fuel sender valve were replaced. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 49,805.