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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,600.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 18, 2022
the purge value and cancaster is going bad and i know some 2018 ford force had a problem with these i would like my vin to be added to the recall since it should not had went bad
Engine, May 14, 2022
My vehicle broke down on the side of a major highway at nighttime. We would not find out later that it was both the engine and turbo that needed to be replaced. We purchased the vehicle brand new in 2018 and purchased the maintenance plan with it. Vehicle was maintenance by Ford only and to their standards as recommended yet the vehicle still died with less than 84k miles on it. In fact two weeks prior the vehicle had an oil change. When we finally received the diagnosis of needing a new engine the mechanic stated this is an issue with the 3 cylinder Fords that the company has not addressed yet. My friend who has the exact same car just had hers break down for the same reasons but at 67k miles. The difference is she purchased the extended warranty and we purchased the maintenance plan so hers is being covered 100% and she is being provided a loaner vehicle. Ford refused to cover all of the repair costs even though this issue was clearly a manufacturer issue. They actually kept lowering the assistance amount as time went on. They refused to provide a loaner or reimburse any of the hundreds of dollars we spent on towing. We were without the vehicle for several months and Ford could care less and suggested several times to get a rental even thought we expressed we could not afford it due to costs we already put into the car but especially because we are still paying on the original vehicle loan as well as insurance. Fords customer service was the worst I ever experienced and in every aspect we dealt with them all the way to corporate.
Other or unspecified, May 11, 2022
There is currently a recall on 2018 Ford Focus however the dealer claims my VIN is not included. Three weeks ago my check engine light came on I went to a gas station they checked it it states it was a small evaporative leak. It went off, IT came back theee days later. I went to the auto shop they said it was a gas filler neck issues. They fixed it the light went off then a day later came back on. I took it to the shop they said there is a safety recall issue with a deformation of the plastic gas tank due to the CPV which causes the deformation. The dealer refused to fix my car claiming the recall does not included my VIN. Even though what the recall stated is EXACTLY what is wrong with my car.
Power train, May 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was jerking. While driving approximately 30 MPH and shifting into 3rd gear, the vehicle jerked. The check engine warning light was illuminated. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Engine, May 3, 2022
Engine, and computer that controls check engine and low oil pressure lights. Car started ticking, had appt but not until may 18th dealership where I bought it. On Friday April 15th when I turned car off and got out smelled burning smell. Husband lifted hood and let cool down for an hour, when to go check fluids and no oil, looked under neath no leaks. Have video of all and everything. No alert senor came on to say low oil pressure, or check engine especially since it was bone dry no oil. Bought car with 11800 or so miles on it 6 weeks before. When bought car had oil in it. At 13510 miles no oil. Safety was at risk because it could have caught fire with running it with no oil in it, until app time of May 18th 2022. Took to key scales ford where car was bought, and confirmed no leaks, no oil, no warning lights. Was towed to them on Monday April 18th, was inspected wensday April 20th. No warning lights what so ever came on at all. Car information stated no warnings no messages. Again I have video taken from Friday April 15th when we found car to have no oil. Ford after 2weeks finally decided to replace engine but no answer on computer for warning lights as of now. Engine on back order.
Power train, Apr 26, 2022
My vehicle is a 2018 Ford Focus st and I am not the first person to have this problem. My vehicle casually lost 3rd and 4th gear synchronizer out of the blue and I had to purchase to synchronizers to replace them. Among pulling the transmission apart and splitting the case open. My mechanic and I identified that 3rd and 4th gear synchronizers had metal tabs on them to keep them in position and they snapped off on every side, so there being a total of six tabs broken, three per synchronizer as you see in the photos. I am not the first person to have this issue so I would ask if you would please review this issue and look deeper into it to possibly come up with a solution.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 26, 2022
Every time I fill up my has tank my car stalls. And after 3 or 4 tried with me giving it gas it will start and idle super high. I have even switched to a higher grade gas and it happens with all grades. And if it doesn't stall right away it will cut off shortly after putting it in drive.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 14, 2022
I purchased this vehicle used in 8/2021 and within 6 months, I have an inoperable vehicle with a hefty car loan of over $15,000 to payoff monthly. I can’t afford another car and I should not be responsible for paying for a car due to defective parts from the manufacturer that is causing other damage to my vehicle. I haven’t had the use of my vehicle since this time. This is unfair and unacceptable. The component that failed/malfunctioned was the double clutch on the transmission. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This poses a safety risk because the vehicle ultimately can lose control, it jerks, slow drags/stalls, gets hot while in traffic which will which eventually shut off preventing me from moving the vehicle out of traffic. This can put me and my passengers in danger of getting hit in the event of a collision from oncoming traffic resulting in eminent danger of getting seriously injured or killed. The problem has been reproduced at an independent service center, Gray’s Garage in Dover, TN. The problem is a known issue on Ford Focus 2016 – 2018 manual transmissions vehicles and associated with recall NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 18V845000. It is evident that this issue is also present with 2018 Ford Focus automatic transmission vehicles. Car was inspected by certified mechanic in Dover, TN and I was advised the double clutch was broken and it messed up the transmission. The issue first appeared on 2/14/22, I was stopped at a traffic light with my foot on the break. When moved feet off break just before beginning to accelerate, I heard a noise. The car began to jerk until I got to 15 mph speed and then it downshifts or slow drags. The car alerted me that the transmission hot and to pull over, turn the car off for 5 minutes to let it cool off. I kept trying the steps on multiple occasions this day and the result was the same every time I come to a stop it happens. I was basically stranded, unable to drive any distance with a non-functioning car.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Apr 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the emission system had failed. The canister purge valve and the vapor vent valve were replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the canister vent valve and the canister vent solenoid needed to be replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to independent who provided the same diagnostic; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the canister vent valve and the canister vent solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 25,509. Vehicle had an issue with the Canister Purge Valve, canister vent solenoid and also other issues related to a recall that is on this type of vehicle. Our VIN number was not included with the recall, but it is the same thing that they are saying in the recall that happened to our Ford. The car only has 25817 miles. Warranty ran out on years but not mileage.
Other or unspecified, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would stall after being started. The vehicle had to be started several times before being able to accelerate. The fuel gauge was occasionally inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic which diagnosed the failure to be an evaporative emission control system. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the highway, the vehicle stalled and then stopped independently. The check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was restarted and driven safely to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with canister purge value failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,555.
Power train, Mar 16, 2022
Transmission started to shift and shudder harshly. Very high RPM (up to 5000-6000 rpm) without shifting. Car failed to go into reverse of "Sport" mode when shift level placed in that position. Car jerks and shudders upon initial takeoff from a stop, that feels like a sudden loss of power and has delayed acceleration. Very harsh shifting from 1st to 2nd gear that jolts entire car and driver. The RPM stays very high if the car will go into Drive and after a while the transmission overheats and a transmission temperature warning is displayed. Sometimes the car won't start. Trouble codes pulled are P087B and P287A.
Power train, Mar 9, 2022
Transmission control module went out in my car while on the highway. Car decelerated and sputtered almost causing a rear end collision. I was almost struck by a truck driving behind me.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 2, 2022
Currently there is a recall for 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles due to a malfunctioning canister purge valve. This issue causes the vehicle to have trouble starting up after refueling. I currently own and and use a 2018 Ford Focus as my primary (only) form of transport. This vehicle is experiencing the same exact issues noted in the above mentioned recall. I have made contact with Ford through dealerships as well as through their customer service chat and they have advised me that the included vehicles in their recalls are determined by the date and location of manufacture and my vehicle is not included. I am hoping someone can help me with this as it is a serious safety issue. My vehicle refuses to start after refueling until multiple attempts are made causing undue wear and tear on the starter. It is obvious that this issue is getting worse as the vehicle now shudders at times and acts as thought it is going to stall out or it is not getting enough fuel or has air entering into the fuel system. The check engine light is on and the codes states there is a problem with the emissions. I would really like to have this problem addressed as I am fearful of being stranded or worse yet the vehicle stalling out in traffic. Ford told me that I would need repair this at my own cost and MAYBE some day it will be added and they will reimburse me for the cost. Is there anything thing that can be done to assist with this issue short of me paying with money that I absolutely do not have? Please help!
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 18, 2022
Suction on gass tank collapsed causing stalling
Wheels, Feb 14, 2022
FOR 2 OF MY FORD FOCUSES I have had to buy 20 lug nuts every time I want to rotate my tires.
Power train, Feb 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle inadvertently moved forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and Mtn. View Ford (301 E 20th St, Chattanooga, TN 37408). The dealers had replaced the transmission on three separate occasions; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and several cases were opened. The manufacturer declined to buy back the vehicle since it was not purchased from a Ford dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling, the fuel gauge failed to provide an accurate fuel level. The contact stated the vehicle was difficult to start and required that the accelerator pedal was pumped while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Power train, Feb 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, his vehicle lost motive power and stalled three times. The contact waited for five minutes, restarted, and drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. While driving to the independent mechanic, the service transmission warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would no longer accelerate or move forward. The contact stated that another vehicle nearly crashed into his vehicle due to the failure. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The mechanic notified the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,380.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Days later, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts. The contact retrieved several DTC codes on the low fuel rail pressure and a defect with the fuel rail circuit. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Steering, Jan 5, 2022
I lost power steering while driving. The wheel is locked up and will not steer at all. I was placed in a dangerous situation that could have led to the harm of myself and others. There was not any warning lights or previous issues it just stopped working all together. I took the car to shop and the diagnostic said the steering angle sensor needed to be replaced it was and the issue was not fixed. The code still read internal steering module failure. Code: U3000-96
Engine, Jan 2, 2022
My car was serviced for the works oil change on 12-5-21 @ Quicklane-ford. Car has 72k miles, on 12-31-21 heading home from work early morning my car at light started to shake. No warning lights or nothing. I went to gas station to get gas so I wouldn’t have to stop later. i attempted to start my car the oil and battery light came on. It took a minute but car initially started. I drove 2 miles home and when i got to a stop sign my car wouldn’t go. When autozone opened i took my car 2 miles to have them test the battery. The tech said,”hey is your car off, the machine says it’s still on.” I stated it wasn’t but he went inside my car to see if it was. He thought that was weird and so did I. The battery was good. So I proceeded to head to quicklane which was 2 miles aways. This time when I got to a intersection my car begin to shake and rpm wouldn’t go up as I attempted to accelerate. I pulled over, to get a tow. When i started the car again oil, battery and overheating light turned on. At Quicklane I got terrible news, that coolant was leaking into engine and that I may need a engine or my head gasket replace. Which may cost at minimum $4000. I asked how could this happened I get my car serviced here all the time. Wouldn’t the ford mechanic detected coolant leaking into oil. When they test that as well. I read that ecoboost suv were recalled but my focus is ecoboost and have similar issues. I treat my car with care get any and every service suggested by Quicklane. Quicklane worker stated that my 2018 car that i bought brand new no miles in 2/19/2019 was old. How so i had a 1997 camry with 330k miles never did this and had same motor. I never got a warning on car about a coolant leak. This is a shame that at 72k miles, I am having to buy a expensive engine or new car. They had recalls on other ecoboost but now I’m thinking all ecoboost by Ford has this issue that is becoming to common. It’s not safe and dangerous Shaking and stopping out of nowhere and no real warning.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 31, 2021
This is Safety issue because vehicle stalled and check engine light comes just before Christmas. Dealer reset check engine light and a few days later the vehicle was idling rough and check engine light came on again. There have been numerous recalls over several years for this problem identified in Fords recall notice 18S32A,B,C,D,E,F,G (Oct. 25, 2018). Car was purchased on Oct 19,2018. Ford issued a Delivery Hold on Oct. 25, 2018(1 week after purchase). Returned vehicle to dealer on 12/29/2021 who'd confirmed defective evaporative emission purge valve and need for Fuel Induction cleaning for a total of $857.60 which includes a $189.95 diagnosis charge. Dealer stated that the VIN # is not on the recall list. Contacted Ford recall department on 12/29/2021 who assigned case #CAS-347-49595-X1C1F4 and told me that i would receive a call back within 24 hrs. I never received a call. In addition to the recall this part is covered under the 8/80,00 mile emission warranty. Ford's TSB 17-0050 defines the part (#BVZ-9D289-E) as Evaporative "Emission" Cannister Purge Valve
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The failure nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with canister purge valve failure. The canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.