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.
Power train, Dec 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, the transmission shuddered. After the brake pedal was released, the vehicle went into reverse. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the shifter, seals, and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to another dealer for assistance. No further assistance was provided. The contact was concerned about being in a crash while driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 14,100.
Steering, Dec 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering assist malfunctioned, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed that the steering gear was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle has been repaired. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
Power train, Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle from an independent mechanic, the vehicle would stall at various speeds as an unknown warning light would appear on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where multiple repairs were performed on the vehicle. A year later, the contact stated that a "vehicle overheating, pull over" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had to restart the vehicle to clear the message and resume normal driving. The contact had spoken to the manufacturer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 1, 2021
Suddenly, the vehicle will stall only after it's been fueled. I've read reports of this being common in lots of Ford vehicles with it having something to do with a fuel filter or emissions. The vehicle continues to run and drive but I fear it will continue to do worse. My only option currently is to leave the vehicle running while being fueled.
Power train, Nov 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal or while at a complete stop, the vehicle would vibrate without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on two occasions for the failure and both times, the contact had the clutch assembly, the seal gasket, and fluid replaced. Despite the repairs, the failure returned every 20,000 miles. Recently, the failure returned, and the contact was informed that the repair would not be covered under warranty. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Power train, Nov 17, 2021
The contact’s mother owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shaking abnormally while coming to a stop. The vehicle also experienced the abnormal shaking while moving off from a complete stop, whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the TCM (Transmission Control Module) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that the part was not available for the repair. An aftermarket replacement part was ordered to facilitate the repair; however, after installing the part, it failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall randomly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but 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 was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2021
The check engine light came on a week and a half ago and after having someone do a diagnostic test it sent a code saying an emissions leak somewhere. The car will sputter and sometimes will not restart after fueling and has to be revved up a bit to get it going. The scary part is when it starts to sputter when at an intersection. I called the dealership that I bought this ford focus brand new in 2018 which has 20,000 miles now and the girl answering phones at Brandon Ford Tampa Fl. said my car would not be covered for my problem under warranty. I did not know until just checking online that this was actually one of 2 recall problems with the 2018 ford focus models. Would expect a little more from what is supposed to be the number one ford dealer in the south. I was blown off. Doubt my next new car will be a ford but I am waiting to hear back from you to see if I have any recourse here. Thanks for your time. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle began to lose motive power and would not accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the canister purge valve had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 12, 2021
Ford is aware if an issue with the dual clutch transmissions present in their Ford Focus models from 2011 to 2018. Recently they settled a lawsuit in the case if 2011 to 2016. I would like to report that this issue is still present. They currently want 8000 dollars for the transmission alone, and said that it is still a dual clutch, so it could do the same thing again and give out or it could be fine.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 8, 2021
When putting gas in car Put gas in car, variables in Gas in tank, weather, or volume play no effect on this, car them won't keep running But only when we put gas in the vehicle turn car over doesn't want to stay running but only happens after putting gas in car. Whether that be a full tank or 15 cents Cant give dates because it happens when put gas in car
Power train, Nov 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled randomly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Power train, Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle would violently shake without warning upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the shaking would cease once he took his foot off the accelerator pedal. The contact called the dealer and was informed that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 18, 2021
Purchased with less than 50k miles with warranty. 2k miles until warranty expired car started jerking and shuddering when taking off. Took to dealership no codes or recalls. A month later car would not start after refueling. Had mechanic replace fuel evap. Fixed one problem but not the shuddering. Problem seems to be worsening. Recall for half of the 2018 focus models for same issues but recall does not include all!
Other or unspecified, Oct 14, 2021
turn the car on going in reverse and it stalled out were I couldn't stop and this was the second time that this happen
Power train, Oct 13, 2021
Since i bought the car in 2018 i noticed issues with the car. From jerking, shaking when accelerating, even not accelerating at times which almost caused an accident. Also not changing gears properly. It has left me several times with not giving me the option to reverse. For the first year i constantly took the car to ford dealerships to get checked with everytime it coming back with nothing wrong. I wasted time, money and it was really an inconvenience with the whole hassel. Not to mention the stress it put me through which led to mental issues, psychiatric visits and medications. I contacted ford several times and was also getting the run arround. They finally felt they could shut me with some type of free maintenance plan which at that time decided to give up and just accept. 5 months later took the car again with same issues and finally was told my a service rep that a transmission tech had never even looked it in tge past times. After being checked they had to replace something with the clutch. Also about months later some with the fuel valve/pcv had to be repaired which has been a recall for ford but not my specific vehicle/vin. And now only after 3 yeats of owning the car again having issues the same if not worse with the transmission. I no longer have bumber to bumber, powertain or extended warranty due to too many miles. I will be taking it tomorrow which i am sure is going to cost a lot not to mention i am still paying for the car. Oh and ford said even if it was the same thing with the clutch their repair warranty is only 2 years and i just passed that by a couple of months. I have always had used old cars and went through the hassle of car repairs. Being a single mom and moving to a bigger city to pursue my education i decided to buy a new vehicle so I wouldn't have problems but its been a nightmare with this car! I haven't been in a position to trade it or buy another car. I have just had to deal with it and its brought tears & caused mental issues.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact called the dealer where she was informed that her vehicle could not be inspected the same day. The contact then had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The mechanic called the manufacturer and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle remained in the possession of the mechanic and was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated while driving out of the parking space. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto Parts where the diagnostic code showed the canister purge valve failure. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer a month later as he was advised that an immediate fix was not required. The dealer diagnosed the failure as a canister purge valve failure that was stuck in the open position. The valve needed to be replaced as the vehicle was currently at the dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with code P1450 (Control System failure of fuel tank vacuum). The dealer was made aware of a recall but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 55,261.
Power train, Sep 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 15.
Engine, Sep 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated, shook abnormally, and shuddered. The RPM’s increased and the miles per gallon increased to 99.9 miles per gallon. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the purge valve, vapor canister, fuel tank, and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. No further assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 29,106.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 9, 2021
Check engine light came on and when a diagnostic code check was done error code P1450 appeared which appears to be a defective fuel tank pressure sensor. Gas tank is 3/4 full. Car is available for inspection. There was no accident. Just the CEL error code
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2021
Purge valve. Yes. Code p1450 Vacuum in gas tank. Yes. Yes no yes - 2 days ago
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact managed to veer to the shoulder of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact waited for approximately 5 minutes to restart the vehicle. The vehicle resumed its normal function. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the gasket, fuel pump, fuel tank, and purge valve failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2021
I bought the vehicle on 08/21/2021 which is 3 days ago the vehicle has 57k miles on it and I quickly found out why. I realized when stopping at red lights and then trying to accelerate when the light turns green the car boggs down like its stuck in a mud pit and then suddenly flies out of it. I almost rear ended a vehicle and then almost got rear ended. I had the same issues going up and over a mountain. And believe me if they had a return policy like Wal-Mart it would've been returned the same day.