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, Sep 15, 2024
The clutch failed, and is available for inspection. The dealer confirmed clutch needs replacing. No warning lights which is why I scanned for any codes. Other than the dealer no other inspections. I was driving normally along on the highway in stop and go traffic. A/C was on and normal breaking and traveling 15-25MPH. As traffic broke started to accelerate at a normal pace. Then the vehicle started to violently shake, got really loud like my exhaust had fallen off. I had to put the hazard lights on. Then put the vehicle in neutral as traffic was passing me on both sides. From neutral went back to drive and it make a loud noise but seemed power was back. I had to keep rpm’s under 2000 and get off the highway and drove slowly home. Applying any higher acceleration resulting in shaking and noises. I did stop to see if any fluids or objects hanging once safely off the highway but nothing was there. I scanned the vehicle in the following days and had zero codes, attached. Then made appointment for the dealership. They are saying no recall while my scanner says possibly. I called Ford direct and they point me to here as my vin apparently doesn’t meet the criteria.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the failed to start. The contact stated that upon revving the engine, the vehicle was able to start. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 50 MPH after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle went into Safe Mode and stalled. The check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the fuel tank had collapsed. Additionally, the contact scanned the vehicle with an OBD-2 reader and retrieved a diagnostic test code indicating that there was excessive vacuum pressure in the fuel vapor management system. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 8, 2024
Engine light and red oil can symbol's keeps showing on the dashboard. Brake pedal is tight & hard when stopping when pressed on them.
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2024
The transmission began to overheat and shut the car off out of safety, upon taking it to dealership they have described the exact same problem found under recall I8S07 except this car has an automatic transmission. The clutch is stuck and has now damaged more components on the transmission resulting in a $4100 bill for repairs for something that should be a part of this safety recall.
Power train, Sep 1, 2024
Lurching jerking shifting problems then transmission hot alert. pull over wait five and start again. RPM increase and feels like automatic transmission slipping. won't start again until sitting for a while. pulled over twice on the freeway. went to autozone and engine light code indicates need to replace transmission control module.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2024
Engine light came on while after car hassertated withe code p144A engine detected running the PCM and obstruction in the EVAP SYSTEM PURGE VAPOR LINE IS BLOCKED AND TO REPLACE EMISSIONS SYSTEM PURGE VAPOR CANISTER PURGE CONTROL VALVE
Power train, Aug 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact attempted to accelerate however, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the check transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the mechanic that there was a recall for the transmission, NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The contact called the manufacturer and was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Engine, Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shaking moderately lost motive power, and failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that an unknown software needed to be updated and the actuators and clutch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving and exceeding 45 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and made a whining sound. The vehicle was towed to an Auto Parts store, where it was diagnosed with high-pressure fuel pump failure. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving at highway speeds, causing the vehicle to be towed several times. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 18V845000 (Power Train), and 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Engine, Aug 26, 2024
Before Ford issued the recall, our 2018 Ford Focus engine seized up and stopped working while we were driving it. We had it towed eventually to the Ford dealer in Shakopee, MN and they said the engine was shot from the issue it was finally recalled for in February of 2024. We bought the car in August of 2018 and this happened in August of 2021 with less than 80,000 miles on it. We ended up replacing the engine which cost $6585.44 for a new engine. We reached out to Ford and they told us it was not their problem. That was until February of 2024 when we received a letter with a safety issue regarding that problem. Now the new engine is also having this problem. Ford would not reimburse us for the new engine. We want to put in an official complaint that they actually ignored this problem even as we googled at the time and saw that it was happening. They're still not equipped to deal with it. We want our money back from the new engine we paid for.
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 23, 2024
Car shuddered horribly on interstate. RPMs revving up like crazy. Transmission struggling. This caused the car to slow down drastically in the middle of traffic, nearly causing myself a fatal accident amongst others around me. No warning indications, just Transmission Fault Service Now as soon as it happened. In the past this vehicle has had transmission issues fixed and replaced by Ford themselves, due to the same shuddering and stalling as listed above. All those times, no check engine light or warning lights. Care would accelerate/jerk/shudder badly. Making it unpredictable to drive.
Engine, Aug 23, 2024
Drove car it stopped accelerating causing the engine to fail causing me to be broke down on interstate 81. Car has been sitting at the dealer since April
Power train, Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the fuel system and transmission warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the canister purge valve and the powertrain control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Engine, Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 23, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Power train, Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to increase in speed while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for diagnoses but the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer on another occasion where it was diagnosed that the automatic clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Aug 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Power train, Aug 8, 2024
The contact called on behalf of her son who owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle jerked abnormally and lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with dual transmission clutch failure and the two actuators failure. The contact was informed that the dual transmission clutch and the actuators needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,248.