Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
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Our database holds 825 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Ford Focus. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Showing 1–25 of 825 · page 1 of 33
at 72000 miles the vehicle stopped running no power no warning lights on indication of any issue. luckily it was on a side road. hade it towed to the ford dealer diagnosed with a broken timing belt and needed a new engine. the quote off $7000.00 to replace the engine with a new long block after paying the lone on the car I replaced the long block myself just last week on 07/20/2026 at a cost off around $5000.00
I’ve had this car since 2021 and it’s been worked on 3 times for the same issues. My clutch and a couple other things for the transmission. I just recently had it worked on for transmission problems and paid $1100 for a belt replacement that didn’t even fix the issue. I told them it was clutch A like the code readers pulled (multiple times might I add) and they did a test and charged me for that test and said it was just the harness belt. Today my check engine light came on, and I had a code pulled and it was clutch A like I told them (P0902). I’ve had the actuator replaced at least twice and the power module has also been replaced. My cars engine light is on and it’s shifting hard and is taking a while to even shift. I have the invoices to show that each time it’s been worked on it’s been an issue with the transmission. My VIN number needs to be recalled before something worse happens. Each time it’s been worked on it costed me too much money especially to keep having the same problems. I’ve also done research that proves this particular issue is an issue with a lot of ford focus cars.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently stalled with excessive fuel consumption. As a former Ford independent mechanic, the contact diagnosed the vehicle with a deformed fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the canister purge valve was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the manufacturer denied coverage for the fuel tank replacement. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. No warning light was illuminated. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V369000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the canister purge valve was replaced a second time; however, the failure persisted. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
An authorized dealership performed a mandatory manufacturer safety recall repair on my vehicle for the Engine Oil Pump Belt and Tensioner (Ford Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Campaign 23V-905). While performing this specific recall, the initial facility negligently compromised the cooling system and created a severe leak, directly causing complete and total engine destruction. A subsequent independent diagnostic inspection by a separate authorized dealership confirmed this negligence. The vehicle became instantly disabled while driving, creating a severe road hazard. Total documented property damages are $14,448.31. Furthermore, the dealership and Ford Corporate have explicitly refused to repair the vehicle, despite Ford's dealer bulletins authorizing long-block engine replacements for failures related to this recall. They have also refused to reimburse me for the totaled vehicle or the out-of-pocket expenses incurred. Ford customer service has employed shady tactics, denying liability and stonewalling my attempts to reach a resolution, completely failing to provide the remedy mandated by this safety recall. The vehicle and all documentation are available for inspection upon request.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and the transmission was not shifting properly while accelerating. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a clutch failure, and a clutch replacement was suggested at 27,000 miles. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The contact stated that the shuddering persisted, and the purge valves were replaced after the clutch repair at 69,000 miles. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and almost stalled. The vehicle was pulled over into a parking lot. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a second clutch failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
I am adding a major update to my safety recall complaint because this dealership just tried to pull an illegal financial ambush on me.After my 2019 Focus started stalling out on the highway right after they did Recall 18V735, I brought it back. I explicitly told them in writing on our text thread: 'I do not authorize any standard diagnostic fees, parts, or repair charges.' I just wanted them to show me proof that they didn't pinch a wire or glitch the software during the recall work.Instead of showing me proof, they sent me a text message today saying my vehicle was 'ready for pick up' just to lure me down to the lobby. When I got there, they slapped an unauthorized invoice for $988.82 in front of my face for parts and labor. They did nearly $1,000 worth of work after I told them 'no' in writing, clearly trying to quietly fix their botched recall mistake under the table and force me to pay for it.When I showed the advisor the texts proving I denied the charges, the staff panicked and couldn't answer who authorized the job. I refused to sign it or pay it, and I walked out. My car is currently stranded on their lot because they are holding my keys hostage over unauthorized bills on a federal safety recall file. I have already escalated this to Ford Corporate under Case # CXH-0831-1568-S8L7B8
Purge valve sensor and canister is malfunctioning causing my car to stall out
The plastic gas tank was warped by heat and a faulty purge solenoid. The warped gas tank is a known issue for the 2018 Ford Focus and other versions of the car are covered by the recall, but my VIN apparently was not despite experiencing the same issue at less than 50,000 miles. The warped gas tank caused a dangerous car shutoff in traffic.
The ford focus I drive is constantly shuddering and having trouble selecting gears. The problem has been consistent since I bought the vehicle and I have read that this is a common issue with the ford focus transmission. I bought the vehicle for my sons first car and I can’t even let him drive it
The vehicle was serviced for NHTSA Recall 18V735 (Canister Purge Valve/Fuel Tank stalling hazard). Immediately upon pickup from the dealership, the vehicle began severely stumbling and stalling while driving on the highway. It died while driving on the street. The dealership's diagnostic paperwork confirmed an 'O2 sensor logic error causing the vehicle to stall' right after they performed the mandatory computer software flash and valve replacement. The dealership is refusing to verify if their technician damaged the adjacent wiring harness or glitched the software flash, leaving the vehicle an active highway stalling hazard. As for my experience, The car died in Clear Lake by Baybrook Mall. Extremely high traffic, almost got hit. (Yelled at by several drivers). Constant stalling happened in Baytown. Scariest incident was going over the very tall Fred Hartman bridge. My 10 year old daughter and I felt sure it was about to die and we were going to roll backward down the bridge becauseit kept dropping power. We took the ferry home because we were so scared.
I had an oil pressure light come on while driving and it was followed by the car shutting off and not starting back up. It was towed to a mechanic who told me the timing belt broke while driving and the car requires a new engine. The car was the towed to a ford dealer who confirmed his diagnosis. The car has the 1.0l ecoboost engine and manual transmission. I saw that there is an open investigation on this exact problem and a recall would be greatly appreciated. I'm shocked they are allowed to use a wet timing belt and not a chain.
Last July my car was overheating and breaking down as I was driving on I4 to work one morning which it overheated and broke down which was the precursor the last time My engine blew in December 2024 which the engine was already repaired January 2022 (Dumphy Ford,Pa), December 2022 (Tropical Ford, Fl) then I got notices there is a recall with the oil pump and belt since February 2023 however the remedy parts were not available and kept getting notices that the parts would be in by fall 2024 then it kept getting pushed back when they would be available, meanwhile my car broke down again July 2024 which the engine needed to be replaced and was covered because oil and coolant was leaking into the engine due to the recall and they still didn’t have parts available and then car broke down again December 2024 which Tropical Ford covered because the recall parts were still not available. So in July 2025 they attempted to fix it and I picked it up and it overheated again and they kept it till September 2025 and fixed a bunch of things like transmission, recall and other things and now the car began to overheat again and took it to [XXX] and now they are saying the engine is blown again… I believe the recall failed and I shouldn’t have to pay for the 5Th engine replacement INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle's transmission control module is not working. The Ford Focus vehicle put my family and I at risk because we would be driving along in the Ford vehicle then all of a sudden it would slow down abruptly in traffic as it loses power. We've only had the vehicle 7 years and it is one of the most expensive problems to have with the car. Many reports online state that transmission control modules and transmissions in general are known complaints for 2018 Ford Focus cars. A diagnostic was performed by a Ford dealer's service center. It was determined the part needs to be replaced. This is very dangerous. I would like for this to be repaired without causing any additional expenses to my family as the Ford company is aware that more than few models have this problem before reaching 7 years or 100,000 miles
I replaced my canister purge valve prior to TSB or recall (18S32). Once I received the letter for reimbursement, I sent my paperwork to the dealer that performed the work (Pierre Ford Seattle on 01/05/25). They said they were going to reimburse me for the work that they did but did not. I went back to the dealer on 04/22/26 with my paperwork again. They made a copy and said they were going to submit my reimbursement. After a week or two they said that the recall reimbursement program had expired earlier this year.
This is the 2nd time the transmission has went on this vehicle. First time was 12/2022 when my son was on his way home from [XXX] to [XXX] from school. Towed to Ford in MA. Ford stated there was a recall on the TCM. Vin did not fall under the recall. Thank god we had Mechanical breakdown with Geico. Had transmission repaired. April 29, 2026, car will not go in reverse or forward once again! RIDICULOUS!!! Cant afford to get a new transmission. Vehicle does not even have 90K on it. If Ford is going to put out a recall, like they did years ago on this issue, they should put it out for ALL and not just certain models. We have always purchased Fords, but I am getting a little sick and tired of recalls not being all ALL the models for that year. Who can afford a new car nowadays?? Thank the [XXX] no one was injured while my son was driving. Ford needs to do something about this issue ASAP! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving, the transmission went into limp/safety mode and became difficult to control. Diagnostic scan confirmed codes P0806 (Clutch Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent) and P2872 (Clutch A Stuck Engaged). The failure is electrical — wiring harness damage near the clutch position sensor. This has happened multiple times. The vehicle is a 2018 Ford Focus SE with DPS6 PowerShift transmission. Repair estimates range from $1,500 to $2,600. The manufacturer has declined goodwill assistance despite this being a known defect on this model.
While driving, the transmission went into limp/safety mode and became difficult to control. Diagnostic scan confirmed codes P0806 (Clutch Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent) and P2872 (Clutch A Stuck Engaged). The failure is electrical — wiring harness damage near the clutch position sensor. This has happened multiple times. The vehicle is a 2018 Ford Focus SE with DPS6 PowerShift transmission. Repair estimates range from $1,500 to $2,600. The manufacturer has declined goodwill assistance despite this being a known defect on this model.
The vehicle has been inspected at the Ford dealership, erratic behavior, stalling in the middle of the street shaking miss shifting net starting not going in reverse not going back. It left me stranded on the streets very unsafe. It is an ended up being a TCM and the clutch and Forks. This is a known issue with this transmission. It needs to be recalled before someone gets hurt.
RECALL 23V905 February 2024 This is a complaint about service for the Recall. Or, the lack thereof. Still hasn't been serviced by dealer Serramonte Ford in Colma, CA.650-395-2728 Car was delivered to dealer Wednesday April 22, 2026. And still hasn't been serviced, as far as I know. Inquired for status on Thursday 23rd, and Friday 24th. Never received any. call back. Called today, Saturday April 25, and was told that Service Department is closed. Left message on Service Manager voicemail. Monday the 27th will be 6 days without a car.
The dual clutch PowerShift DCT transmission has failed. When placed in reverse, the engine RPM increases when accelerating but the vehicle does not move at all. While driving forward, the vehicle struggles to reach 10mph and the transmission slips severely. The vehicle is essentially undriveable. The vehicle has gotten stuck on neighborhood roads on 3 separate occasions due to complete loss of reverse function. I was stuck for 30 minutes to an hour which put me in way too much preassure and possibly, I could have ended up in danger. The vehicle had to be physically pushed by hand to move it. This created a dangerous situation for myself and others on the road. An independent mechanic diagnosed and replaced the clutch actuator assembly and fuel pump. After repairs the problem persists unchanged. The mechanic has noted the vehicle requires a full transmission replacement. This is a known defect with the Ford PowerShift DCT transmission affecting multiple model years. Repair costs have exceeded $1,500 with no resolution. The failed transmission puts safety at risk as the vehicle cannot accelerate properly in traffic and has no reverse function. Problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. Vehicle is available for inspection.
During their recall repair work on my cpv/ecm recall Rowe Auburn Ford allowed my car to leave their custody with the airbag light on and have refused to take responsibility or offer resolution to fix this issue without costing me more money.
Was seen by Ford Dealer And confirm TCM issues
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and then accelerated to the desired cruise control setting. The failure had occurred several times. Approximately 2 weeks later, while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the hazard lights were activated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
I purchased a 2018 Ford Focus in Sept of 2023 with 30k+ miles. Financed. In April of 2025 the car started making strange noises when starting and then would not go into reverse. The car pushed in neutral and drove about 2 miles. Stopped for gas and then the car would not start. The car was towed to a mechanic. He had the vehicle for 2 wks trying to purchase a part called an Actuator. I reside on St. Croix USVI and purchased this vehicle from a fleet sale from Centerline Rental Cars. After the Actuators were placed, I drove the car and within a day had a screeching sound upon starting car. Drove it back to mechanic and we did a test drive.21 The car would slow down and speed up on it's own. The vehicle this time died and had to be pushed onto the lot. Was worked on again and still did not work properly. Car was towed to Ford Metro for analysis. The car now has 40k+ miles in 18 mos of use. They quoted me $4,213.00 for parts and labor. I am still paying $359.00 a month since April 2025. The car was towed back to my residence where it sits dead. Please advise.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering, jerking, and hesitating to accelerate as needed. The vehicle then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
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