2018 Ford Focus Electrical Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11754311

Incident

Aug 2, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11746337

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11744616

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11734830

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11734826

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

There is a documented recall and class action suit filed and awarded that I was unaware of. I purchased this vehicle from Enterprise rental car and it was not disclosed to me. I have been repairing this exact issues with transmission skipping, stalling and making it dangerous to drive for years. The last independent service visit i was told there was nothing more that could be done except complete transmission replacement at my own expense. When looking for recall information my VIN is showing no issues. What’s happening and how do I stand with this situation?

NHTSA ID

11713212

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

Vehicle experienced a highway-speed overheat and automatic engine shutdown. Inspection revealed antifreeze intrusion into the under-hood engine fuse box, causing widespread fuse degradation and electrical failure. This occurred following recall-related service. Vehicle lost power and is unsafe to operate due to electrical contamination and fire risk. Manufacturer and dealer have been unresponsive.

NHTSA ID

11705357

Incident

Dec 12, 2025

My 2018 ford focus broke down in the middle of the road on [XXX] leaving it undrivable. The engine light came on and it gave an error saying “system engine fault, service now” I had it towed to Legacy Ford in Corbin KY on [XXX] and was they advised it was due to a recall with the with Oil Pump Drive belt and told me it would be covered but they didn’t know how long it would take….after having it for OVER a month, they called and said it was finished and ready for pick-up so I picked my car up on September 9th (still was driving weird) and picked my kids up from school & daycare, then went home so I only drove it about an hour before parking it. I went to leave to take my son to school the next morning and before I even pulled out of the driveway, the same error message had kicked on and the engine would seize and died- which is the same exact thing it did whenever it initially broke down…. Well they had it towed back to them on Wednesday September 10th so they could take a look at it since it was most likely related to the recall… So they called me the next day to let me know they had checked it out and it was an issue with the PCM and is unrelated to the recall and it will be $1,600 to fix it even though it’s doing the SAME EXACT thing it did whenever it broke down the first time. I found information supporting the fact that the issues from the recall can most certainly cause damages to the PCM. I also found out my car was part of a class action lawsuit and the Plaintiffs allege that Ford internally acknowledges that there is no permanent fix for the alleged defect; however, it continued to manufacture and sale the car. I don’t know what to do at this point but if they aren’t going to make it right then I guess my next step is to speak with an attorney for emotional distress and loss of pay. I tried to resolve the issue with the dealership but they weren’t helpful so customer support opened a case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11687254

Incident

Jul 12, 2025

I have had this car for 2 years, the transmission went on me in the middle of the night and I had to have it towed home and to a transmission SPECIALIST. I just got the car back 2 weeks ago after spending $2,000 to get it NH road legal. My transmission NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I’ve contacted Ford, my car should be on the recall list but it isn’t. I have the junk transmission that they never should have “engineered”. The car has done nothing but cost my money and I still owe on because the dealership ripped me off. The attached file is from recent work, I haven’t gotten the invoice from AAMCO of Concord NH.

NHTSA ID

11686739

Incident

Sep 10, 2025

Engine Oil Pump Stuck Canister Purge Valve Clutch Fracture My car has difficulty starting. I have had problems with my hill start assist and air bags. My car stalls when I press gas at a light. it makes a funny noise and jerks. My engine light will come on and stalls even more and then the transmission alert comes on my dash to tell me to pull over because it’s over heating. The takeoff is extra slow like a turtle and fluid leaking. I’ve had my car at the same dealership I purchased my car.

NHTSA ID

11683699

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, messages that the brake fluid level was low, and to shift into park were displayed. The contact stated that other unknown messages were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, the instrument cluster and the infotainment system screen failed to turn off intermittently. The contact stated that the vehicle had also experienced abnormal battery drainage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was recommended to replace the negative (-) ground wiring cable. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred the following day. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM had failed, and the failure could be the cause of the battery drainage. The dealer determined that the TCM needed to be replaced and ordered the part. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID

11666257

Incident

Jan 11, 2025

Mileage

106,000 mi

The rear view camera went out on our 2018 Ford Focus some time ago. I read recently there is a recall for the camera issue with Ford trucks. I am wondering if other consumers have complained of issues regarding the camera going out on Ford Focus 2018 cars

NHTSA ID

11663419

Incident

May 1, 2022

After working on [XXX], my vehicle made it home, and wouldn't start. After jump starting, I began to drive it to the dealership. My safety, and others, was put at risk when the car began to smoke, lost power in a driving lane, and then burned down with extreme intensity. The dealership isn't helping. Ford said their Office of General Council is still looking into it, but originally denied my claim before saying they would reconsider my case. An official report from the Lakeland Fire Department stated mechanical failure and loss estimated to be equal to $10,000. The engine light blinked on the way home, the oil lamp went off and on, and then the car wouldn't start. These were the only signs prior to a total loss of power and smoke before my life was in jeopardy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11639732

Incident

Jan 22, 2025

I bought this car it was used by two other owners. I bought a new battery for this car but there is some kind of electrical problem with smell coming from vents and the radio system keeps shutting off.. keeps giving me a message on the screen that says shit off admission or restart engine to save battery then my whole radio system turns off till I turn off my car... Also now it time 4 tries to start my engine. Dash board will turn on but not engine..

NHTSA ID

11629472

Incident

Oct 16, 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.

NHTSA ID

11613295

Incident

Sep 6, 2024

P219a, p064d Total system shutdown was not recrank. Was in the middle of a four-way intersection when car died. Independent service diagnose the problem Have checked the Ford recall list and there are three recalls address to my vehicle Oil pressure light battery light and check engine light

NHTSA ID

11589579

Incident

May 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the infotainment system had failed to turn on intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable while reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000. The contact stated she had to replace the whole unit at the cost $1500.00 in repairs.

NHTSA ID

11588957

Incident

May 15, 2024

Mileage

121,000 mi

I have had several Ford Focuses and I’m not sure why I keep buying them. The transmission shudders or slips. Makes awful noises like grinding or something hitting the fan blade. I currently have 7 codes stored in the car but no check engine light. My garage thinks maybe it needs a new ABS control module. The display screen goes black all the time and doesn’t come back on. Ford is aware of these issues in the 2018 models and continues to do nothing. I’ve been a loyal Ford buyer for years and I’m never buying “American made” again. They cut corners and produce trash vehicles that the consumer has to pay out of pocket for repairs. Current codes are P219A and C. U0121, U0140, U0256, U0452 and U2101. The car always makes a strange beeping noise. It sounds like a warning chime but no lights come on or anything. The car has AWFUL fuel mileage currently. I live 15 mins from work with only 1 traffic light and it used half a tank for 4 days of just traveling 30 mins a day. You pay a decent amount for these cars and can’t rely on them. SHAMEFUL! The transmission issues have been happening since I bought the car in 2022. The codes, beeping and fuel mileage have been a recent issue within the last few months. It shakes. The vehicle is a safety concern not only for myself driving it, but others on the road.

NHTSA ID

11581420

Incident

Feb 4, 2024

On [XXX], I was driving to the Grocery store and didn't even drive 1/2 mile when I got a message on my dash that my transmission was over heating, while sitting at a traffic light. 28,000 miles on my Focus. I pulled into the parking lot that was there and shut the car off. I called AAA to have my car towed to MasterCare Automotive. Then I had to tow the car to Sunrise Ford 5435 US-1. Ste 1. Fort Pierce, FL 34982. Directions · (772) 461-6000. because they have the equipment to run the diagnostic on my vehicle. I received a call that they have to put a $1,300 sensor in my vehicle in order for them to do a diagnostic test. I called Ford to see if they had any help with the vehicle as I was never told that my warranty ran out in Jan 2024 nor did they offer me an extended warranty on the vehicle (which I would of purchased if I knew that my warranty expired. I was also told that more then likely would need a new transmission at over $5,000. A car that only had 28.000 miles on it shouldn't need a new transmission on it as I drive the speed limit and do not abuse my vehicle. The car that I was driving wasn't safe, if it had transmission problems, never warned about the transmission going right after the warranty ran out on the vehicle. I didn't even make it to the first transmission fluid change. Other then I receiving the message on my dashboard, I did not have any issues with the vehicle, no problems shifting the vehicle and no indications that the transmission was going to go out or I would of had my car in the shop to get my car repaired. Now I am left without a vehicle, no bus service and cannot afford to take a taxi or uber because I am disabled and don't make enough on Social Security to be able to afford these luxury of calling a cab or uber. I take car of my vehicle and have my mechanic go over my car twice a year when I have my oil changed. My records for my vehicle are at MasterCare in Port St Lucie. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

NHTSA ID

11579647

Incident

Mar 16, 2024

While driving 70mph on the highway my oil pressure light came on and I loss all power to my engine. I tried pressing the brakes and nothing happened. I lost ability to accelerate and then the brakes got hard and locked up so therefore lost ability to stop. I was able to coast off of an exit off the highway and had to try to not cause an accident until my car finally coasted to a stop. I had it towed to Portage ford in Portage Wisconsin and they told me that there is an advance notice recall but would not diagnose my car. They told me that they cannot do anything because the recall is just an advance notice and they are unable to open a repair order on it. They told me that because they could not open a repair order they could not verify that it was in fact the recall and told me that I would need to purchase a new engine completely. My oil had been recently changed and the oil levels were checked and they were good as well as the consistency. The recall is exactly word for word what happened but they told me the engine would be $6,000 and the labor would be 25 hours and likely another $6,000 so they qualified my vehicle as a total loss and that they wouldn't be able to give me more than $1,000 for my trade in. They said the Kelly blue book value was only a little under $8,000. My vehicle has a little over 50,000 miles on it only and was just out of powertrain warranty by maybe a month or two. This forced me into having to purchase a new car. They told me that if they found that it was related to the recall once they were able to open a repair order they would cut me a check for $5,000 because my car is obviously worth more than $1,000. I had just replaced the battery, front brakes and tires. No body damage or interior damage that would qualify the vehicle as lower trade in value. I bought it brand new and only owed $1,641on it and it would have been paid off completely. This is CLEARLY the recall but they refused to acknowledge it.

NHTSA ID

11566955

Incident

Jan 20, 2024

Purchased car 9/30 and have driven less than 3600 miles. Engine slow to accelerate, also revving up while at a stop light, lurching forward, lagging, and recently on 1/3 not drive able and had to be towed. Engine light on with codes P2837 and P287B. Two different garages (1. Fritz Ford and McNairs Auto) have diagnosed this vehicle to have a defective TCM freezing up gears, causing transmission failure. Notified Ford Motors in MI, they advised me to submit a report to NHTSA to help. Repair cost is 8600.00 at McNairs, 9600.00 at Fritz Ford in Riverside, CA No warranty on this car! Please help!

NHTSA ID

11565792

Incident

Jan 3, 2024

When weather began to get cold in 2023, the car's Sync system and all associated electronics (back up camera, usb ports, radio, navigation, touch screen, etc.,) went dark. At first 30% of the time, but within weeks the system was dead. Looking online, we found many other people having similar experiences with Ford products. The Ford dealership who serviced the problem said it was very common in Ford 150s. At first the component would fail and turn off and on intermittently. There was no warning. It would cut out or resume mid trip. Within a day or so, failure and possible resumption only happened when the car was turned on from a full stop and key removal. Updating the Sync system was not an option as it would go black or not connect to any methods. Dealership was unable to attempt an update as well. The part was replaced by a ford dealership. I no longer have it but they may. This puts myself and others at risk for multiple reasons a) Backup Camera display failing unexpectedly, b) navigation system failing unexpectedly, c) electrical component failure in the car may lead to other electrical systems failing. The issue was investigated and reproduced by Lilliston Ford in Vineland, NJ on Dec 21, when they deemed it a failure of the AIMS component and said it required full replacement. It was at this time they indicated that they are seeing it in other Ford vehicles. There were no symptoms. It was a fairly rapid degeneration from "sometimes" to "constant" failure within 2-3 weeks.

NHTSA ID

11562368

Incident

Nov 28, 2023

Transmission has failed the clutch got stuck and transmission overheating.

NHTSA ID

11560006

Incident

Nov 27, 2023

-Engine service now message -stalling out while driving - loss of power - loss of gas mileage

NHTSA ID

11548945

Incident

Oct 8, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the purge valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact also indicated that the vehicle had previously experienced rough idling, check engine light illuminated, fuel gauge reading errors, and the Distance to Empty reading was incorrect. The local dealer was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ID

11545774

Incident

Sep 1, 2022

Mileage

55,000 mi