2018 FORD FOCUS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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5/5

★★★★★

Safety Rating

1,070

Owner Complaints

24 Crashes 8 Fires

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

8

Service Bulletins

2

Investigations

Overview of the 2018 FORD FOCUS

The 2018 FORD FOCUS has received a total of 1,070 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 9 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE. 8 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (278 complaints), Engine (218 complaints), and Fuelpropulsion System (123 complaints).

Recalls for the 2018 FORD FOCUS

NHTSA has recorded 9 recalls for the 2018 FORD FOCUS, potentially affecting up to 1,919,706 vehicles.

Recall 23V905000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

| 139,730 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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...

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Recall 23V905000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

| 139,730 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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...

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Recall 18V735000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

| 1,282,596 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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...

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Recall 18V845000 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

| 2,828 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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....

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Recall 26V012000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

| 2,403 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will...

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Recall 26V012000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

| 2,403 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will...

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Recall 26V011000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

| 116,672 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed February 13, 2026....

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Recall 26V011000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

| 116,672 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed February 13, 2026....

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Recall 26V011000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

| 116,672 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed February 13, 2026....

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Owner Complaints for the 2018 FORD FOCUS

1,070 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 FORD FOCUS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Train
Complaints: 278
Engine
Complaints: 218 4 Crashes 3 Fires 4 Injuries
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 123 3 Crashes 2 Fires 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 117
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 75 1 Crash 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 51
Electrical System
Complaints: 40 1 Fire
Steering
Complaints: 30 3 Crashes 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 24
Service Brakes
Complaints: 19 2 Crashes
Air Bags
Complaints: 8 7 Crashes 1 Fire 4 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 8
Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionscanister
Complaints: 6
Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionshosesvalvessensors
Complaints: 6
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 6
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioninternalclutchesbands
Complaints: 6
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 6
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 5 1 Injury
Structurebody
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera
Complaints: 3
Seats
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 3
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 3
Back Over Prevention
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelfuel Gauge
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger
Complaints: 2
Seat Belts
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Back Over Prevention Warnings
Complaints: 1
Back Over Preventiondisplay Function
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelfuel Gaugefuel Level Floatsensorsending Unit
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineengine Control Module Ecuecm
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubrication
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubrication Oil Cooler
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pumpcontroldrive Module
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11719675 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
I am reporting about the recall that was previously done about the backup camera going black and hard to see out of ect for the ford fusion and other ford vehicles . However I own a 2018 ford focus SE hatchback and the camera is doing the same thing and it is not added to the recall so I am hoping you can investigate this and help with it getting a recall for safety because the recall on the other vehicles states it can cause an accident and this would be a huge issue as there are blind spots so the camera is important thank u for your time.
#11717759 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | N/A miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine and Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and stopped in the middle of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road and activated the hazard lights. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, while the contact and her [XXX] son were picked up by the contact's grandmother. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was engine-related. The contact was informed that the repair would be covered under the recall; however, the part was not yet available. The dealer ordered the part. The contact stated that the vehicle had been with the dealer for approximately six weeks. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11716991 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | 89,000 miles
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 undisclosed speed, the oil pressure and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft sensor was not operating properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the residence, where a handheld diagnostic machine confirmed a failure with the camshaft. The contact’s son became aware that the rear sensor was covered in oil and the front sensor was dry. The vehicle was driven for 20 minutes but the failure persisted. Three separate dealers were contacted, but the contact was informed parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist because parts were not available, even though it was indicated that parts were available. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
#11716439 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
At 80000miles I noticed misfires and replaced original spark plugs per spec At 107578, misfires occurred, when I pulled plugs pos 1 was completely worn out, as well as pos 4.Codes were seen P0304 and P0301. Car ran well after replacement. I have been troubled by loss of coolant lately and could find no leaks. Also temp gauge in dash “wanders” Being retired I can’t afford to go to dealership. I believe spark plugs should not wear out after approx 25000 miles No overheating of engine has occurred . I drive about 12000/yr. Car is available to be seen. Dealer has not seen car Concerned problem could cause engine failure. Thank you
#11716337 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
The engine stopped running do to bad timing belt / oil pump belt.

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Safety Rating for the 2018 FORD FOCUS

The 2018 FORD FOCUS received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★★ (5/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★ (4/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 FORD FOCUS

Ford Motor Company has issued 8 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 FORD FOCUS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

25E05 — ENGINE

Certain 2015 - 2018 Model Year Focus Vehicles with 1.0L Engine Canister Purge Valve (CPV) Replacement (if required) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming

SSM 49798 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER:SENSOR/SENDING UNIT

2015-2018 Focus service parts transmissions part # F1FP-7000-VB / F1FZ-7000-P built on 1-Aug-2020 and through 01-Mar-2021 may have an incorrect input speed sensor A (ISSA) shim thickness. This may cause an intermittent input speed sensor diagnostic trouble code (DTC). In the event of shift issues or skip shift events, check...

SSM 49798 — EQUIPMENT

2015-2018 Focus service parts transmissions part # F1FP-7000-VB / F1FZ-7000-P built on 1-Aug-2020 and through 01-Mar-2021 may have an incorrect input speed sensor A (ISSA) shim thickness. This may cause an intermittent input speed sensor diagnostic trouble code (DTC). In the event of shift issues or skip shift events, check...

SSM 49798 — POWER TRAIN

2015-2018 Focus service parts transmissions part # F1FP-7000-VB / F1FZ-7000-P built on 1-Aug-2020 and through 01-Mar-2021 may have an incorrect input speed sensor A (ISSA) shim thickness. This may cause an intermittent input speed sensor diagnostic trouble code (DTC). In the event of shift issues or skip shift events, check...

SSM 47528 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2012-2018 Focus BEV vehicles may exhibit DTC U0130 in the battery electric control module (BECM) after replacement of the high voltage (HV) battery pack. In order to correct the condition, perform a programmable module installation (PMI) using the appropriate Ford scan tool. This action will initiate a coordinated flash...

SSM 47187 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Some 2017-2018 Escape/Focus/Transit Connect vehicles equipped with remote start may exhibit the engine shut off after using the remote start function to start the vehicle with DTC P1594 stored in the BCM. If using the FordPass app, the app will tell the customer that the vehicle started successfully, but the...

SSM 47107 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Some 2018 Focus vehicles may exhibit an inoperative and/or intermittent horn operation. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 413-06 for diagnosis. If testing leads to horn replacement, inspect connector C131 for corrosion and repair as necessary, using replacement pigtail 3U2Z-14S411-BXAB or Motorcraft WPT-984. Using Rotunda Technician Tool program (RTTP) NUD105-R025E...

SSM 47007 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

The EV Range after fully charging a Focus Electric, C-MAX/Fusion Energi may vary after each charge event. The window sticker indicates 0-20 mile range for C-MAX Energi, 0-21 mile range for Fusion Energi. Variation of EV range may not indicate a battery or charging concern. EV range is similar to...

NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 FORD FOCUS

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2018 FORD FOCUS.

Investigation PE25020 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS Preliminary Evaluation

Opened:

Timing Belt Failure

Investigation PE23015 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP Closed

Opened:

Oil Pump Failure

Other Model Years of the FORD FOCUS

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Other FORD Models

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