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ProblemsByVin File / 2018-FORD-FOCUS
2018 · ford

ford Focus problems

2 safety recalls. 807 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.4 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
291 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
242 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
fuel system
54 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
steering
30 reports · avg $700
severe
electrical
25 reports · avg $850
moderate
cruise control
15 reports · avg $600
moderate
brakes
11 reports · avg $450
severe
airbags
8 reports · avg $1,100
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2018 Focus · fuel system
This is Safety issue because vehicle stalled and check engine light comes just before Christmas. Dealer reset check engine light and a few days later the vehicle was idling rough and check engine light came on again. There have been numerous recalls over several years for this…
12/31/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445719.0
2018 Focus · powertrain
My 2018 Ford focus started having transmission issues over 2 years ago. I took my car into a Ford dealership who reassured me that my car was fine and that my transmission was in fact not slipping. I continued to drive my vehicle while feeling the transmission slipping telling…
12/30/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633035.0
2018 Focus · fuel system
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the PCV value needed to be replaced, and that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number:…
12/30/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499537.0
2018 Focus · powertrain
THIS IS THE 2ND TIME I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THEY REPLACED THE CLUTCHES. I DROVE THE CAR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH SURGING/LUGGING. NOW, IT IS HAPPENING IN LOWER GEARS AND WHEN I ACCELERATE TO HIGHER GEARS. IT IS NOW HAPPENING WHEN I AM IN REVERSE,…
12/30/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292006.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 18V845000 28/11/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1

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.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 18V735000 22/10/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2

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.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2018 Ford Focus reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 807 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Ford Focus has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 Ford Focus?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 291 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Focus has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Ford Focus?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 807 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 16 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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