Ford Focus Complaints

22,326 consumer complaints on file.

#11767028September 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Transmission error stating clutch A engaged. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the vehicle would not move after being stopped at the stop light or stop sign or stop during traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766675September 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle jerked unexpectedly. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly shifted into other gear and the vehicle failed to accelerate and almost caused the vehicle to be T-boned. The vehicle was taken to a service center where the transmission failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766315September 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My car had been driving fine. Until one day I leave my house and crank my car up and it does not go into reverse. It loses engine power and stalled into traffic. This is an on going issue as you can see stories from other people with the same make and model as my car with the same issue. No warning signs, hasn’t been checked out but I have contacted Ford and they only cover models with this issue 2012-2016. I think it should cover 2018 as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766562September 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle suffered a major mechanical and electrical failure on July 28, 2026, and was immediately towed to an authorized dealership. After a multi-day delay awaiting a senior technician's analysis, the dealership issued a single service ticket grouping two distinct issues: a failed Canister Purge Valve (active Safety Recall 26S40) and localized wiring damage. The dealership fraudulently drafted the ticket to imply that external rodent damage caused the recall component failure. However, forensic photographic proof uploaded to the manufacturer database on August 13, 2026, reveals a classic consequential engineering failure: the wiring insulation is severely bubbled and thermally fused from extreme internal circuit resistance caused entirely by the defective recall component. An adjacent plastic snack wrapper remains completely pristine and untouched, disproving the rodent narrative. The vehicle has now been held in safety detention for 57 consecutive days. A corporate supervisor explicitly confirmed on a recorded line that the manufacturer has possessed these forensic photos since mid-August but left the safety file stagnant due to an internal database text-field error. Their software is failing to match the vehicle's engine string '2.0L I4 DI Ti-VCT' to the recall applicability screen 'GDI', creating a data-entry roadblock to deny a free safety remedy. I am requesting an immediate federal audit of the manufacturer's database alignment for Recall 26S40 and a manual technical override directive to initiate repairs. Manufacturer Master Case: CHX-09386351-T9Y5H1.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765634September 20, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The DPS6 transmission started out shuddering in low gears even after clutch replacement early on. This made pulling out into traffic slower than it should be. Received “transmission overheating” message “pull over for 5 minutes” in heavy traffic. Prior to the message car would shudder and lose power. This happened suddenly going at highway speeds on the interstate. Replaced clutch actuators and TCM only to have the clutch adaptive learn procedure fail and after inspection by the dealer was told needs new transmission. These problems have been present at very low mileage and Ford now wants to charge a ridiculous amount to replace transmission that should have been fixed long ago. Several times the car stalled in traffic almost causing me to get in accidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764863September 17, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
"My 2018 Ford Focus was traveling uphill at highway speed. I fully depressed the accelerator because the vehicle was losing speed. The vehicle did not respond with additional acceleration and subsequently continued to lose speed despite the accelerator remaining fully depressed. The dealership inspected the vehicle and told me that the engine is not powerful enough for sustained uphill driving and that the vehicle performed as designed. I am reporting this because I am concerned about the loss of ability to maintain speed despite full accelerator input and whether this constitutes a safety defect."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764403September 15, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving uphill, the vehicle lost power, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Engine Fault" was displayed. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the check valve on the vacuum pump had separated. The check valve was replaced every 1,000 miles. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the oil warning light flashed. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The contact inspected the vehicle and checked the dipstick, noticing bits of rubber inside the oil. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763997September 14, 2026
ENGINE
My Ford vehicle has experienced repeated and significant engine problems that have never been successfully resolved despite numerous repair attempts at multiple Ford dealerships. The engine has been repaired/rebuilt multiple times, yet the underlying issue has continued and the engine has now seized. Most concerning, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off. Fortunately, it started again yesterday, but I do not consider it safe to drive because I am concerned it could shut off again while being driven, causing a sudden loss of power and creating a serious safety risk. Ford is declining further assistance because the vehicle odometer is approximately 105,000 miles. However, the engine has been rebuilt multiple times and has substantially fewer miles since its most recent rebuild. This is not simply an engine that failed for the first time at 105,000 miles; it is an ongoing problem that Ford dealerships have repeatedly attempted and failed to correct. Ford has advised that its assistance for this known issue is a "program," not a warranty. If Ford is aware of an engine condition that can result in repeated failures, engine seizure, or an unexpected shutdown/loss of power, I believe the safety implications should be investigated. I am asking NHTSA to determine whether this is part of a broader safety defect affecting this Ford model/engine and whether a safety recall or other action is warranted. I have extensive dealership repair records and Ford correspondence documenting the history.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763818September 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The Transmission Control Module (TCM), within the PowerShift DPS6 Automatic Transmission, failed completely on a 2014 Ford Focus (72,000 miles). The failed component is no longer physically available for inspection as it was retained by the independent service facility as a core replacement, but full repair invoices and diagnostic documentation are available. The failure caused a sudden and unpredictable loss of forward motive power, severe gear hesitation, and failure to engage drive gears while operating the vehicle. The gears would slip and it made continuous forward acceleration at the speed limit nearly impossible. This created an immediate hazard of being rear-ended and/or stranded in ongoing traffic without acceleration capability. Shortly afterwards it also completely lost the ability to reverse. The problem was formally reproduced, diagnosed, and confirmed by an independent repair facility during service. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. A Check Engine Light illuminated came on at approx 72,000 miles while I was running morning errands. The light came on as I started feeling some sudden rough driving after accelerating from a red light, and within 1-2 miles of driving was when the TCM started failing completely. While Ford acknowledged this systemic DPS6 defect under Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02, strict guidelines required an active diagnostic code (P090C) before approving a warranty replacement, preventing lower-mileage owners from receiving preventive service before the 10-year calendar cap expired. I was forced to pay $1,927.26 out-of-pocket for a replacement with an OEM part.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763837September 12, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2015 Ford Focus SE with the 1.0L EcoBoost engine and 6-speed manual transmission is experiencing a loss of engine lubrication/oil flow. The camshafts are not receiving adequate oil, there appears to be insufficient oil flow/pressure reaching the cylinder head. I am concerned that continued driving could result in engine damage, engine seizure, or a sudden loss of power while driving. I am aware that NHTSA Recall 23V-905 / Ford Recall 23S64 covers certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with the 1.0L EcoBoost for oil-pump drive belt or tensioner failure that can cause loss of engine oil pressure. My 2015 Focus is not currently included in that recall. I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle has a similar loss-of-lubrication condition and I believe NHTSA should document and evaluate failures occurring in 2015 Ford Focus 1.0L vehicles as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763635September 11, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the TCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,990.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763507September 10, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
First my wind shield wipers were coming on by themselves and not cutting off when I flicked the switch. Now my car is jerking when I press the gas to drive and sometimes moving in reverse after I press the gas to drive. Jerking and barely accelerating, then it decides to driver in between gaps. My safety is put at risk because sometimes it slows down or barely accelerates in oncoming traffic and moves backwards when cars are behind me at a light or stop sign. Manufacture by others which is a neighborhood auto shop. Just the check engine light came on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763225September 9, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car has been cutting off while idleing, or at a stop light. It has also cut off while driving. It has also lost a form of power while going down the highway. The car doesn’t cut off, but pressing the gas does nothing and the rpm’s go crazy, then eventually it catches and the gas peddle works again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763027September 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RE: FAULTY THROTTLE WIRING / LOCATION CAUSING CORROSION 2013 FORD FOCUS - RECALL NEEDED To Whom It May Concern: My 2013 Ford Focus SE Flex with VIN [XXX] lost power while traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] a couple times before completely dying. My code reader was getting fixed throttle codes 2112, 2111 and pending codes 122, 223. I switched out the throttle body AND accelerator pedal position sensor. This did NOT resolve the issue. I had the Focus towed to Downey Ford in [XXX] where they found a Technical Service Bulletin stating endless Focuses had this issue with corroded wiring, which appears to be caused by TSB 15-0036, which is regarding the wiring harness rubbing against a sharp part of the intake, which can cause shorts in the cables. This Ford Dealership repair cost me $845.80 + grief + an extended stay at my hospitable parents in [XXX]. This concern should be escalated to RECALL status as it leaves your loyal customers stranded on the roadside. My request is a full refund from Ford for $845.80 CAD. See Downey Ford Invoice # SO # XXX attached. Source: [XXX] [XXX]: Bear with me, this is going to be a bit long. TL;DR: Car will not accelerate, CEL/MTC states problem with "accelerator pedal position sensor". Wiring harness has been cut into by rubbing on intake. I want to splice it to fix it, but need advice due to length/resistance requirements. Two weeks ago, my wife was driving my 2013 Ford Focus SE Hatchback and right as she got off the freeway, it instantly lost power, a message appeared on the screen stating "Engine Fault - Repair Now", and it idled super rough. She restarted the engine and it was fine until she tried accelerating more than a tiny bit, at which point the same symptoms occurred again. She was able to limp the car home. Having misplaced my OBD2 scanner, I limped it over to the local auto parts store and they read the code as INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762685September 8, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle jerked and shuddered abnormally. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated and the RPM fluctuated. The contact believed that the engine was going to shut off. The contact stated that a technician arrived and the residence to perform an unknown recall repair associated with the purge valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the technician inspected the vehicle and took notes. The failure reoccurred. The contact was informed that the failure was possibly associated with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The contact stated that a recall repair was scheduled. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 27,665.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762199September 4, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the part to do the recall repair was denied. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the front driver’s side door failed to remain closed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the contact was advised that the vehicle could not be repaired due to the passenger’s side door having cosmetic issues. The vehicle remained at the local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 171,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761813September 3, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
There was supposedly a recall of 2012-2018 Ford focuses such as mine, which is a 2018, but somehow my car is not included in this recall even though it seems to be affected by the same problem. I believe it to have a faulty purge valve (forgive me if I am not precise in my terminology) as it stalls after I get gas and try to start it up. I have to rev the engine to get it to stay on. I cannot stop after I get it started because it roughly idles and seems like it will shut back off if I do, which makes this a little dangerous as well as damaging for my car. I am distressed that my car is not included in this recall because I desperately need to repair it before I ruin my engine but I cannot because I don't have any money.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761884September 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and coming to a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the transmission was slipping with the message “Transmission Overheated - Stop Vehicle” displayed. There was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle while stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted, shifted to neutral, and remained stopped for 10 minutes before the vehicle returned to normal operation. The failure had occurred several times. Eventually, the vehicle was unable to be started. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch actuator and throw-out bearing had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,283.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761917September 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Rowe ford came stated he checked to see it the software was there also stated there were codes and said he was done. He never fixed the software cause i have u codes that state pcm and has locked my car into limp mode which means my car is immobilized due to the bad software. They closed Out the recall on there end with out the proper Fix. It was their mobile service. I know For a fact the pcm is causing this communication issue in my car. Inlost my job due to this very issue cause it Left Me With no transportation. My car is now a brick just sitting here cause of there negligence to do the job correctly and also the mobile technician was Only here 10 minutes and that also told me he did not reflash my pcm software as the letter states for the remedy. They seemed to think i want a free Transmission fix and My transmission is fine its the pcm software Causing this lockout and a mechanic has stated it as the issue to my lockout issue. Also all i was Getting was a run around to get this resolved. Don’t like being treated like an idiot. This is the original recall safety recall 26S40/ NHTSA 26V369. It was falsely complered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761594September 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the transmission failed, and the vehicle lost motive power, and the vehicle was stuck in the middle of traffic. The contact referenced several satisfaction programs for the issue; however, the VIN was not included in the repair. The vehicle was towed back to the residence due to it not being able to operate. The contact stated there was an unknown warning light on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the transmission had overheated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was confirmed with transmission failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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