Ford Focus Complaints

22,326 consumer complaints on file.

#11757897August 19, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My complaint is for serious safety concerns on my 2012 Ford Focus and the handling of recall 18S32 and 26S40 by Ford Motor Company. My fuel tank is visibly deformed in the exact strap area described in the recall, and I have physical proof and photographs confirming this. On XXX, a Ford technician found deformation during dispatch by local dealer to complete Recall 26S40. When I brought the vehicle to Viva Ford in [XXX], service manager and his master tech confirmed problem. They began avoiding the repair of course. Called Ford and they gave the same horrible customer service. Insistent that there were no recalls. Escalated to BBB and Ford had the audacity to simply reply that because there were no open recalls they would not be moving forward with a repair. Ford issued recall because many Focus vehicles were incorrectly marked as “repaired” by recall 18S32 years ago and they were actually never even repaired at all. Ford has publicly acknowledged these “phantom fixes.” While 26S40 is only a software patch, it does not eliminate eligibility for a tank replacement. In fact, in the service manager at the dealership even sent me official Ford literature which I will attach that states a claim can be made for related repairs needed that stemmed from these original recalls. Because the original software fix was never properly applied, my canister purge valve likely stuck open for years, causing the tank deformation that falls directly under recall 18S32 and the subsequent 26S40 where the Service Manager and Master Technician have confirmed my problem. I have never received a fuel‑tank recall repair, yet my tank is deformed and unsafe because it can fall off from my vehicle while in motion and cause me to stall abruptly. This is the safety issue at hand. Both Ford and Viva Ford dealership are refusing to repair it despite evidence and recall criteria that match my vehicle’s condition. I am appalled at their avoidance to fix my problem. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757916August 19, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped accelerating. The contact safely pulled into a parking lot and turned off the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inoperable and was waiting to be towed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was previously contacted about the recall but was informed that there was no part available for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted after the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757255August 16, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My duel clutch transmission started acting up took it to a mechanic they said it needed the TCM and Actuators and possibly transmission replaced that they should be recalled tried taking it to Thirnhill Ford because I received a letter for this to be changed and they refused without me paying up front this has been going on with my car for over 2 years its setting in a driveway being paid on and cant even be drove
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756962August 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN
"I am reporting a dealer safety recall refusal under Campaign 26S40 / NHTSA 26V369. My 2012 Ford Focus is completely immobilized in my driveway in [XXX] with a total transmission software lockout and zero fuel. Yankee Ford in [XXX] operates an active Mobile Service van program but explicitly refused to dispatch a technician to flash my PCM. They falsely claimed local town ordinances prevent them from operating, completely ignoring that my vehicle is located outside their jurisdiction in [XXX]. They are using false administrative excuses to deny a free, federally mandated safety repair on a stranded vehicle." 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
#11756867August 14, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving and during the drive I realized that if the accelerator pedal was pressed more than the lightest touch the car would stop accelerating. I decided that I had to turn back to go home, and during my return trip the engine oil pressure lamp started flashing at me. Soon after, I entered a roundabout and pressed the clutch. At this moment the engine stopped working (tach to 0 rpm) and I had to coast and pull over. The starter worked but the engine did not turn over--it was seized. Prior to that day, it seemed like the car was having trouble with its turbocharger--boost was delayed at first and later intermittent. Since I was on a mostly empty road this did not pose a safety threat to others, though I did slow down traffic as I pulled over on a two-lane road. If this same issue had happened later into my drive on a busier road or highway, mine and others' safety would have been put at risk due to my car suddenly not working with little warning. The engine is seized and needs to be replaced. It would be available for inspection as I have not yet replaced it. The current cost to repair has been quoted to me at between $9000 and $10000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756823August 13, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
I am filing this complaint regarding a severe safety hazard and prolonged failure to resolve an official recall repair by the manufacturer and dealership. In April 2026, the vehicle was brought to the dealership for an official recall repair. The repair was delayed for 2 months. In June 2026, after the dealership confirmed completion, I retrieved the vehicle. While driving on the highway, the check engine light suddenly illuminated and the vehicle completely lost power. Pressing the accelerator pedal produced no response, leaving the car unable to accelerate in active high-speed traffic. This created an extreme safety risk that nearly caused a severe highway collision. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership. The dealership returned the vehicle a second time, claiming it was repaired, but the exact same check engine light illuminated immediately with the same loss of power, requiring another tow. As of August 2026, the dealership has retained the vehicle for over 4 months in total due to backordered parts, without providing a clear completion date or loaner/rental transportation support. The dealership and corporate customer care are currently ignoring attempts to communicate. The recurring loss of engine power on the highway and unresolved recall defect pose a direct and imminent risk to public road safety. The components involved are currently at the dealership for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756238August 11, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 45 minutes after each failure. The vehicle was towed to the neighbor's house approximately seven times and was taken once to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that on one occasion while attempting to restart the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine revved; however, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,226.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756250August 11, 2026
ENGINE, STEERING
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The message "See the Dealer" was displayed, and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a slight loss of automotive power while driving uphill and the steering became very loose. The contact stated that while turning to the left or the right, the steering wheel failed to return to center. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failures with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V369000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 14V514000 (STEERING); as possible causes for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756307August 11, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle previously failed the vehicle state inspection due to the check engine warning light being illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled intermittently while driving. The contact had to pull over, wait, and then restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed an unknown recall repair for the canister purge valve, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the second dealer, Group 1 Ford of Southwest Houston (6445 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074), who performed another unknown recall repair for the canister purge valve, but the failure reoccurred. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V369000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealers were made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755900August 10, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while the transmission was in reverse(R), and the vehicle rolled backwards downhill while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle came to a stop once the vehicle was steered over into the grass, and the vehicle rolled into bushes and stopped. During the failure, the contact’s nephew exited the vehicle in a panic and sustained a scrape to the left hip. No medical attention was sought. The contact’s daughter experienced severe mental anguish, and the one-year-old child was also inside the vehicle. No Police report was filed. The vehicle was not towed. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V369000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer acknowledged the similarity between the failure and the recall and stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 163,951.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756062August 10, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The transmission was repaired at 48k and I am now at 76k having severe issues with jerking, shuddering, and so forth. The car has undergone excellent maintenance for the CARFAX proves this. I bought this car with the very last of my inheritance money thinking I was getting a reliable product and come to find out, I got screwed and am on the hook for EVERY foregoing transmission repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755617August 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I own a 2014 Ford Focus Titanium with approximately 75,000 miles and the DPS6 automatic transmission. The transmission has developed a serious and recurring problem. The vehicle began violently jerking/shuddering while moving forward and suddenly would not go into reverse. A transmission warning light came on. After the battery was recharged, reverse temporarily returned, but the same transmission problems came back while driving. The vehicle was diagnosed with trouble code P090C:68, related to the clutch actuator system. Ford has known about recurring DPS6 transmission problems in these vehicles for years and has issued multiple technical service bulletins and customer programs addressing transmission clutch shudder, shifting problems, loss of engagement, and related failures. Ford’s own documentation has acknowledged conditions that can result in loss of transmission engagement, loss of power, and other driveability problems. My Ford dealer told me Ford has known about this problem for a long time but considers it not to be a safety issue and therefore will not pay for the repair. The dealer estimated the repair at $6,077.31, and I was charged $159 for the diagnosis. I believe this is a serious safety concern. Sudden jerking, unpredictable transmission engagement, inability to reverse, or unexpected loss of propulsion can create a dangerous situation when entering traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, accelerating from a stop, or attempting to move out of the path of another vehicle. I am concerned that Ford has known about these recurring transmission failures for years, yet affected vehicles can still experience potentially dangerous transmission failures without a permanent safety remedy. I request that NHTSA investigate the DPS6 transmission in 2014 Ford Focus vehicles and determine whether these known defects constitute a safety-related defect and whether a safety recall or other corrective action is warranted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755542August 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking erratically, and the vehicle stopped independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle restarted; however, the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,400.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755369August 6, 2026
STEERING
When I turned on my car the power steering said at fault and normally I could turn it off then turn it back on and it worked but after that time it never turned back on
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754846August 4, 2026
ENGINE
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754853August 4, 2026
ENGINE
Timing belt came apart and my engine blew in the middle of driving. I contacted ford and they said i had to deal with it. So I have had it repaired. I have invoices. Warning light came on seconds before it died. I only have 40,000 miles on my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754855August 4, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
My rear passenger door latch is corroded. It is difficult to open, it sometimes fails to open. I have children under the age of 3 in the backseats of my car. I do not want the latch to fail and the door to open while in motion. It is available for inspection upon service. Problems started to appear within the last year and has persisted to the point of being very difficult to open. No warnings or messages prior, since it is a body issue. Has not been inspected by any professionals.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754542August 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My transmission gave out for the 3rd time on 8-1-26 as I was driving it slow down while on the highway busy street and studder it only goes into 2nd and 3rd gear when slowing down I can hear things clicking i know its the duel clutch because this is the 3rd time it happen both times it was fixed by a ford dealer. No message prior to problem but when it happen this message showed up " transmission fault service now"
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754278August 2, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Started July 2026, my drivers side door handle keeps getting stuck open
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754311August 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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