Ford Focus Complaints

22,326 consumer complaints on file.

#11761674September 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased a 2013 Ford Focus from Boucher Ford of Menomonee Falls, WI in February, 2026. A few months later, Ford issued a recall on this car that requires the Powertrain Control Module to be reprogrammed to avoid issues like a collapsed fuel tank or stalling while driving, potentially causing an accident. I had been informed by a mechanic that this car was sold to me with a custom tune on the PCM. This tune was not disclosed to me when I purchased the car and due to the PCM being modified, the recall cannot be performed without damage to the PCM rendering the car undriveable. I tried working with Jeff Samp (General Manager) at the dealership but he told me they were not required by law to check for tunes when a car is traded in and that he could have someone "look at the car" but if they damage the PCM performing the recall, they will not be held responsible. I opened a case with Ford Motor Company and was informed that they would escalate to some kind of dealership oversight department and that it might take a couple weeks to get a response. I never received a response so I called Ford to inquire and was told that they are not sure why I was told that, that no such department exists, and that all they can do is call the dealership on my behalf and "ask" them to deal with it. Facts: 1. They sold me a car with a modified Powertrain Control Module which can affect many things, even falsely disabling check engine lights. 2. A FEDERAL RECALL for my own safety cannot be performed on this vehicle IN THE CONDITION THEY SOLD IT TO ME, putting my safety, my passengers' safety, and the safety of other motorists at risk. 3. Boucher Ford will not remedy this issue or even contact the previous owner as I requested to find out what kind of tune is on this vehicle so that I can get it removed and this safety recall performed. I want the PCM replaced with a new unit, with the new software that complies with this recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761377September 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We have a recall for our car. The recall is 18532A. In this recall it states that if there are drivability issues with this car they are to replace the canister purge valve. We have complained of these exact issues which include complete loss of power while driving and they have refused to replace the CPV. They are attempting to get us to agree to running diagnostics and will only replace the part if it comes back bad or charge us $200. But as I mentioned, if we are having complaints they are just supposed to replace the part and diagnostics are not necessary. There’s also another notice which is 24N07, that also states if there are driving issues, as a courtesy from Ford, they are to replace the canister purge valve. This car poses a huge safety risk and they are refusing to address the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761402September 1, 2026
ENGINE
I am submitting this complaint because Ford dealers do not appear to be following Ford Motor Company's published procedure for Customer Satisfaction Program 24N07. I visited two Ford service departments in [XXX] and [XXX]. Both told me they must first perform their own diagnostic evaluation before replacing the canister purge valve (CPV) under 24N07, and that I may be responsible for a diagnostic fee if they do not confirm the issue. Both dealers justified this requirement by stating that it was mandated by Ford corporate. This appears inconsistent with Ford's XXX communication to all U.S. Ford and Lincoln dealers. The 24N07 Technical Instructions already provide a decision process: Step 1 directs technicians to check for specified DTCs, including P0443, OR determine whether the customer reports hesitation, rough idle, or loss of power. Step 2 asks whether any Step 1 condition is present. If yes, Step 3 directs the technician to replace the CPV. (PAGE 16) Nowhere in this procedure does Ford require a separate comprehensive EVAP diagnosis before replacement. Ford's labor operation also includes checking for DTCs as part of the 24N07 service. (PAGE 16) This is especially concerning because CPV-related symptoms can be intermittent. A vehicle may have rough idle, hesitation, loss of power, or a qualifying DTC, but operate normally during the dealer's diagnostic session. Under the dealers' approach, the owner may then be charged a diagnostic fee and still be denied the 24N07 repair. Similar experiences have been reported by other Focus owners online, including diagnostic-fee warnings of approximately $199, $210, $225, and $400. I ask NHTSA to review whether Ford dealers are properly implementing 24N07 and whether dealers are adding diagnostic requirements not contained in Ford's December 4, 2024 instructions. Ford 24N07: [XXX] 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
#11761468September 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I had the engine on 2018 (61000 mileage) focus replaced 1 and 1/2 year ago because of the oil pan wet belt recall. Now my transmission locked up because of clutch failure. I was lucky that I was coming to a stop while parking in my driveway. Now im told by mechanic that i need a new transmission. Why was ford allowed to continue selling cars with substandard engines.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761046August 31, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Issue happened in November 2016. The glass sunroof exploded while driving NE on I-44 just SW of Springfield MO. The reason I am reporting this now, is that I saw a news article about this happening often. Until I saw the news article I thought it was a one of event. We did not witness anything hitting the car/sunroof. I don't expect anything from this report. I just wanted report that a Ford Focus experienced this type of event.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761134August 31, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while in active traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. Prior to visiting the dealer, the vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the fuel tank had collapsed. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an authorized dealer for the repair. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a failed canister purge valve, but the fuel tank was not damaged. The dealer replaced the canister purge valve and EVAP parts. However, shortly after the repair, the vehicle stalled while driving in traffic. The vehicle was taken to another Ford dealer; however, the dealer experienced the same issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); but the recall repair was already performed on the vehicle. The failure was not repaired. The vehicle had lost motive power and would not restart and had to be towed. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760847August 31, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car doesn't start after putting in gas, has to revved to start. Leaking fluid on right front driver side. Car doesn't start in intervals throughout the day.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760607August 29, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The transmission on my 2017 Ford Focus started not shifting correctly. It would shudder, slip and hesitate when shifting. At times when it did get up to speed it would unexpectedly downshift and go into limp mode. The automobile is not safe to drive and is now parked at my residence. A warning would flash up on the dash that stated the transmission was overheating and for me to pull over to a safe location as I recall. On October 22, 2025 the automobile was delivered to a local Ford dealership for a diagnostic system check. Per the diagnostic test report a PPT G was performed and found it necessary to replace the transmission due to a failed B clutch shift fork. The estimate quote for a transmission replacement along with some other repairs was $10,000.00. I had the car towed to my home and it now sits in my driveway until and if a recall is issued. According to an article published by MSN. com that enough complaints were filed that Ford extended warranty coverage, issued a long series of software and hardware fixes, and settled a class action covering roughly two million Focus an Fiesta cars. I have in my possession the invoice for the diagnostic testing which was performed. I however do not know how to upload the invoice for your review, but would be willing to take it to the service department for them to do it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760261August 28, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power due to an internal engine failure while stopped at an idle in active traffic. The engine stalled completely and would not restart, creating an immediate safety hazard as the vehicle was stranded in the roadway. This failure is directly related to the known issue where the 1.0L EcoBoost wet timing belt degrades, shedding debris that clogs the oil pump screen and starves the engine. Ford's Customer Satisfaction Program 26L02 acknowledges the component failure but does not offer a remedy or safety recall for my specific model year, leaving an unaddressed safety risk on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759734August 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart but failed to move. The message "Transmission Failure" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage). The failure mileage was approximately 112,200.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759835August 26, 2026
ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission failure after 2 recall/warranty repairs, most recently in July 2026. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle accelerating and then stopping out right on and off the freeway "bucking" on the freeway, fast then slow, with no foot on the accelerator. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This was immediately noticed when we picked up the vehicle from the dealer after the 2nd Ford recall repair. No, they deny this, and state this is a coincidence when it was not doing this when we dropped the vehicle off to them. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, but I will be getting police, lawyers and insurance involved since Ford motor company will not help us. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Check engine light and service engine now light on when we picked up the vehicle from the Ford dealership on July 13th, 2026. The day we picked it up, immediately this happened pulling out of the dealership/service department, and on the freeway, 4 times causing close to 4 accidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759390August 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that an independent mechanic arrived on the scene to reset the clutches, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved information that the clutch position sensor A, clutch position sensor B, the actuator control circuit, the shift control circuit, and several other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown Customer Satisfaction Program; however, the vehicle was not included. A dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759582August 25, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING 75MPH DOWN I-10 AT 11:30PM AND MY FOCUS SUNDDENLY DIED, I HAD TO PUSH THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER. INFORMATION FLASHED NOT IN PARK AND STARTED GHOSTLY TRYING TO START ON ITS OWN, I BELIEVE THE TCM FAILED. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759050August 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The transmission over heating light comes on and says stop safely or wait 5 mins you can be going down the road and it jumps out gear and want go anywhere and it very dangerous.and I want no if ford fixes the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759176August 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Battery randomly died. When battery was replaced at the mechanic, it caused a glitch or broke something in or connected to the transmission. Car couldn’t reverse nor go faster than 1st gear. Had to drive 11 mph all the way to the Ford Dealership. Both Meineke AND Ford Service Manager said this is a KNOWN problem with Ford Focus’ and confirmed it is a common problem. I am now being quoted $10,000 to replace the transmission.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759289August 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN
2017 focus slow down for traffic go to accelerate and nothing like it wasn’t in gear had to jump out and push car out of intersection told the clutch stuck or tcm but ford won’t fix their mistakes and nobody makes them stand behind their mistake it bad when nobody cares after the sale and they have ur money. Someone help
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758411August 21, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SAFETY DEFECT AND RECALL REMEDY REFUSAL REPORT: My 2012 Ford Focus is actively experiencing severe safety failures matching the known defects in Ford Recall Campaign 26S40 (NHTSA Campaign Number 26V369) for the canister purge valve. While operating the vehicle, the engine suddenly stalled, creating an immediate highway safety hazard. Diagnostic scans show critical low fuel pressure. A physical inspection reveals that the fuel tank and the attached heat shield are severely warped and deformed. This structural damage is a direct result of the defective purge valve sticking open, creating an excessive internal vacuum that collapsed the fuel delivery module and tank assembly. I had the vehicle towed to an authorized Ford dealership (Apple Ford in White Bear Lake, MN). The dealership service department is actively refusing to honor or perform the mandated remedy under NHTSA Campaign 26V369. The technician stated that because a previous, legacy software update was noted in their system, "nothing more can be done." This directly violates the June 2026 re-recall mandate, which was issued precisely because previous software fixes were incomplete or improperly performed. Furthermore, the dealership is attempting to charge me an unauthorized diagnostic fee for an open safety recall inspection, refusing to inspect the physically collapsed gas tank, and making verbal, undocumented claims about frame rust to avoid performing the safety remedy. The vehicle is currently stranded at the dealership, unrepaired, and remains an active safety hazard. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this dealership's refusal to comply with a federal safety recall mandate and force Ford Motor Company to replace the damaged fuel system components as required by law.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758491August 21, 2026
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was idling roughly, and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle needed to be shifted into neutral in to be started. Upon shifting into reverse, the vehicle shut off, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the TCM was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,451,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758556August 21, 2026
POWER TRAIN
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758167August 20, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for a recall repair associated with an engine oil failure and tensioner replacement. The contact stated that after the recall repair, while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and then unintendedly accelerated. The "Service Engine" light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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