2012-2018 Ford Focus Engine Stall Recall 26S40
Ford has issued recall 26S40 for certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles due to a Canister Purge Valve (CPV) malfunction that can cause unexpected engine stalling, increasing crash risk.

También aplica a
- Ford Focus
- 2012–2017
Why this matters
An engine that stalls unexpectedly while driving significantly increases the risk of a crash. This safety concern prompted Ford to issue recall 26S40 to address the potential for serious accidents.
What's being recalled
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The core issue is a potential malfunction of the Canister Purge Valve (CPV). This malfunction can lead to the engine stalling without warning while the vehicle is in motion. Approximately 257,868 vehicles in the U.S. are potentially affected by this condition, which is critical for any 2018 Ford Focus recall.
How to check if your vehicle is affected
Owners of 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles should check if their specific car is part of this recall. You can verify your vehicle's involvement by visiting NHTSA.gov and using their VIN lookup tool. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov starting July 6, 2026. This is an important step for anyone concerned about the 2018 Ford Focus recall.
Manufacturer's remedy
To resolve the issue, Ford dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software in affected vehicles. This repair will be performed free of charge to the owner. Owner notification letters regarding recall 26S40 were mailed on July 29, 2026. For further assistance or questions, owners may contact Ford customer service directly at 1-866-436-7332.
Source: NHTSA Recall ID: 26V369000
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the specific issue with the 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles?
- The recall addresses a malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve (CPV) that can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. This issue affects certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles.
- What is the recall number for this Ford Focus engine stall issue?
- The Ford manufacturer recall number for this issue is 26S40. It is also identified by NHTSA Recall ID 26V369000.
- How will Ford fix the engine stall problem?
- Ford dealers will perform a powertrain control module (PCM) software update on affected vehicles, free of charge. This update is intended to correct the CPV malfunction.
- When can I check if my 2018 Ford Focus is included in the recall?
- Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov starting July 6, 2026. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2026.
What Ford Focus owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 20 model years.
- 22,326
- Owner complaints
- 50
- Recalls
- 809
- Service bulletins
- 1,111
- Crashes reported
- 289
- Fires reported
- 903
- Injuries reported
The 2018 model year
837 complaints, the 11th most of 20 model years on file. Owners reported 15 crashes, 3 fires and 11 injuries for this year, which also has 7 recalls on file.
Fuel System and Gasoline, the system this article covers, accounts for 1,241 of 22,326 complaints (6%), including 65 for 2018.
Complaints by model year
| 2000 | 3,686 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1,761 | |
| 2002 | 971 | |
| 2003 | 977 | |
| 2012 | 3,803 | |
| 2013 | 2,181 | |
| 2014 | 2,661 | |
| 2015 | 1,034 | |
| 2016 | 1,195 | |
| 2018 | 837 |
Most-reported systems
- Power Train — 6,889
- Electrical System — 4,424
- Engine — 2,364
- Steering — 2,127
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1,474
Latest recalls for the 2018 model year
- 26V369000 — Fuel System, Gasoline (Jun 2026)
- 26V376000 — Power Train (Jun 2026)
- 26V011000 — Equipment (Jan 2026)
Recent owner reports about fuel system and gasoline
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently stalled with excessive fuel consumption. As a former Ford independent mechanic, the contact diagnosed the vehicle with a deformed fuel tank.
Read owner complaints →The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling and driving a short distance, the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that later while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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