Recall

2013-2018 Ford Focus & Fusion Clutch Fracture Recall

Ford is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus and Fusion vehicles (NHTSA ID 26V376000, Ford 26S43) due to a clutch fracture risk. This can lead to transmission fluid leaks, potentially increasing the risk of fire. Owners will receive software updates and, for Focus models, clutch inspection and…

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2015 Ford Focus
2015 Ford Focus — 2015 Ford Focus recall
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
26V37600026S4318V16918V845POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSIONclutch fracturetransmission fluid leakfire riskFord Focus clutch fracture recallFord Fusion transmission fluid leak
Ford Focus
2016–2018
Ford Fusion
2013–2016

Why This Matters: Fire Risk from Clutch Fracture

Ford Motor Company has issued recall 26S43 (NHTSA ID 26V376000) for certain 2013-2018 Focus and Fusion vehicles. This recall is critical because a fractured clutch can result in damage to the transmission assembly and potentially cause a transmission fluid leak. If this fluid leaks onto hot engine or exhaust components, it creates an ignition source, significantly increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

What's Being Recalled

This recall specifically targets certain 2015-2018 Ford Focus and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles that were previously repaired incorrectly under earlier recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The core issue lies within the POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION component, where the clutch may fracture. An estimated 5,252 units are potentially affected in the U.S.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

Owners of 2013-2018 Ford Focus and Fusion vehicles should be aware of this recall. To determine if your specific vehicle is included in the 2015 Ford Focus recall, you can check the NHTSA website using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). VINs involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov starting July 6, 2026.

Manufacturer's Remedy

Ford dealers will perform the necessary repairs free of charge. For all affected vehicles, dealers will update the software. Additionally, for Focus vehicles, dealers will inspect the clutch assembly and replace it as necessary, also free of charge.

Owner notification letters were scheduled to be mailed on October 16, 2026. If you have questions about the 2015 Ford Focus recall or need further assistance, you may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's internal number for this recall is 26S43.


Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recall ID: 26V376000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main problem addressed by Ford recall 26S43?
The main problem is a clutch fracture in the POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION, which can lead to transmission fluid leaks and an increased risk of fire.
Which Ford models and years are affected by NHTSA ID 26V376000?
This recall affects certain 2015-2018 Ford Focus and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles that were previously repaired under recalls 18V169 and 18V845.
What is the repair for the clutch fracture issue?
Dealers will update the vehicle's software. For Focus models, the clutch assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary, all free of charge.
When can I check my VIN for the 2015 Ford Focus recall?
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov starting July 6, 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 2015 model year

1,034 complaints, the 7th most of 20 model years on file. Owners reported 32 crashes, 4 fires and 29 injuries for this year, which also has 11 recalls on file.

Power Train, the system this article covers, accounts for 6,889 of 22,326 complaints (31%), including 563 for 2015.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the Ford Focus
20003,686
20011,761
2002971
2003977
20123,803
20132,181
20142,661
20151,034
20161,195
2017907

Most-reported systems

  1. Power Train — 6,889
  2. Electrical System — 4,424
  3. Engine — 2,364
  4. Steering — 2,127
  5. Fuel/Propulsion System — 1,474

Latest recalls for the 2015 model year

  • 26V369000 — Fuel System, Gasoline (Jun 2026)
  • 26V376000 — Power Train (Jun 2026)
  • 26V011000 — Equipment (Jan 2026)
All 2015 recalls →

Recent owner reports about power train

Back in July 2026 there was a rerecall for the 2018 recall that was not done correctly and my vehicle was not recalled for this when in fact that my vehicle should have it shows n I have proof that the recall number for that recall is the same recall they did…

2015 Ford Focus owner, Sep 2026

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.

2015 Ford Focus owner, Sep 2026
Read owner complaints →

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.

Related Articles

2018 Ford F-150 Problems: Recalls, Complaints & TSBs

The 2018 Ford F-150 has faced seven safety recalls, with significant concerns around its brake master cylinder, tailgate latches, and daytime running lamps. While no owner complaints or federal investigations have been reported, these recalls are crucial for owner awareness.

2025 Ford F-150 Health Check: Recalls and Safety Concerns

The 2025 Ford F-150 has been subject to 8 safety recalls addressing critical components such as the electronic brake booster, engine, steering, and transmission. This comprehensive profile details each recall and provides essential information for owners.

Should 2024 Ford F-150 Owners Worry? Recall & TSB Roundup

The 2024 Ford F-150 has been subject to six safety recalls addressing critical components like the steering system, engine oil lubrication, windshield bonding, and rearview camera functionality. While no owner complaints or federal investigations have been reported, these recalls highlight…

2023 Ford F-150 Problems: Recalls, Complaints & Service Bulletins

The 2023 Ford F-150 has faced 5 recalls addressing issues with the axle, steering wheel clock spring, moonroof wind deflector, and airbags. This profile details known problems, safety risks, and what owners should do.

2022 Ford F-150 Problems: Recalls, Complaints & Service Bulletins

The 2022 Ford F-150 has been subject to 13 safety recalls, primarily addressing issues like flickering parking lights, potential engine failure, and transmission problems. Despite these recalls, there are no reported owner complaints or federal investigations for this model year.

Comments

Be the first to comment.

Leave a comment

Comments are moderated and may take a moment to appear. Only your first name and the initial of your last name are shown publicly.

Verifying you are human...