10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
20,752 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #79

Jan 152023

Focus

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined to be a fuel system failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

- Crawfordsville, AR, USA

problem #78

Feb 112023

Focus

  • miles
The vehicle is a 2018 Ford Focus SE sedan. The purge valve canister caused my car to stall in traffic and it would not start for up to 20 minutes the recall number is 18s32 but my car specifically does not have this recall, the service engine light is on it turned on right before the car stalled, this is a safety issue because it could lead to a crash due to stalling. The transmission is slipping when it is cold outside and it will not shift until 7,000RPM there is no recall on this but my vehicle has 74xxx miles and should not be having this issue, there is no warning light about the transmission. Ford is going to do a diagnostics for my purge valve but has stated they will not repair unless I pay for it due to lack of recall.

- Chubbuck, ID, USA

problem #77

Oct 292022

Focus

  • miles
My car died had trouble starting while driving Check engine kept showing code for purge valve replacement and fuel neck line. Had both replaced out of pocket had my battery replaced.

- Avondale Estates, GA, USA

problem #76

Jul 012022

Focus

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel, the vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The contact also stated that the power steering assist intermittently failed to operate as needed with the steering assist fault message displayed. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

- Genoa City, WI, USA

problem #75

Sep 062022

Focus

  • miles
Vehicle does not start after filling tank with gas. We have to keep 1/2 tank at all times and leave the engine running when filling up. You can feel the engine sputter as it fills. Check engine light gives code P1450 "unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum." I believe it falls under the recall 18V735000 but my Vin doesn't pull up any recalls.

- Odessa, TX, USA

problem #74

Jan 232023

Focus

  • miles
While driving at normal speed of approximately 40 mph in Raleigh, NC, the check engine warning light illuminated. I took the vehicle to AutoZone where a diagnostic test was performed and produced code: P0456 indicating (Evaporative Emission System) by process of elimination (starting at the basics such as gas cap) it is the purge valve that failed and needs to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and I was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

- North Charleston, SC, USA

problem #73

Dec 232022

Focus 4-cyl

  • 34,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the PCV value needed to be replaced, and that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 34,000. The contact stated that their vehicle has the same issue as other 2012-2018MY Ford Focuses but their vehicle is not included in the recall.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #72

Sep 112022

Focus 3-cyl

  • miles
Purchased a Ford Focus 2018 (42,000k miles) in August 2019 from Drive Time Stone Mountain as a graduation gift for my daughter. In December 2019, while driving she notices her ECO went out and it no longer turned off when the car stopped, 2 weeks later the car stops in the middle of the street. We take it to a dealership in Statesboro, GA where she attends college and they inform us that the motor needs to be replaced. The motor is replaced and the ECO comes back on but goes off again in abt 3 mos. not even a yr later same thing happens same diagnostic of motor went out. The same FORD dealership installs a new one. Sept 2022, she is driving car stops a good Samaritan who happens to be a mechanic told her its the motor and power train and it will cost $7000 to replace because we are 60 days past warranty. Needless to say the car is still there. I have since purchased her a Kia with a lifetime engine. However, I need for this FOCUS to be fixed as a good will courtesy so I can sell it or trade it in. Paying $550 a month for a note and insurance for a non working car SUCKS! By the way, the car has 61,000k miles on it when it went out this last time. The sad part is that there are hundreds of FORD FOCUS owners with the same issue! Why not put a recall on this hunk of junk??!!!!

- Jonesboro, GA, USA

problem #71

Oct 062022

Focus 3-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the engine was replaced under a warranty; however, approximately 2 months later the engine was overheating and burning anti-freeze causing an abnormal odor to enter through the exhaust system. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to the NHTSA hotline to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000. The consumer stated vehicle was repaired under initial incident but 2 months later the head to be replaced at the owners expense.

- Davenport, IA, USA

problem #70

Sep 172022

Focus 3-cyl

  • miles
I was driving on interstate at 75 mph when my vehicle oil light came on. Before I could react, I lost cruise control and my engine began to stall. A loud noise came from my engine and it shut off while still driving. I was able to pull over without being involved in an accident. I towed the vehicle from the side of interstate to the nearest ford dealer. I explained the oil pressure light came on and my car instantly stalled and how I was put in a dangerous situation. He told me before the inspection that I would need an entire engine replacement. He explained this is a very common issue with 2016-2018 ford focus with eco boost engine. The timing belt fails early, causing debris to fail the engine, . He explained that if this light comes on, ford will automatically recommend a new engine as the light comes on too late. He explained that Ford have been aware of this problem but have not provided any solution or guidance besides to quote an engine replacement. He showed me that in his small service lot of 20 cars, 5 of them were 16-18 ford focus with the exact same timing belt issue and awaiting motors. I contacted ford and explained my situation. Ford said they could not help in any way as I was 7k miles over my 60,000 mile warranty. I am the only owner of this vehicle and maintain frequent oil changes. The repair was quoted at $10k by a certified Ford dealer.

- Salina, KS, USA

problem #69

Oct 252022

Focus

  • miles
Transmission failed to engage in changing gears on the road. When idle wouldnt go in reverse and can hear grinding sound or gear changing sound. Gear moving or changing sound when I turned car off. Few minutes after this happened engine light came on. Problem has not been confirmed by dealer, etc. Bought at approximately 40k miles - Ford replaced 2 clutches, now. They will not extend warranty for new clutch. When I called national Ford customer service since I have no warranty I will have to pay for tow and work, etc. Would be out of pocket. Used code machine - have code numbers if needed.

- Ash, NC, USA

problem #68

Aug 082022

Focus

  • miles
Yes, both the safety of myself as well as others is at risk. The engine shuts off while driving, which is extremely dangerous in many scenarios: on a highway - the risk of rear-ending at high speed, hazardous when passing another car on a two-way street, inability to leave the intersection safely etc. During regular operation, the vehicle loses power and enters "idle mode"; the car shakes a bit like choking, the engine shuts down, and no acceleration is possible. An error message " engine fault service now" appears. You are losing control over a car and cannot safely leave a line or an intersection. Turning the engine off and back on clears the message, and the vehicle typically runs back and runs without problems. The incidents happen entirely at random without any warning. There is no pattern, fast or slow drive, length or dynamic of the drive, the weather, etc. Happened to me multiple times. Around August 8th - the first observance, on an interstate highway, the car entered idle mode and died numerous times when slowing down. The car was dropped off at the authorized FORD dealer. The dealer cannot replicate the issue. Car picked up from the dealer around August 30th - throttle body replaced as per dealer recommendation. September 15th - same problem. The car shuts off during driving. No acceleration, same message. Fulls speed, city driving, lost acceleration mid-intersection. Car towed to an authorized dealer. The dealer cannot identify the issue, cannot replicate the problem and says everything is ok. On September 23rd, the car was picked up from the dealer, stating that they replaced the harness and resolved the issue. September 24th card enters "middle mode" while on the highway off-ramp. Unable to accelerate same error message. Miraculously avoids being rear-ended by the driver behind. The message clears off after tuning the car off and on. The vehicle operates normally after. Dropped the car off at the authorized dealer.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #67

Aug 302022

Focus

  • miles
My Vehicle has been with me since I-??ve had It since 32,000 miles it-??s up to 87,000 miles now The first thing I had to replace the starter at 32,000 the alternator and CV axle on the passenger side and the clutch is second and third clutch And the inside dome lights an the dash lights shorted out all went out the day after I got it now since then at 84,000 the The front clip just fell off going down the road it never dragged the ground an it was never broken but going down the interstate at 70 the speed limit it fell down an ripped out from under the car an hit the car behind me costing me a lot of money but now currently at 87,000 The cv axel on the passenger side has started knocking again bye far one of the worst cars I-??ve ever bought

- Alpine, AL, USA

problem #66

Jul 272022

Focus

  • miles
Engine just stopped working and white smoke came out the exhaust.

- Addison, TX, USA

problem #65

Jul 132022

Focus

  • miles
On 07/13/22, I was driving my 2018 Focus from a stop light, when I noticed that it was not accelerating properly. I looked down and both the check engine and oil pressure light had come on. I immediately pulled over and called my mechanic, to whom I drove it to (approx 3 miles) after being instructed to check the oil levels, which there was plenty of. Upon my mechanic inspecting the vehicle, he informed me that he believed the oil pump belt had snapped, but he didn't feel comfortable working on it because it is in the engine. I contacted the dealership and had it towed there. A few days later they confirmed that it was a snapped oil pump belt, and I would need an engine replacement. Further research has shown that this is a fairly widespread problem with Ford Focuses and other vehicles with the EcoBoost 1.0L engine. Others have expressed that their engines have flat out seized in the middle of driving. There were at least 2 TSB's issued regarding this specific engine problem as well. It should also be noted that per Ford's own service recommendations, this part should not need servicing until 150k miles. I believe it is fairly obvious to see how this could pose a significant safety risk and that the manufacturer is far past the point of addressing this.

- Norristown, PA, USA

problem #64

Aug 012022

Focus

  • 76,800 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the EVAP system was leaking and that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,800.

- O'fallon, MO, USA

problem #63

Jun 272021

Focus

  • miles
Engine shudders and sometimes stalls out when accelerating from complete stop and from low speed. Shudders also after changing gears or when trying to accelerate quickly like to change lanes. Especially after being driven more than about 50 miles without stopping. Has to be cranked 2 or 3 times after fueling and engine will only stay on if accelerator is pressed almost to the floor. Check engine light comes on and goes off randomly.

- Lillington, NC, USA

problem #62

Jun 082022

Focus

  • miles
My car sounds like its going die when putting fuel in my car, I have to leave car running while fueling. No matter the level of fuel. If I turn on my car after fueling, it takes a few tries to get car started back. Sometimes my car shakes when taking off or speeding up. This has been going on for the last year. Check engine light is on.

- Watts, OK, USA

problem #61

Jun 162022

Focus

  • miles
My engine cracked its block rendering it useless; the 4th cylinder injector came out of timing causing all of the damage vapor locking the 4th cylinder this all occurred while at highway speeds the problem occurred at 70000 miles on a 2018 Ford focus sel this was diagnosed by the dealer and told us this is not covered because this Vin isn't listed under any active recalls involving

- Neenah, WI, USA

problem #60

Jun 012022

Focus

  • miles
Cause not cranking and boost for while but stopped while running-?? displaying transmission fault service now-?? codes P1450 unable to bleed up fuel vacuum P0456 evaporative emission system leak detect..P144A emission system purge vapor line restricted/ blocked P0171 system too lean-?? seems to be bad vac line to tank and air leak-?? car stalling

- Mckinney , TX, USA

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