NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 838 owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Focus. Most complaints involve power train (319) and engine (233). The EPA rates it 25–107 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Focus model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3,738 |
| 2001 | 1,790 |
| 2002 | 1,014 |
| 2003 | 1,017 |
| 2004 | 387 |
| 2005 | 441 |
| 2006 | 205 |
| 2007 | 391 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 229 |
| 2010 | 287 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 3,803 |
| 2013 | 2,157 |
| 2014 | 2,661 |
| 2015 | 1,034 |
| 2016 | 1,194 |
| 2017 | 906 |
| 2018 | 838 |
“My car had been driving fine. Until one day I leave my house and crank my car up and it does not go into reverse. It loses engine power and stalled into traffic. This is an on going issue as you can see stories from other people with the same make and model as my car with the same issue. No warning signs, hasn’t been checked out but I have contacted Ford and they only cover models with this issue 2012-2016. I think it should cover 2018 as well.”
“I was driving home from work traveling about 50 miles per hour starting to slow down for a stop light when the oil light flashed and I completely lost my breaks and had to use the emergency break and swerve to the shoulder of the road to stop. We had the vehicle towed to a shop where they stated there is a large oil leak from the vacuum pump and DCT’s showing timing concerns with the engine. They removed the oil filter and noted it was full of metallic and the bottom of the filter canister there were larger metallic debris. Dealer is stating the engine is condemned at this point.”
“when the vehicle accelerates too quickly or up a very gradual hill, barely any slope, it will slow to a stop. this is in line with the current recalls with other Ford focus 2018s likely caused by the Canister Purge Valve. it has the exact same symptoms, poor fuel economy, rough idling so much so the entire vehicle shakes, and the dangerous part- stalling. I have now stalled 4 times and have been in and out of multiple mechanics for this issue and no one can seem to identify the root and it's getting costly. now they are saying it might be the canister purge valve but if it is I think it should be covered despite my vin not being perfectly aligned because it's ultimately the same issue with the same vehicle, make and model.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Electric Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 118 | 96 | 107 | $700 | — |
| Focus FWD Man 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 40 | 34 | $1,850 | 264 |
| Focus FWD Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 38 | 31 | $2,000 | 289 |
| Focus FWD Auto (S6), 3 cyl, 1.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 38 | 31 | $2,000 | 286 |
| Focus FWD Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | $2,200 | 321 |
| Focus FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,200 | 316 |
| Focus ST FWD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,500 | 356 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
7 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 838 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (319), engine (233), fuel/propulsion system (132). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Ford Focus at 25–107 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Ford Focus 5 out of 5 stars overall.