Ford Focus 2012–2018 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation (Mk3, global C-car) · C346 (Ford Global C)
NHTSA data through 18 October 202612,433 complaints, 9,107 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2012 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 67,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 3,770
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2012
- Transmission and driveline1,447 reports · median 55,000 mi
- Steering927 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Engine475 reports · median 62,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Exterior lighting
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 53,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 2,112
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2013
- Transmission and driveline1,102 reports · median 39,000 mi
- Engine344 reports · median 50,000 mi
- Electrical system276 reports · median 43,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Equipment — electrical · Latches/locks/linkages — doors
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 48,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 2,604
- Recalls naming this year
- 12
Most reported on the 2014
- Transmission and driveline1,576 reports · median 40,000 mi
- Engine442 reports · median 51,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system299 reports · median 61,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Equipment — electrical · Latches/locks/linkages — doors
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 60,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,022
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2015
- Transmission and driveline559 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Engine173 reports · median 65,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system138 reports · median 64,000 mi
Recall areas Power train — manual transmission · Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Equipment — electrical
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 61,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,189
- Recalls naming this year
- 10
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Transmission and driveline677 reports · median 64,000 mi
- Engine236 reports · median 53,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system167 reports · median 56,000 mi
Recall areas Power train — manual transmission · Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Equipment — electrical
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 56,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 899
- Recalls naming this year
- 10
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Transmission and driveline455 reports · median 50,000 mi
- Engine229 reports · median 63,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system116 reports · median 49,000 mi
Recall areas Power train — manual transmission · Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Equipment — electrical
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 56,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 837
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2018
- Transmission and driveline319 reports · median 56,000 mi
- Engine232 reports · median 52,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system132 reports · median 48,000 mi
Recall areas Power train — manual transmission · Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Equipment — electrical
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2012; earliest: the 2014, and the 2012 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2012–2018 Ford Focus reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 60,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 120,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 9,107
- Recalls
- 23
Most reported
- Transmission and driveline49.3% of complaints · median 50,000 mi
- Engine17.1% of complaints · median 55,000 mi
- Steering12.9% of complaints · median 72,000 mi
Documented problems
- Transmission (DPS6 PowerShift Dual-clutch)2012–2018
- Transmission Control Module2012–2016
- Door Latches2012–2015
- Fuel System / Evaporative Emissions2012–2018
Owners filed 12,433 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012–2018 Ford Focus; the transmission and driveline leads with 49.3% of them, and half of the 9,107 that record an odometer reading came by 60,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 27,000 to 88,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2012–2018 Ford Focus last?
On the 2012–2018 Ford Focus, half of the 9,107 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 60,000 miles and 90% by 120,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
337 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 47 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Focus reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Ford Focus 2012–2018 · 9,107 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 853 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 47 complaints (0.5%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 5,000
- 25%
- 27,000
- Median
- 60,000
- 75%
- 88,000
- 90%
- 120,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 853 | 9.4% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 373 | 4.1% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 341 | 3.7% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 288 | 3.2% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 283 | 3.1% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 258 | 2.8% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 332 | 3.6% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 334 | 3.7% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 389 | 4.3% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 351 | 3.9% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 410 | 4.5% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 352 | 3.9% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 473 | 5.2% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 390 | 4.3% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 407 | 4.5% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 354 | 3.9% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 418 | 4.6% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 294 | 3.2% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 289 | 3.2% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 249 | 2.7% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 264 | 2.9% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 172 | 1.9% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 172 | 1.9% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 130 | 1.4% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 150 | 1.6% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 103 | 1.1% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 131 | 1.4% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 69 | 0.8% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 89 | 1.0% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 52 | 0.6% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 86 | 0.9% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 34 | 0.4% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 57 | 0.6% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 26 | 0.3% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 25 | 0.3% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 19 | 0.2% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 18 | 0.2% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 7 | 0.1% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 7 | 0.1% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 11 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 47 | 0.5% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Focus problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Ford Focus 2012–2018
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Throttle and speed control584 reportsmedian 35,000middle half 9,000–66,000
- Transmission and driveline6,135 reportsmedian 50,000middle half 18,000–84,000
- Electrical system1,104 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 24,000–87,000
- Engine2,131 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 24,000–88,000
- Problems owners could not categorise1,215 reportsmedian 60,000middle half 34,000–87,000
- Fuel and propulsion system1,345 reportsmedian 67,000middle half 42,000–95,000
- Steering1,610 reportsmedian 72,000middle half 47,000–96,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 6,135 | 49.3% | 50,000 | 18,000–84,000 |
| Engine | 2,131 | 17.1% | 55,000 | 24,000–88,000 |
| Steering | 1,610 | 12.9% | 72,000 | 47,000–96,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 1,345 | 10.8% | 67,000 | 42,000–95,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 1,215 | 9.8% | 60,000 | 34,000–87,000 |
| Electrical system | 1,104 | 8.9% | 55,000 | 24,000–87,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 584 | 4.7% | 35,000 | 9,000–66,000 |
| Body structure | 522 | 4.2% | 55,000 | 37,000–74,000 |
| Fuel system | 383 | 3.1% | 80,000 | 56,000–110,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 311 | 2.5% | 73,000 | 51,000–97,000 |
Known problems with the 2012–2018 Focus
Transmission (DPS6 PowerShift Dual-clutch) 2012–2018
Dry dual-clutch transmission shudder, slipping, hesitation on take-off, bucking and loss of motive power, caused by dry clutch friction material degradation and input shaft seal leakage contaminating the clutches. The Vargas v. Ford class action settlement covered 2012-2016 Focus (and 2011-2016 Fiesta), with buyback and cash remedies; later suits allege the defect persisted into 2017-2018 cars.
Transmission Control Module 2012–2016
DPS6 transmission control module failure causing sudden loss of transmission engagement or unintended movement; subject of an NHTSA recall covering 2012-2016 Focus.
Door Latches 2012–2015
Door latch pawl spring tab can break, allowing a door to appear closed but open while driving; NHTSA recall covering 2012-2015 Focus.
Fuel System / Evaporative Emissions 2012–2018
Canister purge valve can stick open, drawing vacuum on the fuel tank, deforming it and causing stalling or no-start; recall and extended coverage issued.
Engine (2.3L EcoBoost, RS Only) 2016–2017
Head gasket failure on Focus RS caused by use of a Mustang-specification cylinder head, allowing coolant loss and white exhaust smoke; Ford replaced heads and extended warranty coverage.
Before you buy a 2012–2018 Focus: the 3-minute check
Generated from 9,107 mileage-tagged complaints, 23 recall campaigns, 5 documented problem areas.
- A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation. Run the VIN before you drive it home — the fix is free at an authorized dealer.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 23 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check transmission (DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch) on 2012–2018 (2012–2016 covered by settlement) cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check transmission control module on 2012–2016 cars.
- Check door latches on 2012–2015 cars.
- Years differ here: from 837 to 3,770 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Focus problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi50% below | At 90k mi76% below | At 120k mi90% below | At 150k mi96% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 18,000–84,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 24,000–88,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 47,000–96,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 42,000–95,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 34,000–87,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 24,000–87,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 9,000–66,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Ford Focus 2012–2018 · 9,107 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 50% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 76% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 90% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 96% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2012–2018 Ford Focus recalls (23)
NHTSA records 23 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
1 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the fuel system (5), latches and locks (4), the transmission and driveline (3) (why one area can repeat).
Jun 2026 · 2015–2018 · Power TrainA transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were…
Jun 2026 · 2012–2018 · Fuel System, GasolineAn engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
Jan 2026 · 2016–2018 · EquipmentAn electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
What can happen. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine…
Jan 2026 · 2013–2018 · EquipmentAn electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine…
Dec 2023 · 2016–2018 · Engine and Engine CoolingA loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
What can happen. A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has…
Jun 2020 · 2012–2015 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesA door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and…
What can happen. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also…
Jul 2019 · 2012–2014, 2017 · Fuel System, GasolineThe excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the…
What can happen. The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect…
Nov 2018 · 2016–2018 · Power TrainA transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid…
What can happen. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began…
Oct 2018 · 2012–2018 · Fuel System, GasolineThe excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
What can happen. The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect…
Mar 2018 · 2015–2016 · Power TrainA transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission and 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Also included…
What can happen. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. Owners of…
Aug 2017 · 2017 · SeatsThe reduced seat back strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Focus vehicles. The rear left side seat back frame may have an insufficient weld between the outboard pivot bracket and the pivot nut joint, resulting in the seat back having reduced strength. As such, these…
What can happen. The reduced seat back strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the rear second left side rear seat back as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford…
Jan 2017 · 2016 · StructureImproperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.
What can happen. Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the apron joints, repairing the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Sep 2016 · 2013–2017 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesWith only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single…
What can happen. With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Sep 2016 · 2012–2015 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesA door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the…
What can happen. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Dec 2015 · 2013–2014 · Electrical SystemThe incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring…
What can happen. The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service…
Jul 2015 · 2015 · Electrical SystemIf the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 1, 2014, to June 12, 2015, Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, to June 12, 2015, and Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured April 22, 2014, to June…
What can happen. If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
Jan 2015 · 2014 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On…
What can happen. If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
Sep 2014 · 2014 · Fuel System, GasolineA reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 24, 2014, 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured on June 6, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to July 7, 2014. In…
What can happen. A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Aug 2014 · 2014 · Steering do not driveThe incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled.
What can happen. The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number…
Aug 2014 · 2013–2014 · Electrical SystemThe incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped…
What can happen. The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Aug 2013 · 2012–2013 · Exterior LightingWithout the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time…
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured September 15, 2011, through May 6, 2013; and model year 2013 Focus ST vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID)…
What can happen. Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the headlamp assembly wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at…
Mar 2013 · 2013 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesThe operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged.
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was…
What can happen. The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor…
Apr 2012 · 2012 · VisibilityWater or other contaminants may accumulate in the connector, resulting in an intermittent or inoperative…
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Focus vehicles manufactured from august 1, 2010, through october 18, 2011. A seal in the wiring harness connector to the passenger side wiper motor may be missing.
What can happen. Water or other contaminants may accumulate in the connector, resulting in an intermittent or inoperative passenger side wiper motor, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and as necessary, clean and properly seal the passenger side wiper motor connector. Any inoperative wiper motors will be replaced. This service will…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 12,433 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 315 (2.5%)
- Fires
- 47
- Injury reports
- 192
- Fatality reports
- 8
Focus problems by model year
The 2012 drew the most complaints of this generation, 3,770, most of them about the transmission and driveline, and the 2018 the fewest, 837. A typical year drew about 1,189.
That makes the 2012 stand out at roughly 3.2 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 3,770 | 3,098 | 67,000 | Transmission and driveline (1,447) | 7 |
| 2013 | 2,112 | 1,680 | 53,000 | Transmission and driveline (1,102) | 11 |
| 2014 | 2,604 | 1,934 | 48,000 | Transmission and driveline (1,576) | 12 |
| 2015 | 1,022 | 665 | 60,000† | Transmission and driveline (559) | 9 |
| 2016 | 1,189 | 779 | 61,000† | Transmission and driveline (677) | 10 |
| 2017 | 899 | 528 | 56,000† | Transmission and driveline (455) | 10 |
| 2018 | 837 | 423 | 56,000† | Transmission and driveline (319) | 7 |
What Focus owners reported
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Steering Wheel Alert Malfunction" message displayed on the instrument panel, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was rendered inoperable. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with Customer Satisfaction…
2014 · 145,000 miles · Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that an abnormal, burnt rubber odor was emitted from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had…
2017 · 72,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under a recall, while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly idled, causing the engine to misfire with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle sputtered during the misfire. The vehicle…
2018 · 63,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V369000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the failure occurred after the recall repair. While starting and driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The…
2015 · 58,000 miles · Fuel system
Built from 9,107 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Focus generations
- Focus 2000–2007 5,036 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Focus 2008–2011 725 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system