2018 Ford Focus
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 3686 |
| 2001 | 1761 |
| 2002 | 939 |
| 2003 | 977 |
| 2004 | 387 |
| 2005 | 440 |
| 2006 | 204 |
| 2007 | 391 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 229 |
| 2010 | 287 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 3755 |
| 2013 | 2103 |
| 2014 | 2586 |
| 2015 | 1007 |
| 2016 | 1174 |
| 2017 | 882 |
| 2018 | 821 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
35% of complaints: power train — 290 distinct reports on file.
28% of complaints: engine — 226 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY16% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 129 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The purge valve has been an ongoing continuous problem since we bought the vehicle. I have fixed it multiple times.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230923
14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 118 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 51 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: 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 January 17, 2019.
Campaign 18V845000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 18V735000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
Loss of Motive Power
Oil Pump Failure
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge.
Campaign 23V905000 — check if this car was fixed
Timing Belt Failure
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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40.
Campaign 26V369000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.
Campaign 26V012000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.
Campaign 26V011000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43.
Campaign 26V376000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Ford Focus — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (290 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (226 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (129 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V369000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V012000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V011000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V376000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V845000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V735000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V905000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Ford Focus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Ford Focus is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Focus?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Focus have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.