MYRModel Year Report

2018 Ford Focus

● Typical for this model
2018 Ford Focus
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
833
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 2018

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

39% of complaints

Complaints per year

1999: 11 complaints 1999 2000: 3,686 complaints 2001: 1,761 complaints 2002: 939 complaints 2002 2003: 977 complaints 2004: 387 complaints 2005: 441 complaints 2005 2006: 205 complaints 2007: 391 complaints 2008: 250 complaints 2008 2009: 229 complaints 2010: 287 complaints 2011: 113 complaints 2011 2012: 3,766 complaints 2013: 2,111 complaints 2014: 2,601 complaints 2014 2015: 1,019 complaints 2016: 1,181 complaints 2017: 896 complaints 2018: 833 complaints 2018 833
1999: 11 complaints 1999 2000: 3,686 complaints 2001: 1,761 complaints 2001 2002: 939 complaints 2003: 977 complaints 2003 2004: 387 complaints 2005: 441 complaints 2005 2006: 205 complaints 2007: 391 complaints 2007 2008: 250 complaints 2009: 229 complaints 2009 2010: 287 complaints 2011: 113 complaints 2011 2012: 3,766 complaints 2013: 2,111 complaints 2013 2014: 2,601 complaints 2015: 1,019 complaints 2015 2016: 1,181 complaints 2017: 896 complaints 2018: 833 complaints 2018 833
1999: 11 complaints 1999 2000: 3,686 complaints 2000 2001: 1,761 complaints 2001 2002: 939 complaints 2002 2003: 977 complaints 2003 2004: 387 complaints 2004 2005: 441 complaints 2005 2006: 205 complaints 2006 2007: 391 complaints 2007 2008: 250 complaints 2008 2009: 229 complaints 2009 2010: 287 complaints 2010 2011: 113 complaints 2011 2012: 3,766 complaints 2012 2013: 2,111 complaints 2013 2014: 2,601 complaints 2014 2015: 1,019 complaints 2015 2016: 1,181 complaints 2016 2017: 896 complaints 2017 2018: 833 complaints 2018 833

2018: 833 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199911
20003,686
20011,761
2002939
2003977
2004387
2005441
2006205
2007391
2008250
2009229
2010287
2011113
20123,766
20132,111
20142,601
20151,019
20161,181
2017896
2018833

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

39% · 322 reports

Most commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and clutches/bands.

Show complaint excerpts

An authorized dealership performed a mandatory manufacturer safety recall repair on my vehicle for the Engine Oil Pump Belt and Tensioner (Ford Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Campaign 23V-905).

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-19

Also filed under Engine

Engine

28% · 231 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY

Fuel/propulsion system

16% · 131 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show 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, 2023-09-23

Also filed under Steering and visibility/wiper

Engine and engine cooling

15% · 124 reports

Most commonly citing turbo/supercharger and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).

Fuel system, gasoline

8% · 66 reports

Most commonly citing hoses/valves/sensors and canister.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently stalled with excessive fuel consumption. As a former Ford independent mechanic, the contact diagnosed the vehicle with a deformed fuel tank.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2019-01-17Power train18V845000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2019-08-19Fuel system, gasoline18V735000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
  4. I
    2023-09-15Recall queryClosed 2024-12-20 Loss of Motive Power
  5. I
    2023-09-20Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-02-14 Oil Pump Failure
  6. R
    2025-08-11Engine and engine cooling23V905000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2025-12-18Preliminary evaluationOpen Timing Belt Failure
  8. R
    Date not on fileFuel system, gasoline26V369000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    Date not on fileEquipment26V012000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    Date not on fileEquipment26V011000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    Date not on filePower train26V376000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Ford Focus — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 322 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 231 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 131 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 26V369000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 26V012000 · Equipment
  • Recall 26V011000 · Equipment
  • Recall 26V376000 · Power train
  • Recall 18V845000 · Power train
  • Recall 18V735000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 23V905000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Focus have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.