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    Ford Focus

    EPA MPG: 32 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 Focus is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2018 Ford Focus has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Ford Focus owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Clutch replacement

    "Clutch last one year and have to replace"

    Anonymous A., MI (2018 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    ""The factory clutch needed to be replaced when the car had 125000 miles. Initially, I was disappointed but then I researched online and found out that some people had issues much earlier.""

    Anonymous A., CA (2018 Ford Focus ST 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "It slipped first and later stopped shifting"

    Anonymous, TN (2018 Ford Focus Titanium 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""rebuild 2 times by Ford, needs it again""

    Anonymous, CO (2018 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    ""The car gave an error code pointing to inefficient catalytic converter. I tried using a cleaner but it didnt work. Unfortunately, I need to replace it.""

    Anonymous A., CA (2018 Ford Focus ST 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other/unsure

    ""Coolant pump leaking, currently being replaced""

    Anonymous, YT (2018 Ford Focus Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "We've just acquired this vehicle, so we haven't owned it long enough to know its reliability, etc. We know the previous owner did some maintenance to optimize the engine, changed the oil, various fluids etc. to prepare it for sale."

    Anonymous, AB (2018 Ford Focus SE Unsure)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Rough shifting

    "When clutch fails rough shifting occurs"

    Anonymous A., MI (2018 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Alignment

    "Had realigned multiple times and new tires but still get issues with front passenger tire."

    Anonymous, OH (2018 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Refrigerant leaks

    "cause unknown - 6 years? maybe."

    Anonymous A., PA (2018 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Water pump

    "replaced the waterpump second time"

    Anonymous, CO (2018 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    ""P144A Fault, Cannister purge valve covered by Customer Satisfaction policy""

    Anonymous, MI (2018 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    ""When driving one day, the engine just failed and left me stranded on a highway. Very long story short, the engine had to be replaced. It was covered under a recall, but I was without my car for literally months as the shop waited for the new engine to arrive. (Ford gave me a rental.) Although its nice to have a new engine, the car doesnt handle as well as it used to. Nothing I can put my finger on exactly, so I cant take it in. Overall, disappointing.""

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Ford Focus Unsure 1.0-L 3 Cyl turbo)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
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    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
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    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Dec 22, 2023
    A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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 should you do:
    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 authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V905000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 139730
    POWER TRAIN
    Nov 28, 2018
    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.
    Summary:
    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 leak.
    What should you do:
    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. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-169.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V845000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2828
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Oct 22, 2018
    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.
    Summary:
    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 should you do:
    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 and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V735000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1282596
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