2018 Ford Focus: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Focus years.
One of the Ford Focus years to avoid. All Focus years
2,321 owner complaints, most about power train. 7 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Focus?The 2018 Ford Focus has 2321 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Ford Focus vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Focus years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Focus?
Across the 20 Focus model years we track, complaint volume runs from 11 (1999) to 5,240 (2014). With 2,321 complaints, the 2018 Focus sits above the model's median of 1,018.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 Focus
fuel system, gasoline:storage
Campaign 18V735000Ford 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.
power train:manual transmission
Campaign 18V845000Ford 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump
Campaign 23V905000Ford 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.
equipment:electrical:engine block heater
Campaign 26V011000Ford 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.
Show 3 more recalls
equipment:electrical:engine block heater
Campaign 26V012000Ford 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.
fuel system, gasoline:storage:evaporative emissions:canister
Campaign 26V369000Ford 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.
power train:manual transmission
Campaign 26V376000Ford 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by transmission type and generation. For models equipped with the manual transmission, owner feedback is overwhelmingly positive, describing them as reliable, fun to drive, economical, and a great value.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Focus. See the full Focus owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Focus listings typically run $7,194–$10,865 across 2003 to 2018 model years.
Other Focus model years
Compare every Focus year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Focus against its rivals
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