Federal safety data shows 7 recalls and 795 complaints for the 2018 Ford Focus, a elevated safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

795

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

23V9050002023-22-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

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.

A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

26V0110002026-15-01

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

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 plugged in.

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

18V7350002018-22-10

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

View all 7 recalls

18V8450002018-28-11

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

26V0120002026-15-01

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

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.

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

26V3690002026-09-06

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

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.

An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

26V3760002026-09-06

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

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 transmission fluid leak.

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.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 795 issues reported over 1 model years, power train problems are the most common for the 2018 Ford Focus. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Power Train206

02Engine And Engine Cooling106

03Engine94

04Fuel/propulsion System54

05Fuel System, Gasoline44

795 total across 1 model years (2018–2018)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Ford Focus Fuel Economy

22–107mpg combined

19-118city

26-96hwy

$700-$3,700/yr

The 2018 Ford Focus delivers 22 to 107 MPG combined across 8 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Focus Electric - Automatic (A1)

107mpg

Front-Wheel DriveEV

118 city96 hwy~$700/yr10/10 Clean

Focus FWD - Manual 6-spd

34mpg

1.0L 3-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

30 city40 hwy~$2,000/yr8/10 Clean

Focus FWD - Automatic (AM6)

31mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

26 city38 hwy~$2,200/yr7/10 Clean

Focus FWD - Automatic (S6)

31mpg

1.0L 3-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

27 city38 hwy~$2,200/yr7/10 Clean

Focus FWD - Automatic (AM-S6)

28mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

24 city34 hwy~$2,400/yr6/10 Average

Focus FWD - Manual 5-spd

28mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city34 hwy~$2,400/yr6/10 Average

Focus ST FWD - Manual 6-spd

25mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

22 city30 hwy~$2,700/yr5/10 Average

Focus RS AWD - Manual 6-spd

22mpg

2.3L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

19 city26 hwy~$3,700/yr4/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2018 Ford Focus

40States

24%in top 3

Florida has the most inventory at 9%, with options spread across 40 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

FLFlorida

1299%

MIMichigan

1178%

TXTexas

957%

CACalifornia

957%

PAPennsylvania

695%

WAWashington

614%

ILIllinois

584%

MOMissouri

524%

NCNorth Carolina

493%

DEDelaware

473%

OHOhio

443%

OROregon

433%

DCWashington DC

433%

AZArizona

423%

INIndiana

393%

MNMinnesota

342%

UTUtah

332%

VAVirginia

302%

MDMaryland

292%

CO27

GAGeorgia

262%

KY21

ID20

NJ19

NY18

WI17

NV16

OK16

MA12

CT11

AL10

NE10

TN10

NH9

KS9

HI8

IA8

ND8

NM8

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2018.

2018 Ford Focus Buyer FAQ

What to know before you buy

Is the 2018 Ford Focus a good car to buy?

The 2018 Ford Focus has 7 recalls on record. There are 7 recalls on record, so check that they've been completed before buying. The most commonly reported issue area is power train, which is worth inspecting during a test drive. Review the safety data and pricing breakdown above.

Are there recalls on the 2018 Ford Focus?

NHTSA shows 7 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Focus. Before buying, verify all recalls are complete. The dealer must fix them at no charge. See the safety section for the full list.

What's the gas mileage of the 2018 Ford Focus?

Depending on configuration, the 2018 Ford Focus delivers 22–107 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2018 Ford Focus?

POWER TRAIN is the number-one complaint area for the 2018 Ford Focus, based on 795 NHTSA filings. During a test drive, pay extra attention to this system. See the known issues section for the full breakdown.