Federal safety data shows 5 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 5 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

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-$2,650/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~$1,300/yr8/10 Clean

Focus FWD - Automatic (AM6)

31mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

26 city38 hwy~$1,400/yr7/10 Clean

Focus FWD - Automatic (S6)

31mpg

1.0L 3-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

27 city38 hwy~$1,400/yr7/10 Clean

Focus FWD - Automatic (AM-S6)

28mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

24 city34 hwy~$1,550/yr6/10 Average

Focus FWD - Manual 5-spd

28mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city34 hwy~$1,550/yr6/10 Average

Focus ST FWD - Manual 6-spd

25mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

22 city30 hwy~$1,750/yr5/10 Average

Focus RS AWD - Manual 6-spd

22mpg

2.3L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

19 city26 hwy~$2,650/yr4/10 Average

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

Where to Find 2018 Ford Focus

34States

26%in top 3

Florida has the most inventory at 12%, with options spread across 34 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

FLFlorida

18412%

MIMichigan

1198%

TXTexas

1006%

CACalifornia

946%

PAPennsylvania

906%

ILIllinois

735%

WAWashington

614%

OHOhio

543%

MOMissouri

503%

NCNorth Carolina

483%

DCWashington DC

473%

DEDelaware

463%

INIndiana

403%

AZArizona

403%

OROregon

393%

MNMinnesota

342%

COColorado

312%

GAGeorgia

292%

OKOklahoma

292%

NYNew York

252%

VAVirginia

242%

WIWisconsin

242%

UTUtah

221%

TNTennessee

221%

MD21

NJ21

KY21

MA18

NH16

ID14

NV13

NE11

IA9

NM9

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 5 recalls on record. There are 5 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 5 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.