Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Ford Focus Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 36 recall campaigns across the Ford Focus, 1999–2018. Owners have filed 22,094 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2012 drew the most (3,769) and the 2011 the fewest (113).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls36campaignsCovering 1999–2018 model yearsSource: NHTSA Complaints22,094filedOwner reports across 20 model yearsSource: NHTSA ODI Crash tests5★overall★★★★★2018 model, latest ratedSource: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy34mpg combined2018 model, best configurationSource: EPA

Ford Focus complaints by model year

22,094 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2011 · 113 complaints
  • 2006 · 205 complaints
  • 2009 · 229 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2012 · 3,769 complaints
  • 2014 · 2,602 complaints
  • 2013 · 2,112 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2009–2018. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Ford Focus owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2009201020112012201320142015201620172018
Power train 3945201,4461,1021,576559673454319
Engine 16423475344442173233229231
Steering 9131092727322193452030
Fuel/propulsion system 13172284209298137165116131
Unknown or other 1626123581962771201058077
Electrical system 45432535227624564813649
Vehicle speed control 3350916611216442363726
Structure 1224143328463161476

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Ford Focus recalls (36)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one Focus model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Ford Focus
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
26V369000Jun 9, 2026Engine Stall From Canister Purge Valve Malfunction2012–2018—
26V376000Jun 9, 2026Transmission Clutch May Fracture and Leak Fluid2015–2018—
26V011000Jan 15, 2026Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire2013–2018—
26V012000Jan 15, 2026Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire2016, 2017, 2018—
23V905000Dec 22, 2023Engine Oil Pump Failure2016, 2017, 201849.1%
20V331000Jun 8, 2020Doors May Open While Driving2012–201558.4%
19V515000Jul 5, 2019Stuck Canister Purge Valve may Cause Stall2012–201773.1%
18V845000Nov 28, 2018Transmission Clutch Slip and Fluid Leak2016, 2017, 201869.2%
18V735000Oct 22, 2018Stuck Canister Purge Valve may Cause Stall2012–201865.4%
18V169000Mar 12, 2018Transmission Clutch Slip and Fluid Leak2015, 201666.8%
17V528000Aug 28, 2017Insufficient Seat Frame Weld/FMVSS 207, 210201758%
17V052000Jan 24, 2017Improper Weld Joints on Floor Pan201664.7%
16V698000Sep 28, 2016Hatchback can be Unlatched with One Button Press2013–201756%
16V643000Sep 6, 2016Doors may Unexpectedly Open2012–201561.8%
15V813000Dec 2, 2015Engine Wiring Splices may cause Stall2013, 201483.5%

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗
All 36 Ford Focus recalls by model year →

Crash-test stars by model year

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the Ford Focus (most-tested body style each year)
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRolloverTested as
2018★★★★★5★5★4★4 dr fwd
2017★★★★★5★5★4★4 dr fwd
2016★★★★★5★5★4★4 dr fwd
2015★★★★★5★5★4★4 dr fwd
2014★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2013★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2012★★★★☆4★5★4★4 dr fwd

Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Source: NHTSA NCAP, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy by model year

200523–26 mpg
200623–26 mpg
200723–27 mpg
200828 mpg
200927–28 mpg
201028 mpg
201128–29 mpg
201229–32 mpg
201326–32 mpg
201426–32 mpg
201526–34 mpg
201622–34 mpg
201722–34 mpg
201822–34 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

2018 Ford Focus report835 complaints · 7 campaigns →2017 Ford Focus report898 complaints · 10 campaigns →2016 Ford Focus report1,181 complaints · 10 campaigns →Every Ford modelFord models →

Ford Focus FAQ

How many recalls has the Ford Focus had?

NHTSA lists 36 recall campaigns that cover at least one Ford Focus model year from 1999 to 2018. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Ford Focus year has the most complaints?

Among the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2012 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (3,769) and the 2011 the fewest (113). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Ford Focus problems?

Across the 2009–2018 model years, owners most often name the power train, engine, steering in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Ford Focus get?

EPA rates the 2018 Ford Focus at 22 to 34 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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