Ford Focus problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 5,169 owner complaints and 23 recalls on file for the Ford Focus (2005–2018). The 2014 Focus has the most serious complaints, most often about transmission & drivetrain.

Complaints
5,169
Recalls
23
Model years
14
Worst year
2014

Complaints by model year

92005920061620072020081020092220101220117432012521201390120145782015839201672620177632018
NHTSA complaints per Ford Focus model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Ford Focus years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2014 Ford Focus — 901 complaints, 12 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  2. 2016 Ford Focus — 839 complaints, 8 crashes; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  3. 2012 Ford Focus — 743 complaints, 16 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  4. 2018 Ford Focus — 763 complaints, 9 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
  5. 2017 Ford Focus — 726 complaints, 11 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2011 (12 complaints).

Every Ford Focus model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2018 Focus76392107Engine
2017 Focus7261121110Transmission & Drivetrain
2016 Focus83980810Transmission & Drivetrain
2015 Focus578122109Transmission & Drivetrain
2014 Focus9011221612Transmission & Drivetrain
2013 Focus52184511Transmission & Drivetrain
2012 Focus743161117Transmission & Drivetrain
2011 Focus120000Steering
2010 Focus225060Engine
2009 Focus101000Electrical System
2008 Focus201020Brakes
2007 Focus163040Airbags
2006 Focus91010Airbags
2005 Focus91110Engine

Most common Ford Focus problem areas (all years)

  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    2,640 complaints
  • Engine
    1,303 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    915 complaints
  • Electrical System
    406 complaints
  • Steering
    399 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    162 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    113 complaints
  • Brakes
    82 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    61 complaints
  • Airbags
    59 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Ford Focus received by NHTSA each month.

Ford Focus recalls

  • Recall 26V369000Jun 9, 2026257,868 vehiclesModel years 2012–2018

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

  • Recall 26V376000Jun 9, 20265,252 vehiclesModel years 2015–2018

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 26V012000Jan 15, 20262,403 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018

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

  • Recall 26V011000Jan 15, 2026116,672 vehiclesModel years 2013–2018

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

  • Recall 23V905000Dec 22, 2023139,730 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018

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

  • Recall 20V331000Jun 8, 20202,147,323 vehiclesModel years 2012–2015

    Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

  • Recall 19V515000Jul 5, 201957,488 vehiclesModel years 2012–2017

    Risk: The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V845000Nov 28, 20182,828 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 18V735000Oct 22, 20181,282,596 vehiclesModel years 2012–2018

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 18V169000Mar 12, 20185,361 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 17V528000Aug 28, 2017698 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: The reduced seat back strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 17V052000Jan 24, 201717 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 16V698000Sep 28, 201664,038 vehiclesModel years 2013–2017

    Risk: With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.

  • Recall 16V643000Sep 6, 20162,046,297 vehiclesModel years 2012–2015

    Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

  • Recall 15V813000Dec 2, 20159,017 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V436000Jul 8, 2015374,781 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V005000Jan 9, 201554,543 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V525000Sep 2, 2014301 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V514000Aug 22, 2014508 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2014

    Risk: The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V495000Aug 11, 2014133,227 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 13V335000Aug 1, 20136,308 vehiclesModel years 2012–2013

    Risk: Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 13V085000Mar 7, 20135,675 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.

  • Recall 12V149000Apr 5, 2012140,310 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: Water or other contaminants may accumulate in the connector, resulting in an intermittent or inoperative passenger side wiper motor, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Ford models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology