2015 Ford Focus electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 15V436000Jul 8, 2015374,781 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 1, 2014, to June 12, 2015, Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, to June 12, 2015, and Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured April 22, 2014, to June 12, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the engine may continue to run after the key or the START/STOP engine button is turned to off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

  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.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C06.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 7, 2026PAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I made an initial post on 06/18/2026 so please reference that as well as this. I have not been able to drive the car since it died on me on the 18th of June. The car has been looked at a few times (actually stalling a third time while idling but was able to turn back on.) It has also displayed symptoms associated with the Ford Recall #26S40 / NHTSA recall #26V369 but it is listed at NOT included in the recall as of 07/06/2026. MIL is pulling Code P0420 (catalytic system…

   NHTSA complaint #11748702 · source
2. Filed Jun 29, 2026OKElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   own a 2015 Ford Focus that has experienced repeated transmission-related problems over several years. The symptoms have included harsh shifting, hesitation, failure to shift properly, and at one point the vehicle would not shift into reverse. These transmission issues have caused ongoing concerns about the vehicle's safety and reliability. I have brought the vehicle to Ford dealerships on multiple occasions seeking diagnosis and repair. Ford replaced the Transmission Control…

   NHTSA complaint #11747178 · source
3. Filed Jun 18, 2026PAElectrical SystemEngine

   There were two times within a week where the car stopped in the middle of traffic. One was on Route 100 in a merge lane and the other was on the offramp of route 30 to 100 Exton. This happened in the middle left turn lane with traffic behind me causing me to need immediate police assistance to ensure my safety. The Check Engine light was popping from the TCM indicator which I was told I could still drive on without repairing it immediately. This came directly from Fred Beans…

   NHTSA complaint #11745120 · source
4. Filed Dec 10, 2025GAElectrical SystemEngine

   I was getting ready to leave the grocery store and I crank up my car and I had a light come on stating that my car was overheating transmission turn off the car and as I tried to pull out of the parking lot, the car would barely accelerate it would barely go to mountain and it was stuttering up the heels I had to turn off the vehicle. Let it sit for five minutes to let it cool off and then I had to crank the car back up and then it started to drive again, but I did get a…

   NHTSA complaint #11704157 · source
5. Filed Nov 25, 2025MDElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission overheating and internal wear (metal particles in fluid) following electrical/TCM malfunction in Ford Focus DPS6. Transmission failure recurred after earlier repair under 14M02. Current failure includes overheating messages, shudder, and loss of safe drivability. Ford acknowledges issue relates to known PowerShift defect but refuses coverage. Vehicle unsafe.

   NHTSA complaint #11701399 · source
6. Filed Jul 30, 2025ILElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving my car on July 25, it started jerking then it stopped reversing. My LCD dashboard stopped displaying several years ago. This affects my ability to see warning lights and my mileage.

   NHTSA complaint #11677241 · source
7. Filed Jul 22, 2025MEElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown

   A major electrical issue has occurred in this car since June 1, 2025. The Traction Control System dashboard indicator (the skidding car) comes on even though I am not using the TCS. When this happens, I get a message saying "Hill start assist not available," and am unable to manipulate my headlights, use turn signals, or lock/unlock my doors (I need to use the physical key to lock/unlock the driver's side door). If this "Hill start assist" issue occurs and I turn off my car…

   NHTSA complaint #11675262 · source
8. Filed Nov 26, 2024105,221 miNJElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving vehicle on highway the Ford Focus started down shifting while accelerating. This caused the car to not be able to reach sufficient speeds on the road and could have caused an accident. With my family in the car I exited the highway and drove the vehicle home, with the car continuously down shifting and not being able to accelerate as designed. The transmission has known problems and model recalls. I brought it to the dealer for repair but the dealer would not…

   NHTSA complaint #11627432 · source
9. Filed Aug 3, 2024VAElectrical SystemSteering

   UNKNOWN. Power steering assist fault message appeared. After driving the car on the road and stopping to fuel up and turning off the car the error message appeared. The power steering was not working making the steering wheel hard to turn. No warnings or errors prior and as well no error codes found via OBD reader. Safety was put at risk as I was not able to turn the wheel when trying to take off after stopping. Several people have complained online already about this same…

   NHTSA complaint #11606309 · source
10. Filed Dec 4, 2023FLBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

    1. MY car shuts off while driving and I don't understand why because my battery is new and all other components don't seem to be the issue i.e.: battery, starter, alternator. 2. My safety and the safety of my passengers were at risk because the car shuts off with no warning while driving. 3 I currently have the vehicle being inspected by my local Ford dealership but the problem has happened several times before taking the car to the dealership. 4. The problem is currently…

    NHTSA complaint #11558280 · source
11. Filed Oct 12, 2023FLElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    In August 2023 Focus would not accelerate smoothly while in traffic. Check engine light turned on. Vehicle would not go into reverse. Diagnostic scan negative with personal scanner. Took to transmission shop. Actuators replaced per diagnostic check $880. TCM ok. Slipping on acceleration continued with RPM to between 5-6 on acceleration. Took vehicle back to shop and actuators resynched with TCM. I received Ford Recall for defective TCM module dated September 2023. Ford…

    NHTSA complaint #11549596 · source
12. Filed Sep 20, 2023IDElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    Spark Plugs/Ignition Coils. Car was not shifting into gear while driving, jerking. Revs up in between 5-7 Rpms. Car has stalled while driving. Car got spark plugs and ignition coils changed and problem got worse. No. Engine light was on for codes that read spark plug and ignition coil. Fixed problem. Engine light still on problem worse and still the same. Reading same codes.

    NHTSA complaint #11545551 · source

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology