2016 Ford Focus fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• Recall 26V369000Jun 9, 2026257,868 vehicles
  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.

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

  Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.

• Recall 18V735000Oct 22, 20181,282,596 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

  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.

  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.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 7, 2026INElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The vehicle experienced a catastrophic failure of the canister purge valve (CPV), causing an excessive vacuum that violently deformed and collapsed the plastic fuel tank. The deformation was so severe that it breached the fuel system, causing raw gasoline to pour directly out of the filler area and onto the ground when fueling was attempted, presenting an immediate fire hazard. Furthermore, the structural collapse of the fuel tank pinched and shorted out the fuel pump…

   NHTSA complaint #11769646 · source
2. Filed Aug 31, 2026MOTowedFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while in active traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. Prior to visiting the dealer, the vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the fuel tank had collapsed. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an authorized dealer for the repair. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a failed canister purge valve, but the fuel tank…

   NHTSA complaint #11761134 · source
3. Filed Jul 7, 2026PAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission overheated. Transmission fluid leaked but the computer in the car didn't let me know there was a leak. Couldn't move my car into reverse so I had to get a tow to Ford. They said it was a Transmission leak which caused the overheating. But once the car received Transmission fluid the car did not go into reverse. Clutch failed.

   NHTSA complaint #11748862 · source
4. Filed Jun 2, 2026VAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   So I had check engine light I took it to the mechanic the code was p1450 the mechanic told me it’s the purge valve and it’s recall with ford book and appointment from the website witch is I did after I checked my vin I found out that’s this purge valve has recall and it’s free of charge I went to dealer they denied and said they have to do their diagnostic that will cost 190$ and they did not accept the car

   NHTSA complaint #11741600 · source
5. Filed May 5, 2026PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Ford Motor issued two safety recalls regarding this, but has since closed them without providing a safe resolution for consumers. July 8 2019 Ford issued Ford Safety Recall program 19S22 (following 18S32) for stuck open canister purge valve (CPV). This can result in a failure to bleed the vacuum from the gas tank, and deforms the gas tank upon failure. This has been confirmed, reproduced, and recalled by Ford before, but continues to happen nationwide to Ford Focus ST owners…

   NHTSA complaint #11735835 · source
6. Filed Feb 23, 2026GAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   My car is showing signs of recalls but it’s stating that it doesn’t have any recalls. There is a recall of the transmission failing because of the clutch and causing the car to just randomly cut off while driving putting risk of a crash to me and my kids There is a recall on the fuel pump being messed up causing the car to cut off randomly while driving because of the vapors and that’s what my car has been doing also putting danger to me and my kids while driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11719785 · source
7. Filed Feb 11, 2026150,000 miAREngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. While operating the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while idling, while low on fuel, while driving long distances, or while driving uphill. The vehicle shut off unexpectedly intermittently. On several occasions, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle eventually stalled. The accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to respond. The brake pedal became firm. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11717299 · source
8. Filed Jan 13, 2026SCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Fuel purge valve is malfunctioning. Vehicle loses power and is sluggish. Idles very rough and sometimes has a loss of power. My car has been at Ford twice in the last six months and problem still isn't fixed. Complete engine was replaced about a year and a half ago due to recall issue which I don't want happening again. I do not feel safe driving this car. I made an appointment with Ford a month ago for tomorrow for same stalling issue. I went to drop off and explain I…

   NHTSA complaint #11710571 · source
9. Filed Dec 29, 2025PAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Having fuel problems with this ford se. Adding gas after starting the car it doesn't run right. It misses n doesn't have power. Plus Transmission went out two times again. First time it went out. It was about a year ago. Now the second time [XXX]. First time was about a year ago. It was repaired. Because I had a car warranty from the car dealer ship. Now they won't repair it again. This ford focus Se had the double clutch in it Plus the notorious speed shifter known to go…

   NHTSA complaint #11707438 · source
10. Filed Oct 9, 2025TXFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Fuel pump went out and caused car to stall and leave me stranded on the side of the road when dash indicator showed 23 miles left to travel. I had this fixed through the dealership Drive Time sent me to mechanic shop as was still under dealership warranty.

    NHTSA complaint #11692457 · source
11. Filed Jul 29, 2025FLFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Went to refuel my car with gas. Got into my car and it didn’t start right away. When it finally did the check engine light came on. I took to go check it out and was told the fuel tank/canister purge valve was faulty. I tried contacting ford to see if under warranty and or recalled. But nothing has come out of it. My 2016 Ford Focus only has 67k miles on it

    NHTSA complaint #11677113 · source
12. Filed Apr 25, 2025FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Check engine light illuminated followed by unresponsive throttle. Pulled over and the car immediately stalled. Would not restart. Came back with code P1450. There's an open recall for that exact code for 2015-2018 focus, however the 1.0L supposedly "not affected" so my vehicle is not eligible.

    NHTSA complaint #11656791 · 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