FORD FOCUS Recalls

The Ford Focus has 61 recalls spanning the 2000–2018 model years, with the most serious recent safety issue being a canister purge valve defect on 2012–2018 models with 2.0L engines where excessive fuel system vacuum can stall the engine without warning and prevent restart, raising the risk of a crash. This same vacuum issue affected some 2012 and 2017 models with 2.0L GDI engines and 2013–2014 Focus ST models where a prior software update was not properly applied, requiring a second repair. Among other powertrain concerns on mid-production years, 2016–2018 models with the 1.0L engine and 6-speed manual transmission have a clutch that can fracture and cause a transmission fluid leak near hot engine components, creating a fire risk. The same fire risk applies to 2015–2016 models with the same drivetrain combination. On 2016 models with the 1.0L engine, the oil pump tensioner or drive belt can fail, cutting engine oil pressure and causing the engine to seize, which removes both drive power and brake assist. A separate 2016 model recall covers floor pan welds that reduce front-end structural strength in a frontal crash. The engine block heater on 2013–2018 models equipped with the 2.0L engine can crack, leak coolant, and short circuit when plugged in, raising a fire risk. This same defect extends to certain 2016–2018 models under a separate filing. On Focus Electric and plug-in variants, 2015–2016 Electric models have a differential pinion shaft that can overheat and fracture, causing loss of drive power and loss of the park function. The 2012–2014 Electric models have a powertrain control module software issue that can trigger an unexpected stall, and 2012 Electric vehicles have a separate sudden power loss concern. The 2012 Focus Electric's included 120V charge cord can overheat at a poor outlet connection and melt or catch fire. A 2015 ignition recall covers models where the engine can continue running after being switched off, allowing unintended vehicle movement if the shifter is moved out of park. The 2013–2014 Focus ST with the 2.0L engine has a wiring harness issue that can cause engine hesitation or stalling. The 2013–2017 hatchback with manual transmission has a latch release that can unlatch the rear hatch with a single press while in motion. The 2017 model has a rear left seat back with an insufficient weld that reduces its strength in a crash. The 2012 model has a door latch pawl spring that can break and allow a door to open while driving, a wiper motor connector that can admit water and disable the passenger-side wiper, and a fuel tank that can deform from canister purge valve vacuum. The 2008 model has a driver's airbag module that can be assembled incorrectly and fail to deploy properly in a frontal crash. Going back to early production, the 2001 model has front seat recliner springs that can break and allow the seatback to unexpectedly fold rearward while driving. The 2000 model year carries the heaviest concentration of early recalls: rear wheel hub nuts can loosen and let the left rear wheel and brake drum separate from the vehicle; lower control arm ball joint attachment can fail and cause a sudden loss of steering control; speed control cables on both automatic and manual transmission variants can jam the thrott