NHTSA Safety Database

Ford Focus
Recall Hub

Live data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covering every Ford Focus model year. Filter by year, search by keyword, or enter your VIN to check your specific compact car. All recall repairs at Astro Ford are free of charge — covering Focus sedan, hatchback, ST hot hatch, RS performance hatch, and BEV configurations across 2.0L GDI, 2.0L GTDI, 1.6L EcoBoost, and 1.0L Fox EcoBoost powertrains. The third-generation Focus was sold in North America from 2012 to 2018, when Ford discontinued the model in NA. Astro Ford continues to perform free safety recall service on all Focus vehicles regardless of where you originally purchased it.

Check Your Specific Truck

Enter your 17-character VIN to see only the recalls that apply to your exact vehicle. We query NHTSA in real time.

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Notable Focus Recalls to Know

Significant recalls and customer satisfaction programs affecting Ford Focus owners across the third-generation platform (2012–2018) — covering canister purge valve / engine stall, 1.0L Fox EcoBoost clutch fracture fire risk, oil pump drive belt failure, side door latches that may break, hatchback FMVSS 206 single-press unlatch, engine block heater fire risk, plus the well-known DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch transmission issue handled through warranty extensions and the Vargas v. Ford civil settlement. Verified from NHTSA Part 573 reports, Ford safety bulletins, and reputable industry sources. Always check your specific VIN above; not all vehicles in a model year are affected.

Engine Stall Risk2012–2018 Focus (2.0L)Ford Safety Recall 18S32 / 19S22
Canister Purge Valve Malfunction — Engine Stall While Driving Without Restart
On certain 2012–2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with the 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction and stick open, causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system. The excessive vacuum can deform the plastic fuel tank and result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle — significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Recall 19S22 expanded the original 18S32 (NHTSA 18V-735) to cover 2012 and 2017 Focus 2.0L GDI plus 2013-2014 Focus ST 2.0L GTDI vehicles where the prior PCM update was not properly applied. Until the recall is performed, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full to reduce vapor system vacuum.
Dealers reprogram the Powertrain Control Module to detect a stuck-open CPV. Dealers also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, the carbon canister, fuel tank, and fuel delivery module are inspected and replaced if necessary. All work is free of charge. Recall began August 19, 2019 (18S32) and July 29, 2019 (19S22).
Source: Ford Safety Recall 18S32 / Ford Safety Recall 19S22 / NHTSA Recall 18V-735 / Cars.com / DealerRater / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Fire Risk2016–2018 Focus (1.0L)Ford Safety Recall 18S07 (expansion of NHTSA 18V-169)
Clutch May Fracture — Transmission Fluid Leak Fire Risk (1.0L EcoBoost Manual)
On certain 2016–2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with the 1.0L Fox GTDI EcoBoost three-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, the clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak. 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. The recall also covers certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles with the 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission, plus 2015-2016 Focus 1.0L GTDI manual transmission vehicles, plus four 2017 Focus vehicles that received clutch replacements with potentially affected parts. Recall 18S07 expanded NHTSA recall 18V-169.
Dealers update the vehicle with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and replace the clutch as necessary, free of charge. Recall began January 17, 2019.
Source: Ford Safety Recall 18S07 / NHTSA Recall 18V-169 / Cars.com / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Engine Stall + Brake Risk2016–2018 Focus / 2018–2022 EcoSportFord Safety Recall (Oil Pump Drive Belt)
Oil Pump Drive Belt or Tensioner May Fail — Loss of Oil Pressure, Engine Stall, Loss of Power Brake Assist
On certain 2016–2018 Ford Focus and 2018–2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles, the oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. Loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The 1.0L Fox EcoBoost three-cylinder engine in the Focus and EcoSport uses a wet-belt-in-oil oil pump drive design, where the belt runs in the engine oil. When the belt deteriorates, debris can clog the oil pickup screen, leading to oil starvation.
Dealers inspect and replace the oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner as necessary, free of charge. The remedy may also include cleaning the oil pickup tube and screen.
Source: Ford Safety Recall (Oil Pump Drive Belt) / Cars.com / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Injury Risk2012–2015 Focus (and others)Ford Safety Recall 16S30 / 20S30 (Door Latch Lineage)
Side Door Latches May Break — Doors May Open While Driving
On certain 2012–2015 Ford Focus vehicles (along with 2011–2014 Fiesta, 2013–2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013–2015 Escape and C-Max, 2014–2016 Transit Connect, 2013–2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC), a component within the side door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching, or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when in fact it is not. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury. The 16S30 recall covered the original repair; 20S30 is a "fix the fix" correction recall covering vehicles previously repaired under 15V-246, 16V-643, or 17V-210 where the original repair may not have been completed properly. The defective component was supplied by Kiekert and was implicated in multiple Ford recalls and government investigations.
Dealers replace the side door latches with an improved part, free of charge. For 20S30, dealers inspect latch date codes to confirm if prior repair was correct, and replace if necessary. Owners can also self-inspect by entering latch date codes into Ford's verification website. 20S30 owner notification letters mailed July 27, 2020.
Source: Ford Safety Recall 16S30 / Ford Safety Recall 20S30 / NHTSA / Cars.com / Focus Fanatics / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Compliance — FMVSS 2062013–2017 Focus Hatchback (manual)Ford Safety Recall 16C13
Hatchback May Unlatch with Single Press of Interior Latch Release Button
On certain 2013–2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles built February 14, 2012 to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission, the hatchback may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 206 "Door Locks and Door Retention Components." With only a single press needed, the driver may accidentally unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back. If a driver actuates the button at vehicle speeds less than 7 km/h (4 mph), the back door will unlock and unlatch, potentially exposing unrestrained occupants while the vehicle is moving.
Dealers reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017.
Source: Ford Safety Recall 16C13 / Cars.com / DealerRater / Ford.com / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Fire Risk — Park Outside2016–2018 Focus (and others)Ford Safety Recall 26S01 (expansion of 25V685)
Engine Block Heater May Crack and Short Circuit — Fire Risk When Plugged In
On certain 2016–2018 Ford Focus vehicles (along with 2013–2019 Escape and 2015–2016 Lincoln MKC) equipped with a 2.0L engine, the engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak. When the block heater is plugged into household power, the coolant leak can cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of a fire. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Recall 26S01 is an expansion of NHTSA recall 25V685 covering additional VINs that were not in the original recall population.
Dealers replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Interim notification letters mailed February 13, 2026; final remedy letters anticipated April 2026.
Source: Ford Safety Recall 26S01 / Ford Safety Recall 25V685 (predecessor) / Cars.com / NHTSA Part 573 Report
Customer Satisfaction Program2012–2018 Focus (DPS6 automatic)14M01 / 14M02 / 19N08 / Vargas v. Ford Settlement
DPS6 PowerShift Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission — Slipping, Bucking, Jerking, Delayed Acceleration
The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission used in 2012-2018 Ford Focus and 2011-2018 Ford Fiesta vehicles was the subject of widespread customer complaints including slipping, bucking, kicking, jerking, and sudden or delayed vehicle acceleration. While the issue never received a single sweeping NHTSA safety recall, Ford addressed it through a series of warranty extensions and customer satisfaction programs (14M01, 14M02, 19N08), and the Vargas v. Ford civil class-action settlement (effective April 7, 2020) provided cash payments, vehicle repurchase options, and discount certificates for qualifying 2012-2016 Focus and 2011-2016 Fiesta owners. The 2017-2018 Focus was excluded from the original Vargas settlement, and a separate 2022 lawsuit covers 2017-2018 Focus and 2017-2019 Fiesta owners. Ford extended the powertrain warranty for affected vehicles from 5 years/60,000 miles to 7 years/100,000 miles in 2014 and the transmission warranty similarly in 2020. Consumer Reports placed the DPS6-equipped Focus on its "Cars Most Likely to Need a Transmission Replacement" list.
Customer satisfaction program 19N08 covered transmission control module reprogramming, clutch replacement, and other repairs free of charge under extended warranty. Vargas v. Ford settlement claim deadlines have largely expired (most claims due October-November 2020). Owners experiencing ongoing DPS6 issues should consult with an attorney about lemon law options.
Source: Ford Customer Satisfaction Programs 14M01 / 14M02 / 19N08 / Vargas v. Ford Settlement (United States District Court Central District of California) / Cherish Your Car / Ford Authority / Capstone Law APC / The Lemon Law Experts

Focus Recall FAQs

Common questions about Ford F-150 recalls, your rights as an owner, and what to do next.

How do I check if my Focus has an open recall?

The fastest and most accurate method is to enter your 17-character VIN into the checker at the top of this page, which queries the NHTSA database in real time. You can also check directly at nhtsa.gov/recalls or Ford's own recall tool at ford.com/support/recalls-details.

Your VIN is found on the lower left corner of your windshield (visible from outside), on your driver's door jamb sticker, or on your registration and insurance documents.

Are Ford Focus recall repairs free?

Yes — all safety, compliance, and emissions recalls are repaired at no cost to you. Parts and labor are covered by Ford through any authorized Ford dealership, regardless of whether you are the original owner or purchased the truck used.

If you previously paid out of pocket to fix an issue that was later tied to a recall, you may be eligible for a refund. Ask your Ford dealer or contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 for reimbursement details.

Do Ford Focus recalls ever expire?

Safety, compliance, and emissions recalls do not expire. Ford is required by federal law to repair these defects free of charge regardless of the vehicle's age or mileage, and regardless of how many owners the truck has had.

Customer Satisfaction Programs (which are separate from safety recalls) may have time and mileage limitations. If you are unsure whether something is a safety recall or a CSP, ask your dealer or check NHTSA.gov — only official safety recalls appear in the NHTSA database.

Can I still drive my Focus if it has an open recall?

It depends on the severity. Most recalls allow you to continue driving while awaiting a repair appointment — the risk is present but not immediate. However, some recalls carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park It Outside" warning from NHTSA, meaning the vehicle poses an immediate safety risk and should not be operated until repaired.

Always read the full recall description for your specific truck. If in doubt, contact Astro Ford or Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 for guidance specific to your VIN.

How will I be notified about a recall?

Ford is required by law to mail notification letters to all registered owners of affected vehicles once a recall is announced and VINs are confirmed. These letters identify the defect, the safety risk, and instructions for getting the repair done.

You can also proactively sign up for alerts through the free NHTSA SaferCar app or via Ford's recall notification sign-up. Because mailing lists depend on vehicle registration, used truck buyers may not always receive letters — this is why checking your VIN directly is important.

Which Focus model years have the most recalls?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2012–2018 third-generation Ford Focus carries the heaviest recall and customer satisfaction program load of any Focus generation. The most well-known issue is the DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission used in 2012–2018 Focus (and 2011–2018 Fiesta), which was addressed through warranty extensions (14M01, 14M02, 19N08) and the Vargas v. Ford civil settlement effective April 7, 2020 covering 2012–2016 Focus and 2011–2016 Fiesta.

The 2012–2018 Focus 2.0L GDI/GTDI is covered by the 18S32 / 19S22 canister purge valve engine stall recalls. The 2016–2018 Focus 1.0L Fox EcoBoost manual transmission is covered by the 18S07 clutch fracture fire-risk recall, and the 2016–2018 Focus is covered by the oil pump drive belt failure recall affecting the same engine.

The 2012–2015 Focus is covered by the 16S30 / 20S30 side door latch lineage shared with Fiesta, Fusion, Mustang, Escape, C-Max, Transit Connect, and Lincoln MKZ/MKC. The 2013–2017 Focus hatchback (manual transmission) is covered by the 16C13 hatchback unlatch FMVSS 206 recall. The 2016–2018 Focus 2.0L is covered by the 26S01 engine block heater fire risk recall (expansion of 25V685).

The Ford Focus was discontinued in North America after 2018, but Astro Ford continues to perform free safety recall service on all Focus vehicles. Always run your specific VIN at NHTSA.gov.

What's the difference between a recall and a Customer Satisfaction Program?

A safety recall is a federally mandated action where Ford must fix a confirmed safety defect at no cost, with no expiration date. These are filed with NHTSA and appear in the official recall database.

A Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) is a voluntary Ford initiative to address quality issues that do not rise to the level of a federal safety recall. CSPs often have expiration dates and mileage limits, and they do not appear on NHTSA.gov. Your Ford dealer can check your VIN for any open CSPs when you bring your truck in for service.

How long does a recall repair take at the dealership?

It varies widely by the nature of the recall. A simple software update — whether dealer-applied or delivered over the air — can often be completed in under an hour. More involved repairs like replacing a brake booster, rear axle assemblies, or engine components may require several hours or a parts order if inventory is limited.

When you schedule your recall appointment at Astro Ford, our service team can give you an estimated completion time based on the specific recall and parts availability.

Can a recall affect my Focus's resale value?

An open, unrepaired recall can negatively affect resale value, and in some states dealers are legally prohibited from selling a vehicle with an unrepaired safety recall. Getting recalls repaired promptly — and keeping documentation — actually protects your truck's value.

A completed recall has no negative impact on resale value, and in many cases demonstrates that the vehicle has been properly maintained. Always provide recall repair documentation when selling your F-150.

Does Astro Ford handle recall repairs?

Yes. As an authorized Ford dealership, Astro Ford performs all Ford safety recall repairs at no charge to you, using genuine Ford parts and factory-trained technicians. You do not need to have purchased your truck from us — any Ford dealer can complete your recall repair.

Call us or schedule your recall appointment online and mention your recall campaign number when booking. Our service team will verify your VIN and confirm parts availability before your visit.