VehicleVerdict

2018 Ford Focus transmission problems

The 2018 Ford Focus has 316 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 29% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

316

Transmission complaints

29%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Focus transmission complaints by model year1,578 complaints2000: 246 complaints2001: 92 complaints2002: 58 complaints2003: 50 complaints2004: 21 complaints2005: 49 complaints2006: 14 complaints2007: 45 complaints2008: 23 complaints2009: 39 complaints2010: 45 complaints2011: 20 complaints2012: 1,456 complaints2013: 1,107 complaints2014: 1,578 complaints2015: 554 complaints2016: 673 complaints2017: 446 complaints2018: 316 complaints
Focus transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

26V376000TransmissionJune 9, 2026 · 5,252 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.

18V845000TransmissionNovember 28, 2018 · 2,828 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-169.

What owners report

“I HAVE A 2018 FORD FOCUS SE THAT IS LESS THEN A YEAR OLD AND IT BOGS DOWN, ACTS LIKE ITS GOING TO STALL OUT AND DOESN'T GET THE GAS MILEAGE IT'S SUPPOSE TOO. IT BOGS DOWN WHEN I AM DRIVING IT AND WHEN DRIVING IT WILL SPIT AND SPUTTER LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL OUT ON ME THEN SNAPS OUT OF IT. FORD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 15, 2018

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2018 Ford Focus have?

NHTSA has 316 complaints about the 2018 Ford Focus transmission — 29% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2018 Ford Focus transmission?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 18V845000, 26V376000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.