Print this page

4.0

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,497 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Ford Focus drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2018 Ford Focus:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2018 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 1 of 11)

problem #212

Jun 222024

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission is slipping causing the transmission to emit a -??transmission hot-?? code on car. Dealer is aware of certain cars with the same issue. This is an automatic transmission but codes are reading that the clutch is stuck. Car suddenly loses power which can cause a major accident.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #211

Jun 162024

Focus

  • miles
Driving on highway, message transmission overheating, park car. We were on highway, and had to pull over, this very much put our safety at risk. 2018 ford focus titanium 29,000 miles Got it to dealership Replaced clutch/levers with seal kit $4123.05

- Hamilton, OH, USA

problem #210

May 202024

Focus

  • miles
Upon purchase of the vehicle in 2018 it has been taken into Ford dealer for multiple issues over the years up until current related to transmission (cvt) and TCM. It has excessive shudder upon acceleration, feels as it will stall suddenly, hesitant upon acceleration, shifting roughly and not shifting at all at times, with and also without a check engine light on. Multiple codes have been read but the TCM has needed a reset every time it-??s been taken in. There has been a recall/extended warranty on other Focus and Fiesta years due to same issue with TCM, which often times is misdiagnosed due to faulty codes. This has been an ongoing and consistent problem since I-??ve owned the vehicle.

- Sugaroaf, CA, USA

problem #209

Feb 072024

Focus

  • 87,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing transmission failures, and the transmission clutch was replaced several times under an unknown recall. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The message "Service Transmission Now" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The PCM was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer determined that the clutch needed to be replaced; however, an unknown recall had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

- Ridgeway, VA, USA

problem #208

Nov 232023

Focus

  • miles
On [XXX] 2023, while driving on [XXX] near Dalton GA the brakes did not work. As i exited from the highway i could not stop the car, the brakes did not work. No warning lights showed up on the dashboard. I had to engage the emergency break to get the vehicle to stop. When i had the vehicle towed to the dealership for repairs it was discovered that two of the 3 pistons were not working, the break pump failed and the oil pump failed. If i had to stop suddenly on the highway, i would not have been able to do this. I would have likely crashed into something. This recall needs to be elevated as Ford has still not notified anyone of the needed repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Roswell, GA, USA

problem #207

Apr 242024

Focus

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle and attempting to reverse out of the dealer, the vehicle hesitated before reversing, however, the contact continued to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that approximately 2 weeks after purchasing the vehicle while attempting to reverse out of a parking space, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was assisted by people nearby in pushing the vehicle out of the parking space. The contact was able to drive the vehicle; however, the failure to reverse persisted. The contact stated that while approximately 55 MPH was back to the residence, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate and stalled. The contact stated that the message -??Transmission Overheating - Switch Off Engine for 5 Minutes-?? was displayed. The contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed. The contact related to the failure of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic had not repaired the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the clutch had failed and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 105,000.

- Ashland, OR, USA

problem #206

Jan 012022

Focus

  • 50,374 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle was shaking and rattling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Crest Ford, in Center Line (26333 Van Dyke Ave., Center Line, MI 48015), where it was diagnosed that the EPV valve clutch and purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V845000 (Power Train) and 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,374.

- Warren, MI, USA

problem #205

May 182024

Focus

  • miles
P219a, p064d Total system shutdown was not recrank. Was in the middle of a four-way intersection when car died. Independent service diagnose the problem Have checked the Ford recall list and there are three recalls address to my vehicle Oil pressure light battery light and check engine light

- Choudrant, LA, USA

problem #204

Feb 132024

Focus

  • miles
Had Turbo checked out while under warranty. Ford service could not replace because DTC didn't call for replacement. Turbo failed and parts went into engine after warranty expired because of 60 months. only 25000 miles on car. Car needs engine, turbo and other parts replaced. cost of over $8000 no longer covered under warranty. Fords negligence in not replacing turbo led to the engine failure.

- Ashley, ND, USA

problem #203

Feb 082024

Focus

  • miles
Ford transmission failure Started with chattering and engine acceleration at red lights. Progressed to remaining in drive even though you shifted to park or reverse

- Dracut, MA, USA

problem #202

Apr 192024

Focus

  • 84,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch forks. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.

- Natrona Heights, PA, USA

problem #201

Apr 012024

Focus

  • miles
PowerShift transmission, including the 6DCT250 DPS6 version used in the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus, used dry clutches and electric motor/solenoid actuation, which is prone to failure. I have had the vehicle in shop for tcm replacement twice in a year. Now quoted 3300, for repair. This is not covered under recall or warranty by Ford.

- Norwich, NY, USA

problem #200

Dec 182020

Focus

  • miles
Car was being driven on the interstate when the vehicle suddenly lost power, steering, and braking. My son was able to get the car over to the side of the road and stopped. After a few minutes he attempted to restart the car and received an display message that said Engine Service Now. We had the vehicle towed to a Ford Dealer where the problem was diagnosed as the Oil pump drive belt had failed which caused damage to the engine and turbo charger on the car. Failure occurred at 67,422 miles. Prior to the sudden loss of power there was no warning lights or indication that any thing was wrong with the car.

- Nampa, ID, USA

problem #199

Apr 152024

Focus

  • 166,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the clutch began to fail. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was able to speak with the manufacturer and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

- Monaca, PA, USA

problem #198

Apr 012024

Focus

  • 77,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift immediately from first to second gear. The vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch actuator B and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Corona, CA, USA

problem #197

Feb 232023

Focus

  • miles
Transmission won't pull

- Calhoun, GA, USA

problem #196

Feb 042024

Focus

  • miles
I have had several Ford Focuses and I-??m not sure why I keep buying them. The transmission shudders or slips. Makes awful noises like grinding or something hitting the fan blade. I currently have 7 codes stored in the car but no check engine light. My garage thinks maybe it needs a new ABS control module. The display screen goes black all the time and doesn-??t come back on. Ford is aware of these issues in the 2018 models and continues to do nothing. I-??ve been a loyal Ford buyer for years and I-??m never buying -??American made-?? again. They cut corners and produce trash vehicles that the consumer has to pay out of pocket for repairs. Current codes are P219A and C. U0121, U0140, U0256, U0452 and U2101. The car always makes a strange beeping noise. It sounds like a warning chime but no lights come on or anything. The car has AWFUL fuel mileage currently. I live 15 mins from work with only 1 traffic light and it used half a tank for 4 days of just traveling 30 mins a day. You pay a decent amount for these cars and can-??t rely on them. SHAMEFUL! The transmission issues have been happening since I bought the car in 2022. The codes, beeping and fuel mileage have been a recent issue within the last few months. It shakes. The vehicle is a safety concern not only for myself driving it, but others on the road.

- Gilford, NH, USA

problem #195

Mar 222024

Focus

  • 46,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jerked, displaying symptoms indicative of transmission failure. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 46,000.

- Mathis, TX, USA

problem #194

Mar 292024

Focus

  • 200 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jerked, displaying symptoms that were indicative of the transmission slipping. After which, the vehicle lost significant motive power before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 200.

- Beckley, WV, USA

problem #193

Apr 132020

Focus

  • 21,415 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle began shaking violently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,415.

- Mt Washington, KY, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?