What 1,022 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Ford Focus RS

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle would inadvertently lose motive power. On several occasions, the vehicle would not immediately restart. Additionally, while idling the RPM would erroneously increase; and after refueling, the vehicle would occasionally not restart. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the canister purge valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 143,000.

NHTSA ODI 11460633

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed his daughter that vehicle was included in an unknown recall. The contact’s daughter was informed by the dealer that parts for the recall were on back order and she was advised to leave the vehicle in their possession however, the driver declined. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ODI 11459915

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted into neutral and restarted the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the evaporator system had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11459201

Car studdering and shuts off. Transmission seems to get hot and causes car to shut down. After a few minutes can restart car and go again. This seems to happen more if the car stops and goes alot.

NHTSA ODI 11458920

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with steering rack failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11457790

I was driving down the highway and my door locking latch and cable failed. The door came open going 75 MPH.The defective dealership part I found out is the subject of recalls on other Ford Focus year models but my model was left off the recall. This is a huge safety concern as my door is unable to lock at all times including highway driving.

NHTSA ODI 11457382

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 19N08 (Transmission Clutch Warranty Extension). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle was not able to reverse. The check engine warning light and transmission failure warning message were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN and she had to pay out-of-pocket for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11457320

1. Fluctuating fuel gage. 2. Car stopped while driving on highway multiple times. 3. Rough Idle and hard to start. DTC code P1450 is displayed. I went to the Ford dealership for 18S32 Recall and I was charged over $ 400 for recall to be performed. I did show them the Safety Recall Notice-18S32. There was not a crash but I went from Middle lane on GSP to right most lane and a nice lady slowed down to let me pull over to the shoulder. This could have been an accident. How can Ford dealership refuse to perform this recall and charge customers over $ 400? I will have to scan and upload the bill tomorrow.

NHTSA ODI 11457160

I received a P1450 Code on my Ford Focus ST Accompanied with a CEL, after researching there seems to be a issue with the purge valve and not displaying gas levels correctly. It is available for inspection, I am concerned regarding this issue because I want my fuel levels to display correctly, and if I stall on the road I want to be able to reactivate my car without any issues. The issue is reported on a engine code recording device. There was a Check Engine Light.

NHTSA ODI 11455970

When moving forward from a stopped position, the front tires shake/stutter which requires you to let up on the accelerator and move forward at a lesser speed to stop the shaking/stuttering. Also while the engine is warming up, the transmission is slow in changing gears, and in some cases it doesn't feel as if they change at all.

NHTSA ODI 11455471

The transmission control module was the first to be replaced when the car began to shudder upon acceleration from a complete stop. Took to Ford Dealership where it was replaced under recall warranty. In 2020, was driving on highway and merged to an exit when at a red light then green car would not move forward. Car was turned off and on and nothing. Was stuck in the middle of an exit ramp for about an hour until I messed with the clutch and made a popping noise and began to move. Took to Ford dealership and the power train clutch was also replaced. Notified that there was a recall on that part again. Thought problem was fixed, car began to shudder again. It is 2022, the shuddering is really bad again. Took to ford dealership once again, car no longer falls under warranty because of mileage (I am just over 100,000 miles) and it is the dual powershift clutch again (the same one on recall) just almost two years later and they want almost $3000 to replace.

NHTSA ODI 11454608

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the key fob was inadvertently touched and the rear lift gate erroneously opened. The contact indicated that the fob was not pressed twice as needed to open the hatch. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 16V698000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 15,000.

NHTSA ODI 11454715

My vehicle is having issues regarding the clutch and transmission module. This issue has been going on every since I bought my vehicle new in 2015. The last time they fixed the issue (free) was in May of 2020. When I went to the dealership where I bought my car and where they have replaced this issue, I was told that they will have to charge me to diagnose the problem. I told them that they never charged me before and the issue it’s having is the same so why today are you charging me? They said that it’s because it could be the clutch issue that’s not covered. However they have fixed the clutch issue before in which that time was May 2029. The for recall for my vehicle is 18V169000 to be fixed up to 150,000 miles my vehicle has 102,000 miles. Another recall that I looked up is 18S07 which is regarding the clutch. Website https://www.cars.com/research/ford-focus-2015/recalls/ So why will they not fix my car when both recall # say they will be fixed at no charge to me.

NHTSA ODI 11453715

My car‘s check engine light came on, then the whole car suddenly shut off while I was driving down the highway. After getting it restarted, I filled it with gas and after beginning to drive it, the car shut off again. I have run a code on the check engine light and it stated that the EVAP hose needed to be replaced. I called the dealership and they said that it was likely the CVP as this caused the same issue and multiple vehicles were having to have them replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11453246

Two part lug nuts experience swelling over time and make removal of the lugs very difficult and may result in the lugs not being adequately tight when the wheel is put back on. The dealer confirmed that this is a known problem and when they repair this issue, they use an after market lug that is not a two part lug, and therefore doesn't have the swelling issue. I was not aware of this problem till my most recent annual inspection and when I expressed surprise, the dealer mechanic stated that even though Ford is well aware of this issue, Ford will not cover this item and its the owner's problem.

NHTSA ODI 11453269

My vehicle began making loud rubbing noises when turning and then in addition, progressed to having trouble steering. I took it to a shop that advised me that I needed a new rack and pinion steering system. I took the vehicle home and when I went to get return to the garage to have it replaced, the car would not turn at all except with extreme force; I had to have it towed. I had to pay for an entire new rack and pinion steering (and labor) and for the front end to be aligned after. I checked and even though there are numerous complaints, there is no recall.

NHTSA ODI 11453136

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 20 MPH and depressing on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started to shudder. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission clutch assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact became aware that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train) in 2019 under the previous owner. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11452703

While returning from vacation, my transmission failed with only a displayed message that the transmission was hot and to stop for 5 minutes. I immediately pulled off the highway and parked the car for 15 minutes. The message cleared and I proceeded to drive about another 15 miles and the car lost power to the transmission while in traffic on the interstate. I had to make a lane change and pull off the road. Fortunately I was close to a vehicle repair facility so I drifted to the facility. They immediately evaluated the problem and I was told the transmission had completely failed, which apparently is an issue that Ford was aware of during manufacture. This failure could have caused a crash because I had to switch lanes with perfect timing to prevent an accident. The repair facility contacted a Ford Technician about a mile away who came and tested/evaluated the transmission and confirmed that it had a total failure. From the first warning message until the complete failure was within a ten minute period after allowing the first warning message to clear from the 15 minute cooling period. I am still waiting on parts and repair bills as of 02/09/2022. They will be forwarded as received. This will be the 3rd transmission installed on this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11451278

I was driving home from work when I got a "steering fault" notification, followed by very limited control over my vehicle's steering system. I was going between 55-65 miles, as I was on an expressway, and came very close to colliding with other vehicles on multiple occasions. I was able to make it home and then when I went to drive it to the shop for repairs, I received the "steering loss" notification and I could no longer move my vehicle. There are quite a few noted complaints about Ford's power steering assist failing with the Focus and many other models.

NHTSA ODI 11449709

Vehicle looses all power while driving on freeway. Gas guage inaccurate, after filling gas and driving 150 miles it is out of gas without warning and will loose power under any operating condition. This has happened numerous times.

NHTSA ODI 11449101

I started to notice a rubbing sound when I would turn the steering wheel. I also noticed when I turned the wheel to the right, there was a slight hesitating resistance. A week later, I was going down the highway about 70 mph, when a warning message popped up “power steering fault”. At that moment, the steering completely lost power and it was difficult to steer. Going at that speed on a busy highway was very dangerous. Without any power steering, in heavy traffic, I had to manually steer my way from the speed lane to the right outer lane to take the exit. I had to cancel mission, turn around and go back home, hoping to get back safely. I was put at risk and so were other folks on the road, that day. I haven't taken my car for repair yet.

NHTSA ODI 11448493

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. Four years ago, the contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, excessive force was needed to steer his vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the rack and pinion were replaced. Recently, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal creaking noise would emit from the power steering without warning. The vehicle was towed to Woody Sander Ford (235 W Mitchell Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232) and he was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle; the contact was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA ODI 11446656

Check engine light went on 2 minutes later a notification came on dash saying transmission hot safety pull over for 5 mins. Sat there for an hour scared to drive it cause I didn't want to make worse. When I went to drive home it struggles shifting into 1st and not even 3 mins after it shakes into 2nd gear it notifies me that transmission is hot to pull over. I will not drive it afraid it could catch fire and won't shift Car in a shopping plaza waiting to tow to house. Called 2 shops in Canton Ohio and they both said not a shop in town would touch the dual clutch transmission to take it to ford.

NHTSA ODI 11446111

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with electric power steering module failure. The electric power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11445493

My 2015 ford focus has continually stopped in traffic causing a safety risk to other drivers and myself. I've taken it in for recalls and repairs but the problem still exists. The front rail hp switch was replaced and the hp fuel pump was replaced too. I'm afraid for people and my life. I have googled the problem and I see thousands of people have the same problem and can't get it fixed without dumping thousands of dollars into it. This has gone too far. I need help. Please. I'm old and not rich.

NHTSA ODI 11444666