Home · 2015 Ford Focus · Complaints

What 1,017 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Ford Focus

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,017)Crash / fire / injury (35)Transmission & drivetrain (557)Engine (172)Fuel system (170)Steering (96)Electrical system (67)Speed control (44)Airbags (17)Body & structure (16)Wheels (12)Brakes (10)

170 of 1,017 complaints match · Fuel system · clear filters · page 2 of 7

Jul 31, 2023EngineFuel system

Service engine soon light came on, repair shop said I needed a tune up and could still drive ok. Broke down. Got that done and still engine light on so transmission fluid changed too. Now repair shop says it’s the transmission and clutch assembly that the dealer recalled and fixed a few years ago. I’m stuck with payments still and no way to get the $5000 the dealer days it will cost to fix this. Car value is the same. Everyone I’ve talked to has said this is a bad year’s model and will continue to break down even after fixing. Can you offer any advice? Thank you!

NHTSA ODI 11535599

Jul 29, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

The power train control module & transmission control module has failed since I bought the Focus 2016 at 660 m on it. I’ve had this serviced 8 times @ Ford. Check engine light is on. Code P060A Was shown @ Ford. Mileage now is 72000. TCM & PCM were recall several times. Ford is charging me to fix it. Please tell me how this is NOT covered 10 yr. 150 k mile warranty OR by the 8th time being “serviced” & UNRESOLVED?

NHTSA ODI 11535237

Jun 30, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

When driving in stop and go traffic 0=5 mph for about 30 mins the car began to act as if was slipping and revenge up without moving and engine light came on and would sometimes slam into gear. I placed vehicle in sport mode and it idled irratically to the point I felt it was going to shut down. Upon arrival home I realized that now reverse had went out when attempting to put car in driveway. I will be taking it into Ford today for the 1 recall on the fuel canister software but I feel that it is not related and hope they will make some discovery and fix it accordingly.

NHTSA ODI 11529703

May 31, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

Car began losing power particularly at low speeds. AAA inspected vehicle and determined that clutch and transmission would need to be replaced (~$10K repair). This is the second time the transmission and clutch have been replaced. The car has a total of 50,000 miles on it (ie, it is still, mechanically, very, very young ) Manufacturer seems to have known about the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11524734

Apr 7, 2023Fuel system

Check engine light came on Code P1450 Dealer diagnosed Canister Purge Valve needed to be replaced. My ViN not under recall! This has been a common problem for other 2015 Ford Focus vehicles and many under recall. Recall notice should be expanded to include those of us with this same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11515916

Mar 20, 2023Fuel system

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The independent mechanic then gave the contact a car fax report which showed that the vehicle was taken to Al Packer's White Marsh Ford LLC (9801 Pulaski Hwy, Middle River, MD 21220) where the vehicle was inspected but never serviced for the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and the contact was informed that the recall was closed. No assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

NHTSA ODI 11512733

Jan 3, 2023Fuel system

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the purge valve needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the purge valve was replaced. After the vehicle was repaired, the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11499939

Nov 15, 2022Electrical systemFuel system

When driving my car the first day I bought it, the wrench icon illuminated, telling me to check the manual. I figured I would do so after work, but as I tried to start the car to leave work, I received a "Stop Safely Now" message and could not start the car. It had at least 30% charge, being electric, so that had nothing to do with it not starting. I am glad this did not happen when I was driving, as I have seen other instances of earlier years of the Ford Focus electric with this same issue. In other cases, it came in while the owner was driving, causing all power to the accelerator to stop. It was recently serviced since I just bought it, so I know there shouldn't have been any outlying service to be done. I am calling a tow service in the morning to have it taken to a dealer, so hopefully they can figure out the issue. I just wanted to let others know that this item that has had a recall on earlier years still persists with the 2015 model.

NHTSA ODI 11493726

Nov 1, 2022Fuel systemTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on various occasions after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would not immediately restart and required multiple attempts. The contact also stated that when she was able to restart the vehicle soon after refueling, the vehicle stalled and then lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure was reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve (CPV) needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V479000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in either recalls. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11491746

Oct 31, 2022Fuel systemTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond and seemed as if the vehicle was in neutral(N). The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a code reader and retrieved a fault code on the transmission. The contact was also informed that there was an extended warranty on the vehicle for the failure. The manufacturer was notified, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ODI 11491564

Oct 28, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The contact stated after several attempts the vehicle restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while her daughter was at a complete stop, the vehicle was making an abnormal pumping sound. Additionally, the vehicle would shudder and would hesitate to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the engine was making abnormal knocking sounds while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle then failed to start and was towed to her residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11491300

Oct 11, 2022Fuel system

Car stalling out while driving with gas tank under half full. Canister fuel pump bad again after 2 1/2 years of replacements

NHTSA ODI 11488818

Aug 30, 2022EngineFuel system

On August 14th at approximately 2 pm my Ford Focus came to a complete stall at the intersection of Seymour Hwy and Brookes Ave in Wichita Falls, Texas. After several failed attempts to restart the vehicle it was pushed into a saver location and towed by Mike's Towing in WF to Quality Lube on Pearlie Drive also in WF. Fuel gauge was sitting at a little over 1/4 tank and panel was reading 78 miles to empty. I ran the VIN and pulled up a recall from 10/22/2018 that Ford neglected to contact me the owner of. The mechanic at Quality Lube would not touch it because of the recall. On August 15th I put gas in and the vehicle started right up, I drove the vehicle from Quality Lube straight to Pruitt Ford (location of purchase) located in Burkburnett, Texas. Left the vehicle and my mother called the next day and explained the problem and dangers improper vacuum through the fuel tank could cause and recall was pulled up. Pruitt Ford failed to run diagnostic to insure their fix actually fixed the issues, stating that they performed the recall and the check engine light was no longer on so they were done on their end. Picked up the vehicle from Pruitt Ford midafternoon on August 18th. August 24th the Check Engine Light came back on, Pruitt Ford was called and stated I would be responsible for $135 to run a diagnostic. I had the code pulled up and it stated P1450 Unable to Bleed Up Fuel Tank Vacuum. Pruitt Ford failed to repair the vehicle to a safe condition. On the 25th the vehicle was taken back to them after being supplied a case number to get the vehicle properly repaired through Ford Motor. CAS-38298302-J2R8C6 This morning I get a call from Pruitt Ford stating that Ford Motor will not honor the recall due to the mileages on the vehicle. This is a 2015 with 65,844 miles on it, there is no mileage limit on a recall and recalls have no expiration date. Ford Motor states it is not a warranty problem therefore the dealership is responsible recall repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11482047

Aug 30, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

The transmission has been repaired only to have worse problems surface. Overnight, I lost my Reverse and a week later the Drive function stopped working. It placed me in a dangerous situation. I was at a gas station, suddenly no Reverse. I was wedged between cars. I had to push it backwards to give room for the car in front. I took it to Ford and they wanted $3000 for a clutch, they made me pay $210 diagnosis fee at Gene Butman Ford. I was angry. I went to a part store, the part was $245!!! I told Ford this car has been in for recalls with transmission and evaporative system. This is at least the third time for the transmission. It's a 2015, only 115,000 miles on it and it already is a piece of junk. I'm never buying a Ford again. The dealership folk were rude and offered nothing even when I mentioned a recall on the transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11482120

Jul 30, 2022Fuel system

Car turns off after filling with gas. Does not start properly after refilling tank. If I stop sometimes even in traffic it’ll automatically turn off.

NHTSA ODI 11476680

Jun 30, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over safely and activated the hazard lights. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump was defective. The contact stated that an unknown sensor was reprogrammed. The contact indicated there was more damage to the vehicle from the sensor; however, the dealer was unable to repair the additional damage. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.

NHTSA ODI 11471898

Jun 6, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM’s fell to zero, causing the vehicle to stall. The check engine, ABS, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel tank was deformed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was 108,102.

NHTSA ODI 11467821

May 26, 2022Electrical systemEngineFuel system

Vehicle stalls & shuts off during use with zero warning, both while in park and while car is running and stopped with foot on brake at a stoplight, and also seems sluggish and straining during active driving as if it wants to stall and shut down. When car stalls, a warning displays (System Start Fault) when attempt is made to restart vehicle and the vehicle WILL NOT restart for anywhere between 45 minutes to 4 hours (so far). The vehicle will then go through varied reactions to attempts to restart when ignition key is turned ... ranging from the dashboard warning of System Start Fault with no success at restart to absolutely NO response of dashboard or other lights/warnings/electrical (completely dead). When this stall/complete shut down occurs, it also becomes locked in whatever gear it was in (Park or Drive) when the stall & immediate shutdown occurs and the gearshift locks in place and you're unable to shift into park or neutral as needed for tow or to move the vehicle off the roadway without the tow driver or other person dismantling the area covering the gearshift to access the hidden pin to shift into neutral to move the vehicle from the roadway. After the first complete shutdown during use occurred, it was taken to a local Ford dealership who was "unable to find the cause" at that time. Since that time, this complete shutdown while in use has occurred another four times within the 3 months following, resulting in either towing the vehicle or waiting 1-4 hours where the vehicle stalls/dies (parking lot, stoplight, etc) until the vehicle decides to restart. I have become terrified of driving this only means of transportation as I don't know when or where this vehicle is going to shut down without warning and fear I will be struck and killed by another vehicle or someone else killed when it shuts down again on the active roadway.

NHTSA ODI 11466180

May 16, 2022Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemFuel system

I had a ford certified tech work on my Ford Focus and after my recalls were supposedly repaired my car is doing worse than ever, if I stop on a hill I will sometimes roll backwards due to apparent engagement issue, and after a new tcm to fix that my car now displays “transmission overheating stop safely” after a few miles on the highway. it shifts really rough and I haven’t ran the risk of stopping on a hill. Not what I would expect coming from a family who has over 100 years put into working at ford motor company.

NHTSA ODI 11464896

Apr 22, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to operate as designed with the fuel tank half empty. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and diagnosed with a defective canister purge valve and provided an estimate. The contact was also informed that her vehicle had been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and that she no longer qualified for a free repair under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 11461788

Apr 18, 2022EngineFuel system

after fueling the 2015 ford focus.Car is very hard to start and when it does start engine runs rough spits and sputters.Check engine light is on had diagnostic done, code was evap problem. was told problem was canister purge valve. no recall that i know of on this issue. this is very concerning because my wife drives this car hauls our grand kid and very elderly mother this should be a recall. THIS IS ALSO A VERY SERIOUS SAFTY ISSUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you.This is not the first time this has happened. fifth to sixth times. ford needs to man up on this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11461095

Apr 13, 2022Fuel system

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

Apr 6, 2022Fuel systemEngine

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

Apr 1, 2022EngineFuel system

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

Mar 10, 2022Fuel system

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

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Working with the data? Download all 1,017 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 10, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2015 Ford Focus verdict →