Home · 2018 Ford Focus Bev · Complaints

What 743 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Focus Bev

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 (743)Crash / fire / injury (21)Transmission & drivetrain (285)Engine (195)Fuel system (181)Engine & cooling (108)Electrical system (38)Steering (30)Speed control (23)Brakes (21)Airbags (8)Body & structure (6)

Newest first · 743 complaints · page 10 of 30

Apr 5, 2024Engine

Was driving and the low oil pressure light came on. pulled over as the engine stalled and would not restart. towed vehicle to an local shop. They confirmed belt material in engine oil and open recall. Called Ford and they have no parts and no direction on what to do until the recall is open. told it could be months until they have any information. towed vehicle out of the shop it was at and it is sitting . Ford is providing NO support until the recall is offically open however they have sent out pre notices and my car needs an engine.

NHTSA ODI 11581409

Apr 5, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemDriver assistance

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.

NHTSA ODI 11581420

Apr 3, 2024Crash1 injury

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle became uncontrollable and crashed into a pole. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to her face, back, and ribs. The driver was taken to the hospital for medical attention. The air bag on the steering wheel failed to deploy. The floor air bags were deployed. There were no reported fires.  A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11580887

Apr 3, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. A warning light was illuminated which displayed that the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a repair code given as p2872 and it was unknown what parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

NHTSA ODI 11580999

Mar 29, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11580089

Mar 29, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11580127

Mar 28, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11579876

Mar 28, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost all motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pump belt, resulting in damage to the engine and requiring a replacement engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11579941

Mar 27, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

On [XXX], I was driving to the Grocery store and didn't even drive 1/2 mile when I got a message on my dash that my transmission was over heating, while sitting at a traffic light. 28,000 miles on my Focus. I pulled into the parking lot that was there and shut the car off. I called AAA to have my car towed to MasterCare Automotive. Then I had to tow the car to Sunrise Ford 5435 US-1. Ste 1. Fort Pierce, FL 34982. Directions · (772) 461-6000. because they have the equipment to run the diagnostic on my vehicle. I received a call that they have to put a $1,300 sensor in my vehicle in order for them to do a diagnostic test. I called Ford to see if they had any help with the vehicle as I was never told that my warranty ran out in Jan 2024 nor did they offer me an extended warranty on the vehicle (which I would of purchased if I knew that my warranty expired. I was also told that more then likely would need a new transmission at over $5,000. A car that only had 28.000 miles on it shouldn't need a new transmission on it as I drive the speed limit and do not abuse my vehicle. The car that I was driving wasn't safe, if it had transmission problems, never warned about the transmission going right after the warranty ran out on the vehicle. I didn't even make it to the first transmission fluid change. Other then I receiving the message on my dashboard, I did not have any issues with the vehicle, no problems shifting the vehicle and no indications that the transmission was going to go out or I would of had my car in the shop to get my car repaired. Now I am left without a vehicle, no bus service and cannot afford to take a taxi or uber because I am disabled and don't make enough on Social Security to be able to afford these luxury of calling a cab or uber. I take car of my vehicle and have my mechanic go over my car twice a year when I have my oil changed. My records for my vehicle are at MasterCare in Port St Lucie. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11579647

Mar 26, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that her daughter stated that the check engine warning light and the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter was able to coast to the side of the road however, the vehicle was not accelerating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump had failed and caused damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11579538

Mar 24, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Confirmation from Ford dealership that 2018 Ford Focus has worn out clutch replaced at 57,547 miles. Clutch issue was causing delays in shifting, and consistent shuddering when accelerating from an idle position. Repair covered under 5-year 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. There is a recall on this same issue on the 2012-2016 models. At 68,488 miles (approximately 11 months from former repair) the vehicle is beginning to shudder once again when accelerating from an idle position. This issue causes safety concerns as vehicle does not properly accelerate from idle position when accessing new roadways and oncoming traffic. Ford service explained that powertrain parts are covered under 2-year 24,000-mile warranty, unless that repair was completed under the powertrain warranty. Next step in the process, is to retrieve a diagnostic to confirm the issue and submit to claim to Ford to ask if Ford will cover the repair under 2-year 24,000-mile warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11579107

Mar 23, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The automatic transmission shudders starting from a stop. Not so much when cold but when it warms up it can be very bad. It was a recall for my year and previous years but not my vehicle. It is also a known issue by Ford Motors for Ford Focuses. It actually would not go up a hill one day from a stop. I had to back down the hill to a flat area. Wish you guys and Ford would do something about it. It's a very well known issue that was never truly fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11579011

Mar 22, 2024EngineFuel systemCrash

My car keeps stuttering and stalling. I've been trying to get it fixed at specialists but they say nothing is wrong with the car, even though I've been stuck on the side of the road multiple times. Not to mention the intense jerking the car does when I try and speed up .

NHTSA ODI 11578828

Mar 22, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. The check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the turbo booster. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who did not provide a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11578979

Mar 20, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle accelerated abruptly and jerked forward. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a Transmission Control Module(TCM) failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under an unknown customer satisfaction program associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000

NHTSA ODI 11578424

Mar 20, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while his daughter was pulling out of the parking lot at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light and the low oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The contact's daughter pulled back into the parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt tensioner arm failure had caused the engine to fail. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and charged a repair fee. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11578466

Mar 20, 2024Fuel system

previous recall 18V735000 that covered the fuel system was inadequate. my 2018 se is constantly displaying incorrect fuel levels, and it has multiple warnings regarding the fuel system.

NHTSA ODI 11578524

Mar 19, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The Transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission control module(TCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11578296

Mar 19, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11578326

Mar 19, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while shifting in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The contact stated that her son jiggled the clutch but the vehicle failed to move as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly, the cylinder assembly, the gasket retainer nut, the retainer bearing, the circlip-inner seal, the actuator clutch and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,566. The contact is requesting a refund of the $4,535.37 that she paid to have her son’s vehicle repaired.

NHTSA ODI 11578329

Mar 16, 2024Engine

The reverse transmission went out while driving, and the car has had routine maintenance. There were no warning lights or indicators and I am not able to drive my vehicle at this time.

NHTSA ODI 11577735

Mar 14, 2024Engine

Problem is with the engine. Three days it didn't start, then the fourth day start again. Few times it happened. Yesterday, during drive, while stopping on the signal, I felt two times that like engine is about to shutdown.

NHTSA ODI 11577339

Mar 12, 2024Engine & coolingEngine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while at a red light, the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 43,529.

NHTSA ODI 11576804

Mar 12, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jolted forward before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred after 12,000 miles. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who again diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred two additional times, and the same diagnostic report was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 15,000.

NHTSA ODI 11576922

Mar 11, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Have owned the car for a little over a year has 150,000 miles on it stopped at a red light and went to take off no power what so ever.Finally went into drive and got it to the garbage transmission is going out. My friction sensor is bad can’t buy the part so need a new transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11576602

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Working with the data? Download all 743 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 22, 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 2018 Ford Focus Bev verdict →