What 743 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Focus RS

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

NHTSA ODI 11610483

Drove car it stopped accelerating causing the engine to fail causing me to be broke down on interstate 81. Car has been sitting at the dealer since April

NHTSA ODI 11610546

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11607922

I had my car looked at by a mechanic because I was losing coolant! This has been going on for a few months. The mechanic found that the coolant was leaking from a water outlet on the passenger side in front of the motor! We took the car to a dealership to try to get the part. The parts agent could only find a water outlet for the thermostat in the drivers side? The part has lower radiator hose, Overflow reservoir, and a coolant line leading to the thermostat outlet on the drivers side of the vehicle? The outlet has 3 mounting studs with 10 millimeter nuts. that part is not listed in any parts stores? It leaks down to the minimum on the reservoir daily to a point that I have to put antifreeze in it everyday just to not have my motor become overheated?

NHTSA ODI 11607241

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine and low oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s son's residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,444.

NHTSA ODI 11606785

With out warning my car lost power and went from 65 mph to 40 in an instant, I was able to avoid hitting the side wall of the freeway and with Gods help avoided hitting any other vehicles. The oil light came on then the engine light soon after, I was able to take the first exit off the freeway and pulled over in a gas station parking lot. Tow truck took it to the dealership, this car has a recall and the recall description matches exactly what happed. The dealership told me it will take them 6-8 weeks before they can even diagnosis the car for that recall. I am stuck without a car, and I am lucky no one was injured. People with this type of Ford ecoboost need to be made aware they are driving a vehicle at any moment can have total engine failure putting lives in danger. When I received the original recall letter, I called Five Star Ford in April to set the appointment, and they told me they are not taking those recall repairs right now and to call back at another time. I called back in May and was told they are still not taking repairs for that recall, to call back 3rd quarter of 2024. You can see that Ford has put lives in danger if others who called for the repaired was turned away as well.

NHTSA ODI 11606631

In February of 2022, while driving home from work the car suddenly lost power to the engine along with the ability to brake and stop the car. This happened during rush hour traffic on a 65 mph speed major road in DE. Fortunately we were able to get off an exit without colliding into vehicles that were coming to a stop. We had to let the car drift to a stop and had to almost stand on the brake to get the car to fully stop moving. We had the car brought to the dealership that the car was purchased and it was diagnosed and reported to us that the engine needed to be replaced. At the time the car only had 63k miles on it and should not have needed a new engine. After the repair was completed it was determined that the Oil Pump Belt Tensioner failed causing the engine the go bad resulting in a replacement of the engine. Luckily for us Ford was able to help us out due to the mileage and good faith and covered a good portion of the engine replacement, however we still had to put money out of our pocket for a replacement that we are now finding out was caused by this part being recalled (Recall 23S64) and needing replacement. The dealership is now stating they can not give us our money back until there is an actual remedy for this recall. For my specific situation the remedy has already been produced in the means of a new engine with new parts. Not sure why I have to wait for parts to be distributed for a refund when I've already had to have this part replaced along with the engine. The failure of this part causing the engine to go bad is a dangerous situation and I hope nobody else has the problem I had because of the engine loses power you also lose the ability to use your brakes and if you are driving the car you are looking at the possibility of a serious crash resulting in serious injury or death.

NHTSA ODI 11603697

Vehicle has been having more frequent issues starting up. Engine stalls intermittently and hesitates after fueling up. Been getting inaccurate fuel gauge and distance to empty readings lately. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety was compromised because the car stalled without warning on the highway almost causing me to get into an accident, and it also shut down on me after pulling out from the gas station after fueling up. Car also loss power and hesitated on highway when merging, causing traffic to back up. I feel extremely unsafe. Problem was replicated with my mechanic after driving with him from the gas station. The car has always passed inspection from when I bought it and i stay up to date with its maintenance from the dealerships. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp just illuminated a few days ago from 7/18/2024 but have been experiencing this issue slowly for a few months, and has been progressively getting worse until the check engine light came on which is the current situation. Mechanic found multiple codes P1450, P0456 and etc when he connected the computer to my car showing a CPV purge valve and other issues associated.

NHTSA ODI 11603112

Coolant keeps disappearing with no sign of leaking, only possibly on the ground when my car sit. Engine keeps overheating and smoke comes out of air vents. Recall that is out now is what seems to be the issue but does not cover my Ford focus.

NHTSA ODI 11602848

Engine failure

NHTSA ODI 11600632

The oil pump control arm failed. There is an open recall with no remedy. We were originally told Q2 2024 and now it's Q1 2025. This is unacceptable as this recall was issued in January 2024 with no remedy.

NHTSA ODI 11598408

My oil light came on while driving, it was flashing. I pulled over, checked my oil level and it was full. I had it towed to the nearby Firestone that I always use to check what was going on, I was afraid to keep driving it. The mechanic called me a day later and said that my wetbelt had disintegrated and that my engine was gone. He said that there was no way to check this during oil changes also. He said this wetbelt caused a loss of oil pressure which is why my engine was impacted. Firestone didn't know what the error code was and reached out to the Ford Manufacturer and they were advised what a wetbelt was and did. I attempted to get the recall taken care of in March at Cavalier Ford and they cancelled my appointment since there was no active fix. I have also been advised I can replace the engine out of pocket and hopefully Ford will reimburse me. I also reached out to Beach Ford to see what I could do and what my options were, she also told me I would pay out of pocket and hopefully be reimbursed. No one can confirm if I would even be reimbursed, if I had the amount of money needed to get a new engine. Luckily, I was not put at risk or others. I do drive for a living, 50% of my job is on the road. I stopped driving my car at the first sign of trouble and only hurt the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11598051

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70–75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off. The contact pulled over, and the vehicle failed to restart. The oil pressure warning light illuminated and blinked. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and requested a buyback. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer agreed to assist with the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

NHTSA ODI 11594453

I began having issues with my car engine in March of 2021. I talked to a mechanic friend of mine who did and check online and found out that there was a recall for 2018 Ford Focus vehicles. I contacted Darcars Ford of Lanham in Lanham, MD and told the Service Director (NAME UNKNOWN) this information and he stated that there was no recall for my particular VIN. My car engine seized up and was undrivable. I had to pay to get my vehicle towed to Darcars and also pay approximately $600 for them to check out my car. I had to get a whole new engine which cost close to $5,000. I didn't have the money to fix it and Darcars stated that I didn't have a warranty so I would have to come out of pocket for all of it. I was unable to drive my vehicle for approximate 6 MONTHS due to this issue. Luckily, I drove for LYFT part-time and I was able to rent a car thru them so I could continue going to work and taking my daughter to school. Eventually, I was able to save up enough to purchase a brand new engine and have it installed. I would like to know how I can be reimbursed for my purchase? This recall was a MAJOR inconvenience in my life and set me back substantially. Any assistance would be deeply appreciated.

NHTSA ODI 11594053

In Jan 2024 the car would not accelerate. Had to have it towed and got to a FORD dealership. They told us the engine is not working and needs replaced but their was a recall on the oil pump. They also said they have several cars same year with the same issue that are undriveable. It has been half a year and there still is no end in site for recall parts. I have lost my job due to no transportation and need to get this fixed. What is my next step. I have talked to FORD and just told it would be later this year but no date known.

NHTSA ODI 11593418

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, he became aware that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with low oil pressure coming from the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 71,311.

NHTSA ODI 11593474

My engine completely locked up due to a faulty part at approx 68k miles. I sued and they immediately paid what I was asking for which was only the cost of the brand new engine I had to buy and the rental car for 3 months. In January, I was traveling approximately 55 mph when the light came on and said engine too hot, stop car now. I pulled over and opened the hood. It did not appear hot. I started the car up and temp was fine so continued down road. Approx 2 miles and temp shot up quickly and light came on again. Pulled over and waited for awhile. Car would not start and had to have it towed. It has been sitting since then while awaiting recall remedy. I am too scared to drive it with the potential for more serious issues such as fire.

NHTSA ODI 11591445

The oil pump belt broke and lost oil pressure causing the car to lose power while pulling out onto a busy highway. Had to have car towed to dealership. They diagnosed the problem as related to the recall and have recommended engine replacement but are not able to repair as the recall is in the advanced notice stage. I have contacted Ford everyday for a week about needing a vehicle in the meantime. They finally approved a car rental for $45/day but it has to be a Ford. I’ve called 8 car rentals and no one carries a compact Ford at that price. I would like my vehicle fixed or reimbursed 100% for a rental. I have spent hours on the phone trying to get this resolved. I’m being told I will need to pay out of my own pocket for anything more than $45/day or pay $8100 to replace my engine with no guarantee that I will be reimbursed.

NHTSA ODI 11590699

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

NHTSA ODI 11589579

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.

NHTSA ODI 11589716

I was driving and my check engine light came on. Immediately after the light hits vapors started coming out of my tail pipes and my car heating gauge goes to hot. I pull over turn the car off and wait for it to cool down and then I add some anti freeze 50/50 to the reservoir. It still had a lot of antifreeze in it so I basically topped it off to the do not fill past here line. I turn the car back on and go to drive off. The car won't go above 20 miles per hour and it immediately over heats again and there is still vapor coming out. I have it towed home and then I have it towed to the dealership where they informed me that the head gasket is cracked. The component is available for inspection upon request. I could no longer go above 20 mph in Las Vegas with heavy traffic someone could have easily hit me or caused a crash. I'm not sure how deadly a blown head gasket is but it's possible the engine could have exploded or worse it was confirmed by Gaudin Ford of Las Vegas. An Internet search shows that A LOT of others have had blown head gaskets with low miles also. My source was Reddit and car forums related to the Focus ST. Check engine light came on and then literally 1 second after that the vapors started. After letting the vehicle cool down I could no longer drive above 20 mph. It was like the car lost all of its power

NHTSA ODI 11589213

Earlier this year, I was driving my Ford focus and the car stopped at a stoplight and the engine shut off. The engine never restarted. I had the car towed to a garage and eventually a Ford dealership where it was determined that the reason the car broke was due to an active recall on the oil belt, as the oil belt broke. That active recall number is 23S64 and concerns the belt that delivers the oil to the engine and the oil to the turbo charger. Without the oil being delivered, the engine and turbo charger seized as the belt broke. The Ford dealership said that the oil belt, engine, and turbocharger would all need replacing but the recall only covers the oil system at this time. They were explicitly clear that the engine and turbocharger failures were due to the oil belt failure. My car has been at the Ford dealership for multiple months, awaiting the next steps, but as of now, it has been communicated to me that the recall only covers the oil system and not the cascading effect that the oil system had on the engine and the turbo charger. I’m writing this complaint so that there is a documented instance where the oil belt recall has led to a cascade of multiple other parts on the car failing. The oil belt is currently in advanced recall notice and no remedy is available for the situation. I do not feel this has been remedied in a timely manner as my car has been on the dealership lot for multiple months now and they have said only the oil belt may be covered. I have opted to wait until the recall switches from advanced notice until I make a decision what to do. Let me know what other information I can provide. This problem poses a safety risk as a loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine damage and/or seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of the mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA ODI 11588468

2018 ford focus shit down while driving down a main road in December 2023 Had it towed at our expense to a ford dealership, they told us the engine needs replaced, estimated around $9000 Recall came out a week or so later, for the oil pump causing the engine to seize. Still waiting to hear from ford about the recall, and have been out of a car for 5 months, and they declined offering me a temporary car. I don’t know what to do from here as the car has been sitting in my yard and the battery has also died now.

NHTSA ODI 11587029

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11585377

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. 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 165,000.

NHTSA ODI 11585187