Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Ford Focus - part 1

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 45 minutes after each failure. The vehicle was towed to the neighbor's house approximately seven times and was taken once to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that on one occasion while attempting to restart the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine revved; however, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,226.

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The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 15 mph and attempting to make a left turn, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The hazard lights were activated, and the vehicle was driven back to the residence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the powertrain control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,000.

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The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted from neutral(n), to park(p), and then to drive(d) for the vehicle to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the powertrain control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Ford camelback Lincoln refused to replace my leaking fuel tank and would only complete the software updates for the cpv. The fuel tank is leaking due to a deformed seal on the filler neck. Ford corporate advised me to drive to another dealership location for a second opinion. They advised me to drive a vehicle actively leaking fuel instead of assisting me to have the dealership replace the fuel tank.

Own a 2015 Ford Focus that has experienced repeated transmission-related problems over several years. The symptoms have included harsh shifting, hesitation, failure to shift properly, and at one point the vehicle would not shift into reverse. These transmission issues have caused ongoing concerns about the vehicle's safety and reliability. I have brought the vehicle to Ford dealerships on multiple occasions seeking diagnosis and repair. Ford replaced the transmission control module (tcm) on November 16, 2024 under Ford field service action 14m02 after diagnosing transmission-related problems, including diagnostic trouble code p087a. Despite that repair, the vehicle continued to experience transmission-related concerns. Approximately one year later, another Ford repair order documented multiple tcm-related diagnostic codes and directed that the vehicle be returned to a Ford dealership for further evaluation. The transmission concerns persisted even after the previous tcm replacement. Most recently, I again presented the vehicle to a Ford dealership because of continuing transmission issues. I was provided an estimate of approximately $2,000 for additional transmission repairs. At the time of the estimate, I was not provided the complete diagnostic trouble codes or technician findings explaining why another major transmission repair was necessary. Over the course of ownership, I have made multiple appointments, diagnostic visits, and repair visits related to the transmission and have incurred significant out-of-pocket expenses, including diagnostic charges, towing costs, and repairs. The repeated failures and recurring transmission concerns have required multiple visits to Ford dealerships and have not resulted in a lasting repair. My concern is not only the financial cost but also the safety of operating this vehicle. Unexpected transmission malfunction can affect acceleration, shifting, and the vehicle's ability to move normally in traffic, creating a potential safe.

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Purge valve sensor and canister is malfunctioning causing my car to stall out.

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The car would not accelerate when pressing accelerator, they said the clutch assembly malfunctioned, confirmed by documentation. Myself and others had our safety at risk because the car could not be controlled properly while on the road. The car was taken to the dealer and they confirmed the problem. The dealer's service center gave inspection, and confirmed the problem. The warning message did not appear until after the problem put myself and others' safety at risk.

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An authorized dealership performed a mandatory manufacturer safety recall repair on my vehicle for the engine oil pump belt and tensioner (Ford recall 23s64 / NHTSA campaign 23v-905). While performing this specific recall, the initial facility negligently compromised the cooling system and created a severe leak, directly causing complete and total engine destruction. A subsequent independent diagnostic inspection by a separate authorized dealership confirmed this negligence. The vehicle became instantly disabled while driving, creating a severe road hazard. Total documented property damages are $14,448. 31. Furthermore, the dealership and Ford corporate have explicitly refused to repair the vehicle, despite Ford's dealer bulletins authorizing long-block engine replacements for failures related to this recall. They have also refused to reimburse me for the totaled vehicle or the out-of-pocket expenses incurred. Ford customer service has employed shady tactics, denying liability and stonewalling my attempts to reach a resolution, completely failing to provide the remedy mandated by this safety recall. The vehicle and all documentation are available for inspection upon request.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse and failed to properly shift gears. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 9 mph. The vehicle was shifted to neutral and coasted to the residence. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with customer satisfaction program: 14m02; extended warranty coverage for the transmission control module. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was provided the cost of a diagnostic test, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall, warranty, or customer satisfaction program associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

I have a 2014 Focus. I wasn’t aware that there was an issue with the Focus make for the years 2011-2016. There’s a po9oc and loss of reverse issue. It’s a transmission. The car isn’t safe to drive. My car is at 52,496. It sounds like this was a known issue by Ford and I was not made aware of a power-shift history.

I just recently got my fuel pump fixed and a new radiator fixed that was the knot problem wrong with my car now all of a sudden I get my car back from the shop with no oil I put oil even though I already just had a oil changed and my engine light is now blinking but when I bought the car it was just on [xxx] to tallahassee and I live in eestpalm beach with no problem now my car smokes so much and auto shop firestone says it’s my engine . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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While driving approximately 53 mph on a main road, my 2017 Ford Focus suddenly displayed the message “engine fault service now. ” the vehicle immediately entered limp mode, downshifted into 2nd gear, and would not accelerate above approximately 31 mph. During the event, the engine shook noticeably and made abnormal noises. No check engine light appeared during this initial incident. This problem occurred multiple times over several days, most often when the fuel tank was below approximately half full. Each time, I was able to temporarily restore normal operation by shutting the vehicle off, waiting about one minute, and restarting it. After restarting, the vehicle would drive completely normally until the problem occurred again. A few days later, while sitting in my vehicle during a work break, I started the engine and it immediately entered limp mode without being driven. A check engine light then illuminated, and the engine stalled shortly afterward. The diagnostic trouble codes retrieved were: * p1674 (stored, pending, permanent, and enhanced) * u0100 (enhanced abs code) a mechanic familiar with Ford vehicles suggested the symptoms could be related to the evap canister purge valve issue that has been investigated on similar Ford Focus models. He recommended keeping the fuel tank above half full as a test. Since keeping the fuel tank full, the limp mode condition has not reoccurred. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership to have the purge valve issue evaluated. The dealership declined to perform any purge valve-related repairs because they believed the problem was transmission-related and stated the engine issue would need to be repaired first. I am submitting this report because the vehicle unexpectedly loses power while driving, creating a significant safety hazard when traveling at normal traffic speeds.

There were two times within a week where the car stopped in the middle of traffic. One was on route 100 in a merge lane and the other was on the offramp of route 30 to 100 exton. This happened in the middle left turn lane with traffic behind me causing me to need immediate police assistance to ensure my safety. The check engine light was popping from the tcm indicator which I was told I could still drive on without repairing it immediately. This came directly from fred beans Ford of west chester PA. My car has been in the shop multiple times since December 2025 beginning with the original cpv recall and things got worse from there. It's caused lots of anxiety and ptsd while driving to the point I want to sell the car after it is repaired because I just don't feel safe anymore in it.

See attached document for complaint.

We bought this vehicle from carvana in February 2023. Since very early on owning this vehicle, the engine hesitated and stuttered when trying to shift from first to second gear, and would lunge forward slightly. In December 2024, I received a letter from Ford motor company about a customer satisfaction program, campaign 24n07. The letter addressed the symptoms my vehicle exhibited, including engine hesitation, engine running rough, and engine stalling at low speeds, though the check engine light was not on. The letter states that Ford motor company provides a one-time replacement of the canister purge valve, given these symptoms and the check engine light being on. When I called all the local Ford dealerships, they refused to do it because the check engine light was not on, and that Ford motor company issued this as a customer satisfaction program, rather than a safety recall. Everything that was listed in campaign 24n07 is most definitely a safety issue, and should not be taken lightly. It is highly concerning that Ford motor company didn’t think to consider engine issues a safety recall. The class action lawsuit vargas et al v. Ford motor company had a deadline of November 4, 2020, which was 2 years and 3 months prior to us buying the vehicle, so any vehicles of the affected years and models should have been either repaired, or not allowed to be sold unless the repairs were done by an authorized Ford dealership. This information was not told to us when we bought the vehicle. On may 25, 2026, while driving, the engine fault and steering assist fault warnings came on, as well as the check engine light. When we were able to safely park the car, we discovered the entire power train is non operational. The engine no longer turns over, and we are now having to buy a new car.

Ford motor issued two safety recalls regarding this, but has since closed them without providing a safe resolution for consumers. July 8 2019 Ford issued Ford safety recall program 19s22 (following 18s32) for stuck open canister purge valve (cpv). This can result in a failure to bleed the vacuum from the gas tank, and deforms the gas tank upon failure. This has been confirmed, reproduced, and recalled by Ford before, but continues to happen nationwide to Ford Focus st owners as a small subset of their vehicles. A stuck open cpv can result in a number of codes. In my case, I got a p1450, Ford-specific check engine light on the mil. This can cause inability to start, along with rough idle and stalling while driving. Ford reports closing these safety recalls and provides no further support for the issue.

When I bought the car it stuttered it ended up being the clutch then my transmission went out the bolt in my engine mount broke and my engine was basically on the ground.

The "shift tower" typically refers to the external mechanism on top of the transmission where the shifter cables connect. Problems with this part, which is a broken internal pin, result in a shifter that moves freely without engaging any gears. The gear become in operatable when driving down the highway, which is a hazard on the road. There were no warning light just not ale to change gears.

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Recall 23v905 February 2024 this is a complaint about service for the recall. Or, the lack thereof. Still hasn't been serviced by dealer serramonte Ford in colma, CA. 650-395-2728 car was delivered to dealer Wednesday April 22, 2026. And still hasn't been serviced, as far as I know. Inquired for status on Thursday 23rd, and Friday 24th. Never received any. Call back. Called today, Saturday April 25, and was told that service department is closed. Left message on service manager voicemail. Monday the 27th will be 6 days without a car.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low engine oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the contact stopped driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine oil pump, the engine, and the coolant gasket housing were replaced under NHTSA campaign number: 23v905000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the vehicle started overheating. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times, and the contact was eventually informed that diagnostic trouble codes indicating an overheating failure were retrieved when the vehicle was initially taken to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer stated that the overheating failure was not related to the recall repair. No further assistance was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; the contact was advised to take the vehicle to another dealer for a second assessment, and the manufacturer would follow up with the initial dealer based on the assessment. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

The dual clutch powershift dct transmission has failed. When placed in reverse, the engine rpm increases when accelerating but the vehicle does not move at all. While driving forward, the vehicle struggles to reach 10mph and the transmission slips severely. The vehicle is essentially undriveable. The vehicle has gotten stuck on neighborhood roads on 3 separate occasions due to complete loss of reverse function. I was stuck for 30 minutes to an hour which put me in way too much preassure and possibly, I could have ended up in danger. The vehicle had to be physically pushed by hand to move it. This created a dangerous situation for myself and others on the road. An independent mechanic diagnosed and replaced the clutch actuator assembly and fuel pump. After repairs the problem persists unchanged. The mechanic has noted the vehicle requires a full transmission replacement. This is a known defect with the Ford powershift dct transmission affecting multiple model years. Repair costs have exceeded $1,500 with no resolution. The failed transmission puts safety at risk as the vehicle cannot accelerate properly in traffic and has no reverse function. Problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. Vehicle is available for inspection.

I am filing this complaint regarding a severe safety hazard and prolonged failure to resolve an official recall repair by the manufacturer and dealership. In April 2026, the vehicle was brought to the dealership for an official recall repair. The repair was delayed for 2 months. In June 2026, after the dealership confirmed completion, I retrieved the vehicle. While driving on the highway, the check engine light suddenly illuminated and the vehicle completely lost power. Pressing the accelerator pedal produced no response, leaving the car unable to accelerate in active high-speed traffic. This created an extreme safety risk that nearly caused a severe highway collision. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership. The dealership returned the vehicle a second time, claiming it was repaired, but the exact same check engine light illuminated immediately with the same loss of power, requiring another tow. As of August 2026, the dealership has retained the vehicle for over 4 months in total due to backordered parts, without providing a clear completion date or loaner/rental transportation support. The dealership and corporate customer care are currently ignoring attempts to communicate. The recurring loss of engine power on the highway and unresolved recall defect pose a direct and imminent risk to public road safety. The components involved are currently at the dealership for inspection.

I am reporting a severe vehicle safety hazard and engine stalling incident on my 2013 Ford Focus caused by an un-remedied factory emissions safety defect (related to Ford recall 26s40 / 18s32). Due to an incomplete factory software monitoring patch, the canister purge valve stuck open and allowed continuous, unchecked engine vacuum to pull straight out of the plastic fuel tank. This heavy vacuum physically collapsed and deformed the bottom of the plastic fuel tank inward by approximately 0. 25 to 0. 375 inches. This structural collapse compressed the internal fuel pump assembly and mechanical float arm, falsifying the dashboard fuel gauge and distance-to-empty calculations. On April 2nd, while driving on interstate 95 at midnight, the vehicle displayed an inaccurate fuel level, ran completely dry, and suffered a sudden engine stall in high-speed traffic without warning. My family and I were trapped in a highly hazardous situation and were forced to physically push the disabled vehicle 3 miles down the highway in total darkness. We ultimately had to enlist the emergency intervention of the florida state patrol road rangers to dispatch a unit and supply fuel so we could safely clear the interstate. The vehicle has since thrown a hard diagnostic trouble code p0443, confirming a complete electrical circuit malfunction of the evap system. Ford's failure to successfully deploy a functional software monitor has caused severe structural damage to my fuel system and created an imminent, life-threatening safety risk to my family on public highways. I am requesting a federal record of this incident to compel a full vehicle inspection and complete fuel system component replacement by the manufacturer. ".

The evap canister purge valve has been a recurring problem for this vehicle. The canister was replaced in 2021, but continued having problems, as it pulled a vacuum on the fuel tank in upwards of 3/8 inch. (documented by murray Ford in 2023 and reassuredthere was no issue by them) the vehicle has displayed inaccurate fuel readings and caused our family to be disabled and then stranded in the night on highway 95. It put the safety of my family, and other motorists at risk the problem hasn't been duplicated because their "software fix" essentially ignored the problem altogether. There were no warnings. According to my vehicle it had at least 50 miles til empty. The fuel sending unit is displaying innacurqte fuel readings, and the fuel pump has displayed symptoms, characterized by surging, stalled when accelerating from a stop, and of course, completely shutting off, while on the highway. I've tried my best to trust and be patient with Ford and for them to do the right thing, but have been brushed off.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering, jerking, and hesitating to accelerate as needed. The vehicle then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 26v011000 (equipment); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Last July my car was overheating and breaking down as I was driving on i4 to work one morning which it overheated and broke down which was the precursor the last time my engine blew in December 2024 which the engine was already repaired January 2022 (dumphy Ford,PA), December 2022 (tropical Ford, FL) then I got notices there is a recall with the oil pump and belt since February 2023 however the remedy parts were not available and kept getting notices that the parts would be in by fall 2024 then it kept getting pushed back when they would be available, meanwhile my car broke down again July 2024 which the engine needed to be replaced and was covered because oil and coolant was leaking into the engine due to the recall and they still didn’t have parts available and then car broke down again December 2024 which tropical Ford covered because the recall parts were still not available. So in July 2025 they attempted to fix it and I picked it up and it overheated again and they kept it till September 2025 and fixed a bunch of things like transmission, recall and other things and now the car began to overheat again and took it to [xxx] and now they are saying the engine is blown again… I believe the recall failed and I shouldn’t have to pay for the 5th engine replacement information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

No warning lamps until catastrophic engine failure. Power loss and that puts myself and others at risk. I have had multiple issues going back to first year owned when I had power loss while driving through interactions and on the freeway. Dealership tried to state it was due to bubble in coolant system. Then first engine failure occurred and was replaced by Ford.

03/25/2026 driving down the street card started jerking and acting like it did not want to move kept slowing down like it wasn't getting any gas. Like the transmission was going out. There is nothing wrong with my transmission. The car had been on a recall for a part that has been replaced 2 different times. I tried to have it checked out the Ford dealers here where I live wanted to charge me $200. 00 insisting that its my transmission. I know it is not my transmission. Its the same part they have replaced 2 times that was on the recall list for my car. What can I do? it is dangerous for me to drive.

I filled up my gas tank and a couple minutes later experienced shuddering while parked so I decided to turn the vehicle off and turn it back on but it struggles to turn back on. I then drove back home and as I was driving the acceleration was going up and down and then to 0. As I stopped on a red light the car completely shut down while the light then turned green and the check engine light, battery, and oil light came on. I then turned the vehicle off and in order to start it I had to step on the gas. I made it home but have not driven it since. I noticed there was a 19s22 recall but I spoke with Ford and they said my vehicle didn’t get it but it is experiencing the same issues that the recall mentioned. There is a one time replacement for the cpv but it doesn’t cover half of what the 19s22 does and it seems to be the same problem.

Engine light is on with the code reading the clutch and the transmission is overheating with sticking gears as I drive.

All a sudden struggling to start. Crankshaft was bad and replaced. Still had issues. Checked plugs and they needed replaced less than 18. 5k miles since engine and plugs replacement (under previous owner). Still had trouble starting. At least 12 different codes. Dropped off for diagnostics and now they're saying they found coolant in the cylinders and I need a whole new updated engine. If the engine was replaced just under 2 years ago, why was the updated engine not used?? engine replaced at 65k miles in April 2024. I bought the car used in July 2025 with 78k. Car now has 84k. I can tell you the exact miles I was able to get out of it was 7887. That's it. I have not had my car since thanksgiving 2025. This issue is still ongoing.

Recall 23s64 was completed and immediately was smelling and losing oil. Took back to dealer twice and second time they said it was fixed. A few thousand miles later I had sudden turbo failure. Lost all power and a huge amount of smoke making it impossible for me and other highway drivers to see. The turbo failed.

The transmission is over heating while driving and jerking back constantly once it hits mph on 3. It doesn’t drive properly because of the transmission.

My vehicles engine died in traffic and left me stranded in the middle of a busy road. Upon a mechanics review the issue is a siezed engine because of the oil pump pickup tube clogged with pieces of the oil pump or timing chain pulleys that had broken off.

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 undisclosed speed, the oil pressure and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft sensor was not operating properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the residence, where a handheld diagnostic machine confirmed a failure with the camshaft. The contact’s son became aware that the rear sensor was covered in oil and the front sensor was dry. The vehicle was driven for 20 minutes but the failure persisted. Three separate dealers were contacted, but the contact was informed parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist because parts were not available, even though it was indicated that parts were available. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.