Other Fuel System Problems of Ford Focus - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Focus 🔎.

I made an initial post on 06/18/2026 so please reference that as well as this. I have not been able to drive the car since it died on me on the 18th of June. The car has been looked at a few times (actually stalling a third time while idling but was able to turn back on. ) it has also displayed symptoms associated with the Ford recall #26s40 / NHTSA recall #26v369 but it is listed at not included in the recall as of 07/06/2026. Mil is pulling code p0420 (catalytic system efficiency below threshold) while only having 40k miles. It is also putting out an inaccurate fuel level for miles driven. The fuel tank itself is misshapen (concave bottom of the fuel tank). Again, reiterating here that it stopped twice while driving within 2 days on major PA highways/interstates and stalled for a third time while in idle mode as described earlier in this post. This has all happened within 28 miles of the tcm being replaced.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Focus 🔎.

Transmission overheated. Transmission fluid leaked but the computer in the car didn't let me know there was a leak. Couldn't move my car into reverse so I had to get a tow to Ford. They said it was a transmission leak which caused the overheating. But once the car received transmission fluid the car did not go into reverse. Clutch failed.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Focus 🔎.

I am adding a major update to my safety recall complaint because this dealership just tried to pull an illegal financial ambush on me. After my 2019 Focus started stalling out on the highway right after they did recall 18v735, I brought it back. I explicitly told them in writing on our text thread: 'I do not authorize any standard diagnostic fees, parts, or repair charges. ' I just wanted them to show me proof that they didn't pinch a wire or glitch the software during the recall work. Instead of showing me proof, they sent me a text message today saying my vehicle was 'ready for pick up' just to lure me down to the lobby. When I got there, they slapped an unauthorized invoice for $988. 82 in front of my face for parts and labor. They did nearly $1,000 worth of work after I told them 'no' in writing, clearly trying to quietly fix their botched recall mistake under the table and force me to pay for it. When I showed the advisor the texts proving I denied the charges, the staff panicked and couldn't answer who authorized the job. I refused to sign it or pay it, and I walked out. My car is currently stranded on their lot because they are holding my keys hostage over unauthorized bills on a federal safety recall file. I have already escalated this to Ford corporate under case # cxh-0831-1568-s8l7b8.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Focus 🔎.

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

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Focus 🔎.

The vehicle was serviced for NHTSA recall 18v735 (canister purge valve/fuel tank stalling hazard). Immediately upon pickup from the dealership, the vehicle began severely stumbling and stalling while driving on the highway. It died while driving on the street. The dealership's diagnostic paperwork confirmed an 'O2 sensor logic error causing the vehicle to stall' right after they performed the mandatory computer software flash and valve replacement. The dealership is refusing to verify if their technician damaged the adjacent wiring harness or glitched the software flash, leaving the vehicle an active highway stalling hazard. As for my experience, the car died in clear lake by baybrook mall. Extremely high traffic, almost got hit. (yelled at by several drivers). Constant stalling happened in baytown. Scariest incident was going over the very tall fred hartman bridge. My 10 year old daughter and I felt sure it was about to die and we were going to roll backward down the bridge becauseit kept dropping power. We took the ferry home because we were so scared.

The plastic gas tank was warped by heat and a faulty purge solenoid. The warped gas tank is a known issue for the 2018 Ford Focus and other versions of the car are covered by the recall, but my VIN apparently was not despite experiencing the same issue at less than 50,000 miles. The warped gas tank caused a dangerous car shutoff in traffic.

I started smelling gasoline coming from the rear outside part of the car. I took the car to the local Ford dealership and they found a canister purge valve stuck open. They fixed it and I paid $414. A few days later and still smelling gasoline, I took it to tire place so they can lift it up to check the bottom where the fuel tank is located and the immediately saw fuel/gasoline leaking from the tank. I took it back to the Ford dealership and complained how they missed it the first time. They checked it and told me the fuel tank was completely ruined from excessive vacuum effect of the previous canister purge valve issue and that I needed a new fuel tank. They put in a new fuel tank and I told them this issue had a recall on the same make and model of car in 2018 and from that recall, this issue had been fixed then but it just happened again. I paid $2,088 for the new fuel tank and power train control module reset. So the total I have paid to fix this issue over $2,500 and about two days later, Ford motor company issued a new recall 26s40 for this specific issue on this specific 2012-2018 make and model car. So I hope my car will be added and searchable for the recall on both Ford’s and government’s websites when they initiate it on July 6, 2026. I have all the repair receipts and will file for a refund as soon as I receive the recall letter. Thank you.

So I had check engine light I took it to the mechanic the code was p1450 the mechanic told me it’s the purge valve and it’s recall with Ford book and appointment from the website witch is I did after I checked my VIN I found out that’s this purge valve has recall and it’s free of charge I went to dealer they denied and said they have to do their diagnostic that will cost 190$ and they did not accept the car.

N/a.

See all problems of the 2008 Ford Focus 🔎.

I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing transmission and transmission control module (tcm) issues with my 2014 Ford Focus. In October 2022, the transmission was replaced, yet I continue to experience serious transmission-related failures. Most recently, the vehicle would only start in neutral and would not reliably shift into drive or reverse. These recurring issues have made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe. I have contacted Ford customer service three separate times seeking assistance and a permanent resolution. Despite these efforts, I have not been provided with a fix that addresses the root cause of the problem. Ford has long been aware of widespread tcm issues affecting certain Ford Focus models, making the continued failure of this vehicle especially concerning. My greatest concern is safety. During a recent incident, the vehicle unexpectedly slammed into gear with significant force while my son and I were inside. The sudden engagement nearly caused me to lose control of the vehicle and almost sent us into a ditch. Had road conditions or traffic been different, the outcome could have been much worse. I have dash camera footage documenting the incident and am willing to provide it upon request. A vehicle that has already undergone a transmission replacement should not continue experiencing severe transmission-related failures, particularly failures that create a risk of loss of vehicle control. This ongoing issue places not only my family at risk but also other motorists sharing the road. I respectfully request a thorough investigation into the recurring transmission and tcm failures affecting my vehicle, including a review of the October 2022 transmission replacement and Ford's response to these repeated issues. I also request that Ford provide a permanent solution and appropriate assistance given the history of repairs and the known defects associated with this model. I have made every effort to work with Ford and they could care less.

Days after changing the purge valve on my car, because it had failed. I was driving on the freeway confident because my screen said 15 m left before running out of gas, then the engine stalled and lose power. The lights were on but the engine stopped running while driving on the freeway. Turned out I had runned out of gas but the computer was misreading it.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford Focus 🔎.

I had my purge valve replaced under 24n07 Ford costumer satisfactory program and the faulty purge valve damaged my catalytic converter and caused my engine light to illuminate with p0420.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Focus 🔎.

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.

Incident [xxx], parking in front of physical therapy clinic, suddenly the motor revved and car shot across the sidewalk and went through the wall of the clinic. No one was there and no one was hurt. Insurance was notified. (hartford) googling auro malfunctions for Ford Focus, I come across several things which could have malfunctioned and caused "unpredictable acceleration. Car had within 2 weeks had been to automotive shop for maintenance. I think this was a serious malfunction and should have been noticed. Thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2009 Ford Focus 🔎.

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.

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.

After my car was left on idle for a couple minutes ( about 5), it began to shake, the check engine light came on, then it completely died. When I went to restart it, it stalled and then finally turned on but when I began to take off it began to shake and died on me again while driving. I was left in the middle of rode. I put my blinkers on and had to leave my car off for a couple minutes so it would restart again. Then I pulled over to the side so I wouldn’t be in harm’s way. My mechanic believes there is something wrong with thee fuel pressure system whether it be a fuel pump or a fuel pressure sensor.

Fuel purge valve is malfunctioning. Vehicle loses power and is sluggish. Idles very rough and sometimes has a loss of power. My car has been at Ford twice in the last six months and problem still isn't fixed. Complete engine was replaced about a year and a half ago due to recall issue which I don't want happening again. I do not feel safe driving this car. I made an appointment with Ford a month ago for tomorrow for same stalling issue. I went to drop off and explain I wanted the repairs done for the recall to see if that fixed the problem. I filled up my gas tank on Sunday. The car wouldn't start and engine light came on saying engine failure service now. I let it sit for about ten minutes and it hesitantly cranked and engine light went off but accelerates slower with loss of power. It keeps doing this intermittently and sometimes loses power, and struggles when idling. I cut off let sit and then is okay until I pump gas again. I told the service repair person what happened and handed him the key to drop off the vehicle. He said if the light was not on at the time he would not be able to fix it and they couldn't schedule my vehicle for any additional recalls that are greatly needed for the car. It is running terrible. It idles and intermittently loses power while driving. Evan at Ford (greer) response was to wait until it got bad enough that the engine light came on and stayed on. This was at d&d Ford in greer, SC. He said it was Ford's policy the light had to be on to replace under recall with no charge. I told him it is unsafe to drive if it gets any worse it could cause an accident. I have two children and his recommendation to wait until it gets worse was appalling. He kept backlashing Ford and stated he doesn't work for Ford he works for d&d and only represents Ford. I said to him he was not representing Ford very well and that it was highly unlikely they would agree with his statements. I asked for documation of this policy--it contradicts what he says.

Unkown my rpms rev up randomly I can’t shut my car off when I get gas and makes a raving up sound I can’t reverse.

I am reporting a dealership conduct issue that directly affected vehicle safety and caused financial loss. Valley Ford of columbus, ohio told me by phone that a specific safety-related part for my vehicle was in stock and available. Based on that representation, I traveled to the dealership and took time away from work. When I arrived, I was told the part was not available and had not been there. Shortly after this, I went out of town. During that time, valley Ford stated they were unable to reach me. After returning, I again contacted valley Ford and was once more told that the same safety-related part was available. I again traveled to the dealership, taking additional time off work, and once again was told upon arrival that the part was not available. This resulted in the same situation happening twice. Because of this repeated misinformation, I lost wages and hard-earned paid time off (pto), was delayed in repairing my vehicle, and had to continue driving while waiting for a safety-related component I was told was available. I use my vehicle for work every day for approximately eight hours per day. Being forced to continue operating my vehicle without this safety-related repair places myself and other motorists at risk. After these incidents, I contacted germain Ford of columbus, ohio in an effort to resolve the issue. I was informed that the same safety-related part could take up to eight weeks to become available. This extended delay has further prolonged my inability to complete necessary safety-related repairs and has continued to place me in a potentially unsafe driving situation. I believe this repeated misinformation and prolonged unavailability of a safety-related vehicle component is dangerous and unacceptable. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA is aware of the actions of valley Ford of columbus, ohio and the ongoing delay reported by germain Ford of columbus, ohio.

I am in possession of recall18s32/NHTSA recall18v-735 notice that has not been repaired but it is not showing up on my VIN and model lookup.

The malfunctioned component engine oil pump failed while driving on highway causing the vehicle to both overheat and stall all at once, causing the vehicle to stop running in the middle of a main highway forcing me and another pedestrian to push the car into a gas station, out of the way of oncoming traffic, Ford did send out a recall notice for the failed oil pump in December 2025 the same month my vehicle broke down. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanics shop, master muffler & brake repair shop in wareham MA. As well as empire Ford of new bedford, master muffler & brake concluded that the head gasket had blown, and empire Ford of new bedford concluded the issue was due to a cracked engine block. Prior to any issue there had been no warning signs then once the 2018 Ford Focus began to stall an overheating warning light as well as the check engine light began to flash at the same exact time as the vehicle itself breaking down.

The car is stalling randomly with no engine lights coming on.

After receiving program #24n07 on 12/04/2024, my 2012 Ford Focus was stalling out while downshifting to stops and after refueling, this happened around the 1st week of December of 2025 about a year after getting it repaired by the Ford dealership in my area. Replaced it myself this time, but sort of crazy to have to replace yet another purge valve just a year after.

Having fuel problems with this Ford se. Adding gas after starting the car it doesn't run right. It misses n doesn't have power. Plus transmission went out two times again. First time it went out. It was about a year ago. Now the second time November 24,2025. First time was about a year ago. It was repaired. Because I had a car warranty from the car dealer ship. Now they won't repair it again. This Ford Focus se had the double clutch in it plus the notorious speed shifter known to go out. These transmissions are known to have problems. But the car place never told me.

The vehicle began to experience issues where it was difficult to start and ran rough. Multiple times after turning off vehicle and attempting to restart later it would not restart. Had vehicle towed to dealership for repairs, they conducted a recall repair and test over multiple days. Picked up vehicle, drove approximately 7 miles. Went into store came back and vehicle would not start. Multiple other recalls are listed for this date range and motor that likely could be impacting my current vehicle. However, this VIN is not listed as a specific recall. Current situation places driver and passenger at risk as the vehicle does not run properly and does not restart.

Car is stalling at low speed and losing power. Does not do it at high speed. Occasional check engine light. Will start surging. This is a know issue with the Ford Focus and Ford has issued a customer satisfaction program 24n07. They refuse to honor the program unless you keep paying them for diagnostic work until the code shows up for it. I have ran the codes myself on it and it is fuel related to the canister purge valve. This issue is very dangerous in that the car does stall out on the road with no warning. I have had this issue with the car for several years and have received the csp letter but cannot get the work done. The issue happened 3 times yesterday, 11-5-2025.

The fuel pump has failed and causes my car to loose power after the car has started. This is able to occur while operating the vehicle and results in immediate loss of power. This component has been inspected by an auto mechanic and will be looked at by the Ford dealership. A check engine warning appeared on 27oct2025. However, my vehicle had been showing symptoms starting as early as Nov 2023. The symptoms included: a clunking vibration while accelerating the vehicle and switching gears, stalling at low speeds, and making weird noises when switching between gears at low speeds. I first contacted a Ford dealership about these symptoms six months ago.

Fuel pump went out and caused car to stall and leave me stranded on the side of the road when dash indicator showed 23 miles left to travel. I had this fixed through the dealership drive time sent me to mechanic shop as was still under dealership warranty.

Engine stalls: the engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds and city/street speeds. Loss of power: sudden loss of motive power creates an immediate crash hazard. Starting issues: the car struggles to start or cranks excessively after refueling. Erratic fuel guage: the fuel gauge fluctuates wildly and gives inaccurate readings. Malfunction indicator: the check engine light is illuminated with emission-related codes. Fuel tank noise: loud clunking or thumping noises come from the fuel tank area. The problem began in September 2025 and I took the car to a local mechanic and they fixed the issued, however the issue has started again. The fix did not solve the problems.