The Ford Focus is generally regarded as a great little compact car, but it’s not without its share of recalls. Ford averages a little over one car recalled for every car sold (roughly the industry average), which means that a recall is almost guaranteed at some point.
Are there any major Ford Focus recalls?
To cover some of the big ones:
- Engine stall due to stuck canister purge valve
- Hatchback may accidentally unlatch
- Transmission clutch may slip
So, three questions: What exactly did these recalls involve, how do you find out if you’re affected, and what do you do if you are? Read on and find out.
Engine May Stall Due to Stuck Canister Purge Valve
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V735000
To date, this has been the biggest recall for the Ford Focus, affecting a potential 1,282,596 units. Model years affected included the 2012 to 2018 Focus, specifically those equipped with 2.0L GDI and 2.0L GTDI engines.
In affected models, the CPV, or Canister Purge Valve, had a tendency to malfunction, creating “excessive vacuum” in the fuel vapor management system. This could cause the engine to stall, which could be dangerous in traffic.
Ford issued a recall notification on August 19, 2019 under the recall number 18S32 and made fixes involving updating the Powertrain Control Module software, and replacing carbon canisters, fuel tanks, and fuel delivery modules as needed.
Hatchback May Accidentally Unlatch
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V698000
Affecting an estimated 63,038 manual-transmission Focus hatchbacks dated 2013 to 2017 and produced between February 14, 2012 and August 26, 2016, this recall had to do with the interior latch release.
These hatchbacks were able to be opened with a single button press, which was not the intention of their design. It’s not hard to imagine the hatchback being opened by accident as a result, which could be very dangerous on the highway.
Ford issued a notification on February 10, 2017 under the recall number 16C13. Repairs involved reprogramming the Body Control Modules.
Transmission Clutch May Slip
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V845000
This was a comparatively small recall, affecting just 2,828 2016-2018 Focuses equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and a 1.0L Fox GTDI, but a potentially severe one.
The transmission in these units had a tendency to fracture, meaning that the gear would slip, and transmission fluid would leak, creating a potential fire hazard.
Ford issued a recall notice on January 17, 2019 under the recall number 18S07 and began updating the software and replacing the clutch where necessary.
Are You Affected, and What Do You Do if You Are?
It could not be easier to find out if you’re affected by an open recall. Here’s what you have to do:
Get your VIN number. If it’s not on your dashboard, your owner’s manual will tell you where to find it.
Type that VIN into the lookup tool at NHTSA. You’ll see a list of any recalls that are open, or that have been addressed.
If you have a pending recall, get in touch with Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. They’ll tell you where to go for your repairs (at their expense, and valid for the lifetime of your vehicle).
Photos: Ford
