FaultScore

FaultScore report

2014 Ford Focus problems

Owners have filed 3,628 complaints about the 2014 Ford Focus with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 20 worst.

D

FaultScore 74/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Focus.

How this is worked out

The numbers

3,628

Complaints

140

Crashes reported

17

Fires reported

75

Injuries reported

2 complaints report a death.

48,020 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

42%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

NHTSA overall crash rating

From the agency's own crash tests

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 100 vs 50 Severity 33 vs 50 Early failure 72 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Ford Focus. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 33
6.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 72
42% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2014 compares with every other Ford Focus

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2014 Ford Focus

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

23 crashes, 4 fires · median 40,500 mi

Engine & Cooling 450 12.4%

18 crashes, 8 fires · median 51,938 mi

10 crashes, 1 fires · median 68,500 mi

7 crashes, 0 fires · median 50,100 mi

9 crashes, 1 fires · median 60,000 mi

Steering 221 6.1%

12 crashes, 1 fires · median 51,000 mi

12 crashes, 0 fires · median 19,500 mi

7 crashes, 2 fires · median 37,146 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 42,950 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 48,000 mi

Median failure at 42,500 miles

Brakes 32 0.9%

8 crashes, 0 fires · median 41,500 mi

Airbags 32 0.9%

22 crashes, 0 fires · median 15,000 mi

Wheels 21 0.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 24,177 mi

Suspension 19 0.5%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 44,002 mi

Seat Belts 14 0.4%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 46,307 mi

Median failure at 117,344 miles

Lights 10 0.3%

Median failure at 51,000 miles

Tires 7 0.2%

Median failure at 6,324 miles

Equipment & Accessories 5 0.1%

Median failure at 9,170 miles

Seats 2 0.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 11,500 mi

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 53 33.1%
Clutch Assembly 44 27.5%
Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) 23 14.4%
Automatic Transmission 15 9.4%
Clutches/Bands 9 5.6%
Latch 8 5.0%
Horn 6 3.8%
Latch 2 1.3%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 183 6.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 323 12.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 411 15.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 446 16.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 502 18.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 404 15.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 324 12.1%
150,000+ miles 90 3.4%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Frontal crash test of a 2014 Ford Focus 4 DR FWD

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2014 Ford Focus 4 DR FWD

Side barrier crash test

Side pole crash test of a 2014 Ford Focus 4 DR FWD

Side pole crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2014 Ford Focus 4 DR FWD
11.6% risk
2014 Ford Focus 5 HB FWD
11.6% risk

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Sep 2013 peak 267 Aug 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2014 Ford Focus

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

RQ23006 Opened 15 Sep 2023 Closed 20 Dec 2024 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

Loss of Motive Power

On September 15, 2023, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) after receiving 98 consumer complaints alleging loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles. The RQ focused on the effectiveness of the remedies of Recall 18V-735 and 19V-515. In October 2018, Ford issued Recall 18V-735, which updated Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software in MY 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI engines built prior to April 13, 2017, and those with 2.0L GTDI engines built prior to February 2, 2018. The recall addressed vehicles experienci...

RQ19005 Opened 19 Dec 2019 Closed 7 Feb 2022 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Door Latch Failures

In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl sprin...

PE16001 Opened 16 Jan 2016 Closed 29 Oct 2016 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Door Latch Failure

In January, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation based on consumers' allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2012-2013 Ford Focus vehicles (subject vehicles).ODI has received 464 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 200 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion.One consumer alleged an injury that occurred while driving when a door inadvertently opened and then closed on a child's arm.Another alleged that a door that inadvertently opened struck a parked...

Recalls on the 2014 Ford Focus

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

26V369000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.

Risk: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.

26V011000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

20V331000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

19V515000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.

Risk: The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

18V735000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.

Risk: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

16V698000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

Risk: With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.

16V643000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

15V813000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).

Risk: The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2026338 110,138 units in Canada

Fuel System

Issue: On certain vehicles the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 18S32 (Transport Canada recall no. 2018-577) may not have been done correctly. As a result, a another repair is required. On certain vehicles, the canister purge valve (CPV) may stick open and cause the fuel tank to deform. If this happens, the fuel gauge could read incorrectly and there could be a loss of power to the wheels. Note: This recall is an expansion of Transport Canada recall no. 2018-577. Vehicles repaired under that recall also require this repair. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the powertrain control module (PCM) software and, if necessary, replace the CPV. If the CPV is replaced, the dealer will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module, as necessary. In the interim, owners are advised to maintain at least 1/2 tank of fuel until the recall repair is performed.

Recall 2026004 193,627 units in Canada

Electrical

Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L engine. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to use the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater. Alternatively, owners can choose to have the dealership permanently disable the engine block heater.

Recall 2019420 5,327 units in Canada

Other

Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.

Recall 2019338 408 units in Canada

Fuel System

Issue: On certain vehicles repaired under recall 2018-577 (Ford Recall #18S32), the software for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) was not properly updated. As a result, a second repair is required. The software allows the PCM to detect a Canister Purge Valve (CPV) that is not working properly. A CPV that is not working properly could cause a malfunction indicator light (MIL) to turn on in the instrument cluster, erratic readings on the fuel gauge, and/or the engine may stall. Note: Owners are advised to keep their fuel level above half-full until the recall repairs are completed. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software.

Recall 2018577 136,272 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may stick open and cause excessive vacuum in the fuel system that could deform the fuel tank. If this were to occur, it could cause: a malfunction indicator light (MIL) to illuminate, erratic readings on the fuel gauge, and/or the engine may stall. This could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software and replace the CPV as necessary. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. Note: In the interim, owners are advised to maintain at least 1/2 tank of fuel until the recall repair is performed.

Recall 2018443 1,324 units in Canada

Electrical

Certain plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles were supplied with a 120V convenience charge cord that may be susceptible to overheating if there is a poor connection at the electrical outlet. This could result in increased cord temperatures, melting, and an increased risk of fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the factory supplied 120V convenience cord with the latest version of the cord that includes thermal protection.

Recall 2016475 9,877 units in Canada

Structure

Certain vehicles equipped with manual transmissions fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 206 – Door Lock and Door Retention Components. The rear hatchback can be unlocked and unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release control button while the vehicle is in motion (less than 7 km/h), which is contrary to the requirements of the standard. As a result, unrestrained occupants may be at greater risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software.

Recall 2016432 233,034 units in Canada

Structure

On certain vehicles, the pawl spring tab in the side door latch could break. This condition typically will prevent the door from latching. In certain situations where the door is able to be closed, the door may be partially latched and could unlatch while driving. This could increase the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant seated next to the door, or result in damage to property. Correction: If a door will not latch, dealers will replace all four door latches with a more robust part. Note: A door that is partially latched can cause the courtesy light to remain on, set a door ajar message in the instrument cluster and sound a door ajar chime to alert the driver that there is a door latch problem.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Los Angeles, CA Crash 3 injured

POWER TRAIN

Car stalls and have had three car accidents and ford refused to pay for gas tank isoes and car does not start after it is used for a few mins. There is a serious mileage fluctuations and ford dealership tefises to repair failed recall and claim ford Corp will not pay for repairs so that is nothing to be seen. Car has been seen 3 ties after failed repair and ford will nit take any responsibility for tevlls that didn't work.. Ford might offered some repair program but honoring it is another matter. Ford is aware of car accidents and claim they rather be sues then Repair car.

NHTSA complaint #11670961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Los Angeles, CA Crash 3 injured

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Car stalls and have had three car accidents and ford refused to pay for gas tank isoes and car does not start after it is used for a few mins. There is a serious mileage fluctuations and ford dealership tefises to repair failed recall and claim ford Corp will not pay for repairs so that is nothing to be seen. Car has been seen 3 ties after failed repair and ford will nit take any responsibility for tevlls that didn't work.. Ford might offered some repair program but honoring it is another matter. Ford is aware of car accidents and claim they rather be sues then Repair car.

NHTSA complaint #11670961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

California, PA Crash 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY

At stop sigh,another vehicle coming down from a hill with a high speed hit and crush my car from behind.Two back passenger doors bent and the trunk hood bent as well.This is why i'm requesting a salvage title.

NHTSA complaint #11624323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 201,000 miles Iuka, MS Fire

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact received a call from a family member who was driving by the contact's residence. The family member informed the contact that the vehicle was on fire. The local fire department was contacted and arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 201,000.

NHTSA complaint #11564200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pontiac, IL Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

Unable to control vehicle in light rain conditions. Steering took me straight off the highway into a steel wire fence. Totalled the car with massive front end damage. Seat belt did not lock. Knocked window out with head during impact. The ONLY airbag to deploy was the knee airbag, shooting the hard plastic straight into my kneecap.

NHTSA complaint #11548551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pontiac, IL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Unable to control vehicle in light rain conditions. Steering took me straight off the highway into a steel wire fence. Totalled the car with massive front end damage. Seat belt did not lock. Knocked window out with head during impact. The ONLY airbag to deploy was the knee airbag, shooting the hard plastic straight into my kneecap.

NHTSA complaint #11548551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 83,000 miles Hephzibah, GA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The message "See the Dealer" was displayed, and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a slight loss of automotive power while driving uphill and the steering became very loose. The contact stated that while turning to the left or the right, the steering wheel failed to return to center. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failures with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V369000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 14V514000 (STEERING); as possible causes for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 83,000 miles Hephzibah, GA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The message "See the Dealer" was displayed, and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a slight loss of automotive power while driving uphill and the steering became very loose. The contact stated that while turning to the left or the right, the steering wheel failed to return to center. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failures with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V369000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 14V514000 (STEERING); as possible causes for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Danville, PA

POWER TRAIN

I own a 2014 Ford Focus Titanium with approximately 75,000 miles and the DPS6 automatic transmission. The transmission has developed a serious and recurring problem. The vehicle began violently jerking/shuddering while moving forward and suddenly would not go into reverse. A transmission warning light came on. After the battery was recharged, reverse temporarily returned, but the same transmission problems came back while driving. The vehicle was diagnosed with trouble code P090C:68, related to the clutch actuator system. Ford has known about recurring DPS6 transmission problems in these vehicles for years and has issued multiple technical service bulletins and customer programs addressing transmission clutch shudder, shifting problems, loss of engagement, and related failures. Ford’s own documentation has acknowledged conditions that can result in loss of transmission engagement, loss of power, and other driveability problems. My Ford dealer told me Ford has known about this problem for a long time but considers it not to be a safety issue and therefore will not pay for the repair. The dealer estimated the repair at $6,077.31, and I was charged $159 for the diagnosis. I believe this is a serious safety concern. Sudden jerking, unpredictable transmission engagement, inability to reverse, or unexpected loss of propulsion can create a dangerous situation when entering traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, accelerating from a stop, or attempting to move out of the path of another vehicle. I am concerned that Ford has known about these recurring transmission failures for years, yet affected vehicles can still experience potentially dangerous transmission failures without a permanent safety remedy. I request that NHTSA investigate the DPS6 transmission in 2014 Ford Focus vehicles and determine whether these known defects constitute a safety-related defect and whether a safety recall or other corrective action is warranted.

NHTSA complaint #11755617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 174,400 miles San Antonio, TX

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking erratically, and the vehicle stopped independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle restarted; however, the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,400.

NHTSA complaint #11755542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Greenville, TN

STEERING

When I turned on my car the power steering said at fault and normally I could turn it off then turn it back on and it worked but after that time it never turned back on

NHTSA complaint #11755369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Lakewood, OH

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. While the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed from the scene of the failure. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with a transmission module failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with an unknown recall associated with the powertrain; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance with repairing the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 27,000 miles Phoenix, MD

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11753298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 27,000 miles Phoenix, MD

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11753298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Philadelphia, PA

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11751912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Philadelphia, PA

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11751912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cedar Rapids, IA

POWER TRAIN

Purchased 2014 Ford Focus from a private dealer. The vehicle had 75k miles on it and needed a reliable vehicle for my daughter who is in college. The same day as the purchase, the engine light came up as well as the transmission light. Had to tow it to ford and was advised the TCM needed replacement. Apparently this is a well known issue but the vehicle wasn’t covered under a recall for the issue. Paid $1960 to get that repaired as well as $135 for a tow. Ridiculous and Ford will not do anything about it.

NHTSA complaint #11750441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AZ

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11750315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AZ

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11750315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,000 miles Riverdale, GA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. The contact used an OBD scanner to retrieve DTC: P06B8. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 56,838 miles Denver, CO

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift into 2nd gear, causing the transmission to slip, and the vehicle shuddered heavily while accelerating forward. Additionally, the contact stated that the backup camera failed to function since the vehicle was purchased in 2022. The vehicle possessed a long history of identical transmission failures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions for transmission failures. The vehicle was first taken to the dealer at 56,838 miles, where an electrical failure covered under Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 was addressed, and the dealer replaced the TCM assembly, performed adaptive learning, and installed a replacement clutch assembly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a second time at 69,000 miles, where the dealer replaced the clutch assembly due to the recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a third time at 90,000 miles, where it was determined that the clutch assembly had failed once more and required a third replacement. The dealer was notified of the current failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11746151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Muskogee, OK

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11746187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Muskogee, OK

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11746187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 56,838 miles Denver, CO

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift into 2nd gear, causing the transmission to slip, and the vehicle shuddered heavily while accelerating forward. Additionally, the contact stated that the backup camera failed to function since the vehicle was purchased in 2022. The vehicle possessed a long history of identical transmission failures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions for transmission failures. The vehicle was first taken to the dealer at 56,838 miles, where an electrical failure covered under Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 was addressed, and the dealer replaced the TCM assembly, performed adaptive learning, and installed a replacement clutch assembly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a second time at 69,000 miles, where the dealer replaced the clutch assembly due to the recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a third time at 90,000 miles, where it was determined that the clutch assembly had failed once more and required a third replacement. The dealer was notified of the current failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11746151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denver, CO

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11745308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Salt Lake City, UT

POWER TRAIN

My 2014 Ford Focus with a DPS6 dual-clutch transmission began experiencing severe shuddering and harsh shifting. A Ford dealership confirmed the concern and diagnosed DTC P07A3 — Transmission Friction Element A Stuck On — using Ford's prescribed pinpoint test. Recommended repair exceeds $4,000. Vehicle is available for inspection. This is a recurring failure on this specific vehicle. Ford's own warranty history documents six prior DPS6 repairs between 2016 and 2023, including two full clutch replacements, three TCM/PCM reprogramming sessions, and a full TCM replacement under program 14M02 — all at Ford dealerships. The current failure occurs just 35,000 miles after Ford's most recent transmission repair. Prior repair orders document dangerous safety events including sudden loss of drive while in motion, no-start conditions, and complete loss of throttle control on the highway — consistent with the known DPS6 failure pattern. Ford issued six Customer Satisfaction Programs covering this transmission over eleven years — 14M01, 14M02, 15B22, 19N07, 19N08, and 14M02 Supplement 7 — acknowledging a persistent design defect. Despite this documented repeat failure history on this specific vehicle, Ford has denied goodwill assistance. I am requesting NHTSA investigate Ford's continued denial of repair assistance on vehicles with documented repeat DPS6 failures and the ongoing safety implications of this transmission's known design defects.

NHTSA complaint #11743241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Quapaw, OK

STEERING

I was driving down the road when the car dinged and a yellow light came on the bottom of the dash and it said steering loss please pull over for safety reasons so I pulled over shut the car off waited a couple minutes and then turned the car back on and the light turned red and I had no power steering at all.

NHTSA complaint #11743118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Salt Lake City, UT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2014 Ford Focus with a DPS6 dual-clutch transmission began experiencing severe shuddering and harsh shifting. A Ford dealership confirmed the concern and diagnosed DTC P07A3 — Transmission Friction Element A Stuck On — using Ford's prescribed pinpoint test. Recommended repair exceeds $4,000. Vehicle is available for inspection. This is a recurring failure on this specific vehicle. Ford's own warranty history documents six prior DPS6 repairs between 2016 and 2023, including two full clutch replacements, three TCM/PCM reprogramming sessions, and a full TCM replacement under program 14M02 — all at Ford dealerships. The current failure occurs just 35,000 miles after Ford's most recent transmission repair. Prior repair orders document dangerous safety events including sudden loss of drive while in motion, no-start conditions, and complete loss of throttle control on the highway — consistent with the known DPS6 failure pattern. Ford issued six Customer Satisfaction Programs covering this transmission over eleven years — 14M01, 14M02, 15B22, 19N07, 19N08, and 14M02 Supplement 7 — acknowledging a persistent design defect. Despite this documented repeat failure history on this specific vehicle, Ford has denied goodwill assistance. I am requesting NHTSA investigate Ford's continued denial of repair assistance on vehicles with documented repeat DPS6 failures and the ongoing safety implications of this transmission's known design defects.

NHTSA complaint #11743241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Woodbridge, VA

POWER TRAIN

The Transmission Controm Module (TCM) has gone bad on my car. Ford has recalled other cars of the same Make, Model and Year, but they refuse to repair the same problem on mine, because my VIN was not included in the initial recall

NHTSA complaint #11741994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Temple, TX

STEERING

Lost steering

NHTSA complaint #11742008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Woodbridge, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Transmission Controm Module (TCM) has gone bad on my car. Ford has recalled other cars of the same Make, Model and Year, but they refuse to repair the same problem on mine, because my VIN was not included in the initial recall

NHTSA complaint #11741994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.