351 of the
3,628 complaints about the 2014 Ford Focus are about the
fuel system — 10% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
68,500 miles.
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.
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.
Rule, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11741322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesEl Centro, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle shook abnormally and stalled. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11715034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesFarmington Hills, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. Upon investigation, the contact found notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 20V331000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) associated with the VIN. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was shifted into neutral(N) and coasted to the side of the road. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact waited for one to two hours before restarting the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed at the same time while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) in 2019. The vehicle was not inspected, diagnosed, or repaired. The contact was the second owner of the vehicle and was unsure if the previous owner had repaired the vehicle under the recall. The contact searched on the NHTSA.gov website, and the website indicated that the recall was incomplete. The contact stated that the failure had become worse. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11709749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oshkosh, WI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Be reaching out and taking my car to Ford for recalls within the time limit told me they did not see no code I replace it it breaks down put me and my daughter at risk on the highway unsafe and now I spent all my money and can’t afford another car because of Ford not Doing their job with the policy and the warranties the recalls I’ve been going through so much trying to fix this car and now I have to take a complete loss because it’s finally broken down and no one wants to take the car
NHTSA complaint #11684353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I’m pretty sure the tcm went out because the check engine light is on and it is shuddering and losing power randomly. Also will not go into reverse unless I shut car off.
NHTSA complaint #11673040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CACrash3 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.
Mesa, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car smells like it’s leaking gas and when I took a flash light n went under the car it shows the tank and the hose connected to the tank has signs of it being wet but when the car is running it smells a lot worse and constantly is shaking, shuddering and causing my transmission to malfunction and I’ve read online that there was a re call # 14S20 But i can’t find it on this website
NHTSA complaint #11668452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,074 milesEugene, OR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started sputtering and then stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred a short while later. The contact stated that gasoline was added to the fuel tank allowing the vehicle to be driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the canister purge valve, fuel tank ,and fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,074.
NHTSA complaint #11663744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module and canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,595.
NHTSA complaint #11657906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesEl Paso, AR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled while the RPM was elevated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road on one occasion, and the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road on the other occasions. The vehicle was restarted after an extended time. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the canister purge valve and the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the canister purge valve replacement was covered under Ford Campaign Number: 24N07, and a repair fee would be charged for the TCM replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the TCM failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11642457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rolesville, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11630224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2014 Ford Focus due to recurring error codes P0456 (Very Small Leak Detected), P1450 (Unable to Bleed Up Fuel Tank Vacuum), and P2190 (System Too Rich at Idle). These issues relate to the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) and fuel tank system, which have caused symptoms such as intermittent Check Engine Light warnings, fuel odor, and difficulty refueling. These problems were confirmed by an independent service center during diagnostic testing, but the dealership refused to perform a goodwill fix, citing that my vehicle is not currently included in related recalls. This is particularly concerning because a large number of 2014 Ford Focus vehicles—approximately 1.5 million—have been recalled for similar issues with the EVAP and fuel systems, which pose risks such as fuel vapor leaks and stalling due to fuel system pressure irregularities. Although my VIN is not listed under the recall, the identical symptoms strongly suggest my vehicle should be included. I have not had the vehicle inspected by Ford or other representatives, but I urge NHTSA to investigate further as this is a significant safety concern that endangers me and others on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11626456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesPendleton, OR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle sputtered and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was running roughly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000(Fuel System, Gasoline), and the contact replaced the purge valve; however the failure recurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer and to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11623814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murfreesboro, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
-Canister Purge Valve malfunctioning. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. -This is a potential safety risk, makes and models within the same year are showing recall. When checking the specific VIN, does not appear to be covered under current recall. -Failure Code P1450 -No -Check Engine Light
NHTSA complaint #11616257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Checotah, OK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Previous owner & myself have continually experienced transmission/clutch shudder and hard shifting from a stop. Have had clutch and/or clutch assembly replaced twice since 2015. The dealer wants to replace the clutch AGAIN! This is not correcting the faulty DPS6 transmission which I believe is faulty. Now am afraid to drive car and have been told by dealer that Ford will not do anything unless shudder reaches certain limit. They have now informed me there is a problem with the Fuel EVAP system, according to the latest error code which had a recall back in 2019, so that is expired. And the clutch Customer Satisfaction Program 19N08 has also, expired, leaving me with a car unsafe to drive for both issues. I contacted Ford Motor Co today, and was told there is no Conflict Resolution Dpt., that they only deal directly with the dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11606074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, AR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Purge value. Code p1450. It tries die on me. Everytime I get gas my car has hard time starting. While driving last few days car tries die or make a surge forward. I'm still having trouble with this transmission ever since I bought it. I been back 3 times for them to adjust something.it has died on me while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11594690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle has all of the mentioned issues from the recall for the stuck CPV. Check engine light illuminated directly after refueling. Codes present at P1450 and P0420. Noticeable change in drivability. My specific VIN is not showing affected by this recall however it meets every requirement to be considered eligible. If my local dealership will not cover this I will have to file a consumer affairs report and take my case to small claims court as this should be something FORD has to remedy due to they’ve already admitted negligence in the manufacture of this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11576173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brandenburg, KY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My card was recalled several years ago for a Purge Valve Canister. It was repaired but would still cut out sometimes. It is doing it again now, as a matter of fact when you pull up to a light or sudden stop it will stall the engine. Also when you fill up with gas, it does not want to start. I know that when it was fixed, the problem was a band aid fix. There is something in the vehicle causing this Purge Valve canister to malfunction. I think it should be covered under the SAME RECALL and it should be paid for by FORD.
NHTSA complaint #11574285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas tank was filled and experienced erratic fuel gauge indication during drive. Parked vehicle and next day there was gasoline coming out of the bottom of the car. Towed and mechanic said the gas tank shows deformation, issue where the tube into tank/assembly is defective.
NHTSA complaint #11574098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,500 milesBroomfield, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact's fiancé owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his fiancé was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to start and failed to start right away after a jumpstart. The contact was later able to start the vehicle. The RPM also fluctuated while the vehicle was idling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who reset the check engine warning light; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC Code: P1450 and determined that the canister purge valve (CPV) and fuel vapor system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 98,500.
NHTSA complaint #11569564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellevue, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving my 2014 Ford Focus electric car sometime in 2023 and the system told me to immediately pull over for no reason. I was able to pull it over but it would not start again after turning it off. I let it sit and came back the next day since I needed to go somewhere and it started. The car then had issues starting and I tried to diagnose with the dealership and we ended up recharging the battery because it was low. It was a little more consistent but it died again but this time it would not turn over. I finally got the car to the dealership to diagnose and it took them over a month to do so. It seems the High voltage wire harness was bad and needed to be replaced. It seems that this should be a recall because it is a major component and even a safety issue since the car died while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11564715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I purchased a new 2014 Ford Focus Electric (FFE) in 2014. I have learned since then that every FFE develops a high voltage battery, the battery that powers the electric motor, coolant leak at no more than 80,000 miles, rendering the car inoperable. Ford will not repair the leak and will only sell a replacement battery. Ford has not issued a recall and is allowing the cooling system for a battery made from a highly combustible material to fail. The cooling system failure also requires the driver to get off the road immediately with the "Stop safely now" message and leaves the driver stranded with a useless car. The following are links about the FFE battery coolant leak. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11549705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,665 milesIndianapolis, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with evap purge valve failure. The contact was informed that the evap purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) had expired. The contact stated that there was two parts to the recall repair being completed and only one part was completed. The failure mileage was approximately 112,665.
NHTSA complaint #11541489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle routinely failed to start, but would restart after 15-20 minutes. The contact stated that the failure had been a recurring failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System had failed. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11540602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Check engine light came on due to the code P0442. It was caused by a faulty purge valve, which my car was already recalled due to this. To my knowledge the valve was replaced. The check engine light is on again, same code. The purge valve was replaced again, but the engine light did not turn off. Upon further inspection, the fuel tank is deformed. The purge valve defect can cause the fuel tank to be vacuumed in on itself, and there happens to be another recall on this issue. My car is not part of this recall. Not only is the check engine light on for the deformed fuel tank, but my MPG number does not match up with the amount of mileage I actually have left. There needs to be another recall with the cars that were not in the original group recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11540072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesFort Worth, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was displaying an incorrect reading on the instrument panel, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the purge valve was replaced. Despite the repair, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed the vehicle with a defective purge valve and a defective fuel tank. The mechanic then informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11537951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Park, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Error p2196 and p1450 issue with PCM, EVAP and bank 1 sensor know issues and recalls on same year make and model st I have an se having same problem
NHTSA complaint #11530969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uhrichsville, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
12-18 ford focus equipped with 2.0 GDI or 2.0 GTDI equipped with purge valve, failing causing gas tank deformation
NHTSA complaint #11530062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.