2014 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 156owner reports
- 85,000median miles
- $800median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 8, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
827 of the 2,452 complaints on this car are about the engine. 156 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 156 reports
Misfire on other Focus years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the sensor (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
8 recalls on the engine cover the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
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.
The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
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).
On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014.
In the affected vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack between the filter body and the filter cap, possibly resulting in low fuel pressure.
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).
All 12 recalls on the 2014 Ford Focus, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Focus
Timing belt failure. Open.
Timing belt failure. Closed jul 31, 2026.
Oil pump failure. Closed feb 14, 2024, led to recall 23V-905.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 20, 2024.
Pedestrian alert sounds. Closed aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V-063.
Engine stalling. Closed jan 16, 2004, led to recall 03V-482.
Engine compartment fires. Closed nov 13, 2002, led to recall 02V-288.
Engine stalling. Closed sep 9, 2002.
Engine compartment fires. Closed jul 31, 2002, led to recall 02V-288.
What owners paid
9 of the 156 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $500 to $1,200.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 60,777 and 103,772 miles, from the 128 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 8 service bulletins or notices for the 2014 Ford Focus that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Some 2012-2014 Focus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine may exhibit concerns of engine runs rough, crank no-start, loss of power, loss of engine RPM, and/or illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0122, P0222, ...
Some 2012-2015 Focus vehicles may exhibit inaccurate fuel gauge indication and/or inaccurate distance to empty. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0420, P1450, P0443, P0452, ...
FORD 2012-2014 FOCUS: CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY HAVE INCORRECT FUEL GAUGE INDICATION LAMP WITH DIAGNOSTIC CODES P0420, P1450, P0452,P0456, P0460 OR P2196. *LJ
4 more on the 2014 Ford Focus page.
What owners wrote
“Iâm 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.”
Filed Jul 12, 2025
“-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”
Filed Sep 24, 2024
“Cars check engine light comes on sporadically and the engine runs rough and cut off in traffic and transmisson jerks”
Filed Jul 28, 2022
“Had a transmission fault a week after I bought it in 2019. Dealership did a quick fix and the transmission has been shorty since. Sputters in first gear and just today the rpmâs shot up while on the highway and the check engine light came on. The dealership will not cover this. I feel like they should as it was a known issue from the start.”
Filed May 13, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 156 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 847 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 565 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 134 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 104 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 86 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 85 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 66 reports
- Doors, latches or locks fail 65 reports
- Fuel pump failure 41 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 37 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 36 reports
- Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own 34 reports
- Fuel smells, leaks, or the gauge reads wrong 30 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 28 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 28 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 28 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 27 reports