2015 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 96owner reports
- 70,000median miles
- $2,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 12, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
344 of the 1,019 complaints on this car are about the engine. 96 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 96 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 (6 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the engine cover the 2015 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 Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
In the affected vehicles, the engine may continue to run after the key or the START/STOP engine button is turned to off.
All 9 recalls on the 2015 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
14 of the 96 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $400 to $5,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 56,000 and 107,000 miles, from the 67 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 10 service bulletins or notices for the 2015 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 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
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 2014-2015 Escape, 2015 C-Max and Focus vehicles equipped with integrated remote start may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0116 in the powertrain control module (PCM) immediately following a remote start event.
6 more on the 2015 Ford Focus page.
What owners wrote
“My transmission is always having problems with it. My check engine light will not turn after put over $5,000 into it.”
Filed Apr 17, 2025
“My vehicle is having the same issues as the recall associated with the 2016 ford focus with the 1 liter 3-cylinder turbo engine with the oil pump tensioner. I am not sure why this recall is not associated with my vehicle.”
Filed Apr 10, 2025
“While accelerating from a stop at a red light, engine shuddered and almost died out in the middle of the intersection. Check engine light came on. Drove carefully for a few more minutes to work. While trying to accelerate, RPMs go really high like it doesnât want to shift gears. Got to work where I always back into my parking spot, vehicle would not go into reverse.”
Filed Jul 19, 2023
“Check engine light came on Code P1450 Dealer diagnosed Canister Purge Valve needed to be replaced. My ViN not under recall! This has been a common problem for other 2015 Ford Focus vehicles and many under recall. Recall notice should be expanded to include those of us with this same issue.”
Filed Apr 7, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 96 reports involved a crash. 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 295 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 221 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 56 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 51 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 30 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 28 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 25 reports