2018 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 178owner reports
- 63,000median miles
- $1,100median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 15, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
510 of the 835 complaints on this car are about the engine. 178 of those describe misfire. Only stalling is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 178 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 (10 reports) and the injectors (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
5 recalls on the engine cover the 2018 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 engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
All 7 recalls on the 2018 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
17 of the 178 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $207 to $2,600.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 50,550 and 76,890 miles, from the 125 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 5 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 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 2015-2018 Focus ST vehicles may exhibit a misfire condition and/or illuminated MIL with DTCs P0300 and/or P0316 with engine coolant temperature below 49°C (120°F). Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
1 more on the 2018 Ford Focus page.
What owners wrote
“The check engine light came and the code for CPV show up. When you put gas in it doesn't start up right away like it suppose to. And the acceleration take time on occasion. Basically what the recall said for the car. But the dealship says my Vin numbet doesn't match the recalled so I don't know what to do.”
Filed Mar 17, 2023
“I keep having an off and on check engine light with a P1450 code for the last two months. Iâve looked up my vehicle history. I found that my vehicle came up as a 2.0L GDI engine type which my car would qualify under the recall. But when I look up my vin, it tells me no. What do I do? I just financed this vehicle in October.”
Filed Mar 14, 2023
“My car died had trouble starting while driving Check engine kept showing code for purge valve replacement and fuel neck line. Had both replaced out of pocket had my battery replaced.”
Filed Feb 12, 2023
“Vehicle does not start after filling tank with gas. We have to keep 1/2 tank at all times and leave the engine running when filling up. You can feel the engine sputter as it fills. Check engine light gives code P1450 "unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum." I believe it falls under the recall 18V735000 but my Vin doesn't pull up any recalls.”
Filed Feb 3, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 178 reports involved a crash and 1 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
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 208 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 132 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 77 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 38 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 33 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 27 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 26 reports