2018 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Burns oil or oil level rises
- 26owner reports
- 70,318median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 31, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
488 of the 835 complaints on this car are about the engine. 26 of those describe oil consumption.
Tick what matches of 26 reports
Oil consumption on other Focus years
No other Focus model year has enough reports of oil consumption for a sheet of its own. See every Focus year.
What this problem usually is
Two different complaints land here. The more common one is an engine that uses oil: owners add a quart between changes, get a low-oil warning, or are told by the dealer that the rate is normal. The other is the opposite, where the oil level climbs and the oil smells of gasoline. Both deserve a proper test, and both are easier to argue with records in hand.
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
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.
Engine stalling. Closed jan 16, 2004, led to recall 03V-482.
Engine stalling. Closed sep 9, 2002.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 56,664 and 80,000 miles, from the 23 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
No report on this problem is short enough to quote in full.
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 26 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 Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 208 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 178 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