2018 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Transmission fails or needs replacement
- 38owner reports
- 75,000median miles
- $5,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 1, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
318 of the 830 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 38 of those describe transmission failure.
Tick what matches of 38 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (38 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-169.
What owners paid
5 of the 38 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,500 to $8,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 46,000 and 103,000 miles, from the 29 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“I had the engine on 2018 (61000 mileage) focus replaced 1 and 1/2 year ago because of the oil pan wet belt recall. Now my transmission locked up because of clutch failure. I was lucky that I was coming to a stop while parking in my driveway. Now im told by mechanic that i need a new transmission. Why was ford allowed to continue selling cars with substandard engines.”
Filed Sep 1, 2026
“Ford transmission failure Started with chattering and engine acceleration at red lights. Progressed to remaining in drive even though you shifted to park or reverse”
Filed May 5, 2024
“Have owned the car for a little over a year has 150,000 miles on it stopped at a red light and went to take off no power what so ever.Finally went into drive and got it to the garbage transmission is going out. My friction sensor is bad canât buy the part so need a new transmission.”
Filed Mar 11, 2024 · 150,000 miles
“Transmission went out when car overheated. First it would not go in reverse but then none of the gears work. Took to ford dealer advised the clutch was out then was told transmission needs to be replaced. Was getting error code p2837 and p287B.”
Filed May 7, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 38 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.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 205 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 176 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 132 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 76 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 26 reports