2018 Ford Focus Engine Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are engine problems on the 2018 Ford Focus?

350 owners have reported engine problems on the 2018 Ford Focus, 42% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 44,000–80,000 miles. 1 recall covers this area.

350 complaints 42% of all 2018 complaints 60,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Turbo / supercharger 2

Engine control module (ECU / ECM) 1

Gas recirculation valve (EGR VALVE) 1

Oil cooler 1

Oil / lubrication 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (159 of 350). The amber line is the middle value.

0k50k100k150k200k

When problems were reported

Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.

117

Engine complaints by Focus year

2008 Focus 21

2009 Focus 23

2010 Focus 53

2011 Focus 4

2012 Focus 501

2013 Focus 358

2014 Focus 448

2015 Focus 180

2016 Focus 281

2017 Focus 301

2018 Focus 350

Related recalls

Pump

Can stall

The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair.

Recall 23V905000 · Dec 2023

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Common questions

What are common 2018 Ford Focus engine problems?

Complaints most often name the turbo / supercharger, engine control module (ECU / ECM) and gas recirculation valve (EGR VALVE).

At what mileage do 2018 Ford Focus engine problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 44,000–80,000 miles. The middle value is about 60,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2018 Ford Focus engine problems?

Yes: 23V905000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Focus year has the most engine complaints?

The 2012 Focus, with 501 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.