2018 Ford Focus Safety Report
2018 Ford Focus: Excellent Crash Ratings Undermined by High Complaint Volume and Critical Powertrain/Engine Recalls
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Ford Focus
Reliability Score
The 2018 Ford Focus receives a reliability score of 35 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
Known Issues for the 2018 Ford Focus
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Ford Focus:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cvt Transmission Failure (Dps6 Powershift) Numerous complaints describe shuddering, delayed engagement, jerking, slipping, and sudden loss of power or acceleration, often leading to complete transmission failure. This is a well-documented defect with class action suits. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Engine Oil Pump Drive Belt Failure Recall 23V905000 addresses the oil pump drive belt or tensioner failure, which can cause a loss of engine oil pressure, leading to engine stall and loss of power braking assist, increasing crash risk. Complaints indicate this issue persists even after recall attempts. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Engine Block Heater Short Circuit/Fire Risk Two recalls (19V807000, 18V894000) address engine block heaters cracking and leaking coolant, leading to short circuits and increased fire risk. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Clutch Fracture (1.0l Fox Gtdi Engine, 6-Speed Manual) Recall 18V735000 warns of clutch fracture, which can damage the transmission and lead to fluid leaks, increasing fire risk if an ignition source is present. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Canister Purge Valve (Cpv) Malfunction Recall 18V735000 indicates CPV malfunction can cause excessive vacuum in the fuel system, leading to an engine stall without warning and inability to restart, increasing crash risk. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Turbocharger Failure Complaints describe sudden turbo failure, loss of power, and excessive smoke, often occurring after recall-related services. |
High | Occasional | 55000-80000 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Ford Focus:
The most reported issue, with 208 complaints, primarily relates to the DPS6 PowerShift transmission, including shuddering, slipping, delayed engagement, and complete failure, often leading to stalling or loss of power.
With 106 complaints, this category includes issues like engine stalling, overheating, oil pump failures, and loss of engine power, often linked to recall 23V905000 regarding the oil pump drive belt.
97 complaints specifically for the engine, detailing problems such as misfires, crankshaft issues, sudden power loss, and complete engine failure, sometimes following recall repairs.
54 complaints, including issues with the fuel pump and canister purge valve, leading to loss of power and engine stalling.
44 complaints, often related to the canister purge valve malfunction causing excessive vacuum and engine stalls, as addressed by recall 18V735000.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Ford Focus
Is the 2018 Ford Focus safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Ford Focus received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, its operational safety is significantly compromised by 800 complaints, including 15 crashes and 3 fires, and 5 recalls addressing critical powertrain and engine failures that can lead to sudden loss of power or fire risk. The high volume of complaints, particularly for the transmission and engine, indicates substantial reliability concerns.
What are common problems with the 2018 Ford Focus?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Ford Focus are related to the POWER TRAIN (208 complaints), primarily the DPS6 PowerShift transmission with symptoms like shuddering, jerking, and stalling. ENGINE and ENGINE COOLING (106 complaints) and ENGINE (97 complaints) are also highly problematic, with issues such as oil pump belt failure, engine stalling, and loss of power, often linked to recall 23V905000. Fuel system issues (54 complaints for FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM) are also notable.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Ford Focus?
Yes, the 2018 Ford Focus has 5 recalls. These include recalls for the engine block heater (increasing fire risk), oil pump drive belt failure (leading to engine stall), clutch fracture (fire risk for manual transmissions), and canister purge valve malfunction (causing engine stall).
How does the 2018 Ford Focus perform in crash tests?
The 2018 Ford Focus performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving an Overall 5-star safety rating. It received 5 stars for Frontal crash, 5 stars for Side crash, and 4 stars for Rollover resistance.
Is the transmission a known issue in the 2018 Ford Focus?
Yes, the transmission, specifically the DPS6 PowerShift, is a widely known and highly problematic issue for the 2018 Ford Focus, accounting for a significant portion of the 208 POWER TRAIN complaints. Owners frequently report shuddering, jerking, delayed engagement, and complete failure, which has been the subject of class-action lawsuits.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the excellent crash ratings but significant mechanical reliability issues, particularly with the transmission and engine, proceed with extreme caution. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on powertrain and engine components, is essential, and be aware of the numerous recalls and potential for costly repairs.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Ford Focus
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Ford Focus. The data includes 800 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 15 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 11 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Ford Focus an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.