2018 Ford Focus Bev
Common Problems
Ranked from 309 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
65 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Transmission Shuddering and Jerking
29complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently shudders and jerks, especially in lower gears, making driving uncomfortable and unsafe.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Check Engine Light Illumination Due to Evaporative Emissions System Issues
24complaintsLow severityFuel systemThe check engine light illuminates due to issues with the evaporative emissions system, such as a faulty canister purge valve or fuel tank vacuum system.
$100–$600est. evap system repair · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Engine Overheating
22complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine overheats due to coolant leakage, often requiring immediate pulling over to avoid damage.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Engine Overheating and Loss of Power
22complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine overheats and loses power, leading to the check engine light being illuminated and the vehicle stalling.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Fuel System Failure
21complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe engine frequently stalls at idle due to issues with the fuel system, such as a faulty canister purge valve or fuel tank vacuum system.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
21complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe TCM fails, causing the vehicle to not start and the check engine light to illuminate.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Check Engine Light Issues
16complaintsMedium severityEngineMultiple issues causing the check engine light to illuminate, including faulty purge valve and vacuum hose problems.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Purge Valve Failure
16complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe purge valve fails, causing the engine to stall at idle and not start immediately after refueling.
$100–$600est. evap system repair · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
14complaintsMedium severityEngineThe vehicle frequently stalls at idle, especially after refueling, due to a malfunctioning stop-start system.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Clutch Issues
13complaintsHigh severityTransmissionClutch failures are common, leading to difficulty in shifting gears and occasional stalling.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Engine Hesitation and Stalling After Refueling
13complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe engine hesitates and stalls after refueling, often requiring multiple attempts to start.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Steering Assist Failure
13complaintsLow severitySteeringThe power steering assist intermittently fails, causing the steering to become difficult and less responsive.
- 13
Transmission Shuddering and Hesitation During Gear Changes
12complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shudders and hesitates during gear changes, often accompanied by an abnormal sound or feeling of the transmission falling out.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Check Engine Light Illumination
10complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe check engine light frequently illuminates without warning, indicating potential electrical system issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Engine Seizure Due to Oil Pump Failure
10complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine seizes due to a failed oil pump, potentially leading to a loss of power and the vehicle stalling.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Steering Lock-Up During Backing Out of Parking Spaces
10complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering locks up during backing out of parking spaces, making the vehicle unsteerable until the steering wheel is forcefully turned.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Check Engine Light and Low Oil Pressure Warning
9complaintsMedium severityEngineThe check engine light and low oil pressure warning lights illuminate, often leading to a loss of power or the vehicle stalling.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Transmission shuddering and hesitating during acceleration
9complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shudders and hesitates when accelerating, causing the vehicle to feel unstable.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 19
Clutch Issues Leading to Transmission Malfunction
8complaintsMedium severityTransmissionClutch issues lead to transmission malfunctions, causing the vehicle to stall and fail to shift properly.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 20
Engine Seizure
8complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine has seized multiple times, requiring replacement under warranty and causing significant inconvenience.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Loss of Braking Power Due to Vacuum Pump Failure
8complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe vacuum pump fails, leading to a loss of braking power and the inability to stop the vehicle safely.
- 22
Check Engine Light On Due to Fuel System Issues
7complaintsLow severityFuel systemThe check engine light illuminates due to issues with the fuel system, including purge valve and fuel sensor failures.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 23
Engine Stall During Acceleration
7complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine stalling during acceleration, often accompanied by check engine light illumination.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 24
Engine and Engine Cooling System Issues
6complaintsMedium severityEngineIssues with the engine and cooling system lead to overheating and engine failure.
- 25
Transmission Clutch Failure Causing Random Shifting Issues
6complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission clutch fails, causing the vehicle to randomly shift gears and jolt the car forward.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 26
Transmission Slipping or Jerking
6complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission slipping or jerking during acceleration and shifting, leading to stalling and difficulty in driving.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 27
Braking system failure
5complaintsHigh severityOtherThe braking system fails, leading to loss of braking ability and potential accidents.
- 28
Check Engine Light On Due to Canister Purge Valve Failure
5complaintsLow severityFuel systemThe check engine light illuminates due to a failing canister purge valve, causing drivability issues.
$100–$600est. evap system repair · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 29
Clutch Failure Resulting in Transmission Shuddering and Jerking
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe clutch fails, causing the transmission to shudder and jerk during acceleration.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 30
Clutch Shuddering and Malfunction
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionClutch shuddering and malfunctioning, leading to surging and lugging during acceleration.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 31
Engine Stall During Refueling
5complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe engine stalls during refueling, requiring multiple attempts to start.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 32
Power Steering Assist Malfunction
5complaintsLow severitySteeringThe power steering assist malfunctions, making the steering wheel difficult to turn.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 33
Random Engine Misfires and Stall
5complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires and stalls randomly, often at highway speeds, leading to reduced performance.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 34
Transmission Failure Leading to Stalling and Loss of Motive Power
5complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission fails, leading to the vehicle stalling and losing motive power.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 35
Transmission Issues Leading to Vehicle Stalling
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently causes the vehicle to stall or hesitate, especially at higher speeds, without warning lights.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 36
Transmission shifting roughly and jerking
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shifts roughly and jerks, making it hard to drive smoothly and increasing the risk of accidents.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 37
Transmission Shuddering and Jerking at Warm-Up
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shudders and jerks, especially when the vehicle is warm.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 38
Abnormal Sounds Under Vehicle
4complaintsMedium severityOtherAn abnormal sound is heard from beneath the vehicle, indicating potential drivetrain issues.
- 39
Check Engine Light and Warning Lights Illuminated During Driving
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe check engine light and other warning lights illuminate during driving, indicating underlying issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 40
Check Engine Light and Warning Messages
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe check engine light illuminates along with various warning messages, indicating potential electrical system failures.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 41
Check Engine Light Illumination Without Warning
4complaintsLow severityEngineThe check engine light frequently illuminates without warning, indicating potential underlying engine issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 42
Engine Malfunction Leading to Power Loss and Stalling
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine frequently malfunctions, leading to sudden loss of power and stalling, often without warning lights.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 43
Engine stalling and check engine light on
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls and the check engine light illuminates, indicating potential issues with the fuel or propulsion system.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 44
Fuel System Issues Causing Vehicle to Stall
4complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe vehicle frequently stalls after refueling or while idling due to fuel system failures such as purge valve malfunctions.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 45
Unreliable Accelerator Pedal Response
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe vehicle frequently fails to respond to the accelerator pedal, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
- 46
Vehicle Stalls During Driving
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe vehicle unexpectedly stalls while driving, often accompanied by warning lights.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 47
Power Steering Failure Causing Loss of Assist
3complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering system fails, leading to loss of assist and difficulty in steering, posing a safety risk.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 48
Transmission Module and Actuator Assembly Failure
3complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission module and actuator assembly fail, causing the transmission to stop shifting properly and the vehicle to stall.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 49
Check Engine Light Illumination Due to Purge Valve Failure
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe check engine light illuminates due to a faulty purge valve, leading to engine performance issues.
$100–$600est. evap system repair · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 50
Check Engine Light Illumination with Unknown Failures
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe check engine light illuminates with unknown failures, indicating underlying issues that require diagnosis and repair.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 51
Clutch Actuator Housing Issues
2complaintsMedium severityOtherIssues with the clutch actuator housing cause the vehicle to have difficulty shifting into reverse or starting.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 52
Clutch Failure
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe clutch repeatedly fails and requires replacement, causing the vehicle to stall and lose power.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 53
Engine Failure Due to Coolant Intrusion
2complaintsSafety riskEngineCoolant intrudes into the engine, causing the engine to fail and the vehicle to lose power or stall.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 54
Engine Stalling and Shuddering
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine frequently stalls and shudders, especially under acceleration, leading to loss of control and difficulty starting.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 55
Engine Stalling During Refueling
2complaintsLow severityEngineThe engine stalls during refueling, requiring multiple attempts to restart the vehicle.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 56
Fuel Pump Failure
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe fuel pump fails, causing the vehicle to stall, lose power, or fail to restart after refueling.
$500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 57
Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Failure
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe fuel tank pressure sensor fails, causing the vehicle to stall or fail to restart after refueling.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 59
Steering Lock-Up
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering locks up suddenly, making it difficult to control the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 60
Steering Rack Failure
2complaintsSafety riskSteeringThe steering rack fails completely, leading to a loss of steering control and potential safety risks.
$900–$2,000est. steering rack replacement · 4–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 61
Transmission Failure Causing Jerking and Limp Mode
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission fails, causing the vehicle to jerk and enter limp mode, reducing power and increasing the risk of accidents.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 62
Transmission Failure Causing Stalling
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission fails, causing the vehicle to stall, lose power, or fail to shift gears properly.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 63
Transmission Malfunction Leading to Gear Shifting Issues
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission fails to shift gears properly, causing the vehicle to hesitate or lurch during acceleration.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 64
Transmission Shudder and Stalling
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shudders and stalling occurs frequently, especially during gear shifts, leading to reduced performance.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 65
Vehicle speed control malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe vehicle speed control malfunctions, causing the engine RPMs to rise unexpectedly when shifting gears.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.