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  • Updated for 2026
Car Paperwork

Ford Focus Recalls

NHTSA has issued 23 safety recalls for the Ford Focus, covering model years 2012 through 2018. Fuel system faults account for 5 of them, more than any other part of the vehicle. The 2014 model year has the most, with 12 separate campaigns against it. The largest single recall covered 2,147,323 vehicles. The most recent was reported to NHTSA on June 9, 2026.

Urgent safety advisory on the Ford Focus

One recall below carries an NHTSA do-not-drive advisory. If your vehicle is affected, stop driving it and call your dealer to arrange the repair.

Check your own VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether these apply to your car.

Total recalls
23
Model years affected
7
Most recalled part
Fuel system
Latest recall
2026

Ford Focus recalls by model year

How many campaigns were issued against each model year. One recall often covers several years at once, so these add up to more than the 23 total.

20187 recalls201710 recalls201610 recalls20159 recalls201412 recalls201311 recalls20127 recalls

All Ford Focus recalls

Each entry is an official NHTSA campaign, shown with the defect, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them, newest first.

26V369000Fuel systemReported June 9, 2026

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

Model years affected: 2012–2018

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.

What can happen

An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.

Vehicles affected
257,868
Maker's recall no.
26S40
Read campaign 26V369000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
26V376000Power trainReported June 9, 2026

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Model years affected: 2015–2018

The problem

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.

What can happen

A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix

Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. 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.

Vehicles affected
5,252
Maker's recall no.
26S43
Read campaign 26V376000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
26V011000Reported January 15, 2026

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Model years affected: 2013–2018

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

What can happen

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.

Vehicles affected
116,672
Maker's recall no.
26S01
Read campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
26V012000Reported January 15, 2026

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Model years affected: 2016–2018

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

What can happen

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.

Vehicles affected
2,403
Maker's recall no.
25SA4
Read campaign 26V012000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
23V905000Engine and coolingReported December 22, 2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

Model years affected: 2016–2018

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.

What can happen

A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 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. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.

Vehicles affected
139,730
Maker's recall no.
23S64
Owners notified
August 11, 2025
Read campaign 23V905000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
20V331000Latch and lockReported June 8, 2020

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Model years affected: 2012–2015

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

What can happen

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

Vehicles affected
2,147,323
Maker's recall no.
20S30
Owners notified
July 27, 2020
Read campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
19V515000Fuel systemReported July 5, 2019

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

Model years affected: 2012–2014, 2017

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.

What can happen

The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.

Vehicles affected
57,488
Maker's recall no.
19S22
Owners notified
July 29, 2019
Read campaign 19V515000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
18V845000Power trainReported November 28, 2018

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Model years affected: 2016–2018

The problem

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.

What can happen

A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix

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.

Vehicles affected
2,828
Maker's recall no.
18S07
Owners notified
January 17, 2019
Read campaign 18V845000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
18V735000Fuel systemReported October 22, 2018

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

Model years affected: 2012–2018

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.

What can happen

The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.

Vehicles affected
1,282,596
Maker's recall no.
18S32
Owners notified
August 19, 2019
Read campaign 18V735000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
18V169000Power trainReported March 12, 2018

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Model years affected: 2015–2016

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission and 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Also included are four 2017 Ford Focus vehicles that had clutch replacements with potentially affected parts. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.

What can happen

A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. Owners of Fusion vehicles will have their clutch assembly replaced free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07.

Vehicles affected
5,361
Maker's recall no.
18S07
Owners notified
August 3, 2018
Read campaign 18V169000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
17V528000SeatReported August 28, 2017

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Model years affected: 2017

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Focus vehicles. The rear left side seat back frame may have an insufficient weld between the outboard pivot bracket and the pivot nut joint, resulting in the seat back having reduced strength. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

What can happen

The reduced seat back strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the rear second left side rear seat back as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C13.

Vehicles affected
698
Maker's recall no.
17C13
Owners notified
October 10, 2017
Safety standard
FMVSS 207
Read campaign 17V528000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
17V052000StructureReported January 24, 2017

STRUCTURE:BODY

Model years affected: 2016

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.

What can happen

Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the apron joints, repairing the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S03.

Vehicles affected
17
Maker's recall no.
17S03
Owners notified
March 8, 2017
Read campaign 17V052000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
16V698000StructureReported September 28, 2016

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Model years affected: 2013–2017

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

What can happen

With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.

Vehicles affected
64,038
Maker's recall no.
16C13
Owners notified
November 16, 2016
Safety standard
FMVSS 206
Read campaign 16V698000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
16V643000Latch and lockReported September 6, 2016

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Model years affected: 2012–2015

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

What can happen

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.

Vehicles affected
2,046,297
Maker's recall no.
16S30
Owners notified
January 27, 2017
Read campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
15V813000Electrical systemReported December 2, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Model years affected: 2013–2014

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).

What can happen

The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17-S1.

Vehicles affected
9,017
Maker's recall no.
14S17-S1
Owners notified
January 7, 2016
Read campaign 15V813000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
15V436000Electrical systemReported July 8, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Model years affected: 2015

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 1, 2014, to June 12, 2015, Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, to June 12, 2015, and Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured April 22, 2014, to June 12, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the engine may continue to run after the key or the START/STOP engine button is turned to off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

What can happen

If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C06.

Vehicles affected
374,781
Maker's recall no.
15C06
Owners notified
July 27, 2015
Safety standard
FMVSS 114
Read campaign 15V436000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
15V005000Fuel systemReported January 9, 2015

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Model years affected: 2014

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

What can happen

If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S30.

Vehicles affected
54,543
Maker's recall no.
14S30, 15S13
Owners notified
February 27, 2015
Read campaign 15V005000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
14V525000Fuel systemReported September 2, 2014

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

Model years affected: 2014

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 24, 2014, 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured on June 6, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to July 7, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack between the filter body and the filter cap, possibly resulting in low fuel pressure.

What can happen

A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S20.

Vehicles affected
301
Maker's recall no.
14S20
Owners notified
September 15, 2014
Read campaign 14V525000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
14V514000SteeringReported August 22, 2014
NHTSA advises: do not drive this vehicleOwners of affected vehicles are told to stop driving until the repair is done. Contact your dealer to arrange it.

STEERING

Model years affected: 2014

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled.

What can happen

The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S18.

Vehicles affected
508
Maker's recall no.
14S18
Owners notified
November 11, 2014
Read campaign 14V514000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
14V495000Electrical systemReported August 11, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Model years affected: 2013–2014

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).

What can happen

The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.

Vehicles affected
133,227
Maker's recall no.
14S17
Owners notified
October 6, 2014
Read campaign 14V495000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
13V335000Exterior lightingReported August 1, 2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Model years affected: 2012–2013

The problem

Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured September 15, 2011, through May 6, 2013; and model year 2013 Focus ST vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured February 16, 2012, through May 7, 2013. Due to a wiring incompatability, the front side marker lamps may not function. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

What can happen

Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the headlamp assembly wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C04.

Vehicles affected
6,308
Maker's recall no.
13C04
Owners notified
August 16, 2013
Safety standard
FMVSS 108
Read campaign 13V335000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
13V085000Latch and lockReported March 7, 2013

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Model years affected: 2013

The problem

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.

What can happen

The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Vehicles affected
5,675
Maker's recall no.
13S02
Owners notified
March 27, 2013
Read campaign 13V085000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
12V149000VisibilityReported April 5, 2012

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING

Model years affected: 2012

The problem

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 FOCUS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 18, 2011. A SEAL IN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR MAY BE MISSING.

What can happen

WATER OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE CONNECTOR, RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR, REDUCING VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

The fix

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND AS NECESSARY, CLEAN AND PROPERLY SEAL THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR CONNECTOR. ANY INOPERATIVE WIPER MOTORS WILL BE REPLACED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Vehicles affected
140,310
Maker's recall no.
12S29
Owners notified
May 21, 2012
Read campaign 12V149000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

What to do if your Ford Focus is on this list

A recall listed here applies to a range of vehicles, not to every car of that model year. Manufacturers narrow it down by build date and VIN, so the only way to know whether yours is included is to check the VIN. You can do that free on NHTSA's recall lookup, or by calling any franchised dealer for that brand with your VIN in hand.

Recall repairs are free. Under federal law the manufacturer has to fix a safety defect at no charge, and there is no mileage limit and no expiry on that obligation for vehicles under 15 years old. A dealer cannot charge you for the parts, the labour, or the diagnosis on a recall repair, and you do not need to have bought the car there. If a dealer asks you to pay, that is worth escalating to the manufacturer's customer line, which is listed in the remedy text of each recall above.

Recalls do not block a title transfer or registration in any state. You can legally buy, sell, or register a car with an open recall, and sellers are generally not required to fix one first. That said, an open recall is worth raising before money changes hands, especially one with a do-not-drive advisory. If you are buying, run the VIN before you hand over the payment; if you are selling, telling the buyer about an open recall costs you nothing and avoids a dispute later.

Ford Focus recall questions

How many recalls does the Ford Focus have?

NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for the Ford Focus across model years 2012 to 2018. That count covers recalls filed from 2010 onward. Not every campaign applies to every car of that model year, because manufacturers limit recalls by build date and VIN.

Which Ford Focus model year has the most recalls?

The 2014 Ford Focus carries the most, with 12 recall campaigns. A high count does not automatically mean a worse car: a single supplier fault can trigger a recall across an entire production run, and manufacturers that report problems quickly tend to show more campaigns.

Are Ford Focus recall repairs free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to repair a safety recall at no cost, including parts and labour, on vehicles under 15 years old. There is no mileage limit, and you do not have to be the original owner or have bought the car from that dealer.

Can I sell or register a Ford Focus with an open recall?

Yes. An open recall does not stop a title transfer or registration in any state, and private sellers are generally not required to repair one first. Dealers face stricter rules on some safety recalls. If you are buying, check the VIN before you pay; the repair is free, but you want to know what you are taking on.

Other Ford recalls

Ford F-150 recalls115Ford Explorer recalls96Ford Escape recalls83Ford F-350 Super Duty recalls75Ford F-450 Super Duty recalls66Ford Transit recalls64

Where this data comes from

Every recall on this page is published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the federal agency that oversees vehicle safety recalls in the United States. We pull the full recall file from NHTSA and reproduce the campaign number, defect description, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them. NHTSA data is in the public domain.

Source:
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA data as of:
July 18, 2026
Coverage:
Recalls from 2010 onward
Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov ↗

Buying or selling this car?

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Last reviewed: 2026-07-18 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Independent resource · Not legal advice

⚠ Independent resource — check your VIN before actingCar Paperwork is not affiliated with NHTSA, any manufacturer, or any dealer. This page lists recalls issued for a model, which is not the same as a recall on your car: only a VIN check confirms that. Recall records are also updated by NHTSA continuously, so treat this as a starting point and confirm anything urgent with NHTSA or a franchised dealer. Nothing here is legal or repair advice.