Common problems · Ford

Ford Focus common problems and recalls

13 sourced problems across the Focus's generations since 2012, plus 30 DVSA recalls. Enter a registration to see the ones that apply to your exact car.

Free · no signup · recalls, MOT data and researched problems

Focus Mk4 (2018 on)

Acknowledged by the manufacturer

Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.

Reported by owners and the motoring press

Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.

DVSA recalls for the Focus Mk4

Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.

  • Some vehicles may have an incorrectly assembled rear door latch spring that will cause the manual child lock to not function correctlyR/2018/261 · 30/11/2018

    Rear door latch child lock may not function correctly.

    Remedy: Check child locks for correct activation and replace if necessary.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018

  • THE eCALL FEATURE WILL STOP FUNCTIONING DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONR/2022/239 · 29/07/2022

    It may be possible that the eCall feature will stop functioning due to a malfunction.

    Remedy: The Telecommunication Module will need to be replaced

    Listed for: PUMA, S-MAX, KUGA, FOCUS, GALAXY · built 2022

  • A nut securing the MHEV battery connection may not be torqued to specificationR/2021/021 · 25/01/2021

    A nut securing the mHEV battery connection may not be torqued to specification.

    Remedy: Remove the nut and inspect the wiring for signs of damage. Any damaged wiring will be replaced. A new nut will be fitted and torqued to specification in all circumstances.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2020

  • Frozen Rearview Camera ScreenR/2025/361 · 24/09/2025

    On affected vehicles there is a potential software issue causing the rear-view camera not to function as intended.

    Remedy: Update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software to the latest level.

    Listed for: TRANSIT, FOCUS, TRANSIT COURIER, MACH-E, RANGER, TRANSIT CUSTOM, MUSTANG · built 2020–2024

Show 22 more
  • A defect on the power distribution box pins may potentially cause an intermittent poor connection on a number of terminalsR/2019/421 · 24/01/2020

    A defect on the Power Distribution Box (PDB) pins may potentially cause an intermittent poor connection on a number of terminals.

    Remedy: Inspect for potential damage If present replace Power Distribution Box and interfacing wiring loom pins

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2019

  • The screw which secures the ground cable of the 48v battery may not be fully securedR/2021/285 · 22/09/2021

    The screw which secures the ground cable of the 48v battery may not be fully secured.

    Remedy: Replace the ground cable bolt on all vehicles and torque to specification

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2020–2021

  • A brake pedal hinge bolt does not meet specificationR/2018/375 · 21/12/2018

    A brake pedal hinge bolt which does not meet specification.

    Remedy: Check torque of brake pedal hinge bolt. If the vehicle fails the test replace the brake pedal box

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018

  • On certain vehicles tape used to protect the end of the ground connection wiring harness of the 48V battery may have become trapped beneath the nut securing the wiring harness.R/2023/204 · 21/07/2023

    On certain vehicles tape used to protect the end of the ground connection wiring harness of the 48V battery may have become trapped beneath the nut securing the wiring harness.

    Remedy: Inspect the ground connection harness. If required the tape on end of the connector will be reapplied and the nut tightened to the specified torque.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2023

  • Certain vehicles may be fitted with a seatbelt that does not meet the high specification expected by Ford due to a rivet that is holding the buckle not being fully secured.R/2023/186 · 21/06/2023

    Certain vehicles may be fitted with a seatbelt that does not meet the high specification expected by Ford due to a rivet that is holding the buckle not being fully secured.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect all vehicles and if found necessary will replace the part that is not meeting specification.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2023

  • Vehicles may have an issue with the current software that contols the funtionality of the ECALL systemR/2021/177 · 21/05/2021

    Vehicles may have an issue with the current software that controls the functionality of the eCall system.

    Remedy: Carry out a software update.

    Listed for: KUGA, PUMA, FOCUS, EXPLORER · built 2019–2021

  • Focus Clutch Pedal spring potential touch condition EPAS power Supply wiringR/2024/442 · 19/12/2024

    On affected vehicles the clutch pedal spring may touch the Electric Power Assisted Steering wiring harness which may lead to clutch spring heat up and fall out a short circuit and loss of steering power assistance.

    Remedy: Inspect and adjust the position of the wiring and if necessary repair any wiring damage.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2023–2024

  • 24C21 – Focus Passenger Beltminder ChimeR/2024/294 · 18/07/2024

    While monitoring vehicles in operation we have identified a number of Focus vehicles where the passenger belt minder chime is not activated when the vehicle goes over 15 mph. Regulatory requirements mandate that an audible chime must activate when the first-row passenger seatbelt is unfastened and the vehicle speed ex…

    Remedy: Update the instrument panel cluster IPC configuration.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2023–2024

  • Focus Lane Centering Assist Software UpdateR/2024/244 · 18/06/2024

    A number of Focus vehicles have been identified where the warning chimes may not be operating as intended. The chimes may not be audible when the driver is not holding the steering wheel for longer than 30 seconds while using Lane Centering Assist which does not meet ECE regulations.

    Remedy: Updating software in control unit.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2023–2024

  • 25C75 Focus - Lane Centering Assist Software UpdateR/2026/111 · 18/03/2026

    Certain affected vehicles may not have the remedy for Compliance Recall 24C12 installed correctly

    Remedy: Dealers will update Audio Front Control Module (ACM) software to the latest level available.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2024

  • The nuts on the 48v battery poles may not be torqued to specificationR/2022/051 · 17/03/2022

    The nuts on the 48V battery poles may not be torqued to specification.

    Remedy: Remove both positive and negative poll nuts and inspect the wiring for signs of damage. Any damaged wiring will be replaced. Both nuts will be refitted and torqued to specification.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2021–2022

  • Transit Courier: Diesel DV-Neo Engine Coolant Pump UpdateR/2026/237 · 15/06/2026

    Affected vehicles may have been repaired using a coolant pump with a potential issue. This issue may lead to incorrect engine timing resulting in an engine failure causing a sudden loss of power without prior warning. The engine cannot be restarted.

    Remedy: Check and replace the water pump and timing belt if necessary.

    Listed for: KUGA, FOCUS, TOURNEO CONNECT, TRANSIT CONNECT, TRANSIT COURIER · built 2019–2024

  • 25C77 Focus Telematics Control Unit Software UpdateR/2026/059 · 13/02/2026

    On affected vehicles the software repair for previous recall 20C22 may not have been delivered properly and the Telematics Control Unit (TCU) in these vehicles may disconnect from Ford’s Service Delivery Network and become unresponsive.

    Remedy: Update the TCU software and perform an additional verification process to ensure the configuration has been installed correctly.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018–2019

  • Vehicles could have a front suspension knuckle that was incorrectly manufacturedR/2022/248 · 12/08/2022

    A possibility that vehicles could have a front suspension knuckle that was incorrectly manufactured.

    Remedy: Inspect and if necessary replace the affected components.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2022

  • Potential for the rear doors to open when the rear windows are loweredR/2019/045 · 12/02/2019

    Potential for the rear doors to open when the rear windows are lowered.

    Remedy: Ensure the door release cable is in the correct position and adjusted if necessary.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018–2019

  • CrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software UpdateR/2025/359 · 08/09/2025

    On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.

    Remedy: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.

    Listed for: KUGA, TRANSIT, MONDEO, FIESTA, GALAXY, FOCUS, TRANSIT COURIER, TRANSIT CUSTOM, ECOSPORT, EXPLORER, PUMA, TOURNEO CUSTOM… · built 2018–2023

  • Bolts fixing front suspension to vehicle may not be tightened to correct torqueR/2019/085 · 06/03/2019

    Bolts fixing the front suspension to the vehicle may not be tightened to the correct torque.

    Remedy: The front suspension bolts must be inspected and set to the correct torque.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018

  • Seat belt anchorage bolt partially engagedR/2019/334 · 05/11/2019

    Seat belt anchors and seat bolts may not be secured as per specification

    Remedy: Check tighten and torque all identified bolts to specification

    Listed for: FOCUS, C-MAX · built 2019

  • Multi Vehicle Line (MVL): Telecommunications Control Module (TCU) loss of Function Software UpdateR/2026/181 · 05/05/2026

    Affected vehicles may experience a loss of emergency call system (eCall) functionality which impacts both automatic and manual eCall events.

    Remedy: Update the Telematics Control Unit software to the latest level.

    Listed for: FOCUS, GALAXY, KUGA, MONDEO, PUMA, S-MAX · built 2019–2024

  • Possible transmission stud damage to wiring loom following repairR/2021/020 · 05/03/2021

    Possible transmission stud damage to wiring loom following repair.

    Remedy: Check that the correct transmission stud has been replaced. If not the correct stud must be replaced and the wiring loom should be inspected for damage and repaired as necessary.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018–2019

  • On affected vehicles the Lighting Driver Module software may be incorrectly configured which could potentially cause the adaptive headlamps to not work as intended.R/2023/237 · 02/08/2023

    On affected vehicles the Lighting Driver Module software may be incorrectly configured which could potentially cause the adaptive headlamps to not work as intended.

    Remedy: Software update and/or headlamp adjustment in order to restore feature functionality.

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2023

  • The garnish panel from the panorama roof may detachR/2022/176 · 01/07/2022

    The Garnish Panel from the Panorama roof may detach.�

    Remedy: Test the adhesion of the panel bonding material and if necessary replace the panel.�

    Listed for: FOCUS · built 2021

Measured at MOT: how a 2022 Focus fails more often

Based on 80,476 first MOT tests of this model at 4 years old (cars first used 2020–2021), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.

Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.

    How to read this

    These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.

    A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.

    MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.

    Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.

    Focus Mk3 (2011–2018)

    Acknowledged by the manufacturer

    Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.

    Reported by owners and the motoring press

    Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.

    DVSA recalls for the Focus Mk3

    Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.

    • Some vehicles may have an incorrectly assembled rear door latch spring that will cause the manual child lock to not function correctlyR/2018/261 · 30/11/2018

      Rear door latch child lock may not function correctly.

      Remedy: Check child locks for correct activation and replace if necessary.

      Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018

    • A brake pedal hinge bolt does not meet specificationR/2018/375 · 21/12/2018

      A brake pedal hinge bolt which does not meet specification.

      Remedy: Check torque of brake pedal hinge bolt. If the vehicle fails the test replace the brake pedal box

      Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018

    • X-Car Powertain Control Module (PCM) Software UpdateR/2025/094 · 19/12/2024

      Affected vehicles may develop a crack in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

      Remedy: Update software to prevent a cracked DPF. Test and replace DPFs that are already cracked.

      Listed for: MONDEO, CMAX, KUGA, FOCUS (SDPF), S-MAX, GALAXY, TRANSIT CUSTOM, FOCUS MCA, FOCUS, ECOSPORT, B-MAX, FIESTA MCA, TRANSIT… · built 2014–2022

    • Casting defect may cause alloy wheel(s) to crackR/2018/011 · 19/03/2018

      A small batch of alloy wheels may have a casting defect that may initiate a fatigue crack and result in wheel failure.

      Remedy: Check wheels on affected vehicles for a specific batch code. Replace those wheels which have the identified batch code.

      Listed for: FOCUS, C-MAX · built 2016

    Show 7 more
    • Engine wiring loom may touch a stud on the transmission housingR/2019/454 · 16/04/2020

      Engine wiring loom may touch a stud on the transmission housing

      Remedy: Transmission stud to be replaced with a bolt and rerouting of the wiring loom

      Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018–2019

    • 25C77 Focus Telematics Control Unit Software UpdateR/2026/059 · 13/02/2026

      On affected vehicles the software repair for previous recall 20C22 may not have been delivered properly and the Telematics Control Unit (TCU) in these vehicles may disconnect from Ford’s Service Delivery Network and become unresponsive.

      Remedy: Update the TCU software and perform an additional verification process to ensure the configuration has been installed correctly.

      Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018–2019

    • Potential for the rear doors to open when the rear windows are loweredR/2019/045 · 12/02/2019

      Potential for the rear doors to open when the rear windows are lowered.

      Remedy: Ensure the door release cable is in the correct position and adjusted if necessary.

      Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018–2019

    • CrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software UpdateR/2025/359 · 08/09/2025

      On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.

      Remedy: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.

      Listed for: KUGA, TRANSIT, MONDEO, FIESTA, GALAXY, FOCUS, TRANSIT COURIER, TRANSIT CUSTOM, ECOSPORT, EXPLORER, PUMA, TOURNEO CUSTOM… · built 2018–2023

    • Bolts fixing front suspension to vehicle may not be tightened to correct torqueR/2019/085 · 06/03/2019

      Bolts fixing the front suspension to the vehicle may not be tightened to the correct torque.

      Remedy: The front suspension bolts must be inspected and set to the correct torque.

      Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018

    • Possible transmission stud damage to wiring loom following repairR/2021/020 · 05/03/2021

      Possible transmission stud damage to wiring loom following repair.

      Remedy: Check that the correct transmission stud has been replaced. If not the correct stud must be replaced and the wiring loom should be inspected for damage and repaired as necessary.

      Listed for: FOCUS · built 2018–2019

    • Side and/or knee airbag may fail to deploy in a collisionR/2017/241 · 04/09/2017

      The airbag initiator may be defective and may prevent the side airbag(s) and/or knee airbag deploying in the event of an accident. In a collision the airbags not deploying could put the occupants at further risk.

      Remedy: Recall the 1943 vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the side and knee protection airbags complete with initiators.

      Listed for: KUGA, CMAX, FOCUS · built 2016

    Measured at MOT: how a 2015 Focus fails more often

    Based on 140,251 first MOT tests of this model at 11 years old (cars first used 2013–2014), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.

    Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.

      How to read this

      These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.

      A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.

      MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.

      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.

      MOT failure rate: the Focus against vehicles its age

      In our analysis of DVSA's anonymised MOT data for 2024 and 2025, 32.4% of 1,821,192 initial MOT tests on the Ford Focus failed at the first attempt — about as often as vehicles of the same ages and fuel types, which failed 31.4%.

      FocusCars of the same age and fuel (all makes)

      Ford Focus initial MOT failure rate by age band, against vehicles of the same age and fuel
      AgeTestsBarsFocusSame age & fuelDifference
      3–5 years229,987
      		14.7%14.6%About the same
      6–9 years495,788
      		22.0%23.4%6% lower
      10–14 years646,012
      		38.2%35.7%7% higher
      15–19 years365,929
      		44.2%42.9%About the same
      20–40 years83,476
      		47.0%41.2%13% higher

      These describe the model, not one car: how vehicles are used and maintained shows up as much as how they were built. Differences are the conservative end of a 95% confidence interval.

      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Rates and comparisons are FindServiceHistory's own analysis, not DVSA figures.

      These describe the model, not one car. Plenty of cars never have the problems their model is known for, and a recall may already have been done on yours. Every problem links to its sources; a reported problem needs two independent publishers before we list it.

      Recalls are listed by DVSA for the model around its build date — check a specific car by VIN at GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

      Common questions

      What are the most common Focus problems?

      For cars built from 2012, the problems at least two independent publishers report include: Electrical glitches and warning lights that come on for no reason; Automatic gearbox: jerky changes and gear-selection faults; 1.0 EcoBoost: oil-bathed timing belt can break up early; 1.6 TDCi diesel: turbo failures, injector leaks and clogging; PowerShift automatic: judder, jerky changes and clutch failure. Which apply depends on the generation and engine — they are listed generation by generation above, each with its sources.

      Has the Focus been recalled?

      Yes. DVSA lists recalls for the Focus built from 2012, shown above by generation. A recall covers a range of chassis numbers, so not every car is affected — check a specific car by VIN on GOV.UK, or by registration with our checker.

      Does my Focus have these problems?

      Not necessarily. These describe the model; many cars never have them, and a well-maintained car is less likely to. Enter your registration above to see the problems for your exact generation and engine, and whether DVSA records an outstanding recall on it. Whether a known problem was fixed is what a service history check shows.

      Has this Focus had the work done?

      A known problem matters far less on a car whose dealer records show it was fixed. A service history check returns the manufacturer's own dealership records for a specific car — and there's no charge if we find nothing.

      Check a Ford service history

      More common problems