2014 Ford Focus: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 2,651 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, steering, and electrical. The 10 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2014- Owner complaints
- 2,651
- Recalls
- 14
- 1 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 69
- 47 injuries
One recall on this model year told owners to stop driving until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing it was completed for this VIN.
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/10 checked
2014 Ford Focus: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Focus is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2014 Ford Focus. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | FWD | 30 mpg |
| Electric | FWD | 76 mi range |
| 2.0L 4-cylFlex fuel | FWD | 32 mpg |
- The 2014 Ford Focus was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- With a full charge, the range estimate on the dash should land near the EPA figure of 76 miles. A much lower number on a mild day can mean a worn battery; ask for a battery health report.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Power steering assist loss
20,500–39,900 miles
Fuel tank deformation and stalling
24,000–82,000 miles
Door latch failure
30,000–40,000 miles
Overheating and coolant leaks
41,000–56,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2014 Ford Focus, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission1,54219 crashes
Shuddering, lurching, and slipping from the dual-clutch automatic dominate these reports. Cars buck when pulling away, hesitate or lose power when merging, rev without gaining speed, and stall in traffic. Some owners describe the car surging forward or moving the wrong way while parking. Repeat clutch and transmission control module replacements are common and often fail to fix the problem. Shudder can start within the first 15,000 miles. Stalling linked to the fuel tank and purge valve also shows up. Of 1542 complaints, 19 involve crashes and 3 involve fire.
Steering22712 crashes
Power steering assist cuts out suddenly and leaves the wheel very heavy. It often happens after a restart and comes with a dash warning. Some drivers lose assist while turning or at speed and hit curbs, mailboxes, or guardrails. Of 227 complaints, 12 involve crashes. In the excerpts, assist fails between about 20,500 and 39,900 miles. Many steering filings also describe transmission shudder and repeat clutch replacements, so this category overlaps heavily with the gearbox problems.
Electrical1727 crashes
Sudden stalls with a blank instrument cluster and total loss of power lead these reports, and some end in crashes where the airbags did not deploy. Another common complaint is speakers that blast static or popping at full volume, even with the key out. This can drain the battery. Other reports describe chafed engine wiring that cuts power at highway speed, false door-ajar warnings, and SYNC that works only some of the time. Focus Electric owners report melted charging outlets and "Stop Safely Now" shutdowns at speed.
Fuel system1631 crash
The core complaint is stalling with little or no warning, often at highway speed and sometimes with no restart. Dealers and mechanics often blame a sticking purge valve that pulls a vacuum in the fuel tank. The vacuum deforms the tank and damages the fuel pump. Fuel gauges and miles-to-empty readings are often wrong, and some cars run out of gas as a result. Many reports describe waiting for repair parts and being told to keep the tank above half full. Focus Electric owners report battery coolant leaks and "Stop Safely Now" shutdowns.
These reports describe stalling after refueling, hard starts, rough running, and a lit check engine light. Mechanics often blame the canister purge valve, sometimes along with the fuel tank and fuel pump module. Many filings are about recall paperwork rather than new failures. Owners say they were told parts were unavailable, their car was not covered, or only part of the repair was done. In some cars the problem comes back after a new purge valve. The mileages reported here are high, from about 80,074 to 145,000.
Engine1412 crashes
Overheating comes up repeatedly, with a "High Engine Temperature Stop Safely" warning, smoke under the hood, and coolant leaking from the reserve bottle. These failures show up between about 41,000 and 56,000 miles. Four complaints involve fire, including engine fires while driving and while parked. Other reports cite a blown head gasket, oil burning, failed ignition coils, hard starting, and stalls that will not restart. Some cars still vibrate at idle after new mounts. Many engine filings actually describe transmission shudder and slipping.
Acceleration and cruise control656 crashes
The main theme is the car moving when the driver did not intend it. Cars lurch forward from a stop, surge with the brake pressed, or move forward after being shifted into reverse. Of 65 complaints, 6 involve crashes. Other cars hesitate on takeoff, stutter while accelerating, and fail to pick up speed when merging, sometimes starting as early as 6,000 miles. Dealers often replace the clutch or reset the software without curing it. Several owners report waiting months for transmission control module parts.
Body and structure443 crashes
Most structural complaints are about door latches that will not catch. Doors bounce back open, refuse to lock, or fly open while driving. Rear passenger doors are named most often, but driver doors fail too. Failures cluster between 30,000 and 40,000 miles, and some latches break again after replacement. Owners report repair prices from about $300 to $560 and parts on backorder. Other filings cover rear-end crash damage, an engine fire on the highway, and water pooling under the rear carpet.
Airbags1813 crashes
Most of these reports describe airbags that did not deploy in serious frontal crashes. Of 18 complaints, 13 involve crashes. Several say the steering wheel airbag stayed put while the knee airbag fired, or that the seat belts did not lock. A few report the opposite: the driver airbag went off at low speed with no collision. Airbag and seat belt warning lights also come on with no clear cause. Several filings here are really about sudden acceleration while parking.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Focus owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Power steering went completely out while driving. No accidents occurred but I almost drove off the road due to not being able to control steering wheel. Warning screen on dash notified me after power steering went out.. Took vehicle to my local Ford dealership for diagnosis; code U3000. Steering gear assembly was bad. Vehicle had 64,352 miles on it at the time.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2021
The steering assist went out at approximately 27000 miles without any warning. I was heading out to work and the steering locked up and I had to manually turn the wheel but I needed a lot of strength to get it to turn. The vehicle went to a mechanic to be diagnosed, and I was told the steering rack and pinion had failed and needs replacing.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2023
How the 2014 compares with other Focus years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2014 has the most owner complaints of the 6 Focus years we cover, about 2.2 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission1,542596
- Steering22793
- Electrical17258
- Fuel system163121
- Engine141150
- Acceleration and cruise control6515
Where the 2014 fits in the Focus's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2014 is the fourth model year of the Focus's third generation (2011–2018).
It is also the first year of a mid-cycle update.
What changed for 2014
- Minor exterior updates
- Enhanced technology integration
Recalls to confirm (14)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
14V514000SteeringDo not driveAug 2014
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.
Risk: The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
26V369000Fuel systemJun 2026
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.
Risk: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 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.
26V011000EquipmentJan 2026
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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
20V331000Door latches and locksJun 2020
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.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
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.
19V515000Fuel systemJul 2019
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.
Risk: 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.
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.
18V735000Fuel systemOct 2018
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.
Risk: 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.
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.
18V592000EquipmentSep 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.
Risk: An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S24.
16V698000Door latches and locksSep 2016
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.".
Risk: 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.
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.
16V643000Door latches and locksSep 2016
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.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
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.
15V813000ElectricalDec 2015
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).
Risk: The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
15V005000Fuel systemJan 2015
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.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
14V525000Fuel systemSep 2014
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.
Risk: A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
14V495000ElectricalAug 2014
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).
Risk: The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
13V523000TransmissionOct 2013
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through August 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a powertrain control module software problem may result in a stall-like condition.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the power control module, free of charge. The recall beganon November 22, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S09. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
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