2015 Ford Focus: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 1,027 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, fuel system, and steering. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2015- Owner complaints
- 1,027
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes reported
- 32
- 29 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2015 Ford Focus: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
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 2015 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0L 3-cylGas | FWD | 34 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | FWD | 31 mpg |
| Electric | FWD | 76 mi range |
| 2.0L 4-cylFlex fuel | FWD | 31 mpg |
- The 2015 Ford Focus was sold in four 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.
Transmission clutch shudder
27,000–89,991 miles
Fuel system stalling
33,552–108,102 miles
Power steering assist failure
35,000–71,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2015 Ford Focus, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission54310 crashes
The automatic transmission shudders, jerks, and hesitates on takeoff, slips into neutral, or revs without moving the car. Reports describe lurching at stops, failed downshifts in traffic, and gears that won't change at high rpm. Ten complaints involve crashes, mostly low-speed rear-end impacts and sudden lurches. Clutch replacements show up as early as 27,000 miles. On high-mileage cars, the clutch and transmission control module get replaced more than once. A control module that won't shut down and drains the battery also appears. Many owners describe repeated dealer visits that never cured the shudder.
Fuel system981 crash
Stalling right after refueling, at low speed, or at idle is the main pattern, usually blamed on a sticking canister purge valve. Cars idle rough, surge, and set codes such as P1450 and P0420. The distance-to-empty reading swings widely after a fill-up. Fuel pump and fuel pressure sensor failures also cause stalls. Several owners say the problem came back after the purge valve was replaced. Many complaints describe disputes with dealers over whether the repair should be free.
Stalling at speed or right after refueling dominates, followed by hard restarts, rpm swings, and a check engine light. Mechanics most often find a failed canister purge valve, and some find a deformed or cracked fuel tank. Several owners say an earlier dealer visit only inspected the car or reflashed software, and the valve failed later. In the one crash report, the car stalled in reverse and rolled downhill with the brake pressed.
Steering962 crashes
Power steering assist cuts out suddenly. A "steering assist fault" or "steering loss" message appears and the wheel turns very stiff or feels locked. It happens mid-turn, at highway speed, or on startup after the car sat overnight. Reported failures cluster between about 35,000 and 71,000 miles. The usual fix is a full electric steering rack replacement, with quotes running from about $1,800 to $2,500. Some owners hear knocking over bumps or a rubbing noise when turning beforehand. Two reports involve crashes.
Engine68No crashes
Stalling and sudden power loss while driving are the most common complaints, often with no warning and sometimes with a fuel gauge that reads wrong. Cars with the 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine show overheating at highway speed, oil pump failure, and a failed belt that ruined the engine. Another report describes a warped head gasket that let coolant into the engine. Front timing cover leaks turn up at low mileage. One report describes smoke and flames while driving at 35 mph. Transmission shudder and clutch actuator codes also get filed here.
Electrical422 crashes
The car shuts off while driving, sometimes after a "stop safely now" warning, leaving drivers stranded in traffic. One stall at 70 mph led to a rear-end crash with injuries. Other reports cover transmission control module faults, a traction control light with "hill start assist not available" that knocks out lights, locks, and starting, and fuel gauges that read wrong. Bluetooth drops and radio speakers pop. One car caught fire while parked at a gas station with about 5,000 miles.
Acceleration and cruise control231 crash
The car hesitates or won't accelerate from a stop. Drivers also report high revs without movement and sudden slowdowns on the highway, in one case to 15 mph. Some report unintended acceleration, including a parking lot crash with an injury. A "transmission overheating" warning shows up alongside shudder and grinding. Dealers often diagnose a worn clutch, and the problem returns after repair. Some owners say dealers blamed their driving style instead of finding a fault.
Airbags1512 crashes
Airbags fail to deploy in serious crashes, including head-on impacts, deer strikes, and collisions at intersections. Twelve of these reports involve crashes, with concussions, a fractured nose, and leg and back injuries. One frontal impact deployed the knee airbag but not the steering wheel airbag. Other complaints mention an airbag warning light that stays on and a stored code for the passenger seat occupant sensor.
Suspension31 crash
Shaking, vibration, and noise during turns and acceleration show up in two of the three reports, both from owners who had just bought the car. Neither had a confirmed diagnosis, and the symptoms overlap with the transmission shudder reported elsewhere. The one crash report describes a side impact at low speed where no airbags deployed. With so few complaints, no clear suspension failure pattern emerges.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Focus owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The power train control module & transmission control module has failed since I bought the Focus 2016 at 660 m on it. I’ve had this serviced 8 times @ Ford. Check engine light is on. Code P060A Was shown @ Ford. Mileage now is 72000. TCM & PCM were recall several times. Ford is charging me to fix it. Please tell me how this is NOT covered 10 yr. 150 k mile warranty OR by the 8th time being “serviced” & UNRESOLVED?
Filed with NHTSA, July 2023
1.Clutch shudders and hesitates on acceleration 2. safe driving requires non hesitation when accelerating 3. yes the dealer confirmed 4. Dealership has inspected, recommends replacement of clutch on automatic transmission at 27,000 miles 5. no warnings indicated, car has been regularly serviced by the dealership From what I am reading, this is a common problem and a design flaw per the dealership
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
Vehicle looses all power while driving on freeway. Gas guage inaccurate, after filling gas and driving 150 miles it is out of gas without warning and will loose power under any operating condition. This has happened numerous times.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2022
Car shudders while driving and now will not go into reverse. I have under 50,000 miles on the car. I have not had this seen by a mechanic yet.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2023
How the 2015 compares with other Focus years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2015 ranks fourth for owner complaints among 6 Focus years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission543796
- Fuel system98134
- Steering96119
- Engine68165
- Electrical4284
- Acceleration and cruise control2324
Where the 2015 fits in the Focus's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2015 is the fifth model year of the Focus's third generation (2011–2018).
It includes the 2014 update.
What changed for 2014
- Minor exterior updates
- Enhanced technology integration
Recalls to confirm (11)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
26V376000TransmissionJun 2026
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. 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.
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.
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.
18V169000TransmissionMar 2018
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.
Risk: 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.
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.
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.
16V479000TransmissionJun 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ford Focus Electric vehicles manufactured August 20, 2015, through April 13, 2016. The transmission's differential pinion gear shaft may overheat and fracture.
Risk: A fractured pinion shaft could cause a loss of motive power and loss of the transmission park function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission differential assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S28.
15V436000ElectricalJul 2015
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.".
Risk: 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.
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.
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