2018 Ford Focus: reliability, problems and cost to own
Think twiceWell below average
It scores 1 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $14,042 to own, including $5,927 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Ford Focus.
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
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.
Power Train › Manual TransmissionJun 9, 2026 · campaign 26V376000
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.
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.
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.
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.
Power Train › Manual TransmissionNov 28, 2018 · campaign 18V845000
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.
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.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Yes. It scores 1 out of 100, among the least reliable compact cars of 2015–2024.
Is the 2018 Ford Focus reliable?
It scores 1 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 837 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $5,927 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
How much does a 2018 Ford Focus cost to own?
About $14,042 over 5 years: $2,115 in lost value, $5,927 in repairs and $6,000 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $8,939 today.
What are the best years of the Ford Focus?
Of the years we rate, the 2015 scores best (5/100) and the 2016 worst (0/100).