2018 Ford Focus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback Se/Titanium, 4dr Sedan S/Se/Titanium, Electric 4d Hatchback, St/RS 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 123–160 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 30 city / 40 hwy
- EV range
- 115 mi · 5.5 h on 240 V
- Length
- 171.7–178.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,926–3,673 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2018 compact car (27 MPG).
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 160 hp, versus about 210 hp for similar 2018 models.
- Many owner complaints837 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 29 for similar models — most often about the power train.
- 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Ford Focus is a compact car offered with 4 engines (1.0L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.3L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,926 lb (4dr Hatchback Se/Titanium).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (30 city / 40 highway), 26% better than the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $700 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 115 miles and takes about 5.5 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 837 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Focus — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Focus →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Wayne, Michigan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Focus configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback Se/Titanium | 171.7 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 104.3 in | 61 / 60.2 in | 2,926 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan S/Se/Titanium | 178.3 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 104.3 in | 61 / 60.2 in | 2,954 lb | 60/40 |
| Electric 4d Hatchback | 172.4 in | 71.7 in | 58.3 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 59.8 in | 3,673 lb | 49/51 |
| St/RS 4dr Hatchback | 172.8 in | 71.7 in | 57.9 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 59.8 in | 3,252 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Electric EV | 107 kW AC PMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 115 mi · 31.4904 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| Focus FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 40 / 34 | +26% | $1,950 | 264 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 38 / 31 | +15% | $2,150 | 289 |
| Focus FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 38 / 31 | +15% | $2,150 | 286 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +4% | $2,400 | 321 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +4% | $2,400 | 316 |
| Focus ST FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -8% | $2,700 | 356 |
| Focus RS AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -19% | $3,750 | 402 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Focus 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.6% |
| 2018 Ford Focus 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.6% |


Similar 2018 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Focus (this car) | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2018 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Hyundai Elantra | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Subaru WRX | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Nissan Leaf | 151 mi | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (7)
Power Train › Manual Transmission · Jun 9, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V376000 · 5,252 vehicles
- 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.
- 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. Owner notification letters were October 16, 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister · Jun 9, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V369000 · 257,868 vehicles
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Jan 15, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V012000 · 2,403 vehicles
- 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.
- 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 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 December 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.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Jan 15, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · 116,672 vehicles
- 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.
- 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pump · Dec 22, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V905000 · 139,730 vehicles
- 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.
- Risk
- A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Power Train › Manual Transmission · Nov 28, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V845000 · 2,828 vehicles
- 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.
- 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 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister · Oct 22, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V735000 · 1,282,596 vehicles
- 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.
- 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.
Not every 2018 Ford Focus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Ford Focus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 295 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 232 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 132 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 55,248 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 115 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Focus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Focus years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 907 |
| 2016 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 1,194 |
| 2015 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 1,034 |
| 2014 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 14 | 2,496 |
| 2013 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 14 | 1,759 |
| 2012 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 3,147 |
| 2011 Focus | 29 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 73 |
| 2010 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 139 |
| 2009 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 85 |
| 2008 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 104 |
| 2007 Focus | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 105 |
| 2006 Focus | 26 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 49 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →