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KLUNK

2015 Ford Focus

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2015 Ford Focus has 1,032 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are transmission (473 complaints) and engine (309 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford Focus, consider the 2011 model year which has 89% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2011 has 89% fewer complaints

View the 2011 Ford Focus dashboard →

5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 7

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

26V011000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

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 lea...

Risk

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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 engi...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

16V698000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

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 ha...

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.

Remedy

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 ...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

18V735000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

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 ...

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.

Remedy

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 insp...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

20V331000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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 2...

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.

Remedy

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...

Reported Aug 6, 2020

18V169000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

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...

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.

Remedy

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...

Reported Dec 3, 2018

16V643000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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....

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.

Remedy

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 1-866-4...

Reported Jun 9, 2016

15V436000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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, a...

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.

Remedy

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. ...

Reported Aug 7, 2015

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200010293361419853174
200142916558955068
20023626633019166
2003254545619749
200494342004712
2005173281465143
20067513802512
2007119171813340
200811912752519
20091028563726
20101315497131
201156427719
20121566312387561206
201351816123559895
2014445171317421322
2015202345309473
2016125247450570
201782424423370
201877517475249

Investigations 10

NHTSA defect investigations for this vehicle.

DP26003 Open Defect Petition

Fuel smell and loss of motive power

Opened Mar 30, 2026

EA26002 Open Engineering Analysis

FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

Opened Mar 18, 2026

DP26001 Open Defect Petition

All wheel drive allegation

Opened Mar 6, 2026

DP26002 Open Defect Petition

Redundant wheel fastener locking mechanism

Opened Mar 4, 2026

PE26002 Open Preliminary Evaluation

Loss of Power Steering Assist

Opened Mar 2, 2026

EA26001 Open Engineering Analysis

Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up

Opened Jan 30, 2026

PE26001 Open Preliminary Evaluation

Waymo AV striking a child in the area of a school.

Opened Jan 29, 2026

RQ26002 Open RQ

Momentary increase in steering effort after recall remedy

Opened Jan 26, 2026

RQ26001 Open RQ

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

Opened Jan 16, 2026

DP25002 Open Defect Petition

Emergency egress controls are not readily accessible and clearly identifiable.

Opened Dec 23, 2025

By Category

Transmission
473
Engine
309
Body
202
Electrical
45
Brakes
3

By Severity

1
519
2
477
4
36

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 2

My Car purge valve canister is bad and i reported the situation to a ford dealership near me for over 2 weeks now and nothing has been done.They claim they are expecting parts but nothing yet up until now.

14d ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V369000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the failure occurred after the recall repair. While starting and driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled after refueling, and the RPM fluctuated while idling. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited before restarting the vehicle. Additionally, the contact discovered that the fuel tank was deformed. The contact retrieved DTC: P1450. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the canister vent valve needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 57,800.

21d ago
Engine 2

I am NOT filing in regards to the clutch fracture recall on previous page . I AM filing a complaint regarding the 1.0 L Ecoboost engine "wet timing belt " system which is currently under NHTSA Engineering Analysis . My vehicle has 147,000 miles and still has the original wet timing belt . Ford`s original maintenance schedule states this belt is a standard wear item that lasts 150,000 miles . However , independent and federal data shows these belts degrade prematurely , shedding rubber teeth that clog the oil pump pickup tube screen .This creates a severe safety hazard , including sudden engine seizure and an immediate loss of power braking assist while driving . Because this is a systemic design flaw creating an unreasonable safety risk , Ford should expand safety recall 23S64 / 23V905 to cover 2015 manual transmission models . This engine is EXACTLY the same engine as the ones covered in the 2016-2018 recall with the same " wet belt " design . Ford has already insinuated to many owners that the belt degradation is due to wrong oil types used in these engines . The owner`s manual clearly states to use a Ford oil specification ( WSS-M2C945-B ) which I have used religiously . Ford later recommended a newer oil specification ( WSS-M2C948-B) after the fact . They also have recently recommending changing the belts at 100,000 miles instead of 150,000 miles after the fact . Interestingly , newer versions of this engine are using a METAL timing chain instead of a rubber belt that degrades . I wholeheartedly believe Ford should be forced to recall these cars and fix this belt safety issue before someone gets seriously injured or killed .

26d ago
Transmission 1

Back in July 2026 there was a rerecall for the 2018 recall that was not done correctly and my vehicle was not recalled for this when in fact that my vehicle should have it shows n I have proof that the recall number for that recall is the same recall they did on my vehicle but yet logged in under fuel tank defective but the recall number from 2018 match the new recall numbers issued in July for the recall that was performed in 2018 but yet I keep being told my Vin is not in the recently issued when it is decently is and should be cuz the recall number match and that is exactly what the issue is with my vehicle i have called since Feb 2026 about this issue and ever since the rerecall was issued but never showing my vehicle and it should be n I have proof that it match the recall numbers but logged in as different the. It should. Also my info is been correct since I got in feb2025 n yet only recall that was ever mailed was for a back up cam and that issued April 2026 n went to pervious owner which is my father address not mine like should I have proof of several recall that has been put out by either yall or manufacturer that never repaired or was never told it had my slef or my father when he purchased it I 2020 may n gave to me in feb2025 an was told that if he got car in 2020 that the dealer ship would fix the issue so was told after if it keep shuttering.Go to open rd safe give gas start at low gear n move up as speed increase it will clean off shutter will stop but yet still comes back so I have that along with it sticking in one gear idle in park high n then all sudden battery dies stalled got jump then lost reverse when out on a main rd real scary cuz if busy like normal it did that someone could been hurt cuz the problem that is causing issues is from 2018 recall that is july26 new recall number for the 2018 recall done didn't include mine should been i got proof big safety issue so parked cant drive risky need revised an fixed free an correct

27d ago
Engine 1

My 2015 Ford Focus SE with the 1.0L EcoBoost engine and 6-speed manual transmission is experiencing a loss of engine lubrication/oil flow. The camshafts are not receiving adequate oil, there appears to be insufficient oil flow/pressure reaching the cylinder head. I am concerned that continued driving could result in engine damage, engine seizure, or a sudden loss of power while driving. I am aware that NHTSA Recall 23V-905 / Ford Recall 23S64 covers certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with the 1.0L EcoBoost for oil-pump drive belt or tensioner failure that can cause loss of engine oil pressure. My 2015 Focus is not currently included in that recall. I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle has a similar loss-of-lubrication condition and I believe NHTSA should document and evaluate failures occurring in 2015 Ford Focus 1.0L vehicles as well.

1mo ago
Transmission 1

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the TCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,990.

1mo ago
Engine 2

The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power due to an internal engine failure while stopped at an idle in active traffic. The engine stalled completely and would not restart, creating an immediate safety hazard as the vehicle was stranded in the roadway. This failure is directly related to the known issue where the 1.0L EcoBoost wet timing belt degrades, shedding debris that clogs the oil pump screen and starves the engine. Ford's Customer Satisfaction Program 26L02 acknowledges the component failure but does not offer a remedy or safety recall for my specific model year, leaving an unaddressed safety risk on the road.

1mo ago
Engine 4

The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while the transmission was in reverse(R), and the vehicle rolled backwards downhill while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle came to a stop once the vehicle was steered over into the grass, and the vehicle rolled into bushes and stopped. During the failure, the contact’s nephew exited the vehicle in a panic and sustained a scrape to the left hip. No medical attention was sought. The contact’s daughter experienced severe mental anguish, and the one-year-old child was also inside the vehicle. No Police report was filed. The vehicle was not towed. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V369000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer acknowledged the similarity between the failure and the recall and stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 163,951.

2mo ago
Transmission 1

The transmission was repaired at 48k and I am now at 76k having severe issues with jerking, shuddering, and so forth. The car has undergone excellent maintenance for the CARFAX proves this. I bought this car with the very last of my inheritance money thinking I was getting a reliable product and come to find out, I got screwed and am on the hook for EVERY foregoing transmission repair.

2mo ago
Transmission 1

My transmission gave out for the 3rd time on 8-1-26 as I was driving it slow down while on the highway busy street and studder it only goes into 2nd and 3rd gear when slowing down I can hear things clicking i know its the duel clutch because this is the 3rd time it happen both times it was fixed by a ford dealer. No message prior to problem but when it happen this message showed up " transmission fault service now"

2mo ago
Electrical 1

This diagnostic code B00C0-11 Passenger Seat Occupant Classification Sensor A - Circuit Short to Ground - Not Current DTC came up when I took it to the transmission service center for another issue. I was not aware of this until then. I bought this car about 4 months ago from a private owner who did not disclose this issue either.

2mo ago
Body 2

Clutch not shifting and was told by Lincoln for the TCM neede to be replaced. Got a second option and it was to by AAAMCO that it was clutch and it was replaced and now it’s says transmission which I’m told is external and insurance is not willing to pay for it but I keep coming up with all the information that’s says there is a recall and letters went out July 6 2026 on 2015 ford focus for these parts on the car.

3mo ago
Body 2

Inside of door latch malfunctioned and my driver side door opened up while driving.

3mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse and failed to properly shift gears. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 9 MPH. The vehicle was shifted to neutral and coasted to the residence. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02; extended warranty coverage for the Transmission Control Module. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was provided the cost of a diagnostic test, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall, warranty, or customer satisfaction program associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

3mo ago
Body 1

I bought my car last Feb and didn't know there was a recall on it was never told I have had shutter problems with it as well as sticking in gear when parked it ide high then battery jus goes dead get a jump n the check engine light comes on n have no reverse this hasn't been safe to drive my sister was perivous owner nnwhen she bought it they told her that when it would shutter she jus needed to go through the gears on an open rd to make it stop shutter n now it is showing that there no recall on this site but showing on my credit n other platforms as well as ford that there is a recall for this along with other but ford refuses to fix this n had never sent a letter about this to my self or my sister who bought it In 2020 this needs to be fixed or car bought back

3mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the front windshield wipers were inoperable. The failure occurred intermittently prior to the complete failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the windshield wiper module needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

3mo ago
Engine 1

I made an initial post on 06/18/2026 so please reference that as well as this. I have not been able to drive the car since it died on me on the 18th of June. The car has been looked at a few times (actually stalling a third time while idling but was able to turn back on.) It has also displayed symptoms associated with the Ford Recall #26S40 / NHTSA recall #26V369 but it is listed at NOT included in the recall as of 07/06/2026. MIL is pulling Code P0420 (catalytic system efficiency below threshold) while only having 40k miles. It is also putting out an inaccurate fuel level for miles driven. The fuel tank itself is misshapen (concave bottom of the fuel tank). Again, reiterating here that it stopped twice while driving within 2 days on major PA highways/interstates and stalled for a third time while in idle mode as described earlier in this post. This has all happened within 28 miles of the TCM being replaced.

3mo ago
Transmission 1

Power clutch failure resulting in $6500 repair for a known issue by Ford. Ford refused to cover the repair or any part of the repair.

3mo ago
Engine 2

own a 2015 Ford Focus that has experienced repeated transmission-related problems over several years. The symptoms have included harsh shifting, hesitation, failure to shift properly, and at one point the vehicle would not shift into reverse. These transmission issues have caused ongoing concerns about the vehicle's safety and reliability. I have brought the vehicle to Ford dealerships on multiple occasions seeking diagnosis and repair. Ford replaced the Transmission Control Module (TCM) on November 16, 2024 under Ford Field Service Action 14M02 after diagnosing transmission-related problems, including Diagnostic Trouble Code P087A. Despite that repair, the vehicle continued to experience transmission-related concerns. Approximately one year later, another Ford repair order documented multiple TCM-related diagnostic codes and directed that the vehicle be returned to a Ford dealership for further evaluation. The transmission concerns persisted even after the previous TCM replacement. Most recently, I again presented the vehicle to a Ford dealership because of continuing transmission issues. I was provided an estimate of approximately $2,000 for additional transmission repairs. At the time of the estimate, I was not provided the complete diagnostic trouble codes or technician findings explaining why another major transmission repair was necessary. Over the course of ownership, I have made multiple appointments, diagnostic visits, and repair visits related to the transmission and have incurred significant out-of-pocket expenses, including diagnostic charges, towing costs, and repairs. The repeated failures and recurring transmission concerns have required multiple visits to Ford dealerships and have not resulted in a lasting repair. My concern is not only the financial cost but also the safety of operating this vehicle. Unexpected transmission malfunction can affect acceleration, shifting, and the vehicle's ability to move normally in traffic, creating a potential safe

3mo ago
Transmission 2

Car wants to stall out when "shifting gears" like a loss of power

4mo ago

1032 total

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