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2018 Ford Focus: won't start

27 of the 839 complaints about the 2018 Ford Focus describe won't start.

owner complaints
27
of this car's complaints
3%
typical mileage
83,900
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 15 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Fuel system · OH

Car doesn't start after putting in gas, has to revved to start. Leaking fluid on right front driver side. Car doesn't start in intervals throughout the day.

Filed Apr 12, 2026 · Transmission · VI

I purchased a 2018 Ford Focus in Sept of 2023 with 30k+ miles. Financed. In April of 2025 the car started making strange noises when starting and then would not go into reverse. The car pushed in neutral and drove about 2 miles. Stopped for gas and then the car would not start. The car was towed to a mechanic. He had the vehicle for 2 wks trying to purchase a part called an Actuator. I reside on St. Croix USVI and purchased this vehicle from a fleet sale from Centerline Rental Cars. After the Actuators were placed, I drove the car and within a day had a screeching sound upon starting car. Drove it back to mechanic and we did a test drive.21 The car would slow down and speed up on it's own. The vehicle this time died and had to be pushed onto the lot. Was worked on again and still did not work properly. Car was towed to Ford Metro for analysis. The car now has 40k+ miles in 18 mos of use. They quoted me $4,213.00 for parts and labor. I am still paying $359.00 a month since April 2025. The car was towed back to my residence where it sits dead. Please advise.

Filed Jan 30, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · FL · fire

After working on [XXX], my vehicle made it home, and wouldn't start. After jump starting, I began to drive it to the dealership. My safety, and others, was put at risk when the car began to smoke, lost power in a driving lane, and then burned down with extreme intensity. The dealership isn't helping. Ford said their Office of General Council is still looking into it, but originally denied my claim before saying they would reconsider my case. An official report from the Lakeland Fire Department stated mechanical failure and loss estimated to be equal to $10,000. The engine light blinked on the way home, the oil lamp went off and on, and then the car wouldn't start. These were the only signs prior to a total loss of power and smoke before my life was in jeopardy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 1, 2024 · Transmission · WA

Lurching jerking shifting problems then transmission hot alert. pull over wait five and start again. RPM increase and feels like automatic transmission slipping. won't start again until sitting for a while. pulled over twice on the freeway. went to autozone and engine light code indicates need to replace transmission control module.

Filed Jul 18, 2024 · Fuel system · OK

I bought this car in 2020-2021. My check engine light came on recently and when I took it in to get it fixed, I payed $1,140 (general maintenance, and fuel injector cleaner) and when I picked it back up they informed me that some 2018 models had a recall on my car. I called the dealership, and they informed me I had no open recalls. However, I am having all of the symptoms of the recall open on some of the same vehicles. Whenever I get gas, my car will not start. I have to turn my car over multiple times before it will safely start. Sometimes, when I get gas, if I slow down or completely stop my car will just turn off and then I have to repeat the same process over and over until it will start on its own. It has died in the middle of busy roads before and it is not safe.

Filed May 30, 2024 · Engine · TX

My engine completely locked up due to a faulty part at approx 68k miles. I sued and they immediately paid what I was asking for which was only the cost of the brand new engine I had to buy and the rental car for 3 months. In January, I was traveling approximately 55 mph when the light came on and said engine too hot, stop car now. I pulled over and opened the hood. It did not appear hot. I started the car up and temp was fine so continued down road. Approx 2 miles and temp shot up quickly and light came on again. Pulled over and waited for awhile. Car would not start and had to have it towed. It has been sitting since then while awaiting recall remedy. I am too scared to drive it with the potential for more serious issues such as fire.

Filed Mar 14, 2024 · Engine · TX

Problem is with the engine. Three days it didn't start, then the fourth day start again. Few times it happened. Yesterday, during drive, while stopping on the signal, I felt two times that like engine is about to shutdown.

Filed Mar 6, 2024 · Engine · VA

Timing broke with 71k on engine. Cut off and will not start back

Filed Jan 15, 2024 · Engine · VA

Vehicle has been parked for 3 months will not start. Needs engine. Recently seen recall on 2018 Ford Focus. This recall is not on my car but am sure that is what called engine failure.

Filed Jan 9, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

1. The code indicates that the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system is unable to bleed up the fuel tank vacuum. p1450 2.Purge Valve needs replacement as it is sucking p0456 3. After getting gas, gar does not start Sick of being told nothing is wrong and it isn't happening to my 2018 Ford Focus. Now I have to have it diagnosed again for 280.00 when I know that my car should be included in all recalls. Yes it has been confirmed by a mechanic I am at risk constantly in this car. Yes check engine soon light keeps coming on

Filed Aug 11, 2023 · Transmission · 83,900 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after several attempts to start the vehicle, the vehicle started however, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact shut off the vehicle and waited for a while however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, but the vehicle would not start. The contact added oil to the engine and the vehicle was able to restart but with a clicking sound coming from the engine. Additionally, the vehicle would not accelerate properly. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced due to the clutch sticking. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 83,900.

Filed Apr 6, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · NC

Car does not start or stalls when new fuel is added, poor fuel mpg. Check engine light with 1450 code. Recall on other fords 18s32 has the same issues but is not covering this model.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication: pumpReported December 22, 2023 · 139,730 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 23V905000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2018 Ford Focus won't start

Is won't start a common problem on the 2018 Ford Focus?

27 of 839 owner complaints about the 2018 Ford Focus (3%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 2000.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Ford Focus?

There is 1 recall and 15 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Ford Focus

Check engine light 251Stalling 158Jerking 76Engine failure 73Shudder 62Hesitation 60Transmission failure 52Overheating 48Loss of power 37Slipping 28Won't shift 17Misfire 14Grinding brakes 13Power steering loss 13Fire or smoke 11Fuel gauge 11Fuel pump 11Harsh shifting 11Knocking 10Backup camera 8No deployment 5Oil consumption 5

All model years of the Ford Focus

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