Ford Focus check engine light comes on

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · 220,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V369000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that it was difficult to start the vehicle, and while driving the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Transmission" was displayed. The contact's husband replaced the battery terminal, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the transmission needed to diagnose to confirm if the failure was associated with the recall before proceeding with the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Engine · FL

I had a recall on my vehicle in June of last year for a new motor. I had oil leaking all in my intake. I didn’t get my car back till December with a new motor. As soon as I left the check engine light came back on. I took it back and they said it was my battery. Now my oil is leaking all in my intake again. I haven’t put 12000 on the motor and that’s the warranty. My car was repaired incorrectly. The dealership shows no interest in it. It’s been there since 10/14/2026 and at first they said it was my battery again and my fiancé demanded them to look closer at it then they called about my oil leaking everywhere again. I haven’t received a call since.

Filed Oct 17, 2026 · Transmission · TN

The transmission is messing up real batteries like it's automatic.And when it goes into the next gear , it goes into gear and then goes all the gas falls down all the way 20 and the gas is gonna be about like you got a five speed it shifts up-and-down all the time up down up down, there was A\n Problem with these transmissions that they went over to court for and had a lawsuit against them to fix these cars, I go to the place. And they tell me Only in california though that time would fix it and I said , I can't not change my purge valve , because my light wasn't on , I just took it off myself , cleared the check engine light even though it was still stored in the computer , they wouldn't even check it

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · KY

The vehicle is subject to the federal safety agency Safety Recall Campaign 18V‑735 (Ford Recall 18S32) regarding a defective Canister Purge Valve (CPV) that causes fuel vapor saturation, excessive fuel tank vacuum, fuel tank deformation, and engine stalling.The vehicle presented with an active check engine light for diagnostic trouble code P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold). Ford technical service instructions under Recall 18S32 explicitly link code P0420 to a stuck-open CPV dumping unmetered fuel vapors into the exhaust stream. The franchised dealership initially performed only a software calibration without replacing the mechanical valve.Upon return, the dealership confirmed the defect and replaced the CPV under recall warranty at no charge on Repair Order # 872120. However, dealership service management refused to inspect the catalytic converter for secondary fuel-wash damage unless an unauthorized $220 customer diagnostic fee was paid. The technician cleared the diagnostic trouble codes in the stall without executing the required OBD-II drive cycle. Repair Order # 872120, Line C explicitly documents: "VEHICLE RELEASED FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF RECALL 18S32 WHERE CPV WAS REPLACED. P0420 STATUS PENDING DRIVE CYCLE COMPLETION". Following completion of the required drive cycles, code P0420 returned immediately. Secondary catalytic converter degradation is documented damage resulting directly from the recalled component. Dealership service management has refused to return calls, disconnected phone contact, and ignored written inquiries to avoid submitting the required manufacturer Prior Approval warranty claim for secondary recall remedy. The vehicle and service records are available for inspection upon request.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Transmission · 72,339 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that an abnormal, burnt rubber odor was emitted from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while on the highway, nearly resulting in a collision. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer, where the contact was provided an estimate for diagnostic inspection. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 72,339.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · 63,126 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under a recall, while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly idled, causing the engine to misfire with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle sputtered during the misfire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the cylinder wall had failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was concerned that the failure was caused by an improper recall repair. The contact stated that the failure had not occurred until after the recall repair was performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 63,126.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Fuel system · 57,800 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Engine · 32,000 miles · ID

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving uphill, the vehicle lost power, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Engine Fault" was displayed. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the check valve on the vacuum pump had separated. The check valve was replaced every 1,000 miles. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the oil warning light flashed. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The contact inspected the vehicle and checked the dipstick, noticing bits of rubber inside the oil. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Filed Sep 12, 2026 · Transmission · VA

The Transmission Control Module (TCM), within the PowerShift DPS6 Automatic Transmission, failed completely on a 2014 Ford Focus (72,000 miles). The failed component is no longer physically available for inspection as it was retained by the independent service facility as a core replacement, but full repair invoices and diagnostic documentation are available. The failure caused a sudden and unpredictable loss of forward motive power, severe gear hesitation, and failure to engage drive gears while operating the vehicle. The gears would slip and it made continuous forward acceleration at the speed limit nearly impossible. This created an immediate hazard of being rear-ended and/or stranded in ongoing traffic without acceleration capability. Shortly afterwards it also completely lost the ability to reverse. The problem was formally reproduced, diagnosed, and confirmed by an independent repair facility during service. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. A Check Engine Light illuminated came on at approx 72,000 miles while I was running morning errands. The light came on as I started feeling some sudden rough driving after accelerating from a red light, and within 1-2 miles of driving was when the TCM started failing completely. While Ford acknowledged this systemic DPS6 defect under Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02, strict guidelines required an active diagnostic code (P090C) before approving a warranty replacement, preventing lower-mileage owners from receiving preventive service before the 10-year calendar cap expired. I was forced to pay $1,927.26 out-of-pocket for a replacement with an OEM part.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Transmission · 56,990 miles · CA

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.