The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V369000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact recently became aware of a strong gasoline odor and a fuel leak on the ground. The contact stated that the fuel tank developed a leak and was deformed, which was associated with an inoperable canister purge valve. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be serviced under Customer Satisfaction Program: 24N07. However, the dealer declined to perform the free replacement due to the active fuel leak and informed the contact that the repair had to be paid out-of-pocket for the fuel tank replacement. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Ford Focus fuel smell problems
60 of the 22,112 owner complaints about the Ford Focus describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 60
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical mileage
- 58,000
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 13Fuel pump 11Check engine light 8Fuel leak 7Won't start 6Loss of power 3Hesitation 3Fire or smoke 3
Trouble codes mentioned
P1450 2P2190 1P0507 1P0456 1
What owners say
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2014 Ford Focus due to recurring error codes P0456 (Very Small Leak Detected), P1450 (Unable to Bleed Up Fuel Tank Vacuum), and P2190 (System Too Rich at Idle). These issues relate to the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) and fuel tank system, which have caused symptoms such as intermittent Check Engine Light warnings, fuel odor, and difficulty refueling. These problems were confirmed by an independent service center during diagnostic testing, but the dealership refused to perform a goodwill fix, citing that my vehicle is not currently included in related recalls. This is particularly concerning because a large number of 2014 Ford Focus vehicles—approximately 1.5 million—have been recalled for similar issues with the EVAP and fuel systems, which pose risks such as fuel vapor leaks and stalling due to fuel system pressure irregularities. Although my VIN is not listed under the recall, the identical symptoms strongly suggest my vehicle should be included. I have not had the vehicle inspected by Ford or other representatives, but I urge the federal safety agency to investigate further as this is a significant safety concern that endangers me and others on the road.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change, the mechanic discovered fuel in the oil. The dealer was alerted of the failure and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. A test was performed on the vehicle and the contact was instructed to drive the vehicle for 700 miles to test the fuel system. The contact's father then tested the vehicle after 700 miles and confirmed that a fuel odor was coming from the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and remained in the dealer's possession. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking underneath the vehicle with a fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired in 2021 under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed there would be a fee to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
While driving on the highway my 2016 ford focus stalled without warning and would not start until after having it towed. When I go to the gas station after filling the gas tank my vehicle is either hard to start or doesn't start until after waiting a while. This happens often. My check engine light stays on and it smells like gas from the outside. The front-end apron of my vehicle has recently fallen off without warning and for no reason. I took my vehicle to San Tan Ford in Gilbert, Arizona where I purchased my 2016 Ford Focus in May of 2016. The technicians' diagnosis was engine light ml on 2pcm code p1450 p0507 fuel tank leaking replace leaking fuel tank and recommend new fuel pump possible damaged from excessive vacuum applied to tank code p1450 replace canister purge valve for code p1450 stuck open & retest. Dealership and Ford Motor Company is refusing to do repairs stating that my VIN number does not have any recalls and refused to check my front-end apron joints for recall 17S03 although my front-end apron has unattached for no reason. the technician also included that the front-end motor mount is collapsed and recommend replacing mount. Water Pump Replacement inspection found leaking recommend replacing water pump. Also, the degas bottle cracked and leaking coolant and Damaged from excessive Vacuum applied to tank The Canister Purge Valve malfunction causing excessive vacuum in the vapor management system. Stuck canister purge valves cause it to stall. If the CPV is replaced, dealers should inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. Bearing failed as the result of a sudden overload caused by vibration or imbalance compounded by rapid engine acceleration. This overloads the bearing generating a great deal of heat. Amplified through rapid acceleration and high RPM operation.
Smells like gas especially after adding fuel and when idling with either defrost or heat on. Causes head ache, shortness of breath, blurred vision, light headed, and fainting while operating vehicle. I was lucky I fainted while stopped at a red light so the driver in the vehicle next to me assumed i had over dosed called 911 but when he came to see if i had a pulse and to turn my vehicle off he noticed the oder as he was opening the door and i came to so he told 911 operator i was not over dosing.
I have problems with the canister purge valve. In the federal safety agency safty recall, it decribes perfectly what has been going on with the car and is getting much worse. After putting gas it stalls everytime. Sluggesh acceleration..strong smell of gas as putting gas in tank...everything the safety recall decribes is whats happening. Why why why is my VIN not listed with the recall???? 2017 ford focus.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while changing the oil there was a gasoline odor coming from the oil. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
My car idles up high often and the car will speed up on it's own. When at a complete stop it struggles to stay on. Sometimes it will cut off. It has shut off while driving as well. It jerks when taking off from a complete stop. After putting gas in the car it will not start immediately. I have to pump the gas pedal for a few seconds. It eventually starts. At Autozone I had a code test ran on it and it suggested EVAP system needed replacing. So, I took it to have it fixed. Precision Tune ran an additional test on my car, but there were no errors. They even checked for any recalls or repair issues posted online, but my car was not listed. They suggested I call the manufacturer. It still does it. I can also hear a scrubbing sound while backing up, but my brake pads are good. The brake light continues to pop on saying I need brake fluid. I had that checked and I do not need brake fluid. The engine light stays on. I get my car tuned on a regular basis. I've only had it for a soon to be year in June 2021. Also, there are times when the gas fumes are strong inside of the car while driving. I want to go on trips but i'm afraid it will shut off in the middle of the interstate.
While driving within city limits on a daily basis, my vehicle shutters from the start and at acceleration, sometimes stalls as I start to eccelerate from red lights and stop signs, creating potential hazardous conditions. Engine light has come on and want go off, and smells of fuel while vehicle is being driven.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: evaporative emissions: canister
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 on July 6,2026.
Recall number 26V369000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: evaporative emissions: canister
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V‑735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
- Risk
- The excessive vacuum 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 inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.
Recall number 19V515000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: evaporative emissions: canister
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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 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.
Recall number 18V735000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S30.
Recall number 15V005000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 24, 2014, 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured on June 6, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to July 7, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack between the filter body and the filter cap, possibly resulting in low fuel pressure.
- Risk
- A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S20.
Recall number 14V525000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, contamination of the filter in the fuel delivery module (fdm) can reduce, and eventually block, the flow of fuel to the engine.
- Risk
- This may cause engine hesitation, loss of power, surging, and other similar symptoms. Over time, the filter may become sufficiently blocked to cause the engine to stall, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- This action is deemed a safety improvement campaign and is not being conducted under the safety act. All owners will be notified of the problem, and dealers will replace the fdm with a new design at no charge if the owner reports that the vehicle exhibits any of the identified symptoms. The free replacement will be available for a period of 10 years following the original purchase of the vehicle, with no mileage limit. Owner notification is expected to begin during november 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 03V482000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Focus fuel smell
Which Ford Focus years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (11 complaints), 2012 (11 complaints) and 2001 (10 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Ford Focus?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history