Ford Recalls 2012-2018 Focus Vehicles for Engine Stall Risk
Ford is recalling 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired under recall 18V735 because a malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve may cause the engine to stall while driving, increasing crash risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (engine stalling) that increases the risk of a crash, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The recall addresses a potential malfunction in the Canister Purge Valve (CPV), which is part of the fuel system's evaporative emissions canister.
If the Canister Purge Valve malfunctions, it may cause the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving. An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software free of charge to correct the issue. Owner notification letters were mailed on 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.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD FOCUS
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Fuel System
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 257,868
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- FOCUS
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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