Ford Recalls Focus and Fusion Vehicles for Transmission Clutch Fracture Risk
Ford is recalling 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under prior recalls. The clutch may fracture, causing transmission damage and fluid leaks that increase fire risk.
What this means for you
Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (clutch fracture) that can lead to a fire, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating involving significant injury or property-damage reports/risks.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The defect involves the manual transmission clutch, which may fracture. This fracture can result in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
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. No specific number of affected vehicles is provided in the source text, but the recall applies to the specific model years and models listed that were subject to the prior incorrect repairs.
Dealers will update the software and inspect Focus vehicles to replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD FOCUS, FUSION
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Transmission
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 5,252
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 (2)
- FOCUS
- FUSION
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · FORD
- SevereFord Recalls 2026 Maverick, F-150, and Bronco Sport for Joint Issues
NHTSA · 2026-08-25
- SevereFord Recalls 2024-2026 Mustangs for Wiring Harness Ground Fracture Risk
NHTSA · 2026-08-25
- SevereFord Recalls 2026 Vehicles for Engine Piston Dome Manufacturing Defect
NHTSA · 2026-08-25
- HighFord F-650 SD Recall: Liftgate Platform Deck Pins May Break
NHTSA · 2026-08-20
- SevereFord Recalls 2026 Explorers Due to Engine Bearing Seizure Risk
NHTSA · 2026-08-13
Same manufacturer · Ford Motor Company
See all →- High
- HighFord Recalls 2023-2025 Mustang Mach E for Rear Window Trim Defect
NHTSA · 2026-07-28
- High
Same hazard · fire
See all →- Severe
- Severe
- SeverePrepared Hero Recalls Fire Spray Canisters Due to Rupture Risk
CPSC · 2026-09-10
- SevereSweet Cubby Recalls Children's Loungewear Sets Due to Burn Hazard
CPSC · 2026-09-10
- HighKibbi Recalls 2026-2027 Renegade RVs Due to Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-09-05