2015 Ford Focus Recalls To Know of Before Buying

Mar 7, 2021

Gray 2015 Ford Focus From front Side

The 2015 Ford Focus is a four-door, front-wheel drive compact sedan known for its nimble handling and robust list of high-tech options.

It has received 5 out of 5 stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for overall safety. If you’re in the market for a vehicle and considering the Focus, however, you should know that the 2015 model year has eight recalls.

Doors May Open While Driving

Ford Motor Company has recalled 2015 Ford Focus vehicles because a problem with a door latch could lead to a door not being securely latched. Doors could potentially open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

This issue was part of a previous recall. However, the repair offered at that time may not have been completed in a way that completely solved the problem. A component of the door latches could break, making the doors difficult to latch. The problem could lead to the driver or passengers believing a door is securely closed when it actually isn’t.

Ford has notified owners of the affected vehicles. Dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly and replace the side door latches if necessary at no cost to owners. Owners will also have the option of inspecting their own vehicle’s door latches and entering the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct.

This recall began in July 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 20S30 if they have any questions.

Stuck Canister Purge Valve Causing Stall

There are few things more annoying than having your engine stall while you’re driving. But a problem with excessive vacuum can do just that in certain 2015 Ford Focus vehicles with 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engines.

The issue involves the Canister Purge Valve (CPV), which may malfunction, causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system, which can cause a stall. The stall can occur without warning and render it impossible to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford estimates the recall could affect an estimated 1,282,596 vehicles.

Ford has notified owners. Until the vehicle can be brought to the dealer for service, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full. Dealers will need to reprogram the Powertrain Control Module, as well as check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed, at no charge to the owner. If the CPV needs to be replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary.

Charge Cord May Overheat

An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire. Ford is recalling certain 120V convenience charge cords that were provided and sold for use with a number of Ford vehicles, including the 2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles.

Ford advises that cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors. During vehicle charging, increased resistance in the outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt, potentially catching fire.

This recall got underway on January 18, 2019. Ford has notified owners. Dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor free of charge. If owners have questions, they may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 18S24.

Transmission Fluid Leak Increases Fire Risk

The 2015 Ford Focus with six-speed manual transmission and a 1.0 GTDI engine is among the models involved in a recall involving the transmission. The issue has the potential to cause a transmission fluid leak that could increase the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source, such as a hot engine or exhaust components.

Ford has notified owners of the issues. Dealers will update the affected Ford Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, replacing the clutch if necessary. The remedy will be completed free of charge to the owner.

Owners requiring further information may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference Ford recall 18S07.

Hatchback Can Be Inadvertently Opened

Certain 2015 Ford Focus vehicles are part of a recall by Ford due to problems with the hatchback becoming unlatched. The driver may accidentally unlatch the hatchback because there is only a single press needed. This increases the chance of injury to any unbuckled passengers in the back.

The problem also means these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, “Door Locks and Door Retention Components.”

This recall got underway on February 10, 2017. Ford has notified owners, who will need to take their vehicles to a dealer for service. The dealer will reprogram the Body Control Module with new software at no cost to the owner. If more information is required, owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16C13.

Doors Could Unexpectedly Open

Because of an issue with a door latch component, the 2015 Ford Focus is among vehicles being recalled due to increased risk of injury caused by the potential for a door to open while a vehicle is in motion.

This recall began on January 27, 2017. The issue occurrs because a component within the door latches may break. This prevents the doors from latching properly. It can also cause the driver and passengers to believe a door is securely closed when it is actually not latched. A door that isn’t properly latched could fly open while the vehicle is in motion, exposing occupants to injury.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for more information and reference Ford’s recall number 16S30.

Loss of Motive Power

Ford has included the 2015 Ford Focus Electric among vehicles it is recalling due to the transmission’s differential pinion gear shaft overheating and fracturing. A fractured pinion shaft can cause a loss of motive power and loss of the transmission park function, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall began on March 24, 2017, and Ford has notified owners with affected vehicles. Dealers will replace the transmission differential assembly free of charge. Owners can learn more by contacting Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and referencing recall number 16S28.

Engine May Continue to Run

Ford is recalling Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014 through June 12, 2015, due to a safety concern with engine shut-off. If the engine does not turn off as expected, the transmission shifter could be inadvertently moved out of park, and the vehicle may roll unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford says that in the affected vehicles, the engine may still run, even after the key or the START/STOP engine button is turned to “Off.”

Until repaired, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, “Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention.”

This recall began on July 27, 2015. Ford has notified owners, who will need to take their vehicle in for service. Dealers will update the body control module software at no charge to the owner.

Owners may also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing recall number 15C06.

Owner Reviews

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Beth K on May 1, 2021

2015 Ford Focus. Safety issues due to the gears sticking when trying to pull out in a hurry.

This particular year of the Ford Focus is not the best. We had an older Ford Focus that was awesome. We thought buying a newer year of the Ford Focus would be awesome as well, however, there has been several recalls on this model. We had to have the double clutch replaced not once but twice. Even after having this repair the car still continues to stick in gear. When you begin to go after being a stop light or are slowed down in traffic it takes a while to kick into gears. We actually were in a lawsuit over this vehicle and did receive part of a settlement from Ford. As far as looks, comfort and gas mileage, it is well worth it but as far as reliability, I would not recommend this year of the Ford Focus.

Grace on September 14, 2023

Transmission issues, won’t reverse, stalls out, won’t start something

The 2015 Ford Focus hatchback I purchased has been plagued by a series of critical issues. These include recurring starting problems, erratic gear behavior, such as hesitating to move in Drive and unexpectedly moving forward in Reverse, sudden and dangerous deceleration while on highways, and an incessantly illuminated tire pressure warning light. These issues have left me profoundly concerned about the overall safety and reliability of this car. They said my car is not a recall but it has all of the problems I’m a 20 years old I worked two jobs to buy that car

Nicole R on June 27, 2021

The 2015 Ford Focus SE and it's lack of Focus

When I first got the car I loved it! I loved the interior and it drove pretty well. As time went on I noticed a 'stutter' when it shifted gears and it's an automatic so it shouldn't be doing that anyway. I took the car in and they fixed it. About 6 months later it started the 'stutter' again and turns out there is a recall. There was plenty of other recalls on the vehicle as well. Something with the door and something else to do with the ignition. It seems like it's one thing after another and I'm ready for another vehicle anyway.

Amber T on June 23, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE recall issues and stress.

The main issue has been a recall that we received a letter for almost 4 months ago, still waiting for the letter to have it fixed. It has been a stress because the letter stated to not get under a half tank of gas or else it could stall out and possibly cause an accident. If it weren't for the recall and delay in getting it fixed, I would probably feel better about the car. Just not too sure of the reliability and would most likely not buy a ford in the future.

Taylor F on July 12, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE = great car.

The only issue I have had was a recall on a part in my transmission, but once I look it to the dealership it was taken care of for free. You can travel super far one 1 tank of gas and it is cheap to fill up. It usually costs me about $20-$28 for a tank of gas. Also, due to the size I can park it just about anywhere and it still is very spacious inside. Overall, I love my car and would buy another. I have recommended it to many of my friends.

Faith Q on June 6, 2021

Trouble with my 2015 Ford Focus SE

My car is five years old and I have had it in the shop about 20 times over small stuff that was very expensive. There is a transmission recall on the focus's and had odd and end problems constantly. In just the last three months my car has been in the shop five times. I have also almost got hit, because I pulled out of my driveway onto the highway and my car would not accelerate. Personally I would not recommend this car to anyone.

Connie C on April 4, 2021

Don't buy a 2015 Ford Focus

Transmission issues Ford says not a recall but we are extending the transmission or something else for a longer period of time but not a recall. Back doors locks are faulty don't lock properly brought it in still not 100%. Cell phone no longer comes through the car rep says it must have shorted out they will fix than god for warranties. Just not happy overall.

Vincent on July 31, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE transmission is bad

Interior is outdated, a lot of road noise espically from the back of the car. I think I can hear the suspension travel while driving. Seat is pretty comfortable for long drive. Engine deliver good power for small car but the auto transmission as you know is junk. It shudder. Nothing dealership can do about it. I am waiting for a recall or something.

K M on August 8, 2021

2015 ford focus s model 96,000.

The car is overall a great car. When I bought it ran nicely, had some minor maintenance problems but all under 50 dollar. The only big problem is there are a lot of recalls on it but you don't pay for recalls so I don't mind it. I would recommend the ford focus to anyone who travels a lot or is in a car a lot. I loved it when I would travel.

Hannah M on March 15, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE great first car, good for beginners to learn how to drive.

Transmission went out, got fixed for free because of the recall. Otherwise the car is nice, I like the leather seats and the way the dash is set up. The back seat is too small but there is a lot of trunk space which is nice. The design is nice too, the front lights look very sleek. I don't like the design of the back too much.

Joe R on May 7, 2021

The 2015 Ford Focus clutch has a design flaw. That should have been recalled.

I am part of a class action lawsuit over their faulty clutch. It is a manual clutch put in an automatic transmission. It has caused the book value of the car to plummet. I have had the clutch replaced. And the problems just start back up right away. I am waiting for the resolution of the suit to get rid of this albatross.

Sean S on August 13, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE still functional after recall repairs and opting out of buyback program.

Numerous recalls. Car has had issues but overall drives fine more so now after repairs. Would suggest staying away though due to other focus owners having serious issues. Cars reliable but do not fully trust it. Have had some inconsistencies with support from ford. Lawsuit for buybacks may have led to the contact issues.

April S on May 30, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE...It is seriously made of plastic.

There's a few recalls on this particular vehicle. I am at 76,000 miles and need a 3rd transmission! Then, there's a recall on the fuel pump so you'll be driving along with 3/4 tank of gas and your car just stops in the middle of the interstate like it ran out of gas! The only way to fix it is to add gas to it!

sarah m on July 31, 2021

2015 Ford Focus is a Comfortable Economy Car with One Downfall

Great gas mileage (33-40 mpg), comfortable, spacious. Jerky upon acceleration when I first got it (turned out to be a recall with the clutches, which got replaced for no charge). It was fine after this for a while, but is now having the same problem again. Probably not a big deal, just annoying to deal with.

Shannon M on August 18, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE. Do not recommend. Too many recalls.

There have been a lot of recalls with this vehicle. When we first got it everything was fine, but things started to go downhill quickly. The gas meter stopped working, we've had the car for about 2 years and it has had 3 recalls and now needs a new transmission. I do not recommend this car.

Alyssa T on May 29, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE - Great vehicle, must try yourself.

It is great on gas and very comfortable. Big trunk and the 5 years I have had it, I have had almost no trouble or issues with the car. There’s been a few recalls on the car, but the dealership fixed them right away and there’s been no other problems. Highly recommend this car.

Jason H on June 3, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE daily driver: it is good enough for me.

Great fuel economy, perfect car for me, plenty of trunk space, only thing missing would be a better display and nav system. Good value for money, only mechanical issue is a stutter at times but the issue is subject to recall and repair. Wish there were more hatchbacks out there.

Bri B on April 16, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE. Great reliable car. Would purchase again.

Drives well, and has little to no maintenance needed. Great gas mileage. Much easier to maintain than newer cars. Average size car, not a luxury sedan. Would recommend. Have not had any huge issues while owning this car, aside from a recall that was handled by the manufacturer.

MICHELLE C on March 29, 2021

2015 ford focus negative review.

I have been haven transmission problems and then found out that ford didn't let customers know about the issue. It just seems like it is one thing after another. Back around Christmas I had a recall on a pcv valve and still haven't heard anything about the new parts being in.

Aaron O on April 8, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE, the best fuel economy on the streets.

Great vehicle, has amazing gas mileage. Very roomy and has great cargo area. Is great for a daily driver. The main cons I would say is that it has the 6 speed automatic transmission that ford has had a recall on prior to now. All in all its a very dependable vehicle.

Adam B on May 13, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE. Worst car ever! Take the bus.

It has had so many factory recalls I cannot remember how many times I had to bring it in for replacement parts. Worst car ever. There was a recall on the transmission in several other parts of the engine. The tires always have a slow leak and had to be replaced.

Anna C on March 14, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE with black tinted windows.

Many car problems. Transmission issues constantly. 3 recalls since I had it and the problems still don't seem to be fixed. It always stutters while accelerating. It's a comfy car, just small and compact. Features are decent. Love the sunroof and sound system.

Evyn O on May 5, 2021

2015 Ford Focus back seat belt doesn't work and the left back window doesn't roll down.

I like that it's a compact car, but it needs more room on the inside. It has a great turning radius and it's a very "zippy" car, however there have been more than one recall on my car so it's not very zippy anymore.

Samantha Q on March 18, 2021

Please make sure that the 2015 Ford Focus transmission issue if fixed before you buy one.

Over All I love my Focus. Recalls on the transmission is my only complaint. Having had the car into the dealer more than one to fix this problem is very hard with a family.

Scott B on August 26, 2021

2015 Ford Focus SE is a good little car overall.

I hate that my car rides rough has little legroom and the transmission shifts hard and jitters when moving slowly and still has problems after a recall and repairs.

Sharon H on August 30, 2021

Too many recalls; 2015 Ford Focus SE

Have had two focus; both have multiple recalls and the clutching is dangerous; no repair for this design defect. I was almost killed when first car was totaled!

Lori W