Ford works hard to ensure their models are safe. However, sometimes problems occur after the vehicles have already been sold. In this case, a recall may be issued if the issue presents a safety risk.
Are there any Ford Focus clutch recalls?
Yes, there is a clutch-related recall you should know about. Others include:
- Transmission clutch slip and fluid leak
- Stuck canister purge valve may cause stall
- Improper weld joints on floor pan
- Loss of motive power from pinion gear wear
These are just some of the recalls related to the Ford Focus in recent years, including several related to the transmission (where the clutch is). In this piece, we’ll take a closer look at these recent recalls so you can stay on top of them.
Transmission Clutch Slip and Fluid Leak
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V845000
In November of 2018, Ford issued a recall on the powertrain for the Ford Focus model years 2016 through 2018. It was specifically for vehicles with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. In these vehicles, there is an increased risk of the clutch fracturing.
This can create damage directly to the transmission assembly and, in some cases, lead to the transmission leaking fluid.
A transmission fluid leak is a key concern. There is an increased risk of a fire occurring because of its proximity to an ignition source like the hot engine or the vehicle’s exhaust components.
There is also a risk that the transmission could fail, leading to the vehicle stalling or becoming inoperable, increasing the risk of an accident.
Ford alerted owners to this problem. They then had dealerships update the software within these vehicles that detects and prevents the prolonged clutch slip.
In some cases, where damage or cracks are present, they will replace the clutch as well. These repairs began in January of 2019.
Stuck Canister Purge Valve May Cause Stall
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V735000
Ford recalled 2012 through 2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0 GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. In these vehicles, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) can malfunction unexpectedly.
If this should occur, it can cause excessive vacuum within the fuel vapor management system. In situations where this occurs, it can create engine-related problems.
The most common outcome is the engine stalling out randomly while the vehicle is being driven. This happens without warning.
In many cases, the driver is then unable to restart the vehicle. This creates a significant risk of an accident occurring.
Ford alerted owners to this problem in October of 2018. To repair it, they had dealerships reprogram the Power Control Module. Technicians also checked for fault codes and replaced the CPV in situations where there is damage.
If a replacement was necessary, dealers also inspected and replaced the carbon canister along with the fuel delivery module and the fuel tank itself. These repairs began in August of 2019 once parts were available.
Improper Weld Joints on Floor Pan
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V052000
Ford recalled the 2016 Focus for a problem with the structure and design of the vehicle. In these vehicles, the floor plan may not be properly welded in place. Specifically, the left-hand apron joints may not be secured properly.
As a result of this, there is less structural integrity of the vehicle.
In some situations, the improper welds of the apron joints may create front-end structural problems. In these vehicles, there is a higher risk of significant injury if a crash should occur.
Ford let owners know of this problem in January of 2017. They then inspected each vehicle’s apron joints. In situations where they found inferior welds present, they repaired them.
The repairs included properly securing the apron joints when needed. This work began in March of 2017 by dealerships.
Loss of Motive Power from Pinion Gear Wear
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V479000
Ford recalled some 2015 and 2016 Ford Focus Electric vehicles for a problem with the power train. These vehicles were made between August 20, 2015 and April 13, 2016.
In them, the differential pinion gear shaft located in the transmission may overheat. If this occurs, it may cause a fracture of the transmission components.
In situations where there is a fracture of the pinion shaft, there is a likelihood that a loss of motive power will occur. This can also lead to a loss of the transmission park function, making it more likely that the vehicle may roll away. There is an increased risk of an accident occurring.
In June of 2016, Ford alerted applicable owners of this problem. They then replaced the transmission differential assembly in these vehicles. The repair work started in March of 2017 once parts became available.
How Do You Handle an Open Recall on the Ford Focus?
Are you thinking about buying a Ford Focus or want to find out if all the recalls related to your vehicle are under control? Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
There, you can enter your vehicle’s VIN into the system to find out what recalls relate to it. If there are any open recalls which still need to be serviced, they will be listed there for you.
If you do not have a VIN number, perhaps because you do not own the car just yet, you can also use the website to look up recalls. Just enter the make, model, and year of the car into the system.
If you have any pending recalls, call Ford’s customer service agents at 1-866-436-7332. They will tell you when and where to get the recall repairs taken care of right away.
