Recall 18V169 affects 5,361 2013-2016 Ford Focus and Fusion vehicles for clutch fracture and transmission-fluid leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 5,361 2013-2016 Focus and Fusion vehicles because the clutch can fracture and damage the transmission assembly, which can let transmission fluid leak. Fluid leaking onto hot engine or exhaust parts raises the risk of fire, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The clutch in the affected 2013-2016 Ford Focus and Fusion vehicles sits between the engine and the manual transmission. When you press and release the clutch pedal, the clutch lets the engine disconnect from the transmission, then reconnect smoothly so power reaches the wheels without a harsh shock.
On these vehicles, repeated high-energy clutch slip wears the clutch lining faster than intended. As the lining wears, the pressure plate loses torque capacity and slips more, which adds heat to the plate. Repeated heating and cooling create cracks around the outer edge of the pressure plate. If the pressure plate fractures, pieces can damage the transmission assembly and lead to a transmission fluid leak.
Ford lists clutch odor, smoke, and reduced vehicle performance as warning signs before pressure plate fracture. If you notice those signs, the clutch is slipping and the vehicle needs dealer inspection before more damage occurs.
Who's affected?
Focus appears for 2015 and 2016, while Fusion appears for 2013 and 2014; all listed cars share the manual transmission scope.
| 2016 Ford Focus | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| 2013 Ford Fusion | manual transmission |
| 2014 Ford Fusion | manual transmission |
| 2015 Ford Focus | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 5,361 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A transmission fluid leak near hot engine or exhaust parts increases fire risk. Clutch odor, smoke, or reduced performance point to clutch slip before pressure plate fracture, so stop driving if those signs appear and call a Ford dealer for guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2016 Ford Focus or Fusion is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free repair.
- Schedule the clutch-related repair that prevents prolonged clutch slip on Focus vehicles and replaces the clutch assembly on Fusion vehicles.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V169 when you call.
- Avoid driving if you see transmission fluid, smell burning fluid, or notice clutch slip; ask the Ford dealer for guidance before moving the vehicle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician updates affected Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, then replaces the clutch if needed. For affected Fusion vehicles, the technician replaces the clutch assembly. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Ford is not offering a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program already provided a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 12, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| March 13, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 26, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 3, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V169?
Recall 18V169 covers 5,361 Ford Focus and Fusion vehicles with manual-transmission clutch parts that can fracture, damage the transmission assembly, and create a transmission fluid leak. If leaking fluid reaches hot engine or exhaust parts, fire risk increases. Ford dealers perform the recall repair for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2016 Ford Focus or Fusion is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V169. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 18V169 or Ford recall number 18S07. Focus vehicles receive the software update and clutch replacement if needed. Fusion vehicles receive a clutch assembly replacement.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers update affected Focus vehicles with clutch-slip detection software and replace the clutch if needed. Affected Fusion vehicles receive a free clutch assembly replacement.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V169?
The safety risk is fire from a transmission fluid leak. The clutch can fracture and damage the transmission assembly. If fluid leaks onto hot engine or exhaust components, fire risk increases. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free Ford dealer repair.
What if I bought my Ford Focus or Fusion used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. If you never received Ford's owner notice, check your VIN and call a franchised Ford dealer with recall 18V169 or Ford recall number 18S07.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V169000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V169 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V169000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →