Recall 18V735 affects 1,282,596 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles for a purge-valve defect that can stall the engine. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 1,282,596 2012-2018 Focus vehicles with 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engines because the canister purge valve can malfunction and create excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor system. An engine stall while driving can happen without warning or restart, and Ford dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The canister purge valve on the 2012-2018 Ford Focus is part of the fuel vapor system. It opens and closes to route gasoline vapors from the storage canister into the engine, where they are burned instead of vented.
On affected Focus vehicles with the 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine, that valve can stick open during an evaporative-system check. When it stays open, the fuel system sees too much vacuum. That vacuum can deform the plastic fuel tank, which affects fuel delivery and can lead to drivability problems or loss of motive power.
Owners can see a Malfunction Indicator Light, often called the check engine light. Other warning signs include an inaccurate fuel gauge, an inaccurate distance-to-empty reading, or drivability concerns such as poor running or loss of power.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2012 through 2018 Focus model years, all tied to the same fuel system component.
| 2017 Ford Focus | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Focus | fuel system |
| 2018 Ford Focus | fuel system |
| 2013 Ford Focus | fuel system |
| 2015 Ford Focus | fuel system |
| 2014 Ford Focus | fuel system |
| 2012 Ford Focus | fuel system |
| Units affected | 1,282,596 |
| 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?
Excessive vacuum can stall the engine while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash. Watch for a Malfunction Indicator Light, inaccurate fuel gauge or distance-to-empty readings, or drivability problems. Until serviced, keep the fuel tank at least half full. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2018 Ford Focus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free Powertrain Control Module reprogramming and CPV inspection that addresses the fuel-system vacuum problem behind the stall risk.
- Keep the fuel tank at least halfway full until Ford completes the recall service.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V735 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to check fault codes and replace the CPV, carbon canister, fuel tank, or fuel delivery module under the recall when required.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician reprograms the Powertrain Control Module, checks for fault codes, and replaces the CPV if the codes show it is needed. If the CPV is replaced, the technician inspects the carbon canister, fuel tank, and fuel delivery module and replaces those parts as needed. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Until the service is complete, keep the fuel tank at least halfway full. Ford's standard reimbursement plan covered eligible owner-paid repairs before the recall notice, with eligibility ending December 31, 2019. Bring related repair documentation to the service desk if you paid before notice.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 22, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 25, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| October 25, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 10, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 19, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V735?
Recall 18V735 covers 1,282,596 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The canister purge valve can malfunction, create excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor system, and lead to an engine stall while driving without warning.
What should I do if my 2012-2018 Ford Focus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Focus is included in recall 18V735. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free repair. Until the vehicle is serviced, keep the fuel tank at least halfway full. Reference Ford recall number 18S32 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Ford dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module, check for fault codes, replace the canister purge valve as needed, and inspect related fuel-system parts when required.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning sign before the stall described in recall 18V735. Ford says the defect can cause an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle. Keep the fuel tank at least halfway full until the dealer completes the repair.
What if I bought my Ford Focus used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Focus is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 18V735 or Ford recall number 18S32.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V735000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V735 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V735000 |
Source documents
-
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 →