Recall 18V845 affects 2,828 2016-2018 Ford Focus manual-transmission vehicles for a clutch fracture that can leak transmission fluid. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 2,828 2016-2018 Focus cars with the 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission because the clutch can fracture, damage the transmission, and leak fluid. Transmission fluid on hot engine or exhaust parts can raise the risk of fire, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
In the 2016-2018 Ford Focus with the 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission, the clutch connects engine power to the transmission when you release the pedal. The pressure plate is the metal clamping part of that clutch. It holds the clutch disc tightly enough for power to move through the drivetrain without slipping.
On included Focus vehicles, repeated high-energy clutch slip wears the clutch lining early. As that lining wears, the pressure plate loses torque capacity, slips more, and takes on extra heat. Repeated heating and cooling can crack the outer edge of the pressure plate. If the pressure plate fractures, it can damage the transmission assembly and lead to a transmission fluid leak.
Owners can notice clutch odor, smoke, or reduced vehicle performance before the pressure plate breaks. Those signs point to clutch slip, which is the condition that creates the heat and stress behind this recall.
Who's affected?
Spans Focus model years 2016, 2017, and 2018, all tied to the manual transmission component.
| 2017 Ford Focus | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Focus | manual transmission |
| 2018 Ford Focus | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 2,828 |
| 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 can increase the risk of a fire. Clutch odor, smoke, or reduced performance are warning signs of clutch slip before pressure plate fracture. If you notice those signs, pull over safely and contact a Ford dealer for service. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2018 Ford Focus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free software update that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip.
- Ask the dealer whether your clutch needs replacement because the recall covers clutch replacement when needed.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V845 when you call.
- Watch for signs of a transmission fluid leak and avoid driving until a Ford dealer inspects the vehicle if you see one.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician updates the vehicle software so it detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip. The technician also replaces the clutch if inspection shows replacement is needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ford's reimbursement plan covers eligible owner-paid remedies completed before the recall notice, with reimbursement eligibility ending January 28, 2019. If you already paid for a clutch-related repair tied to this defect, ask Ford customer service or the service desk how to submit the claim documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 28, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 29, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 29, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 7, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 17, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V845?
Recall 18V845 covers 2,828 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch can fracture, damage the transmission assembly, and lead to a transmission fluid leak. Ford dealers will update the software and replace the clutch as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2018 Ford Focus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Focus is included in recall 18V845. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the software update. The dealer will also replace the clutch if the inspection or repair process calls for it. Reference recall number 18S07 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost. Ford dealers will update the vehicle software and replace the clutch as necessary free of charge under recall 18V845.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the clutch fractures and damages the transmission assembly, transmission fluid can leak onto hot engine or exhaust parts. Ford's free dealer repair addresses the clutch-slip condition tied to this recall.
What if I bought my Ford Focus used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2016-2018 Ford Focus is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 18V845 or Ford recall number 18S07.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V845000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V845 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V845000 |
Source documents
-
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 →