Recall 26V376 covers 5,252 2013-2018 Ford Focus and Fusion vehicles for clutch fracture and fluid-leak fire risk. Free repair at a franchised Ford dealer once available.
Ford is recalling 5,252 2013-2018 Focus and Fusion vehicles that were previously repaired incorrectly under earlier clutch recalls. The clutch can fracture, damage the transmission, and create a transmission fluid leak; fluid on hot engine or exhaust parts can increase fire risk, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The clutch slip module on affected 2013-2018 Ford Focus and Fusion vehicles is software tied to the manual transmission clutch. Its job is to detect prolonged clutch slip, when the clutch is not fully gripping, and limit the heat and wear that build up in the pressure plate and clutch lining.
Ford says some vehicles previously repaired under earlier recalls did not receive the intended software package, or the installed software level cannot be confirmed. Without that remedy, repeated high-energy clutch slip can wear the clutch lining and reduce the pressure plate's strength. Repeated heating and cooling can crack the outer edge of the pressure plate until it fractures, damaging the transmission assembly and allowing transmission fluid to leak.
Before pressure plate fracture, owners can notice clutch odor, smoke, or reduced vehicle performance. Those signs point to a clutch slip condition that needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
Covers Focus and Fusion manual-transmission cars from separate year spans: Focus for 2015-2018 and Fusion for 2013-2016. VINs become searchable on July 6, 2026.
| 2015 Ford Focus | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Focus | manual transmission |
| 2017 Ford Focus | manual transmission |
| 2018 Ford Focus | manual transmission |
| 2013 Ford Fusion | manual transmission |
| 2014 Ford Fusion | manual transmission |
| 2015 Ford Fusion | manual transmission |
| 2016 Ford Fusion | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 5,252 |
| 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 the risk of fire. Clutch odor, smoke, or reduced performance can signal clutch slip before pressure plate fracture, so stop using the vehicle and call a Ford dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2013-2018 Ford Focus or Fusion is included in this recall.
- Wait for Ford's owner letter expected July 6, 2026 before scheduling the dealer software update.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer after notice begins to schedule the free software update that addresses the clutch-fracture recall.
- Reference recall number 26V376 and Ford recall 26S43 when you call.
- Watch for transmission fluid leaks or burning smells, and avoid driving the vehicle if you see or smell a leak.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair is not available yet. Once Ford opens it, a Ford technician will update the vehicle software, free under the recall. Owner letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Ford uses its standard reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for a related clutch or transmission repair before the recall notice, keep your invoice and contact Ford customer service about documented reimbursement under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 9, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 6, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| July 6, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 8, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V376?
Recall 26V376 covers 5,252 Ford Focus and Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recalls 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch can fracture, damage the transmission assembly, and lead to a transmission fluid leak. Ford dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2018 Ford Focus or 2013-2016 Ford Fusion is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V376. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask to schedule the software update. Reference Ford recall number 26S43 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to complete the recall repair at no cost. A franchised Ford dealer will update the software free of charge, including parts and labor tied to recall 26V376.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is fire from leaking transmission fluid. If the clutch fractures and damages the transmission assembly, fluid can leak near an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, increasing fire risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free Ford dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
When will Ford notify owners about recall 26V376?
Ford expects to mail owner notification letters on July 6, 2026. VIN lookup for this recall also opens on July 6, 2026. You do not need to wait for a letter to check your VIN and prepare to contact a Ford dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V376000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V376 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V376000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →