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NHTSA recall,

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus can stall unexpectedly while driving due to a canister purge valve malfunction, increasing crash risk.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

What happened

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving. An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash. The recall affects 257,868 vehicles nationwide.

The issue was reported to NHTSA on June 9, 2026. Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026.

More fuel system defect recalls

What to do

If you own a vehicle in this recall:

  1. Check your VIN (vehicle identification number) at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  2. Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.
  3. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. You may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40.
  4. Look for the owner letter. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026.

What you get Free repair

Full text from NHTSA

Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.

Is your Ford affected?

These models and years may be affected.

  • Focus, model years 2012 to 2018

Your VIN confirms it. Find the 17-character VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard or on your registration card.

Check your VIN on nhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)

Recall details

Reported to NHTSA
Sold in
Nationwide
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Component
Fuel system defect
Campaign
26V369000
Vehicles affected
257,868
Repair cost
Free of charge
Owner letters mailed
Manufacturer's recall number
26S40
Manufacturer phone
1-866-436-7332

All recalls from Ford Motor Company

Timeline

  1. Reported to NHTSA

  2. Listed on Recall Canary

  3. Summary updated

Other fuel system defect recalls

See all: Other fuel system defect recalls

Summary by Recall Canary, written with AI · summary updated Oct 2, 2026 · primary source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (opens in a new tab)