Laguna Hills, CA – October 30, 2018 – Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine due to an issue with the fuel vapor management system. This recall affects 1, 282,586 vehicles.
The Defect
According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, this safety recall involves affected vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI and 2.0L GTDI engines may experience a malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve (CPV) and malfunctioning Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. If the CPV sticks in “open” position, and the PCM software does not adequately detect the stuck-open CPV. the result can be excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system, potentially deforming the fuel tank.
If the vehicle is affected, the customer may observe a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), inaccurate or erratic fuel gauge indication, drivability concerns or loss of motive power, but may have no warning at all in case of simultaneous malfunction. An engine stall while driving without warning or without the ability to restart, can increase the risk of a crash.
Timeline of Events
NHTSA contacted Ford on May 29, 2018 regarding consumer complaints alleging loss of motive power on 2012-2014 model year Ford Focus vehicles. Ford reviewed the complaints and associated internal data and discovered information indicating canister purge valve malfunction that could cause excessive vacuum within the fuel system during evaporative emissions monitoring.
Consumer complaints included MIL illumination, fuel gauge inaccuracy, drivability issues, loss of motive power, or costly repairs. An investigative overview of the Focus fuel system operation and reviews of Ford’s data commenced, and on October 15, 2018, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a field action. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this issue.
The Solution
Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) reprogrammed with new software that will detect a malfunctioning CPV and prevent a potential excessive fuel vapor system vacuum condition from occurring. Dealers will check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) and replace the CPV as necessary. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. There will be no charge for this service.
Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern customers are advised to maintain at least 1/2 tank of fuel. The recall is expected to begin December 10, 2018. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 18S32. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V- 735.