Ford issues third recall for Fusion and Focus cars that can catch fire

Ford issues third recall for Fusion and Focus cars that can catch fire

August 18, 2026 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – August 18, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 5,252 hatchbacks and sedans over the risk of fire caused by a transmission fluid leak. The defect augments the risk of a crash and injury.

The following models are affected: 

  • 2015 – 2018 Ford Focus
  • 2013 – 2016 Ford Fusion  

These vehicles were already recalled over the same issue in March 2018 and November 2018, but the repairs were not performed. 

Recall summary

When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the clutch separates the transmission from the engine, allowing smooth gear changes. In the affected vehicles, the clutch may slip under load instead of fully engaging when the pedal is released.

Over time, this would create excessive friction and heat, causing a part of the clutch to crack or break apart. The pieces can subsequently breach transmission housing, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.

Recall risks

If the leaking transmission fluid comes in contact with the hot clutch components, it may ignite and set the vehicle on fire. 

For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please visit the following article.

Warning signs

Apart from the burning clutch smell and smoke, the driver may notice a drop in the vehicle performance. 

Background of the recall

Ford already addressed the clutch slippage by recalling a batch of Focuses and Fusions in March 2018, followed by an expanded recall in November 2018. On both occasions, the dealer inspected the clutch and, if needed, replaced it, while also updating the vehicle’s software to warn the driver if excessive clutch slippage occurs. 

The software update, however, was not successfully installed on all cars due to an internal issue.

Other Ford recalls

In May 2026, Ford expanded its loose front seat recall, affecting nearly 180,000 Bronco SUVs and Ranger pickups.    

In April 2026, more than 420,000 Fords and Lincolns were recalled over malfunctioning windshield wipers, also reported. 

The repair

The dealers will update the vehicle’s software free of charge. 

Notifications to the owners were set to be mailed between July 6, 2026 and July 10, 2026.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This repeated Ford fire recall affects more than 5,200 cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord issues third recall for Fusion and Focus cars that can catch fire
Ford issues second recall for Focus cars over stall risk

Ford issues second recall for Focus cars over stall risk

July 7, 2026 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – July 7, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 255,404 2012-2018 Ford Focus compact cars that may stall while driving. This defect ups the chances of a crash and injury, especially in dense traffic. 

These vehicles were recalled over the same issue in October 2018, but the repair was not actually performed. 

Recall summary

Gas fumes from the fuel tank are vented into the engine through an evaporative emission control system that keeps them from escaping into the atmosphere. The fumes’ flow is controlled by a purge valve that opens and closes during its operation.

In the affected vehicles, the purge valve may get stuck open. This would lead to the vapors and air filtering into the engine, disrupting the fuel mixture and causing the engine to stall.

Recall risks

A stalled vehicle may be hit by other motorists, increasing the risk of injury. 

Warning signs 

Apart from the malfunction indicator light (MIL) on the dashboard, drivers may also notice inaccurate fuel level and range readings or experience drivability issues. 

Previous Ford stuck purge valve recall

In October 2018, Ford recalled 1.3 million Focuses to address the issue, as reported. The software update intended to solve the problem, however, was not performed on all vehicles, despite being marked as completed. 

Other Ford recalls

In May 2026, Ford recalled 1.4 million F-150 pickups over faulty transmissions, as reported.

In February 2026, over 45,000 Mustang Mach E cars were recalled due to reduced visibility caused by faulty lights, also as reported.

The repair

The dealers will update the vehicle’s software free of charge. The updated software is set to catch when the valve gets stuck open and prevent the stall.

Notifications to the owners will be mailed between July 6, 2026 and July 10, 2026.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford Focus stall recall affects more than a quarter of a million cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord issues second recall for Focus cars over stall risk

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