Ford Focus 2018: Transmission Fluid Leak Fire Risk
Ford recalls 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission due to potential transmission fluid leak causing fire if near ignition sources.
Use caution until it’s fixed
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
What happened, in plain English
Ford is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, causing transmission fluid leaks that could ignite near hot engine parts or exhaust. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1224787-ford-focus-2018-transmission-fluid-leak-fire-risk.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1224787-ford-focus-2018-transmission-fluid-leak-fire-risk · Updated October 5, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #18V845000
Cite this page
“Ford Focus 2018: Transmission Fluid Leak Fire Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated October 5, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1224787-ford-focus-2018-transmission-fluid-leak-fire-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #18V845000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V845000).
Why it’s dangerous
Transmission fluid leaks can occur if the clutch fractures, creating a risk of fire when the leaking fluid contacts hot engine components or exhaust systems. This is particularly concerning during high-speed driving or when the engine is running.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission are affected. Drivers who frequently drive with the clutch engaged for extended periods may be at higher risk.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your 2016-2018 Ford Focus has a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The recall began January 17, 2019, and is part of an expanded recall.
- Brand
Ford- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Contact Ford
Call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 to schedule a free transmission inspection and repair.
Update Software
Dealers will update your vehicle with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip.
Replace Clutch
If necessary, Ford will replace the clutch free of charge to prevent transmission fluid leaks.
What NHTSA says to do
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-169.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
2 dated steps over 50 days.
- NHTSA received the defect report
- Recall began
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
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Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #18V845000 (November 28, 2018)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 5, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.