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Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost 182hp ST Line common faults.

2014–2018, hatchback, petrol, 182 HP.

The fault list covers: M9DA, M9DB engine, IB6, MMT6, MTX75 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

7 fault write-ups. All are important. 11 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

7 important faults

critical4

1.0 EcoBoost: the oil pump drive belt fails

critical

The oil pump is driven by a toothed belt running in oil, not by a chain. The belt and its tensioner age, and according to the authority they can fail. Oil pressure is then lost.

Show the rest

NHTSA issued a campaign for this in December 2023 (23V905000), covering the 2016–2018 Focus and the 2018–2022 EcoSport. The authority states that the loss of pressure leads to an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, which is a crash risk.

The belt runs in oil, under the cover, so you cannot see it from outside. Rubber debris from a disintegrating belt ends up in the sump, and that debris can also block the oil pick-up strainer.

What to check

  • Ask for the invoice for the timing and oil pump belt change: you need a date and a mileage, not just "replaced"
  • Look at the oil on the dipstick: small rubber particles from a disintegrating belt float in it
  • On a cold start watch how long the oil pressure light takes to go out: a slow one is a signal
2 more steps in the write-up

2.0 GDI: the canister purge valve stalls the engine

critical

The canister purge valve (CPV) can malfunction. According to the authority this creates excessive vacuum in the fuel vapour management system, the engine stalls while driving without warning, and it cannot be restarted. The authority describes this as a crash risk.

Show the rest

Ford recalled it twice: in October 2018 (18V735000), then in June 2026 for the cars repaired incorrectly (26V369000). The second campaign states that the valve causes the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.

What to check

  • Ask whether the engine has ever stalled while driving, even once
  • With the engine idling, listen for the purge valve clicking irregularly
  • Check for a fuel smell around the filler cap, or a deformed tank
2 more steps in the write-up

6-speed manual: the clutch fractures

critical

The clutch can fracture, the break damages the transmission case, and gearbox oil can leak from it. The car may become immobile, and the leaking oil can ignite on the hot engine or exhaust.

Show the rest

Ford issued three campaigns. The first went out in March 2018 (18V169000) for the 1.6 EcoBoost with the 6-speed manual, the second in November 2018 (18V845000) for the 1.0 EcoBoost cars, and the third in June 2026 (26V376000) because part of the earlier repairs had been done incorrectly. A car that has had the repair is not necessarily in order.

In the European range the 1.0 EcoBoost with the 6-speed manual is the most common Focus.

What to check

  • Pull away from a standstill several times: the clutch must not shudder, slip or kick
  • Pull away on a hill using the clutch: slipping shows up here first
  • Look under the car around the transmission housing: fresh or dried oil traces can mean a break
2 more steps in the write-up

Door latch: the latching component breaks and the door can open while driving

critical

A component inside the door latch breaks, so the latch no longer holds properly: the door is hard to close, or it only catches on the first detent. The driver and the passenger may believe the door is properly shut when it is not, and it can open while driving.

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Ford issued five campaigns between 2015 and 2023, and two of them, 20V331000 and 23V775000, recalled cars where the earlier repair had not been carried out properly. The 2020 campaign names six models: the 2011-2014 Fiesta, the 2012-2015 Focus, the 2013-2015 C-Max, the 2014-2016 Transit Connect, the 2015 Mustang and the 2013-2014 Fusion. The factory repair fits a revised door latch.

What to check

  • Close all four doors with normal force: none should need slamming, and none should bounce back
  • Push each door half shut: it must hold on the first detent, with no play
  • Open and close each one from the outside and the inside, including the child locks at the rear
2 more steps in the write-up

expensive3

MMT6 manual: worn shift mechanism, hard shifting when cold

expensive

The gearbox itself is reliable, but the shift mechanism wears noticeably between 100,000 and 150,000 km. Shifting becomes stiff, and it is most obvious when cold: the lever does not want to find its place, or the gear only goes in with force.

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At high mileage the synchros on the first two gears wear out, and then the shift grates. The gearbox comes with a dual-mass flywheel, which is not the most durable part either.

between 100,000 and 150,000 km

What to check

  • Set off from cold: both first and second must engage without snagging
  • Stop and select reverse: it must not grate or need force
  • While rolling, change down into second: this is where worn synchros are audible
2 more steps in the write-up

IB6 manual: little oil, leaks, and the synchro noise that follows

expensive

The gearbox is light and compact and reliable, but the small oil quantity makes it sensitive to leaks: not much has to escape before the level becomes critical.

Show the rest

Most complaints about synchro noise actually come from this, from the low oil level rather than from the synchro itself. Beyond that the input shaft bearing can wear out and reverse can fail. Every version comes with a dual-mass flywheel, which is not the most durable part.

What to check

  • Look at the gearbox housing from underneath: fresh oil means a leak, and here that is the main cause
  • Ask when the oil level was last checked and whether it has ever been topped up
  • While rolling, change down into second and third: grating means worn synchros
2 more steps in the write-up

MTX75 manual: leaking seals, worn shafts

expensive

The gearbox itself is reliable and has two weak points. One is the input shaft bearing, which is short-lived, the other is the oil seals, which leak continuously.

Show the rest

The leak is the more dangerous one: any drop in the oil level wears the shafts and the gear rims, and that wear cannot be undone. Most versions come with a dual-mass flywheel, which is not the most durable part either.

What to check

  • Look at the bottom of the gearbox and where the driveshafts come out: fresh oil means a leak
  • Ask when the gearbox oil level was last checked, and ask for the invoice
  • At a steady speed, listen for noise: a worn input shaft bearing drones
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost 182hp ST Line

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall11 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 9 June 2026

26V369000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTERFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER9 June 2026 · NHTSA (USA)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) 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.

Risk: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

26V012000EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATEREQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER15 January 2026 · NHTSA (USA)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

23V905000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMPENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP22 December 2023 · NHTSA (USA)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.

Risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

19V515000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGEFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE5 July 2019 · NHTSA (USA)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.

Risk: The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

18V845000POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSIONPOWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION28 November 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: 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.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

18V735000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGEFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE22 October 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.

Risk: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

18V169000POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSIONPOWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION12 March 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission and 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Also included are four 2017 Ford Focus vehicles that had clutch replacements with potentially affected parts. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. Owners of Fusion vehicles will have their clutch assembly replaced free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

17V528000SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHERSEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER28 August 2017 · NHTSA (USA)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Focus vehicles. The rear left side seat back frame may have an insufficient weld between the outboard pivot bracket and the pivot nut joint, resulting in the seat back having reduced strength. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Risk: The reduced seat back strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the rear second left side rear seat back as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C13.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

17V052000STRUCTURE:BODYSTRUCTURE:BODY24 January 2017 · NHTSA (USA)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.

Risk: Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the apron joints, repairing the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S03.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

16V698000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCKLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK28 September 2016 · NHTSA (USA)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

Risk: With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

14V514000STEERINGSTEERING22 August 2014 · NHTSA (USA)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled.

Risk: The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S18.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

2 engines · 3 transmissions

M9DA · 1.5 FLH

134 kW (182 HP) · petrol

IB6 · 6-speed manual

manual · 6 speed

Torque limit285 Nm
MakerFord/Getrag

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it. More than one engine code is possible. The fault list shows the faults of each. More than one transmission is possible. The gear count does not tell them apart. The code is on the side of the transmission.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
ST Line
Body
hatchback
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
manual
Engine size
1498 cc
Power
134 kW (182 HP)
Drive
FWD
Production
2014–2018

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)

  • Spark plugs, petrol

    • 60,000 km or 6 years
All Mk3.5 versions

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms