2014 Ford Focus Problems And Complaints

2014 Ford Focus User Complaints and Problems

Safety Complaints

• Non-deployment of airbags: In a handful of cases, buyers of the 2014 Focus have reported issues with the sedan’s airbag system. The most common problem relates to the non-deployment of the airbags in case of a crash, which has resulted in injuries to the occupants. While there have been issues of partial deployment as well, some users have also made complaints about the airbag warning light illuminating inadvertently.

Structural Complaints

• Problems with the latching system: In the list of Ford Focus faults, several buyers have reported an issue with the vehicle’s locking and latching system. Users have recorded the rear doors and trunk opening unexpectedly when the vehicle is in motion. The malfunction can happen due to the wearing of the latches over time. To deal with the issue, Ford has introduced a recall, referenced by 20V331000, however, the parts for repair are not available to the dealerships.
• Malfunctioning windshield wipers: The 2014 Ford Focus windshield wipers are also a cause of concern. In a handful of instances, buyers have reported the wipers ceasing functionality. As a result, the wipers stop working while in operation, which can affect the driver’s visibility in untoward weather conditions. In a few more cases, buyers have also reported the wipers powering independently, without any input from the driver.

Electrical System Problems

• Popping sound from the speakers: Buyers of the 2014 Ford Focus have reported a sudden cracking noise from the speakers. While no reason for the issue is yet known, the malfunction is succeeded by the radio and other infotainment functionalities becoming inoperable.
• Blown out horn: Randomly, buyers have reported the 2014 Focus’s horn to blow out. The vehicle’s horn ceases operation and it is a commonly noted issue. Not only is it listed on the NHTSA website, but there are also dedicated owner forums to discuss a similar issue. Currently, the only solution available to the owners is the replacement of the horn.
• Other electric problems: In the 2014 Ford Focus problems list, buyers have also reported the vehicle’s inability to turn off despite the keys being removed from the ignition. Such an issue results in a battery drain, which can hamper the vehicle’s overall performance.

Mechanical Complaints

• Transmission shuddering: The 2014 Ford Focus transmission problems make up almost 60% of its registered complaints. In an unbelievably high number of cases, buyers have reported thevehicle hesitating excessively upon acceleration. It has been noted that the transmission slips and the check engine and service transmission warning light illuminate inadvertently. While it is most common with the DCT unit, some users have also reported the gears not engaging in the manual transmission as well. The only available solution is to replace the transmission unit.
• Issues with fuel/propulsion system: In the list of the Ford Focus common problems, buyers have reported that sometimes the compact sedan fails to restart after the fuel has been filled. While no reason for the problem is yet known, in some other cases, a failure of the fuel pump or canister purge valve results in the vehicle stalling. While Ford has introduced a recall to deal with the latter issue, most buyers have reported that their vehicle had not been repaired by the dealerships for an unreasonable amount of time.
• Issue with steering assist: The Focus’s power steering malfunction is a known issue across the current generation. Without any symptoms, buyers have reported the steering wheel locking, which makes it difficult to control the vehicle. The power steering fails, a warning light illuminates, and the EPS requires replacement. In some other cases, users have also reported the steering swerving from left to right without any input. Both issues have resulted in near-miss situations.
• Problems with the lug nuts: Across the current iteration, buyers of the 2014 Ford Focus hatchback and sedan have reported the vehicle’s lug nuts swelling or corroding excessively. As a result, the vehicle’s tire cannot be removed, which can increase the risk of a safety hazard.

2014 Ford Focus Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1.	8th June 2020	20V331000	Doors might open inadvertently	In continuation to the previous recall (NHTSA ID: 16V643000), a component inside the door latch might fracture, causing the doors to be improperly latched. As a result, the doors might open unexpectedly, while the vehicle is in motion.	Upon inspection, dealers will replace the side latch doors, if necessary, free of cost.
2.	5th July 2019	19V515000	Possible engine stall	In reference to a previous recall (NHTSA ID: 18V735000), the Powertrain Control Module might not have been correctly updated. As a result, the Canister Purge Valve may create an excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.	Dealers will update the PCM and also replace the CPV, if necessary, free of cost.
3.	22nd Oct 2018	18V735000	Possible Engine stall	Due to a malfunction, the Canister Purge Valve may create an excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.	Dealers will update the PCM and also replace the CPV, if necessary, free of cost.
4.	6th Sept 2016	16V643000	Issues with the door latch	A component inside the door latch might fracture, causing the doors to be improperly latched. As a result, the doors might open unexpectedly, while the vehicle is in motion.	Dealers will replace the door latches, free of cost.
5.	2nd Dec 2015	15V813000	Possible engine stall due to wiring splices	Improper compression in the engine wiring harness splice may result in the Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor providing incorrect signals to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)	Dealers will replace the current crimped slices with new ones, free of cost.
6.	9th Jan 2015	15V005000	Failure of fuel pump	Due to improper nickel plating of the components, the fuel pump may fail.	Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of cost.
7.	2nd Sept 2014	14V525000	Cracked fuel delivery module	Due to a crack between the filer cap and its body, the fuel pressure may remain low.	Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge.
8.	22nd Aug 2014	14V514000	Missing ball bearings in steering gears	Due to improper assembly, the steering might be missing ball bearings.	Dealers will replace the steering gears, free of cost.
9.	11th Aug 2014	14V495000	Possible engine stall due to wiring splices	Improper compression in the engine wiring harness splice may result in the Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor providing incorrect signals to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)	Dealers will replace the current crimped slices with new ones, free of cost.
10.	30th Oct 2013	13V523000	Loss of motive power	Due to an error in the Powertrain Control module, the vehicle might lose its power.	Dealers will reprogram the PCM, free of cost.

Should you buy the 2014 Ford Focus?

From the standpoint of practicality and affordability, the 2014 Ford Focus is an impressive choice. It combines potent performance with subtle driving dynamics and is impressively built on the inside with quality materials. The feature list is top-notch and seldom would buyers find themselves longing for additional specifications. However, when reliability and user experience are concerned, the 2014 Focus lies at the wrong end of the spectrum. It has more than 2,000 complaints registered to its name and has been called excessively. Moreover, in a couple of cases, the parts for repairs are not available, while the recall relating to the steering wheel carries an emergency warning, which has rendered the vehicle inoperable. So, for us, buyers should refrain from purchasing the current iteration of the sedan, and rather opt for the 2014 Mazda 3, which promises a more holistic experience.