FordFocus2018Overview/ford/focus/2018/base/

2018 Ford Focus

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Focus.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2018 Ford Focus is a passenger car that takes 4.9 to 5.7 quarts of 5W-30 or 5W-20 engine oil. This model year accumulated 821 owner complaints, with the power train as the top problem area, and was subject to seven recalls. Within the model’s complaint history from 1999 to 2018, the 2018 Focus sits between the peak of 3,881 complaints in 2000 and the low of 11 in 1999, placing it in a moderate reliability position for the nameplate.

Model year201820172016201520142013201220112010

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.9-5.7OEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 67R · 390 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 67R · 390 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length171.7 in
Overall width72 in
Overall height57.9 in
Wheelbase104.3 in
Curb weight2926 lb
Track (front / rear)61 / 60.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Focus of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

4.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.70 sec — 2018 RS 5-door Hatchback
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2018RS 5-door Hatchback 2.3L Turbo I-44.70 sec13.50 sec350 hpAWD
2017RS 5-door Hatchback 2.3L Turbo I-44.50 sec13.40 sec350 hpAWD
2016RS 5-door Hatchback 2.3L Turbo I-44.50 sec13.30 sec350 hpAWD
2016RS 5-door Hatchback 2.3L Turbo I-44.60 sec13.40 sec350 hpAWD
2016RS 5-door Hatchback 2.3L Turbo I-44.60 sec13.40 sec350 hpAWD
2016RS 5-door Hatchback 2.3L Turbo I-44.70 sec13.40 sec350 hpAWD
2016RS 5-door Hatchback 2.3L Turbo I-44.80 sec13.60 sec350 hpAWD
2016RS 5-door Hatchback 2.3L Turbo I-45.00 sec13.60 sec350 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.9-5.7 of 5W-30 / 5W-20 engine oil, Synthetic · 75W-85 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilSynthetic · 75W-85
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.9 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity9.0
Engine Coolant Capacity6.9
Engine Coolant Capacity9.0
Engine Coolant Capacity7.3
Engine Oil5W-30 · 5W-20

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)Duratec: 4.4, Ecoboost: 5.1 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)35.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)14.75 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap.028 in
Spark Plug Torque9 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug GapDuratech: ..035 ; Ecoboost: .028-.031 in
Spark Plug TorqueDuratech: 11 ft-lbs; Ecoboost: 9 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.33 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity4.0-5.0 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.31 lbs
Oil TypeYN-32

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum82.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum102.0 psi
RPM82.0-102.0 rpm
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum51.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum85.0 psi
RPM51.0-85.0 Low Pressure Side rpm
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)Duratech: 72.5; Turbo: 58.0

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: Fixed Caliper: 21; Rear: 21 / 20
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 85 ft-lbs; Rear: 22 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque21
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 129; Rear: 52
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .906; Rear: .354
Maximum Rotor Runout.002
Maximum Drum DiameterRear: 9.055

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Front Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages
159.0 ft. lbs., 90 degrees Do not re-use old hub nut. Refer to installation procedure for proper installation. Failure to install properly will result in damage to hub and bearing.59 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
135.0 inch lbs.35 in
289.0 inch lbs.89 in
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
162.0 inch lbs.62 in
2142.0 inch lbs.142 in
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
162.0 inch lbs.62 in
2142.0 inch lbs.142 in
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 70.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 4537 ft. lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9037 ft. lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 6030 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
1159.0 inch lbs.159 in
235.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
2Back off bolts 360.0 degrees360 degrees
321.0 ft. lbs.21 ft. lbs
490.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
2Back off 360.0 degrees360 degrees
321.0 ft. lbs.21 ft. lbs
490.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 52.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 44.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: Tighten 90 degrees, Step 5: 90 degrees, Step 6: 90 degrees, Step 7: 90 degrees, Step 8: 9018 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9074 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9074 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep New cylinder head bolts must be installed.

15.17 ft. lbs.5.17 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
341.0 ft. lbs.41 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
137.0 ft. lbs.; Step 2; 59.0 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
383.0
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages
137.0 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
259.0 ft. lbs.59 ft. lbs
383.0
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
141 ft. lbs.41 ft. lbs
241
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
218.0 ft. lbs.18 ft. lbs
322.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
415.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
144.0 inch lbs.44 in
218.0 ft. lbs.18 ft. lbs
390.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
144.0 inch lbs.44 in
218.0 ft. lbs.18 ft. lbs
390.0
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 35.07.4 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18.07.4 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
2177.0 inch lbs.177 in

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant) · Timing Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 200,000 miHybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Ford Focus sits at the tail end of a generation that experienced two notable complaint spikes: 3,789 complaints in 2012 and 2,644 in 2014, both accompanied by elevated recalls (11–14 annually) and investigations (4–6). From that peak, the trend shows consistent improvement—complaints declined from 1,186 in 2016 to 821 in 2018, and recalls dropped from 11 to 7 over the same span. By the 2018 model year, the vehicle had accumulated 106 TSBs (service bulletins), notably lower than the 215 recorded in 2016, suggesting the manufacturer was addressing known issues through service procedures rather than new defect investigations. The top complaint categories—Power Train (214), Engine & Engine Cooling (106), and Engine (100)—indicate persistent drivetrain concerns, though these figures represent individual complaints rather than confirmed defects. With 15 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints on record, these remain low-frequency events but warrant inspection. Compared to the 2012–2016 model years, the 2018 Focus represents a substantially less litigious production period, making it a comparatively safer used-car prospect within this generation.

7
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
106
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
4
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
821
Owner complaints
15 involved a crash · 3 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 821 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train214
Engine & Engine Cooling106
Engine100
Fuel/Propulsion System56
Fuel System, Gasoline44
Unknown Or Other37
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System21
Steering20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 7 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V735000Fuel System, Gasoline:StorageReported 22/10/2018

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… 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…

18V845000Power Train:Manual TransmissionReported 28/11/2018

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 106 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
25B512026-05-08EngineCertain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model…
25H05 S12026-04-29Electrical SystemHarvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software…
25N172026-03-25Unknown Or OtherAdvance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year…
25E052026-03-03Power TrainCertain 2015 - 2018 Model Year Focus Vehicles with 1.0L Engine Canister Purge Valve (CPV)…
SSM 546012026-02-23Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Focus. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Focus take?

4.9-5.7 of Turbo: 5W-30 Meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A or equivalent., Non-Turbo: 5W-20 Meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A or equivalent., per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Focus have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.