CarBrief

The 2015 Focus has 1,034 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls[1][2]. The power train is the group named most often, and owners we read describe jerking or lost power when pulling away, so check the VIN for open recalls and test drive carefully[3].

1,034owner complaints[1]
11recalls[2]
26–34MPG combined (EPA)[4]
5★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 1,034 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Focus[1]. Of those, 32 mention a crash, 4 a fire and 29 injuries, and no deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts of the car. The group counts below overlap and do not add up to the total.

Component group Complaints Crashes Median miles at failure
Power train[3] 563 11 60,000
Engine[6] 183 2 65,993
Fuel/propulsion[7] 141 0 64,000
Unknown or other[8] 120 3 51,657
Steering[9] 96 2 61,609
Electrical[10] 68 2 49,342
Speed control[11] 44 4 42,581
Fuel system, gasoline[12] 34 1 77,000

The power train is named most often. It appears in 563 complaints, well ahead of the engine group at 183[3][6]. In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 8 describe jerking, shuddering, hesitation or lost power when pulling away or speeding up, and some owners call it a transmission problem[3]. Two of the 12 describe the car rolling backward[3].

Engine and fuel system complaints. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 8 describe delayed acceleration, lurching or lost power, and 3 describe stalling or near stalling[6]. In a sample of 12 fuel/propulsion complaints we read, 6 describe the car stalling or shutting off while driving, and 2 describe fuel leaking near the tank or filler[7]. The engine group includes 2 fires[6].

Steering is a smaller group with a clear pattern. In a sample of 12 steering complaints we read, 10 describe a wheel that gets stiff, seizes, grabs or loses power assist[9]. The group has 96 complaints and 2 crashes[9].

Speed control has the lowest median failure mileage of the groups listed above, at 42,581 miles, but only 44 complaints[11].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2015 Focus[2]. Some apply only to certain versions, such as the Focus Electric, the 1.0L manual or 2.0L cars, so check your VIN[13][14][15]. Two of the 2026 recalls were issued because an earlier repair was not done correctly[16][17].

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions of the 2015 Focus. The gas models range from 26 to 34 combined MPG[24][25][4].

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
1.0L turbo, SFE, 6-speed manual[4] 30 / 41 / 34 $1,950
1.0L turbo, 6-speed manual[24] 29 / 38 / 32 $2,100
2.0L, Automatic (AM6)[26] 27 / 38 / 31 $2,150
2.0L, Automatic (S6)[27] 26 / 37 / 30 $2,250
2.0L, 5-speed manual[28] 26 / 35 / 29 $2,300
2.0L turbo, 6-speed manual[25] 23 / 31 / 26 $2,600

Flex-fuel versions run on gasoline or E85 and are rated 31 combined with Automatic (AM6), 30 with Automatic (S6) and 29 with the 5-speed manual[29][30][31]. The Focus Electric is rated 105 MPGe combined with 76 miles of range[32]. EPA annual fuel cost is an estimate[26].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2015 Focus hatchback and sedan the same scores[5][33].

Engine and size

EPA lists these power ratings for the 2015 Focus:

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada and can differ slightly from US cars[37].

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
4-door hatchback SE/Titanium[37] 172 in 72 in 58 in 104 in 2,926 lb
4-door sedan S/SE/Titanium[38] 178 in 72 in 58 in 104 in 2,954 lb
Electric 4-door hatchback[39] 172 in 72 in 58 in 104 in 3,673 lb
ST 4-door hatchback[40] 172 in 73 in 58 in 104 in 3,252 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

2000: 3,686 complaints, 11 recalls20002001: 1,761 complaints, 7 recalls2002: 971 complaints, 2 recalls20022003: 977 complaints, 1 recalls2004: 387 complaints, 1 recalls20042005: 441 complaints, 1 recalls2006: 205 complaints, 0 recalls20062007: 391 complaints, 0 recalls2008: 250 complaints, 1 recalls20082009: 229 complaints, 0 recalls2010: 287 complaints, 0 recalls20102011: 113 complaints, 0 recalls2012: 3,803 complaints, 10 recalls20122013: 2,181 complaints, 14 recalls2014: 2,659 complaints, 14 recalls20142015: 1,034 complaints, 11 recalls1,03420152016: 1,194 complaints, 11 recalls20162017: 907 complaints, 10 recalls2018: 837 complaints, 7 recalls2018
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Focus model year. The 2015 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20003,68611
20011,7617
20029712
20039771
20043871
20054411
20062050
20073910
20082501
20092290
20102870
20111130
20123,80310
20132,18114
20142,65914
20151,03411
20161,19411
201790710
20188377

The 2015 Focus has 1,034 complaints and 11 recalls[2]. Among the 2012 to 2018 cars, it has fewer complaints than the 2012 (3,803), 2013 (2,181), 2014 (2,659) and 2016 (1,194)[2]. It has more than the 2017 (907) and the 2018 (837)[2].

On recalls, the 2013 and 2014 have 14, the 2015 and 2016 have 11, the 2012 and 2017 have 10 and the 2018 has 7[2]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide. They do not say how likely any one car is to have a problem.

Should you buy a used 2015 Focus?

The 2015 Focus has fewer complaints than each of the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016 cars, but the power train is the group named most often in its 1,034 complaints[2][3]. In the samples we read, owners describe jerking, hesitation or lost power when pulling away, and some describe stalling[3][6][7]. If you are looking at one, test drive it with attention to how it takes off from a stop, ask for proof of recall work, and check the VIN on NHTSA for open recalls, including the 2026 purge valve and clutch repeat repairs[16][17]. If the car has the 2.0L engine, do not plug in the block heater until the car is repaired[13]. The crash ratings are 5 stars overall and the gas versions are rated 26 to 34 combined MPG[5][33][25][4].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ford Focus?
The power train group is named most often, in 563 of 1,034 NHTSA complaints[1][3]. In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 8 describe jerking, hesitation or lost power when pulling away[3].
How many recalls does the 2015 Ford Focus have?
NHTSA lists 11 recalls[2]. They include purge valve, clutch, door latch and block heater recalls, and not all apply to every car, so check your VIN[16][17][13][18].
What is the gas mileage of the 2015 Ford Focus?
EPA rates the gas versions from 26 to 34 combined MPG, and the Focus Electric at 105 MPGe[25][4][32].
Is the 2015 Ford Focus safe?
NHTSA gives the hatchback and sedan 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[5][33].
Is the 2015 Focus better than the 2014?
On NHTSA counts, the 2015 has 1,034 complaints and the 2014 has 2,659[2]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,034 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Ford Focus (32 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 29 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Focus model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 563 complaints name the power train component group (11 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. EPA rating for Focus SFE FWD, 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 41 highway / 34 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 183 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,993). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 141 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 120 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,657). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 96 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,609). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 68 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,342). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 44 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,581). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 34 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 26V011, filed January 15, 2026: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 18V592, filed September 10, 2018: Equipment › Electrical. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 18V169, filed March 12, 2018: Power Train › Manual Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 26V369, filed June 9, 2026: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 26V376, filed June 9, 2026: Power Train › Manual Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 20V331, filed June 8, 2020: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 18V735, filed October 22, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 16V698, filed September 28, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Hatchback / Liftgate › Lock. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 16V643, filed September 6, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 16V479, filed June 28, 2016: Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 15V436, filed July 8, 2015: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  24. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 38 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 38 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 35 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 39 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 35 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. EPA rating for Focus Electric, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 105 MPGe combined, 76 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  33. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
  34. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Ford Focus with electric motor: rated 144 hp. www.epa.gov
  35. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Ford Focus with 1.0L 3-cylinder: rated 123 hp. www.epa.gov
  36. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Ford Focus with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 160 to 247 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  37. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FOCUS 4DR HATCHBACK SE/TITANIUM: length 172 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,926 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  38. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FOCUS 4DR SEDAN S/SE/TITANIUM: length 178 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,954 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  39. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FOCUS ELECTRIC 4D HATCHBACK: length 172 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,673 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  40. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FOCUS ST 4DR HATCHBACK: length 172 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,252 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.