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Ford Focus and Fusion clutch may break, causing fire

NHTSA campaign 26V376000 · Reported 2026-06-09 · Ford Motor Company

critical How serious is it? About this label

This one carries a fire risk, and the complete repair is not available yet, so while Ford has not told owners to park their cars, watch for burning smells, smoke, or trouble shifting and stop driving immediately if any of those appear.

What's wrong, in plain English

These cars had earlier recall work done incorrectly. The clutch, the part that connects the engine to the transmission, can crack apart. When it breaks it can damage the transmission and let transmission fluid leak out. If that fluid drips onto a hot engine or exhaust part, it can catch fire. Ford has mailed warning letters, but the full repair is not ready yet and a second letter will come when it is. Dealers will update software and replace the clutch if needed.

What you should do

1. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls under campaign 26V376000.
2. Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or your dealer with recall number 26S43 and ask what can be done now, including the software update and a clutch inspection on Focus models.
3. Watch for the second letter announcing the full remedy, then return for the free repair; all work under this recall costs you nothing.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Ford Focus

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Ford transmission, driveshaft and wheel recalls: which ones are urgent? · all 55 Ford recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Safety 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: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.