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Ford Focus/Fusion Clutch Failure May Cause Fire
critical How serious is it? About this label
A transmission fluid leak near hot engine or exhaust parts can start a fire, which is a serious safety risk. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 26V376000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Jun 9, 2026 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Part affected | Power Train:manual Transmission |
| Vehicles covered | 1 model/year combination, model years 2018 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
Ford is recalling certain Focus and Fusion vehicles because two earlier repairs for this problem did not fully fix it. The clutch inside the transmission may crack or break, which can damage the transmission and cause a fluid leak. If that leaked fluid reaches a hot part of the engine or exhaust, it could ignite. Ford has sent owners an interim letter about this fire risk while it finishes developing the full repair for this problem.
What you should do
2. Contact a Ford dealer, or call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
3. The repair, a software update and (for Focus vehicles) a clutch inspection and replacement if needed, is free.
Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?
Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 26V376000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (1)
Who to contact
Ford — official Ford recall lookup
Customer service: 1-866-436-7332
The bigger picture
- Ford Powertrain Recalls Involving Fluid Leaks and Wheel Detachment · all 56 Ford recalls in this area
Other Ford Focus recalls
- Jun 9, 2026Ford Focus Fuel System Valve May Stall Enginehigh
- Jan 15, 2026Ford Escape and Focus Block Heater Fire Riskcritical
- Jan 15, 2026Ford Explorer and Focus Block Heater Fire Riskcritical
- Dec 22, 2023Ford Focus, EcoSport Oil Pump Belt May Failhigh
- Nov 28, 2018Ford Focus Clutch May Fracture, Risk Of Firecritical
- Oct 22, 2018Ford Focus Fuel System May Cause Stallingcritical
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.