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Ford Fusion & Focus Recall Affects Over 5,000 Cars
Ford is recalling 5,252 older Fusion and Focus vehicles in the U.S. because a previous recall repair may not have been completed correctly, leaving some cars at risk of clutch failure and possible transmission fluid leaks.
The recall covers certain 2013 to 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles and 2015 to 2018 Ford Focus vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the affected vehicles were previously repaired under earlier Ford recall campaigns, but Ford later found that some cars may not have received the correct software remedy, even though records showed the repair had been completed.
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What Caused the Recall?
The issue centers on vehicles with manual transmissions that may experience prolonged clutch slip. When that happens repeatedly, the clutch system can overheat. Over time, the heat can weaken the clutch pressure plate, cause cracks, and eventually lead to a fracture. If the clutch cover or transmission housing is damaged, transmission fluid may leak. If that fluid reaches a hot engine or exhaust component, it can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The affected group includes 1,489 Ford Fusion vehicles from model years 2013 through 2016 and 3,763 Ford Focus vehicles from model years 2015 through 2018. Ford said the cars were not built in VIN order, which means owners should not assume their vehicle is included or excluded based only on model year. The safest step is to check the VIN through Ford, a Ford or Lincoln dealer, or NHTSA once the recall becomes searchable.
Ford’s recall number is 26S43, while the NHTSA campaign number is 26V376. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting July 6, 2026, with the mailing period expected to run through July 10, 2026. Affected VINs are also expected to become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
Ford dealers will update the software free of charge. The updated software is designed to detect and prevent prolonged clutch slip. Dealers will also validate the software part numbers before closing the recall repair, which is meant to avoid the same recordkeeping issue that led to this new campaign.
What Should Owners Do?
Owners should watch for warning signs such as clutch odor, smoke, or reduced vehicle performance. These symptoms may point to clutch slip before a pressure plate fracture occurs. Drivers who notice any of these signs should contact a Ford or Lincoln dealer as soon as possible and avoid delaying inspection.
For now, owners should keep an eye out for Ford’s recall notice, check their VIN when the recall tool is updated, and schedule the free repair if their vehicle is included. They can also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
For more industry updates, visit our automotive news section.