Ford Motor Recalls a Software Recall on 58,000 Focus Models

Defective ‘Foci’ were built at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.

Ford Motor Company is issuing a safety recall on 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter GDI engines and 2013-14 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter GTDI engines. The powertrain control module software used to service these vehicles in accordance with safety recall 18S32 was incomplete.

Affected vehicles did not receive the intended 18S32 calibration software that will detect a malfunctioning canister purge valve. When the canister purge valve is stuck open in these vehicles, an excessive vacuum can develop in the fuel vapor management system, potentially deforming the fuel tank.

If the fuel tank deforms, the driver may observe a malfunction indicator light, inaccurate or erratic fuel gauge indication, drivability concerns or complete loss of motive power.

Ford said is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this safety defect.

Vehicles that have not yet had safety recall 18S32 service performed are not affected by this action and will receive updated software when they are serviced under the existing 18S32 program.

This safety defect recall affects approximately 58,000 vehicles in North America, including approximately 57,400 in the United States and federalized territories, approximately 400 in Canada and approximately 480 in Mexico.

Affected vehicles were built at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan:

• 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles with 2.0-liter GDI engines built from Oct. 7, 2010 to July 23, 2012 and from Aug. 24, 2016 to April 13, 2017
• 2013-14 Focus ST vehicles with 2.0-liter GTDI engines built from May 3, 2012 to Dec. 11, 2014

Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module in tdefective vehicles with the appropriate software calibration and replace the canister purge valve, as necessary.

If the canister purge valve is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module, as necessary. Owners are advised to maintain at least a half tank of fuel until their vehicle is serviced for this safety defect. The Ford reference number for this recall is 19S22.