About this problem
The purge valve releases fuel vapor from the charcoal canister into the engine to be burned. If it sticks open, too much vapor gets into the engine at idle, which can cause stalling, hard starts right after refueling and a check engine light. In some cases the fuel tank can also be sucked inward and deformed.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Ford Focus since 2012, 489 (3.9%) describe purge valve stalling and hard starts, the third most reported problem we track on the Focus. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2017 and 2018 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 104. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 55,000 and 103,000 miles. 4 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 3 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners report the Focus stalling, idling roughly or refusing to start right after filling the tank. The cause is usually a canister purge valve that sticks open, which can also suck the fuel tank in and damage it. Ford recalled many 2012 to 2018 Focus cars for this.
How it gets fixed
The recall replaces the purge valve and, where needed, the fuel tank, and updates software. Valves can fail again after the recall, so a repeat check engine light is worth a look.
Typical cost: Recall work is free. Out of recall, a purge valve costs about $150 to $300.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Y 2012 Ford Focus needs a new fuel tank, fuel pump, purge valve and canister per tsb 16-0062. It's because the purge valve was malfunctioning and has collapsed my gas tank (plastic) and I needed to replace the fuel pump, gas tank, fuel tube assembly."
2012 Ford Focus, 151,598 miles
"My vehicle is a 2018 Ford Focus st and has a check engine light that indicates the evaporative emissions canister purge valve to be stuck open which could cause the fuel tank to deform."
2018 Ford Focus, 54,000 miles
"Failed repairs for recalls on the car. Codes showing in my car are related to the 02 sensor and canister purge valve. Ford has serviced my vehicle before. However, for the 02 sensor only a software update was done."
2017 Ford Focus, 85,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Ford has sent dealers 4 bulletins that mention this problem on the Focus. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Certain 2012 2018 Model Year Focus Vehicle Line One-Time Canister Purge Valve Replacement
Certain 2015 - 2018 Model Year Focus Vehicles with 1.0L Engine Canister Purge Valve (CPV) Replacement (if required) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
Some 2016-2017 Focus rs vehicles equipped with a 2.3l gasoline turbocharged direct injection (gtdi) engine and built on or before 10-dec-2016 may exhibit an illuminated mil with dtcs p0456, p1450 and/or p144a.
Government investigations
Recall query RQ23006 · 2012–2018 · opened Sep 2023, closed Dec 2024
Before you buy a Focus
- Check by VIN that recalls 18V735 and 19V515 are done.
- Fill the tank during the test drive if you can and check the car restarts normally.
- Look for a check engine light or rough idle.
Questions
Which Ford Focus years have purge valve stalling and hard starts?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2017, 2018 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 104 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 75,000 miles, and half reported it between 55,000 and 103,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Recall work is free. Out of recall, a purge valve costs about $150 to $300.