Ford recalls more than 250,000 Focus models because engines can stall unexpectedly

By The Associated Press

July 02, 2026 at 12:50 pm CDT

The company logo is shown on the grille of an unsold 2026 F-series pickup truck on the lot of a Ford dealership. (AP photo/David Zalubowski/AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 250,000 vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under a previous recall meant to fix a problem that caused the engine to stall while driving.

The recall includes 255,404 Ford Focus automobiles, model years 2012-2018. Ford said the canister purge valve may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of crash and injury.

To fix the problem, dealers will provide a powertrain software update free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford’s number for this recall is 26S40. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s number for this recall is 26V369; the original NHTSA recall number for this issue is 18V735.

Vehicle identification numbers involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6.