Ford Motor Co. is recalling an estimated 1.28 million 2012-2018 Ford Focus compact cars with a 2.0-liter GDI or 2.0-liter GTDI engine because of a fuel system problem. 

Specifically, the canister purge valve may malfunction, potentially causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system. This situation, in turn, may lead to an unexpected engine stall while the driver is operating the vehicle as well as the inability to restart the engine, increasing the likelihood of a collision.

To fix the problem, Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module as well as check for fault codes and replace the valve. If the valve is replaced, dealers will also inspect and may replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module.

The automaker recommends that until any recalled vehicle is serviced for this issue, owners keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.

The recall begins Dec. 10. Owners can reach Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32.