2013 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 2,112 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 49 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 28 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, evaporative emissions, canisterJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJun 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJul 5, 2019
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. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.
Campaign 19V515000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageOct 22, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
Campaign 18V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hatchback/liftgate, lockSep 28, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.
Campaign 16V698000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchSep 6, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringDec 2, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17-S1.
Campaign 15V813000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringAug 11, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.
Campaign 14V495000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingAug 1, 2013
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured September 15, 2011, through May 6, 2013; and model year 2013 Focus ST vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured February 16, 2012, through May 7, 2013. Due to a wiring incompatability, the front side marker lamps may not function. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the headlamp assembly wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C04.
Campaign 13V335000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkagesMar 7, 2013
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.
The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 13V085000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentOct 2, 2012
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Yakima Products, Inc. for use on model year 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus vehicles. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not by Ford. Certain combined Q-Tower and Q128 Clip rooftop rack systems, part numbers 8000124 and 8000728, do not fully contact the door frame.
Without proper contact of the rooftop rack clip to the door frame, there is insufficient clamping pressure and friction. The system may slide off the vehicle when loaded with accessories, possibly becoming a road hazard to other vehicles or causing injury to pedestrians.
Yakima will notify owners, and Yakima or a Yakima dealer will refund the purchase of the Q-Tower and Q-128 Clip system. There is no replacement system available for the 2012-2013 model year Ford Focus. The safety recall began on October 15, 2012. Only vehicles equipped with the vehicle rack system are affected. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not Ford. Owners may contact Yakima at 1-888-925-4621.
Campaign 12E035000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
276 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 16, 2013
I WAS COMING BACK FROM SCHOOL TO MY HOUSE. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ASKING ME TO PULL OVER SAFELY. I DID THAT, THE CAR STALLED. I FREAKED OUT, AND CALLED MY DAD. HE SAID NOT TO WORRY AS IT HAD HAPPENED TO HIM IN HIS FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC TOO. HE ASKED ME TO WAIT FOR TWO MINUTES AND THEN RESTART THE ENGINE. I DID THAT, THE CAR WAS FINE THEN. PLEASE TALK TO MY DAD IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. HIS CONTACT INFORMATION IS LISTED BELOW. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 16, 2013
I LEASE TWO FORD FOCUSES; ONE FOR ME AND ONE FOR MY DAUGHTER (UNDER MY WIFE'S OWNERSHIP). THE CAR HAS STALLED ON ME TWICE AND ONCE ON MY DAUGHTER. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AT SPEED OF 35 MILES PER HOUR IN JUNE 2013 AND THE SECOND TIME AT LESS THAN 2 MILES HOUR IN AUGUST 2013. THE FIRST TIME, IT ASKED ME TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE AND STALLED. I PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE CAR, LOOKED AT THE WHEELS THINKING THAT IT MAY HAVE HAPPENED DUE TO LOW AIR, HOWEVER, NOTHING. I SHUT DOWN THE CAR AND THEN RESTARTED AFTER TWO MINUTES, IT STARTED JUST FINE. THAT IS UNTIL THE SECOND TIME WHEN IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED AT THE CORNER OF 11TH AND J STREET IN SACRAMENTO, CA. I GOT OUT OF THE CITY GARAGE MADE A RIGHT TURN ON 11TH TO MAKE A LEFT ON J STREET. AT THE LIGHT, IT JUST SHUT DOWN WITH THE WARNING WITHOUT ABILITY TO PULL OVER. I HAD TO WAIVE THE DRIVERS BEHIND ME TO GO AROUND. I COULD NOT DO MUCH. SAME THING, AFTER TWO MINUTES, THE CAR RESTARTED. AT BOTH TIMES, THE CAR WAS FULLY CHARGED. SIMILARLY, THIS HAPPENED TO MY DAUGHTER, WHO FREAKED OUT AND SHE CALLED ME. I TOLD HER IT MAY BE GLITCH AS IT HAD HAPPENED TO ME THE FIRST TIME AROUND. SHE PULLED OVER, PARKED, WAITED FOR TWO MINUTES, RESTARTED AND SO FAR HER CAR IS FINE. WHOM SHOULD I REPORT THIS TO? THE FIRST TIME, IT GAVE ME TIME TO PULL OVER, HOWEVER, THE SECOND TIME, IT JUST SHUT DOWN. I THOUGHT FORD KNEW ABOUT IT THUS DID NOT REPORT. PLEASE HELP ME REPORT THIS. I LOVE THE CAR AS THERE IS NO MORE GAS STATION TRIPS, HOWEVER, IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Sep 12, 2013
THIS IS A FOCUS ELECTRIC. WHILE STOPPED IN AN INTERSECTION WAITING TO TURN LEFT, THE STOP SAFELY NOW LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND GET THE CAR OUT OF THE INTERSECTION. AFTER A FEW CYCLES OF THE START/STOP BUTTON THE CAR STARTED AGAIN AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 3, 2013
THE CAR HAS LOCKED ME OUT THREE TIMES WHEN I HAD THE KEYS IN MY POCKET THE ELECTRICAL WENT OUT THE CAR STALLED AND I HAD TO CALL FOR HELP AND THE BLUE TOOTH WAS OUT. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND CALLED THE DEALER 25 MILES AWAY . I GOT THE CAR STARTED AND DROVE TO DEALER AND THEY PUT A NEW SD CARD IN THE CONSOLE, SAYING THE WRONG CARD WAS BEING USED. NOW, THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR A TEST DRIVE AND THEY SAID THE TIRES ARE OUT OF BALANCE AND NEVER BALANCED AT THE FACTORY. THE CAR LOOSES POWER ON STEEP HILLS AND SOME TIMES ROLLS BACK ON HILLS. THE DEALER SAYS THE TRANSMISSION WILL MEMORIZE MY DRIVING HABITS . THE TRANSMISSION TWO MONTHS LATER STILL SHUDDERS UNTIL IT WARMS UP AND HESITATES TO SHIFT T TIMES AND I FEEL THE NEED TO USE THE THROTTLE IN BETWEEN SHIFTS. THE TRANSMISSION WILL CLUNK EVERY NOW AND THE AS THE GEARS ARE OUT OF SYNC NOW, THIS CAR HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN AND SEEMS TO TRY AND CORRECT ITSELF ELECTRONICALLY. THE TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO LOOSE ONE OR BOTH OF ITS CLUTCHES AT ANYTIME. THE CAR IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN . AN EXAMPLE THE CAR DOWN SHIFTED ON ME AND A CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME. THE DEALER KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM, BUT TELLS THE SAME STORY. THAT'S HOW A DCT IS. FORD NEEDS TO HELP THE DEALERS AND STEP UP. THE GOVERNMENT OUGHT GET AFTER FORD. THE CAR IS UNSAFE, UNRELIABLE AND NEEDS A RECALL. THE CAR HAS 3600 MILES ON IT AND RUNS LIKE 1936 FORD MANUAL SHIFT. WHAT A WASTE OF 25K, NO MORE AMERICAN CARS FOR ME. *JB
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 28, 2013
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR NEW 2013 FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC HOME FROM SCHOOL AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH WHEN THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHE STARTED TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT BEFORE SHE COULD GET SAFELY TO THE CURB, THE CAR SHUT DOWN. SHE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR STARTED AND WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALER. AFTER READING ABOUT THIS 'STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING ONLINE IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THAT CARS BREAK DOWN BUT COMPLETELY DISABLING THE CAR IN THIS WAY COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS CRASH. *TT
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STOP SAFELY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,900.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 23, 2013
THIS IS AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE. WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" LIGHT CAME ON. I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION, BUT REALIZED I HAD NO POWER. I COASTED TO A STOP AT THE CURB. THERE WAS A HAZARD SYMBOL DISPLAYED, BUT I COULD NOT BRING UP ANY OTHER INFORMATION TO GIVE A CLUE WHAT MIGHT BE BEHIND THE PROBLEM. I NOTED THE GREEN VEHICLE SYMBOL LIGHT WAS OFF, INDICATING POWER IS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE DRIVE TRAIN. I TRIED DOING DIFFERENT THINGS TO RESTART THE CAR, BUT ALL ATTEMPTS FAILED. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A FORD SERVICE CENTER. AFTER THE CAR WAS ROLLED BACKWARDS OFF THE TOW-TRUCK FLATBED, I TRIED ONCE AGAIN TO START THE CAR. IT STARTED RIGHT UP, AS IF NOTHING HAD BEEN WRONG. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MINUTES. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS AWAITING INSPECTION FROM A FORD ENGINEER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 889. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 21, 2013
THIS IS ACTUALLY THE 3RD TIME IN A MONTH THIS OCCURRED. THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING COMES UP. 1ST TIME ON 7/29, I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART, AND THE WRENCH SYMBOL DISPLAYED. TURNED OFF AND TRIED AGAIN 5 MINUTES LATER, AND THE CAR WORKED FINE. THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR GAVE NO NOTICE AS I MOVED TO ACCELERATE AT A GREEN LIGHT. A CLUNK, AND NO POWER, AND THE "STOP SAFELY" NOW WARNED OCCURRED AT THE SAME TIME. I TURNED THE HAZARD LIGHTS ON, A PEDESTRIAN ASSISTED ME IN PUSHING THE CAR OUT OF THE TRAFFIC. IT RESTARTED 5 MINUTES LATER, I DROVE IT STRAIGHT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER DID THE SOFTWARE UPDATE. AFTER WAITING OVER 2 WEEKS FOR THE CAR, THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" OCCURRED AGAIN 5 DAYS AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THIS TIME, I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND DO NOT KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL TO TAKE TO FIX THE ISSUE. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR, KNOWING THE POWER CAN BE DISABLED ANYWHERE AT ANY TIME. I HOPE FORD TAKES THESE ISSUES SERIOUSLY. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 12, 2013
THIS APPLIES TO THE FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC. I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOAD CLUNK. I INSTANTLY FELT THE POWER STEERING FAIL AND THE MOTOR CEASE FUNCTION (LOST ALL POWER RENDERING ME IMMOBOLIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET). THE DASH DISPLAYED THE WARINING "STOP SAFELY NOW". THIS INDICATES AN ELECTRICAL FAULT. NOTE THE BATTERY HAD A FULL CHARGE. THE SYMPTOM PERSISTED.AS I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE A FEW BLOCKS WITH THE SAME BEHAVIOUR. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR BACK TO MY HOUSE AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I WAS LUCKY I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENDED. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2013
WHEN YOU TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS OR IF YOU TURN ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES, GET "VERY DIM". WHEN THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE TURNED TO OFF, ALL OF THE GAGE LIGHTS GET BRIGHTER. THIS MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AND SEE THE SPEEDOMETER DURING THE DAYTIME. I WOULD LIKE TO DRIVE WITH MY RUNNING LIGHTS "ON" DURING OUR TRAVELS IN THE DAYTIME. BUT THE GAUGES GET TO DIM TO READ IN THE DAYLIGHT, SO WE TRAVEL WITH OUR RUNNING LIGHTS IN THE "OFF" POSITION. OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER SAYS THAT IS THE WAY THEY ARE DESIGNED AT THE PRESENT TIME. THE LOCAL DEALER DOES NOT HAVE A "FIX".... THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND MY WIFE. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Electric, Aug 8, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AN ALERT COMES ON STATING "STOP SAFELY NOW", THEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO LOSE POWER, GIVING THE DRIVER LITTLE TIME TO PULL OVER. IF YOU ARE IN THE FAR LEFT LANE, IT COULD BE A REALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP ONCE BEFORE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED AND IT IS BECOMING AN ISSUE OF CONCERN. FROM THE INTERNET SEARCHES ON FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC STOP SAFELY NOW IT APPEARS TO BE A PRETTY LARGE ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Aug 6, 2013
MAY 1ST: SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION, VEHICLE SHUTTERS WHEN SHIFTING 4TH: NO CHANGES IN PERFORMANCE. SHUTTER AND VIBRATION CONTINUES; NO WORK PERFORMED. ADVISED ALL OF THIS IS A ?NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC? OF A DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. 10TH: SIGNIFICANT SHAKING AT IDLE CONTINUES 17TH: VIBRATION CONTINUES; TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO BUCK AND STALL. VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND WELL TO SUDDEN STOPS? SIGNIFICANT SHUDDERING AND RPM GAUGE HAS RAPID FLUCTUATIONS. GEARS STILL MAKING GRINDING NOISE. 18TH: TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FELT WORSE THAN USUAL TODAY. 20TH: VEHICLE DOES NOT DRIVE WELL. TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO CLICK/POP/GRIND; GEAR CHANGES ARE ROUGH, SIMILAR TO SOMEONE WHO CANNOT DRIVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION 24TH: ROUGH IDLE PERSISTS; CAR SLOW TO ENGAGE IN FIRST GEAR; FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL. JUNE 4TH: ROUGH IDLE CONTINUES 26TH: GEAR CHANGES ARE NOT SMOOTH AND IN FACT ARE QUITE ROUGH; CAR DOES NOT FUNCTION NORMALLY. NO IMPROVEMENT WHATSOEVER SINCE LAST UPDATE. 29TH: VEHICLE SHAKES BADLY UPON START; VERY ROUGH SHIFTING; CAR DOES NOT FEEL SAFE JULY 5TH: GEARS ARE NOT ENGAGING PROPERLY; DELAYED ACCELERATION FROM 0MPH IN DRIVE 11TH: VIBRATION IS AS BAD AS EVER; NO IMPROVEMENT. 17TH: HAD TWO CASES OF DELAYED ACCELERATION & BUCKING TODAY 19TH: VEHICLE SHUTTERED SIGNIFICANTLY TODAY; RPM GAUGE PLATING CONTINUES TO RATTLE; PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK WITH REMOTE KEY; BEGINNING OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS 21ST: TRANSMISSION STALLED UPON ACCELERATION AGAIN; SUBSTANTIAL HESITATION 22ND: LOUD GRINDING NOISE SHIFTING TO REVERSE; RPM GAUGE WENT TO ABOUT 2500 26TH: STALLING, SHUDDERING/BUCKING CONTINUES; GEAR CHANGES ARE NOT SMOOTH 28TH: INTERIOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM; INTERIOR OVERHEAD LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE NOR DO THE A/C & RADIO LIGHTS; 29TH: EXPERIENCED A VERY HARD JOLT UPON ACCELERATION SO MUCH SO THAT IT JARRED THE ENTIRE CAR. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 23, 2013
WHILE DRIVING RESIDENTIAL STREETS AT APPROXIMATELY 25MPH, THE CAR SOUNDED AN UNFAMILIAR WARNING TONE ALONG WITH THE MESSAGE "STOP SAFELY NOW" - AT WHICH POINT, I COASTED THE CAR TO A STOP (UNFORTUNATELY THIS HAPPENED TO BE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION). EVEN THOUGH I HAD NO THROTTLE CONTROL AT THIS POINT, THE CAR REFUSED TO SHUT DOWN AFTER MULTIPLE PRESSES OF THE "START" BUTTON. I EVENTUALLY TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, HIT "START" AGAIN, OPENED THE DOOR AND THIS SEEMED TO CYCLE THE CAR TO "OFF" MODE. I THEN TRIED AGAIN TO START THE CAR AND IT WORKED - AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS OF DRIVING THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" ERROR CAME ON AGAIN. I PULLED OVER THIS TIME AND SHUT THE CAR DOWN FOR 10 MINUTES - I WAS ABLE TO LATER DRIVE THE CAR HOME. WAITED AN HOUR AND DECIDED TO HAVE MY WIFE VIDEO TAPE ME WHILE DRIVING INCASE THIS HAPPENED AGAIN.. THE ERROR OCCURRED 3 MORE TIMES AND IS ALL ON TAPE - ALL WHILE COMING TO A STOP OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THIS OCCURRED ON MY NORMAL COMMUTE ON THE CARPOOL LANES OF THE 405 OR 110 -OR WORSE, DECIDED TO POWER DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF A LEFT HAND TURN!- THIS WOULD BE A HUGE LIABILITY AND SAFETY RISK FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY WITH FORD AND I'M IN A RENTAL UNTIL WE HAVE A RESOLVE - I DIDN'T FIND OUT UNTIL AFTER SIGNING A 3 YEAR LEASE THAT THIS IS NOW A WELL KNOWN ISSUE (AT LEAST TO THE NHTSA AND ON MANY FORD FORUMS AND IN ARTICLES ON THE INTERNET) IT'S AN AMAZING CAR AND I HOPE FORD FIGURES THIS OUT VERY QUICKLY. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 7, 2013
THIS COMPLAINT APPLIES TO THE FOCUS ELECTRIC. WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT, GOING APPROXIMATELY 5MPH, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY LOST POWER, THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND I COASTED THE CAR TO A HALT AT THE SIDE OF THE LOT ENTRANCE. NO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE, IT ALSO COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. USUALLY, PRESSING THE POWER BUTTON TO TURN THE CAR OFF DISCONNECTS THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY FROM THE REST OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND SHUTS THE CAR DOWN, BUT IN THIS SITUATION IT WOULD JUST CAUSE THE WARNING BELL AND "STOP SAFELY NOW" LIGHT TO POP UP AGAIN IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AFTER MAYBE 45 MINUTES, RIGHT AS THE TOW-TRUCK DRIVER ARRIVED, I WAS SUDDENLY ABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF BY PRESSING THE BUTTON. IT THEN FUNCTIONED NORMALLY WHEN TURNED BACK ON. LUCKILY I WAS IN A REASONABLY SAFE SITUATION WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. HOWEVER, MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS EXIST FOR THE FOCUS ELECTRIC (MANY MORE IN PUBLIC FORUMS THAN HERE), AND THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN TRAFFIC FOR SOME PEOPLE. CLEARLY THE ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 26, 2013
TRAVELING ON A ROAD. STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. WHEN THE PEDAL WAS PRESSED THE CAR SHOWED AN ERROR OF "STOP SAFELY NOW" AND REFUSED TO MOVE. THE CAR HAD TO BE PUSHED AROUND THE CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION WHILE VEHICLES TRIED TO PASS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 24, 2013
ON SUNDAY JUNE 23, 2013 AT APPROXIMATELY 3:00 PM ON OR ABOUT BUFFALOE RD AT SOUTHALL RD IN RALEIGH, NC, WE WERE HEADING WEST BOUND IN THE RIGHT LANE OF BUFFALOE RD. APPROACHING A GREEN LIGHT. APPROXIMATELY, 700 FT FROM THE LIMIT LINE, THE LIGHT CHANGED TO YELLOW AND WE SLOWED TO STOP. STOPPING WAS A LITTLE MORE FIRM THAN THE SLOW PACED REGENERATIVE CHARGING, A NOISE WAS FROM THE FRONT WAS HEARD, RESEMBLING THAT OF A LOOSE BRAKE PAD HITTING METAL AND THE VEHICLE THEM SOUNDED A WARNING AND FLASHED "STOP SAFELY NOW" VISUAL WARNING AS WE CAME TO A FULL STOP AT THE LIMIT LINE AT THE LIGHT. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE MOTOR, THE SYSTEM WAS ACTIVE AND THE GREEN GO CAR WAS NOT VISIBLE. WE ATTEMPTED TO RESET THE VEHICLE BY POWERING OFF AND POWERING ON TO NO AVAIL. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND CARS BEGAN TO SOUND THEIR HORNS. I IMMEDIATELY ACTIVATED THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND STEPPED OUT THE VEHICLE TO DIRECT TRAFFIC AROUND THE STALLED VEHICLE (NOT RECOMMENDED UNLESS PROPERLY TRAINED). TRAFFIC ON SEVERAL INSTANCES CAME DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO COLLISION AS THIS SITUATION PRESENTED A HUGE RISK TO PERSONAL SAFETY. HAD WE JUST SAT IN THE VEHICLE, WE SURELY WOULD HAVE EXPERIENCED A COLLISION. SEVERAL MINUTES PASSED AND WE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE FROM A COLD START. IT WAS ONLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, RESTED AND POWERED ON THAT WE WERE ABLE TO PROCEED. HAVING A VEHICLE JUST STOP IN TRAFFIC FOR NO REASON PRESENTS A HUGE RISK NOT ONLY TO THE OWNER BUT THOSE AROUND. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 22, 2013
VEHICLE ABRUPTLY LOST DRIVETRAIN POWER AND CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP IN THE LEFT-HAND LANE OF A MAJOR SURFACE STREET IN SAN JOSE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DISPLAYED THE WARNING 'STOP SAFELY NOW". ATTEMPTS TO RESTART OR REBOOT THE CAR FAILED LEAVING US DANGEROUSLY STRANDED IN MODERATE TRAFFIC FOR OVER 20 MINUTES UNTIL A NEARBY RESIDENT HELPED US TO PUSH VEHICLE TO SAFETY. ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ON THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO FUNCTION BUT THE VEHICLE WAS IMMOBILIZED. PUSHING THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT, AS IF THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE FORD DEALER REPORTED THAT THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ENGAGED AND COULD NOT BE DISENGAGED. FORD DEALERSHIP REPORTED OVER 30 DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES APPEARING ON THE VEHICLE THAT PROVED TO BE MISLEADING. INEXPERIENCE OF SERVICE TEAM WITH ELECTRICAL VEHICLES PROVIDED LOW CONFIDENCE THAT THEY UNDERSTOOD AND REPAIRED THE CAUSE OF THIS FAILURE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY INSTRUCTED THE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE ELECTRIC MOTOR AND CONTROL MODULE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY AGREED TO REFUND OR REPLACEMENT OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 11, 2013
WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING WAS DISPLAYED. THIS VEHICLE IS THE FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR AND WAS COASTED TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE HIGHWAY PATROL PROMPTLY SHOWED UP TO LECTURE ON HOW THIS WAS A UNSAFE PLACE TO STOP. NO KIDDING. IT WAS EXPLAINED THAT WE HAD NO CHOICE. INTERNET RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THIS CONDITION HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES TO FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC OPERATORS. ONE FORD SPOKESMAN HAS BEEN REPORTED TO SAY THAT LIKE A GAS CAR, THIS WARNING IS SIMILAR TO THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT AND CAN BE CAUSED BY ANY NUMBER OF THINGS. HOWEVER, UNLIKE A GAS CAR, WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON A FOCUS ELECTRIC IT MAY RENDER THE CAR POWERLESS AND MAY EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 4, 2013
MY 2013 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK, IN THE DAYTIME YOU CAN NOT READ THE SPEEDOMETER GAGE IN THE CLUSTER PANEL. THE GAGE LIGHTING NEEDS TO BE BRIGHTER. THE SPEEDOMETER GAGE IS SET BACK IN THE DASH AND THE DIM LIGHTING MAKE IT VERY HARD TO SEE HOW FAST YOU ARE TRAVELING. WE LIVE IN SUNNY FLORIDA AND THE BRIGHT SUN DURING THE DAY MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TELL YOUR MPH. THE INSTRUMENT DIMMER SWITCH IS ADJUSTED TO THE HIGHEST SETTING. ON A CLOUDY DAY OR AT NIGHT IT IS NOT A PROBLEM TO SEE & READ. I DROVE 2 OTHER 2013 FORD FOCUS HB AND THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FORD DEALER SAID THERE IS NO KNOWN FIX. THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD, IF ONE CAN NOT CLEARLY READ THE SPEEDOMETER GAGE. I SURE HOPE AT SOME POINT IN TIME, THIS CAN BE CORRECTED. THANK YOU. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 29, 2013
I PURCHASED THE 2013 FORD FOCUS BRAND NEW ON 2-09-13. CAR BARELY HAS 1800 MILES ON IT. WHILE SLOWING DOWN IN A SCHOOL ZONE TO 15MPH, I NOTICED THE CAR SEEMED TO LOSE POWER, AND FEEL SHAKY. ONCE PAST THE SCHOOL ZONE I ACCELERATED TO 20MPH AND CAR SHIFTED ROUGHLY INTO GEAR WITH A BUMPING NOISE. I PULLED OVER AND STOPPED AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. AFTER RESTARTING CAR INITIALLY SEEMED FINE. EXACTLY ONE WEEK LATER SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN WHEN IN SUPERMARKET PARKING LOT. THIS TIME HOWEVER THE ORANGE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT THAT LOOKS LIKE AN OUTLINE OF THE ENGINE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD PANEL. I STOPPED THE CAR AGAIN. WHEN RESTARTING THE LIGHT WENT OUT BUT REAPPEARED ON THE 2 MILE DRIVE HOME FROM THE STORE. CAR ALSO SEEMED TO LOSE POWER AND NOT ACCELERATE WHEN I NEEDED IT TO. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP 1ST THING AND WAS TOLD IT'S MOST LIKELY A SENSOR ISSUE AND VERY MINOR BUT I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND TOOK THE CAR IN. THE DEALERSHIP RAN COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS AND SERVICE MGR. CAME IN AND TOLD ME 2 ERROR CODES SHOWED UP OF TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION/ AND POSSIBLE FAILURE! A BRAND NEW CAR!!! THEY STARTED TALKING ABOUT REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ON BOARD COMPUTER, ETC.. BUT DEALERSHIP CAN'T REPAIR MY CAR AT THIS TIME BECAUSE A SPECIALIST THEY DON'T HAVE ON STAFF NEEDS TO BE CALLED IN. SO I HAVE AN UN SAFE, UNRELIABLE NEW CAR SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. 15 CALLS TO DEALERSHIP AND TO FORD'S CUSTOMER RELATIONS NUMBER AND I CAN'T EVEN GET AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THE CAR LOOKED AT FURTHER TO DETERMINE HOW DEFECTIVE IT IS!!! WHAT A LEMON! NO MATTER HOW THIS IS RESOLVED, WILL NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH FORD AGAIN. THEY SEEM UNCONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY ISSUES THIS DEFECT IS CAUSING AND THEY HAVE THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I HAVE EVER DEALT WITH!! *TR
Power train, Electrical system, May 16, 2013
FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC VEHICLE STOPS SUDDENLY WITH "STOP SAFELY NOW". WHEN THIS OCCURS DRIVER (ME) LOOSES ALL ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. THIS EVEN OCCURRED TODAY AND LEFT US IN DANGER ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE WE NERVOUSLY WAITED FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE. MANY REPORTS OF THIS EXACT ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL VEHICLE ON THE PUBLIC FORUMS. CONCERN OF LOSS OF POWER TRAIN COULD MEAN INJURIES OR DEATH DEPENDING ON THE MOMENT A CAR LOOSES IT'S ABILITY TO DRIVE WHILE MOBILE. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 31, 2013
I BOUGHT A 2013 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK ON MARCH 22, 2013, LESS THAN TWO WEEKS. ALL SUDDEN MY CAR DIED WOULDN'T START. I CALLED FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, THE GUY CAME AND JUMP START MY CAR 5-6 TIMES IN ORDER TO GET CAR STARTED, BUT THE HOOD/ AND DASHBOARD HAD BURNING SMELLS AND IT WENT DARK COMPLETELY, NO LIGHTS DISPLAY ON DASH, THE SIGNAL LIGHT DIDN'T EVEN WORK TOO. I CHECKED ONLINE, MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINT FORD FOCUS HAS ELECTRICAL WIRING PROBLEM SINCE YEAR 2000, AND IT IS CONTINUED USING ON YEAR 2013 MODEL, THE WIRE CRACKING IN INSULATION. FORD SHOULD RECALL CARS TO FIX THEIR DESIGN PROBLEMS, BUT I BELIEVE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO STEP IN BEFORE THE BIG 3 MOTOR MANUFACTURERS WOULD TAKE CONSUMERS SERIOUSLY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 25, 2013
VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH WITH NO WARNING. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO RESTART FOR 10-15 MINUTES, THE CAR DID RE-START, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP ON 2/22. AWAITING INFORMATION FROM DEALER. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 6, 2013, crash
INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE IN PARK - STOPPED THE CAR AND PLACED IT IN PARK (THOUGHT I DID) SHUT THE CAR OFF AND LOCKED THE VEHICLE AND ENTERED THE STORE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS OBVISIOUSLY NOT IN PARK BUT ALLOWED ME TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND LOCK THE DOORS WHILE NOT IN PARK. I HAVE NOTICED THIS BEFORE AND FIND THAT YOU NEED TO ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE IT IS IN PARK. THIS IS A KEYLESS VEHICLE - OTHER KEYED VEHICLES THAT I OWN WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO PULL THE KEYS OUT IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN PARK. THIS APPEARS TO BE A FLAW IN THIS KEYLESS VEHICLE.. *TR