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
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2016
I WENT TO START MY 2013 FORD FUSION AND ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL CONTROLS IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT WORK,GAUGES,READOUT SCREEN,TACH,SPEEDOMETER,TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR LIGHTS. AS I HAVE PANCREATIC CANCER(STAGE 4) IT IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TOCRAWL AROUND UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT TO CHECK THE FUSES. ONE OF MY BROTHERS-IN-LAW CAME OVER AND FOUND THE FUSE BOX AND LOOKED AT SEVERAL FUSES BUT NONE WERE BLOWN. HE PULLED SEVERAL FUSES AND NOTICED THEY WERE CORRODE ON THE MALE ENDS, AS WAS THE FEMALE END OF THE FUSE BOX. I HAD NOTICED FOR SEVERAL DAYS THE COMPUTER SCREEN IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SLOW TO COME ON. MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY IN A STATIONARY CONDITION. THIS SEEMS TO BE TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION, ESPECIALLY IF IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, YOU HAVE NO SPEEDOMETER NO TACH,NO TURN SIGNALS,ECT. ANYTHING THAT IS CONTROLLED BY THAT FUSE. I HAVE HAD CARS SINCE 1963 AND NEVER ENCOUNTERED THAT PROBLEM(CORED FUSE ENDS). NOR HAVE I EVER HAD A CAR WITH AN AUTO TRANSMISSION THAT "SHUDDERED" WHEN GOING FROM A STANDING STOP. YOU CANNOT CHECK THE FLUID, THERE IS NO DIPSTICK. I GUESS THEY ARE ALL IN DEARBORN,MICH AT THE FORD HEADQUARTERS(JUST A LITTLE HUMOR). IF THE TRUTH WAS KNOWN FORD KNEW ABOUT THE CORRODING FUSE BOX, SAME AS THE TORQUE CONVERTERS AND TRANSAXLES IN THE FORD 2000 - 2006 TAURUS', YES I HAVE HAD MY BOUT WITH THEM ALSO.
Electrical system, Mar 25, 2016
70 AMP FUSE BLOWS WHILE DRIVING, SEEMINGLY AT RANDOM TIMES. THIS FUSE FEEDS POWER TO A FUSE PANEL LOCATED IN TRUNK. WHEN THIS FUSE BLOWS THE RADIO, POWER WINDOWS, POWER LOCKS, POWER SEATS AND HEATED SEAT FUNCTION, PARKING AID SYSTEM, AND SMART KEY SYSTEM DO NOT FUNCTION. DUE TO THE SMART KEY NOT WORKING IT MAKES THE CAR EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO RESTART IF IT HAD BEEN SHUT OFF. IF THE ISSUE HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WILL CONTINUE TO RUN NORMALLY OTHER THAN THE NOTED SYSTEMS. I HAD THE CAR AT THE DEALER TWICE FOR A TOTAL OF TWO WEEKS, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE AFTER REPLACING THE FUSE AND DRIVING THE CAR AROUND TOWN. I GOT THE CAR HOME TODAY AFTER IT'S SECOND TRIP TO THE DEALER AND TOOK APART A PANEL IN THE TRUNK THAT COVERS THE SUSPECT FUSE PANEL AND WIRING. I FOUND THAT THE WIRE BUNDLE FOR THIS FUSE BOX RUNS THROUGH A PLASTIC GUARD UNTIL ABOUT A FOOT AWAY FROM THE FUSE BOX, WHEN THE WIRES EXIT THIS GUARD THEY RUN TIGHT AROUND THE EDGE OF THE TRUNK AND COME INTO CONTACT WITH A SHARP METAL EDGE, THIS EDGE HAD CUT THROUGH THE INSULATION OF THE MAIN POWER FEED AND SHORTED OUT. I HAVE ATTACHED PICTURES OF WHAT I FOUND. WHILE THE CIRCUIT WAS PROTECTED BY A 70 AMP FUSE, IT STILL MUST HAVE CREATED A GOOD AMOUNT OF HEAT DURING THE TIME IT WAS SHORTED, AND THERE IS A FELT PANEL NOT A FEW INCHES AWAY.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 22, 2016
ENGINE WILL STOP RUNNING INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS OR WHILE TURNING OFF OF A HIGHWAY. ALSO, OCCASIONALLY WILL DIE AT A STOP LIGHT. VEHICLE HAS A ROUGH AND ERRATIC IDLE WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. SOMETIMES IDLING SO LOW AS TO ALMOST DIE. OTHER TIMES IDLING AT 1400 OR 1500 RPMS
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Mar 22, 2016
DURING A ROAD TRIP WHILE ON A HIGHWAY ONRAMP GOING MOSTLY STRAIGHT AT GRADUAL ACCELERATION, EXPERIENCED COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM, BEGINNING WITH ERRATIC CHANGING OF GEARS ROCKING ME BACK AND FORTH IN MY SEAT, TO INFOTAINMENT DISPLAY SHUTDOWN, TO ENGINE STOPPING. HAD TO EXIT HIGHWAY AND 'REBOOT' THE SYSTEM TO CONTINUE TRAVELLING. AFTER INITIAL REPAIRS, STILL EXPERIENCED HARSH GEAR SHIFTS UP TO AND INCLUDING PRESENT DAY. GEAR SHIFTS COULD EASILY AFFECT THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TO MY UNDERSTANDING, THE FAULT IS HOW THE COMPUTER USES THE DUAL-CLUTCH SYSTEM TO SHIFT GEARS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT AT TIMES, THE CAR DID NOT KNOW WHAT GEAR IT WAS IN. THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE RECALLS REGARDING THESE ISSUES WITH THIS AND OTHER FORD MODELS WITH THIS CLUTCH SYSTEM. THERE ARE OTHER WORK REPORTS, BUT I WAS UNABLE TO FIT THEM WITHIN YOUR UPLOAD LIMITATIONS.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 18, 2016
I HAVE A 2013 FOCUS AND ON 3/14/16 ON MY WAY HOME ON THE FREEWAY, MY OIL & BATTERY LIGHT STARTED FLICKERING ON AND OFF AT THE SAME TIME AND AS IT DID THE CAR WAS STALLING OUT. I PUT MY 4-WAY FLASHERS ON, SLOWED DOWN AND MOVED TO THE RIGHT LANE AS A SAFETY MEASURE. AFTER ANOTHER FEW MILES BOTH LIGHTS CAME ON AND STAYED ON AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN. I PULLED OVER TO THE BERM, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, TRIED STARTING, IT STARTED AND DROVE HOME WITH NO ISSUES. I DROVE TO WORK THE NEXT DAY WITH NO ISSUES. ON THE WAY HOME THINGS STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN, THE CAR SHUT DOWN, BUT THIS TIME AFTER WAITING A FEW MINUTES THE CAR NEVER STARTED. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY FOUND THAT A WIRING HARNESS WAS UP AGAINST THE THROTTLE BODY AND WORE THROUGH THE PROTECTIVE INSULATING TAPE, THEN THE WIRES CAUSING THE PROBLEM. ALSO, IN SPEAKING TO THE MECHANIC HE SAID THAT THE BRACKET THE HARNESS WAS USING TO KEEP IN PLACE WAS CAUSING IT TO BE UP AGAINST THE THROTTLE BODY SO HE UNCLIPPED THE BRACKET. I'M GOING TO CALL THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER TO DISCUSS. ANOTHER ISSUE WAS THAT THE "BOOK" SAID IT WOULD TAKE 3 HOURS, BUT ONLY TOOK 2. AND YES THEY TRIED TO CHARGE ME FOR THE 3. INTERESTING AT $125/ HOUR, THAT WOULD BE $250/ HOUR THEY'RE MAKING WHILE THE MECHANIC STARTS ON THE NEXT CAR! UNBELIEVABLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V813000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 14V495000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 9, 2016
WHILE ON A HIGHWAY (AUGUST 2015), VEHICLE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP FOLLOWED BY THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON AND LEFT ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. NOVEMBER 2015, WHILE DRIVING ALONG FREEWAY, CAR TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP, CAUSING THE CAR TO AGAIN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH. DECEMBER 2015, DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, ONCE AGIN TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN MID MOTION WHILE GOING 30 MPH. IN FEBRUARY 2016, VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY, ONCE WE PULLED OUT ONTO A ROAD, CAR BEGAN VIOLENTLY BUCKING TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO ENGAGE THEN DISENGAGE PLACING THE VEHICLE IN DANGER OF BEING HIT BY CARS FROM BEHIND, AND JOSTLING PASSENGERS SUBSTANTIALLY. IN MARCH 2016, VEHICLE WAS DRIVING 70 MPH DOWN FREEWAY WHEN TRANSMISSION SLIPPED, THE TRANSMISSION THEN SEEMED TO ENGAGE NORMALLY AGAIN, BUT AS VEHICLE EXITED FREEWAY ON FEEDER ROAD, TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED, BUCKING CAR, DRIVER HAD GAS PEDAL FLOORED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY MOVE A FEW FEET. AFTER TRANSMISSION RE ENGAGED, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD WITHOUT DRIVERS FOOT ON GAS, PUTTING VEHICLE AT RISK FOR HITTING CAR IN FRONT OF IT. EACH TIME VEHICLE HAS HAD AN INCIDENT, WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, TRANSMISSION COMPUTER MODULE WAS REPLACED, CLUTCHES REPLACED, TRANSMISSION RE PROGRAMMED 3 TIME, PCM REPLACED. EACH TIME VEHICLE HAS BEEN GIVEN BACK WITHIN A MONTH THEIR IS AN ISSUE. FORD HAS TOLD US THAT THEY REALLY DO TO HAVE A FIX FOR THE PROBLEMS, AND EACH TIME WE ARE GIVEN AN UNSAFE VEHICLE BACK THAT HAS IMPOSED DANGER ON OUR LIVES AND OTHERS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. FORD EVEN RETURNED VEHICLE AFTER IT HAD STALLED ON THEM, BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING ELSE WRONG. WE HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY THAT EACH INCIDENT HAS NOT RESULTED IN A CRASH.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 18, 2016
FORD FOCUS PURCHASED IN 2013. TRANSMISSION IN FOR REPAIRS TOTAL OF FIVE TIMES. TWO OF THOSE FIVE TIMES, VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO DEALER. FIRST TOW: VEHICLE STARTED SHUDDERING VIOLENTLY WHILE GOING 70 MPH ON EXPRESSWAY," TRANSMISSION FAULT" LIGHT CAME ON, (TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR UNDER THE AGE OF 9 AS WELL), TURNED HAZARDS ON AND COASTED OFF ONTO A NEARBY EXIT AND WAITED FOR TOW TRUCK. SECOND TOW: VEHICLE STOPPED, SHUDDERED WHILE EXITING EXPRESSWAY, WARNING SYSTEM CAME ON "TRANSMISSION FAULT: SERVICE NOW". BOTH TIMES VEHICLE LOST POWER, COULD NOT ENGAGE INTO GEAR. HIGH TRAFFIC AREA ON EXPRESSWAYS, LUCKILY WAS NOT INJURED. NON-TOW REPAIRS: TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS VIOLENTLY, HAS DIFFICULTY SWITCHING OUT OF FIRST OR SECOND GEARS, ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE TO SHOP, WHERE IT IS SERVICED, BUT BEGINS TO HAVE ISSUES WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS OF REPAIRS EACH TIMES, REPEAT OF THE SAME ISSUES. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS VEHICLE THAT LOSES POWER AND HAS ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION LOCKING UP/FAILING AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT, DESPITE MULTIPLE REPAIRS AND CLUTCH REPLACEMENTS BY A CERTIFIED FORD DEALER. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE SERIOUSLY REEVALUATED FOR SAFETY.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 11, 2016
THIS VEHICLE EXHIBITS THE SAME PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 15V813000, RECALL# 14S17- S1. I CONTACTED FORD WHO STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS MANUFACTURER DURING THE DATES COVERED BY THE RECALL. THIS VEHICLE HAS HESITATED AND ALMOST STALLED WHILE ENTERING HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY, NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I WOULD LIKE THIS VEHICLE ADDED TO THE LIST OF VEHICLES BEING RECALLED FOR REPAIRS BEFORE BODILY INJURY OR DEATH OCCURS BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 20, 2016
DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON INTERSTATE 96 NEAR MILFORD MILE MARKER 175, PASSING IN THE LEFT LANE ABOUT 75 MPH THE ENGINE DIED AND THE ENGINE FAULT LIGHT CAME ON, SO I PULLED OVER TO THE LEFT SIDE SHOULDER, COULD NOT RESTART, HAD TOW TRUCK TAKE TO NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP TO TROUBLESHOOT, 3 DAYS LATER WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAD RUBBED THRU ON SOMETHING AND SHORTED OUT. THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS BAD, TOTAL REPAIRS 700.00 FOR WIRING REPAIRS AND PARTS. THIS CAR HAS BEEN DEALER MAINTAINED SINCE NEW HAVE ALL RECEIPTS, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
Electrical system, Jan 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE AND FLICKERED ON AND OFF. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, THE RADIO AND RUNNING LIGHTS REMAINED ON FOR ANOTHER FIFTEEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY TURNED COMPLETELY OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 31, 2015
LOST POWER AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN. COULD NOT START THE CAR AGAIN AFTER SHUTTING IT OFF. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND SOME WAITING, IT RESTARTED, GOT AROUND THE CORNER AND DIED AGAIN. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO FORD AND BEING TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT, DROVE 2 HOURS AWAY AND ON THE RETURN TRIP THE NEXT DAY, LOST POWER ON AN ON RAMP. AGAIN, COULD NOT START THE CAR AFTER SHUTTING IT OFF. EVENTUALLY GOT STARTED AND BARELY MADE MY WAY TO THE NEXT (MOSTLY UNUSED) EXIT.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 22, 2015
2013 FORD FOCUS, BOUGHT NEW, IN SHOP FIRST WEEK OF PURCHASE. TRANSMISSION SHUTTERING AND JERKING AS I PULL OUT IN TRAFFIC. ALSO DIES WHEN IN REVERSE. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY ITS NORMAL. ITS NOT NORMAL TO BE OUT IN ON COMING TRAFFIC AND NOT ABLE TO MOVE AND KIDS ARE SCREAMING "GO MOM GO. WE ARE GOING TO GET HIT." NOT NORMAL. ALSO SOFTWARE PROBLEM. RADIO WON'T TURN ON, PHONE CELL PHONE WONT DO ANYTHING UNTIL I PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF ENGINE. THEN IT RESETS. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN SHOP MANY TIMES FOR SAME ISSUES AND THEY ALWAYS SAY ITS FIXED NOW. BUT SAME ISSUES OVER AND OVER AGAIN. BEEN IN SHOP TOO MANY TIME TO COUNT. NOW CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND BEGIN REPAIRED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. WHEN EXTENDED WARRANTY IS OUT I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. THIS HAS BEEN BY FAR THE WORST VEHICLE IN HISTORY.
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 22, 2015
I'VE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REDONE TWICE ONE AT 58K THE PROBLEM STARTED AT 31K AND AGAIN AT 86K TWO WEEKS LATER THE SAME SURGING, JOLTING, LOSS OF POWER IS STILL HAPPENING. FORD MOTOR CO. AND DEALERS ARE HORRIBLE TO DEAL WITH. FORD MOTOR CO. WON'T RESPOND THEY TAKE MESSAGES IF YOU CAN ACTUALLY TALK TO SOMEONE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THESE CARS WITH THIS TRANSMISSION WHICH IS CRAP. THEY NEED TO DISCONTINUE USE BECAUSE THE FIX IS NOT A FIX. SOMEONE NEEDS TO STOP FORD FROM PRODUCING UNSAFE CARS. ANY TIME I DRIVE THIS CARE THE JOLTS START AFTER SECOND GEAR THEN IT DOESN' CHANGE GEARS CORRECTLY IT'S SLUGGISH THIS HAPPENS ON STREETS AND HIGHWAYS OR WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND ATTEMPTING TO SPEED UP IT HAS VERY LITTLE POWER AND I END UP WASTING A LOT OF GAS SO THE MPG'S AREN'T CORRECT IN RATING. VEHICLE HEALTH REPORT IN SYN IS A JOKE, IT WILL TELL YOU YOUR BREAKS ARE OK AND THEY AREN'T. IT GOES THROUGH A QUART OF OIL EVERY 6 K MILES. NOW IT'S HARD TO START I JIGGLE THE KEY AND IT SOMETIMES STARTS THERE'S A LOUD CLICKING NOISE AND ALL THE LIGHTS AND ELECTRONICS FLICKER THEN IT FINALLY STARTS. DON'T BUY ANY FOCUS! I'VE SUBMITTED A PREVIOUS COMPLAIN NOT SURE IF THIS IS EVEN BEING READ...I HAVE ALL MY SERVICE RECORDS. DON'T HAVE A SCANNER IF YOU WANT TO SEE THEM. DEALERS INITIALLY TOLD ME SEVERAL TIMES I'M NOT "GIVING IT ENOUGH GAS" EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION AND I HAD 30K ON THE CARE.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDER AND HESITATE TO PICK UP SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH OF THE VEHICLE HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS AFTER THE INITIAL REPAIR, TO HAVE THE SOFTWARE UPDATED; BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO A HIGHER GEAR AND MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT, BUT REQUIRED NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW CLUTCH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED.THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY INTERMITTENTLY AND HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V495000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE PREVIOUSLY OCCURRED IN 2014 AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THE NEXT GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHAFT SEALER FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THREE OTHER OCCASIONS WHERE THE SHAFT SEALER WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THE NEXT GEAR AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,600.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WITHOUT RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED REDUCED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE CLUTCH, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REMOVED AND SEALED BECAUSE OF A LEAK, AND THE COMPUTER WAS REPROGRAMMED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS UPHILL OR ON AN INCLINE, THE TRANSMISSION HESITATED AS IF THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE RECALL PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 4, 2015
DRIVING ON I80 WEST BOUND AND MY RPMS SHOT UP TO 5,000/6,000. I PROCEEDED TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS TO LET THE TRANSMISSION CATCH, HOWEVER, WHEN I PUT MY FOOT BACK ON THE GAS MY RPMS SHOT UP AGAIN. MY TRANSMISSION HAD COMPLETELY DIED. I HAD NO ABILITY TO MOVE FORWARD. I MANAGED TO MAKE IT TO THE RIGHT HAND SHOULDER FROM THE LEFT LANE. I SHUT MY CAR OFF ONCE I REACHED THE SHOULDER TO SEE IF THAT WOULD HELP THE PROBLEM. WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR IT WOULD NOT TURN ON. I HAD DASHBOARD LIGHTS BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT START. MY CAR WAS STILL SAYING IT WAS IN DRIVE WHEN IT WAS IN PARK. MY CAR ENDED UP BEING TOWED TO FORD AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AND THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL FOCUSES COME IN WITH THIS PROBLEM IN THE LAST TWO TO THREE WEEKS, SO THEY ARE NOW KEEPING THIS PART STOCKED. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION GIVEN THAT I80 IS A VERY BUSY EXPRESSWAY AND MY CAR DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Sep 3, 2015, crash
STOPPED IN STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AGAIN THE VEHICLE FLASHED A WARNING WHICH SAID "HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE" AND THE ENGINE DIED COMPLETELY. I LOST ALL POWER TO THE WHEELS AND LOST POWER STEERING, WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER, WHERE THE CAR WOULD NOT START. ALL WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED TO COME ON, INCLUDING SEATBELT, CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL, ETC. THE CAR INDICATED IT WAS IN "DRIVE", IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT I HAD THE GEARSHIFT IN PARK. IT WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS OR ALLOW ME TO START THE ENGINE. AFTER SITTING FOR 30-40 MINUTES WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK, THE CAR SUDDENLY APPEARED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. I DROVE HOME, AND 10 MINUTES LATER, WHILE PARALLEL PARKING, THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AGAIN: BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND ATTEMPTING TO PULL BACK OUT, GOING UPHILL, THE EXACT SAME SEQUENCE OF EVENTS OCCURRED ("HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE", LOSS OF POWER AND STEERING). THIS TIME THE VEHICLE COASTED BACKWARDS INTO ANOTHER CAR. NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE. THE 2013 FORD FOCUS CANNOT BE TRUSTED TO BE DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE READ MANY REPORTS ONLINE OF OTHER DRIVERS HAVING IDENTICAL OR VERY SIMILAR ISSUES WITH HILL START ASSIST/TRANSMISSION/TRACTION CONTROL ERRORS, LOSS OF POWER, LOSS OF POWER STEERING, AND INABILITY TO SHIFT GEARS OR RESTART THE CAR, WITH THIS ERROR SOMETIMES HAPPENING *WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS* RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I FEEL LESS SAFE KNOWING THAT FORDS WITH THIS PROBLEM WAITING TO HAPPEN ARE BEING DRIVING EVERY DAY BY UNKNOWING DRIVERS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE OF THE HIGHEST MAGNITUDE. IT IS ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS THAT FORD HAS ISSUED NO RECALLS.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 28, 2015
I WAS DRIVING THROUGH TOWN,A FEW SECONDS AFTER TAKING OFF FROM THE TRAFFIC LIGHT THE LIGHT WENT OUT AROUND MY D GEAR AND THE CAR SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL,I PUT THE SHIFTER INTO DRIVE WHERE IT LOCKED UP,I TURNED THE IGNITION SWITH OFF AND A MINUTE LATER TURNED THE CAR BACK ON,THE GEAR LIGHT REAPPEARED AND I DROVE IT ANOTHER MINUTE TILL IT HAPPENED AGAIN ,I WAS ABLE TO GET TO A PARKING LOT DOING THIS OVER AND OVER AGAIN.THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR ONE MONTH NOW AND CANT SEEMED TO BE FIXED,,I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF I HAD BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY..THE ENGINE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM...
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2015
THE DASH UNIT WILL CEASE TO WORK AND ALL SPEAKERS IN THE CAR WILL UNEXPECTEDLY EMIT AN EARSPLITTING, HIGH FREQUENCY SQUEAL. THIS SOUND IS INTERMITTENT WITH A LOUD CRACKLING AND POPPING WHICH CANNOT BE STOPPED. THIS OCCURS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE VEHICLE DOOR IS OPENED AND THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING, WHILE THE VEHICLE SITS WITHOUT ANY OPERATION OR IGNITION, OR AT ANY OTHER TIME. THE PIERCING SOUND HAS ONLY STOPPED BY REMOVAL OF FUSES IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FUSE BOX. THE ENTIRE DASH UNIT WILL NOT FUNCTION AND THUS DOES NOT ALLEVIATE THE NOISE. THIS SOUND HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE WHEN NOT IN MOTION, ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING, AND CAR HAS BEEN IMMOBILE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. THE ABRUPT, DEAFENING SOUND IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE DRIVERS REACTION.