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: fuel/propulsion system
209 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 2, 2015
FOR THE 3RD TIME IN A 3 MONTH SPAN, MY 2013 FORD FOCUS SE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. THIS CREATED AN UNSAFE SITUATION WHERE I WAS STUCK WITH A DISABLED VEHICLE. 1ST FAILURE INSTANCE OCCURRED WHEN I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT 2ND FAILURE INSTANCE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (65MPH) 3RD FAILURE INSTANCE OCCURRED WHILE JUST AFTER ENTERING A HIGHWAY AT APPROX 45MPH. *TR
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 31, 2015
MY CAR SHUTTERS AND HESITATES WHEN PULLING OFF, RPMS REV UP AND GAS MI IS NOT AS ADVERTISED. IT ALSO MAKES NOISES THAT I THOUGHT WERE THE DOOR LOCKS CLICKING WHEN CAR IS OFF, LATER TO BE TOLD ITS THE TRANSMISSION IS RE-SETTING? BESIDES THAT I HAVE HAD 3 FLAT TIRES ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE CAR, FROM RIVET LOOKING THINGS THAT I THINK ARE FALLING OUT OF THE WHEEL WELL (AT LEAST 1 DID!) THIS IS MY 1ST NEW CAR AND I'VE TAKEN CARE OF IT! IN FACT I GOT IT EARLY 2013, AND AS OF NOW IT ONLY HAS 15,600 MILES ON IT! THE LAST OIL CHANGE WAS DUE AT 16,000MILES AND I HAD THAT DONE @ NOVEMBER BECAUSE THAT DATE WAS RECOMMENDED. EVERYTIME I HAVE MENTIONED THIS TO FORD THEY BLOW ME OFF AND SAY THERE IS NO RECALL, WELL BS I WANT, AND DESERVE WHAT I PAID FOR, A NEW CAR, NOT A BIG HEADACHE! *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 28, 2015
EVERY RECALL EVENT FOR MY 2013 FORD FOCUS, I HAVE ENCOUNTERED. AFTER A YEAR AND HALF OF CONTINUED TRIPS TO AND BEING WITHOUT MY CAR FOR SERVICE. THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES STILL NOT RESOLVED ALONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE STEREO DISPLAY GOES BLANK, AT TIMES SHOWS INCORRECT DATE AND CLOCK JUMPS TO DIFFERENT HOURS. THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD WHEN YOU GET TO ABOUT 25 TO 30 MPH OR HESITATES WHEN YOU EXCEL. WHEN YOU PUT IN PARK IT WILL LUNGE FORWARD OR ACT LIKE YOU'VE POPPED THE CLUTCH EVEN WHEN BRAKE IS ON. IT SHUDDERS, HAS BUMP & BANG NOISES, LUNGES, SUSPENSION NOISES. I CAN FEEL BUMPING/THUMPING UNDER MY FEET WHEN TURNING CORNERS. HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE GAS TANK ASSEMBLY AND FUEL SYSTEM GAUGE (THIS PART HAS BEEN FIXED) CONTINUED ISSUES WITH THE DIGITAL PANEL, INTERMITTENT ERRATIC CLUSTER RADIO, CLOCK AND SYNC ISSUES THAT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CANNOT DUPLICATE. WHEN I HAVE ISSUES WITH THE DIGITAL PANEL, I TAKE A PICTURE. ONCE I TURN VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON IT SOMETIMES CLEARS IT UP. I'VE COMPLAINED ABOUT TIRES NOISES AND RIDE, THEY SAY TIRES ARE FINE. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO JUST TRADE IT IN AND THE DEALER SUGGESTED I CONTACT FORD MOTOR TO HAVE THEM BUY IT BACK. I HAVE PLACED A COMPLAINT ON THE FORD WEBSITE, BUT HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BUT HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE. DO I HAVE TO RUIN MY CREDIT BY JUST DROPPING MY VEHICLE OFF AND WALKING AWAY FOR THEM TO TAKE BACK. FORD MOTOR COMPANY DOES NOT MAKE IT EASY TO TALK TO SOMEONE REGARDING MY VEHICLE. THEY SHOULD BE MORE ACCESSIBLE NOW BEFORE SOMETHING TRAGIC HAPPENS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 21, 2015
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND CAR ACTS AS IF STARVED OF FUEL AND RAPIDLY DECREASES SPEED. THERE WAS NO POWER, BUT VEHICLE WAS ON. THERE HAVE NOW BEEN THREE INCIDENTS WHILE ON FREEWAY AT SPEED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS DONE THIS AND EACH TIME I HAVE HAD TO PULL OFF ONTO SHOULDER (ALMOST GETTING HIT BY TRAFFIC EACH TIME). LUCKILY THE FIRST 2 TIMES I WAS ABLE TO RESTART CAR AND GET OFF FREEWAY BY STAYING ON SHOULDER SINCE CAR COULD NOT REACH FREEWAY SPEEDS. THIS LAST INCIDENT (ON 1/11/15) LEFT ME STRANDED ON FREEWAY BETWEEN AN ON RAMP AND FIRST LANE. THEY DID NOT DO ANYTHING WITH FIRST INCIDENT BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. AFTER SECOND INCIDENT FORD REPLACED FUEL PUMP, GASKET AND TANK. AFTER TWO WEEKS AND FOR A THIRD TIME VEHICLE AGAIN "STALLED" ON FREEWAY AT 65-70MPH. CAR IS AGAIN GETTING SAME PARTS REPLACED. ALL THESE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED WITH IN LESS THAN A 6 MONTH PERIOD. *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2014
THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS DURING ACCELERATING AND HAS CONTINUED TO DO SO FIR THE PAST 18 MONTHS. THE ISSUE HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 6, 2014
I HAVE A 2013 FOCUS WITH 28600 MILES. ON A DAILY BASIS I WHEN I ACCELERATE IT RATTLES AND HESITATES. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A SMART TRANSMISSION AND IS JUST WHAT IT DOES. ON OCT 3RD 2014 I WAS AT A BUSY INTERSECTION AND WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND THE CAR ACTED AS THOUGH IT WAS IN NEUTRAL AND WOULD NOT DRIVE. AFTER ABOUT 15 SECONDS WITH EVERYONE HONKING AT ME IT STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD BUT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING BACK AND FORTH FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE AND I COULDN'T GO OVER 30. I BARELY MADE IT TO A PARKING LOT. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BUT IT WAS TO LATE AND THE ASSOCIATE SAID I HAD TO CALL BACK AT 7 IN THE MORNING. MY CAR SHUDDERED ALL THE WAY HOME ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAD TO STOP AND ACCELERATE AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. I CALLED IN THE MORNING AND THEY SAID TO BRING THE CAR IN. THE NEXT DAY IT DROVE FINE. THEY THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE BAD GAS DUE TO THE FACT THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON DURING THE MALFUNCTION. THAT JUST MADE ME MAD. THE DEALERSHIP PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER AND IT CAME UP A BAD TRANSMISSION MODULE? I AM OUT A CAR FOR A WEEK. I DO NOT WANT THE CAR BACK . WHAT IF IT HAPPENS AFTER 36000 MILES. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH AN EXPECTATION OF IT BEING SAFE. IT IS NOT. IT IS A DANGEROUS CAR. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED FORD CORPORATION YOU ARE PUTTING PEOPLES LIVES IN DANGER. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2013
VEHICLE WARNING "STOP SAFELY NOW" APPEARED AND THE EV LOST ALL ITS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE FAILED.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2013
LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED - AS I WAS DRIVING THE HIGHWAY TO GO HOME, THE CARS MOTOR SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, AFTER BARELY MAKING IT TO THE SHOULDER (INCHES FROM TRAFFIC) I LOOKED AT THE ESTIMATED MILES TO EMPTY, WHICH STATED 17 MILES TO EMPTY - YET I WAS OUT OF FUEL. SEEMS FORD FOCUS HAS A INCORRECT READING ON THE FUEL ECONOMY/AND OR ESTIMATED PORTION THAT COULD BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. (I TOOK A PHOTO OF THE DASH READOUTS AS WELL). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2013
AS I PULLED OUT INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC FROM A GAS STATION, I REALIZED MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND 15-20 MPH. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT HAND LANE AND PROCEEDED TO THE STOP LIGHT, WHICH WAS ABOUT A 100 YARDS DOWN THE ROAD. AT THE RED LIGHT I PLACED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND DISCOVERED THE ENGINE WOULD NOT GO BEYOND 3500-4000 RPM'S. I THEN TURNED ON THE WARNING FLASHERS, AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PROCEEDED AT 15-20 MPH UNTIL I COULD TURN INTO A SAFE AREA ABOUT 1 MILE DOWN. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. WHEN THE DEALER RAN MY VIN# THROUGH THEIR SYSTEM, IT SHOWED THAT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN HAD BEEN ISSUED REGARDING THIS VERY PROBLEM. THEY THEN REPAIRED THE CAR AND IT NOW SEEMS TO BE RUNNING OK, ALTHOUGH I DON'T FEEL REAL GOOD ABOUT IT. HOPEFULLY SOMETHING LIKE THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, ESPECIALLY IF I AM IN A SITUATION LIKE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS. MYSELF AND MY WIFE WERE KNOWINGLY PUT INTO A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE RISK BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY, WHICH I FEEL COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAD BEEN A LITTLE MORE PROACTIVE IN NOTIFYING THEIR CUSTOMERS OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS OCCURRING. *TR