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: power train
1,102 reports, newest first. Show all
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, Jun 20, 2013
TRANSMISSION SPUTTERING, HICCUPING GOING THROUGH LOW GEARS. SOMETIMES IT SEEMS FINE. *TR
Power train, Jun 20, 2013
THE CAR IS A BRAND NEW 2013 FORD FOCUS WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 450 MILES, THE CAR STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE IN THE LOWER GEARS - SIMILAR TO ONE MIGHT HEAR IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION IF YOU CAN'T FIND THE GEAR. IN ADDITION, THE CAR STUTTERS/SHUDDERS AT THE START IN LOWER GEARS. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE FOCUS WHICH FORD SEEMS UNWILLING TO ADEQUATELY ADDRESS. WHILE THE STUTTERING/SHUDDERING ISSUE CAN CERTAINLY PRESENT SAFETY ISSUES, I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM RELATES TO. *TR
Power train, Jun 11, 2013
AFTER AN ACCIDENT, TRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME AND THE CAR KEPT STALLING OUT WHILE TRYING TO GIVE IT GAS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER, THEY REPAIRED THE BODY WORK AND SAID THAT THE SWITCH FOR THE GAS TO SHUT OFF HAD TO BE RESET. PICKED UP FROM DEALER AND THE CAR KEPT STALLING OUT AND SHAKING WHEN TRYING TO TAKE OFF OR ACCELERATE THE CAR. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT COULD BE THE CLUTCH IN THE TRANSMISSION. DEALER KEPT FOR A WEEK AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. FORD IS AWARE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CLUTCHES IN THE FORD FOCUS. THEY SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED SO FAR HE HAS PUT IN 5 CLUTCHES ON THE 2013 FORD FOCUS. DEALER REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING UNLESS FORD WILL DO A RECALL. *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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Engine, Jun 10, 2013
MY PERFORMANCE CONCERN STARTED WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNERSHIP. I HAD REPORTED WHAT I PERCEIVED AS A PERFORMANCE ISSUE TO THE DEALER BUT OPTED TO GIVE A NEW CAR TIME TO "BREAK IN". 4 WEEKS INTO MY OWNER EXPERIENCE, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HELD AND DROVE THE CAR FOR 5 DAYS AND HAD DETERMINED THAT A TRANSMISSION COMPONENT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE I WAS EXPERIENCING. I NOW HAVE OVER 10K MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND HAVE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS SINCE TOLD ME THAT THE ROUGH IDLE IN PARK OR IN GEAR WITH BRAKE APPLIED IS THE RESULT OF THE "DIRECT INJECTION" TECHNOLOGY USED IN THIS VEHICLE. THE HESITATION EXPERIENCED DURING 0 TO >0 ACCELERATION (GRADUAL OR HARD) IS ALSO THE RESULT OF THE "DIRECT INJECTION" TECHNOLOGY COUPLED WITH ELECTRONIC CLUTCH TECHNOLOGY USED IN PLACE OF A TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS COMBINATION HAS YIELDED NUMEROUS "ALMOST STALLED" CONDITIONS DURING NORMAL DRIVING MANEUVERS INCLUDING ACCELERATION DURING THE COMPLETION OF A LEFT TURN CROSSING ONCOMING LANES OF TRAFFIC. I RAISE THIS CONCERN AS I UNDERSTAND THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION OF F150 VEHICLES WITH "DIRECT INJECTION" TECHNOLOGY AS A POTENTIAL CAUSE FOR THE LOSS OF POWER. MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE FORD FOCUS HAS NOT RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. MY GOAL IS TO RAISE AWARENESS TO A SIMILAR CONDITION FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER UTILIZING THE SAME TECHNOLOGY. I ALSO HAVE A SECOND VEHICLE ([XXX]) THAT IS LEASED AND HAS THE SAME PERFORMANCE ISSUE DESCRIBED ABOVE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Jun 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND HESITATE TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SOFTWARE FOR THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. EIGHT HUNDRED MILES LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE SOFTWARE WAS AGAIN UPDATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE BUT NOT A DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
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
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 18, 2013
VEHICLE HAS HAD OIL LEAKING INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT SINCE PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER 2012. AT 3000 MILES, REAR ENGINE SEAL REPLACED - LEAKS CONTINUED. REAR MAIN ENGINE SEAL REPLACED AGAIN AT 8000 MILES - ENGINE COMPARTMENT LEAKS CONTINUED. AFTER TWO MORE VISITS TO DEALER AND TWO ADDITIONAL TRIP TO DIFFERENT DEALERS, THIRD SERVICE DEPT. CLAIMS THAT TRANSMISSION IS SOURCE OF LEAK, NOT ENGINE. IF THIS IS THE CASE, THEN VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR OVER 11,250 MILES WITH INSUFFICIENT TRANSMISSION LUBRICANT - GREAT CAUSE FOR CONCERN. *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
Power train, Engine, May 13, 2013
VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. (2) FORD DEALERSHIPS HAVE ATTEMPTED REPAIRS MULTIPLE TIMES TO STOP ENGINE OIL LEAK(S), ALL OF WHICH HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. WAS UNDER VEHICLE ON 5/12/13 AND NOTICED THERE IS STILL ENGINE OIL LEAKING FROM AREA AROUND ENGINE/TRANSMISSION. DEFECT ALLOWING ENGINE TO RUN WITHOUT OPTIMAL AMOUNT OF OIL, LEAKING OIL CREATES FUEL FOR POTENTIAL FIRE, USED ENGINE OIL IS KNOWN CARCINOGEN, WHICH IS BEING DEPOSITED WITHIN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ALLOWED ACCESS TO PASSENGER CABIN. *TR
Power train, Apr 21, 2013
PURCHASED MY CAR NEW TRANSFERRED FROM A LOCAL DEALER. HAD 40 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. AFTER DRIVING 160 MILES NOTICED TRANSMISSION BANGING AND STUTTERING WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. TOOK TO APPLE FORD IN RED LION PA, IS IN SVC CTR TOLD ME TRANSMISSION NEEDS PULLED OUT OF CAR AND PARTS REPLACED. AT THIS POINT I LEFT CAR AT DEALERSHIP, WILL NOT TAKE THIS DEFECTIVE CAR HOME WITH ME. HAVE ASKED FOR A REPLACEMENT CAR. NO RESOLUTION. *TR
Power train, Apr 17, 2013
CPSC: I1340028A. 2013 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER STATED AFTER FIVE DAYS OF PURCHASING THE CAR IT STARTED HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *LN
Power train, Apr 11, 2013
I WAS STOPPED AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PRESSED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR AND IMMEDIATELY A WARNING TONE WENT OFF, AND A WARNING LIGHT LIT UP ON THE DASH SAYING "STOP SAFELY NOW." THEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT A "YELLOW WRENCH" ICON WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE. THE CAR STILL HAD ELECTRICITY TO THE DASH, BUT WOULD DO NOTHING WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STEPPED ON. THE CAR WAS DEAD. I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR OUT OF GEAR, INTO PARK. I PUT MY HAZARDS ON, BUT WAS VERY AFRAID OF BEING REAR-ENDED DUE TO THE INTERSECTION BEING SO BUSY. I TRIED HOLDING THE ON/OFF BUTTON AND KEPT GETTING THE SAME WARNINGS. IT WAS ONLY BY CONTINUING TO PUSH THE ON/OFF BUTTON DID I FINALLY GET THE CAR TO RESET, AND TURN OFF, THEN ON. WHEN IT FINALLY STARTED THE WARNING MESSAGES WERE THEN GONE. I CALLED FORD, AND TOOK THE CAR THE DEALER WHO FOUND NO CODES RECORDED. THIS IS STILL A VERY SMALL VOLUME PRODUCTION CAR AND THERE ARE QUITE A FEW PEOPLE REPORTING THE SAME BEHAVIOR ON THE FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC BULLETIN BOARDS. SOME HAVE HAD THIS OCCUR WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION WITH THE CAR BECOMING NON-RESPONSIVE AND WITH THE SAME "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNINGS.
Power train, Engine, Apr 9, 2013
VEHICLE HAS LEAKED ENGINE OIL SINCE NEW, WHICH WAS FIRST DISCOVERED AT 500MI. ENGINE OIL CONTAMINATED CLUTCH DISCS IN AUTOMATIC TRANMISSION, WHICH RESULTED IN REPLACEMENT OF REAR MAIN ENGINE SEAL, TRANSMISSION CLUTCHES, ETC. WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO RESOLVE PROBLEM. ATTEMPTED REPAIR TOOK PLACE AT APPROX. 7500 MI. AT 7800 MI, ENGINE OIL IS STILL LEAKING OIL, COVERING THE BOTTOM ON THE ENGINE AND POOLING ON THE UNDER-ENGINE COVER. SUSPECT NEW CLUTCH DISCS ALSO CONTAMINATED, WHICH IS CAUSING JERKY TRANSMISSION ACTION IN DRIVE. *TR
Power train, Apr 5, 2013
BOUGHT THE CAR ON SATURDAY. ON SUNDAY, NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. ALSO NOTICED TRANSMISSION SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS. CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE CORRECTLY AND DOES NOT SHIFT LIKE IT SHOULD. WHEN ON A DECLINE, THE CAR DRIFTS BACKWARDS IF YOU LET OFF THE BRAKE TO ACCELERATE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS ALL NORMAL. FORD HAS INFORMED THE DEALER NOT TO FIX THE ISSUES. DEALER SAID THAT FORD DOES NOT HAVE A SOLUTION TO THESE PROBLEMS. *TR
Power train, Mar 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD STUTTER ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CENTRAL COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.
Power train, Engine, Mar 8, 2013
NOTED JERKY MOVEMENT OF CAR DURING TURNS AND IMMEDIATELY UPON ACCELERATION. WAS MINOR AT FIRST, BUT APPEARED TO INCREASE IN DURATION AND INTENSITY WITH ADDITIONAL MILEAGE. QUALITY OF SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS VERY POOR - SURGING AND LURCHING NOTICED. SLIGHT OIL LEAK DETECTED TOWARDS FRONT END OF ENGINE AT FIRST OIL CHANGE. UNDER ENGINE COVER ALSO COATED WITH ENGINE OIL RESIDUE. TOOK VEHICLE INTO FORD DEALER FOR ABOVE COMPLAINT, WAS INFORMED THAT ENGINE HAD LOST OIL DUE TO LEAK AND HAD CONTAMINATED ITS CLUTCHES (EVEN THOUGH IT IS AN AUTOMATIC, IT HAS 2 CLUTCH DISCS) WHICH CAUSED ERRATIC PERFORMANCE AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR. INITIAL GUESS IS DEFECTIVE REAR MAIN SEAL IS AT FAULT. CONCERN OVER DAMAGE TO ENGINE DISMISSED BY SHOP SUPERVISOR. PERSONAL CONCERN WAS THAT VOLUME OF OIL SOAKING INTO UNDER ENGINE COVER COULD BE IGNITED BY ENGINE AND CAUSE FIRE. SAFETY CONCERN OVER DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION IS THAT DECREASED PERFORMANCE WOULD LEAVE VEHICLE STRANDED. COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE OIL WOULD RESULT IN CAR STOPPING, AND COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE ACCIDENT, DAMAGE, FIRE, ETC. *TR
Power train, Engine, Feb 13, 2013
I OWN A 2013 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK TITANIUM MODEL. PURCHASED THE CAR IN JANUARY 2013. CURRENTLY HAS 1100 MILES ON IT. CAR HAS A SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION THAT FORD HAS DUBBED "POWERSHIFT". TRANSMISSION IS VERY JITTERY AT ALL SPEEDS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS WHILE ACCELERATING. IT IS ALSO HESITANT TO SHIFT GEARS AND PICK UP SPEED. IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING IS GOING TO BREAK INSIDE THE ENGINE AND THE CAR JERKS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. FROM A STANDING STOP THE CAR WILL START TO ROLL BACK WHEN YOU LET OFF THE BRAKE AND STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Power train, Jan 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE EXTERIOR DOORS WERE OPENED, AN UNUSUAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE PROBLEM. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 564.
Power train, Jan 9, 2013
WHEN SLOWING DOWN IN TRAFFIC OR IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, AND THEN HAVE TO ACCELERATE IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR HESITATES OR STUTTERS TO GET INTO THE NEXT GEAR. IF SLOWING DOWN FOR TRAFFIC, AND THEN ACCELERATING THE CAR HESITATES TO GO FORWARD, THE ENGINE REVS BUT HESITATES TO GO FORWARD. IT IS LIKE BEING IN NEUTRAL FOR A FEW SECONDS. I NOTICED AT THIS TIME THE NEEDLE FOR THE TACHOMETER WENT UP TO PAST THE NUMBER 4. *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
Power train, Nov 26, 2012
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER TRAVELING UPHILL, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL AWAY IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER SWITCHING FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED AND THAT THE OCCURRENCE WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER THAT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO ROLL AWAY IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 500. KMJ