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: steering
273 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Oct 4, 2017
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE INDICATED ON INSTRUMENT PANEL AND FULL LOSS OF ANY STEERING ASSIST. STEERING REQUIRES/REQUIRED LOTS OF MUSCLE TO MAINTAIN ANY FORM OF ACTIVE DRIVER INTENDED STEERING CHANGES. IT MAY FAIL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 70 OR ON VEHICLE STARTUP. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND FIND A SAFE PLACE TO STOP AND FORTUNATELY RESET THE POWER ASSIST WITHOUT ANYONE BEING INJURED OR KILLED. RESTARTING VEHICLE RESET THE PS ASSIST MODULE FOR A FEW MONTHS BUT THE SYSTEM IS NOW FULLY NONWORKING. THE STEERING GOES OUT WHENEVER IT DESIRES. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP WITH A POSSIBLE RACK-AND-PINION REPLACEMENT OR A STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT ONCE THE PROBLEM IS FULLY DIAGNOSED. THIS WILL ALSO REQUIRE A VEHICLE ALIGNMENT AND POSSIBLE COMPUTER RESET AND RE-FLASH ACCORDING TO THE SHOP. COST WILL BE AT LEAST $2500. THANKS FORD FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING FOR YOUR CORPORATE STRUCTURE AND OFFLOADING YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND COST FOR YOUR POOR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN TO THE VEHICLE OWNER. POOR ENGINEERING AND LACK OF WILLINGNESS TO FIX A PROBLEM IS SURE TO GAIN YOU A LOYAL FOLLOWING. I AM ALMOST ASHAMED TO SAY I AM FROM THE DETROIT AREA AND HAVE BEEN A PROPONENT OF BUYING FROM THE BIG THREE. I WILL UPLOAD THE REPAIR RECEIPT ONCE THE REPAIR ACTION IS COMPLETED.
Steering, Sep 29, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH TO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND WENT INTO MANUAL MODE. THE POWER STEERING FAILURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (CAUSEWAY FORD LINCOLN, 375 NJ-72, MANAHAWKIN, NJ, 08050) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DUE TO THE COST, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS-13195872. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT THEY WOULD COVER HALF OF THE COST. NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000. *LN UPDATED 7/23/18*JB
Steering, Sep 26, 2017
THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE MOVING AND WILL NOT TURN AT ALL.. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS IT IS LOCKED IN A STRAIGHT FORWARD POSITION.. CITY STREET GOING THRU LIGHT
Steering, Sep 26, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BOLTON FORD (1500 E COLLEGE STREET, LAKE CHARLES, LA 70607) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.
Steering, Sep 18, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, AND WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,850.
Steering, Sep 11, 2017
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER VEHICLE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPORTED FAILED EPAS. APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD VEHICLES AND HAS BEEN RECALLED ON CERTAIN MODELS, BUT NOT THE FORD FOCUS.
Steering, Aug 29, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE THAT CONTINUED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALER (REYNOLDS MOTOR CO, 1900 AVENUE OF THE CITIES, EAST MOLINE, IL 61244, 1 (888) 602-3869) WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE ABNORMAL NOISE CONTINUED TO COME FROM THE STEERING AREA AS THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS STORED FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Aug 28, 2017
MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN ROAD WITH ME AND MY 7 YEAR OLD IN THE CAR. I WAS GUIDED TO THE SIDE BY THE POLICE AND HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE RACK AND PINION HAS FAILED AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY $1800 FOR REPAIRS. AFTER RESEARCHING, IVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. *JS
Steering, Aug 8, 2017
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE - THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF MAKING THE CAR VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ACROSS MANY DIFFERENT FORD MODELS, AND THEY HAVE RECALLED CERTAIN MODELS DUE TO THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR 2013 FORD FOCUS. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 2013 FORD FOCUS, SO WHY NO RECALL?
Steering, Aug 6, 2017, crash
THE POWER STEERING ASSIST INDICATOR HAD BEEN COMING ON AND OFF A DIFFERENT INTERVALS. WHEN I WOULD COME ON THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP AND GO INTO MANUAL MODE AND WOULD HAVE TO ME MUSCLED WHILE DRIVING UNTIL THE INDICATOR WHEN OFF. MOST OF THE TIME THIS WOULD HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS ON A STREET IN A DENSELY POPULATED SUBURB NEIGHBORHOOD. THE INDICATOR CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO MANUAL MODE AND CRASHED INTO A NEIGHBORS CAR. FORTUNATELY ENOUGH NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE BUT BOTH CARS WERE DAMAGED. THE DRIVER SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL OF THE NEIGHBORS' CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND QUARTER THE TIE OUTER TIE-ROD IS SEVERELY DAMAGED.
Steering, Jul 13, 2017
I RECEIVED A "STEERING ASSIST FAULT" WHILE TURNING ON MY CAR (IT WAS PARKED AT THE TIME) STEERING ASSIST FAULT. THE MILAGE IS 64K AND THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN GOOD SHAPE. HOWEVER, WITHOUT WARNING NOR FORESEEABLE CAUSE TO THIS ISSUE. WHEN THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, I HAD LITTLE CONTROL OVER THE STEERING. UPON RESEARCH THERE ARE ALREADY VARIOUS COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE ALL OF WHICH HAS HAPPENED EITHER THE CAR IN MOTION OR MERELY PARKED. THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THIS KNOWN ISSUE THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAS PROVEN THROUGH VARIOUS SOURCES IS UNETHICAL. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBLE MONETARY LOSS TO MYSELF, AND HIGH RISK NATURE OF THIS ISSUE THAT COULD CAUSE POSSIBLE INJURY.
Steering, Jul 2, 2017
MY ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING IS BEGINNING TO MAKE NOISE. IT WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL AND CAUSE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS THE POWER STEERING MODULE. TO FIX IT, THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE RACK AND PINION AT CONSIDERABLE COST. I NOTICED THAT FORD RECALLED MORE EXPENSIVE MODELS FOR THE POWER STEERING. WHY WON'T THEY RECALL MY CAR?
Steering, Mar 29, 2017
I PURCHASED A FORD FOCUS IN 2013 AND CURRENTLY HAVE 28,300 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND IS DRIVEN SOLELY BY ME. HOWEVER, RECENTLY I HAD A MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEM THAT COULD VERY EASILY BE FATAL FOR ANY DRIVER. THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED AND LOCKED UP THE STEERING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. LUCKILY FOR ME I WAS WITHIN 10 FEET OF MY DRIVEWAY GOING ABOUT THREE MILES PER HOUR. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER WHERE THEY WANTED OVER TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPAIR THE POWER STEERING. IF ANYONE IS DRIVING THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, I BELIEVE THE PROBABILITY OF A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR FATALITY WOULD BE VERY HIGH. I WAS TOLD BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT THE POWER STEERING IS ELECTRONIC SO WHEN IT GOES, IT BECOMES UNSTEERABLE. ALARMINGLY, WHEN SPEAKING WITH DEALERSHIP AND THE FORD AREA REGIONAL MANAGER THEY DID NOT REGARD THIS AS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. IN FACT, THEY DID NOT BELIEVE THIS WAS A DEFECT AS IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTEE. I ASKED IF THIS WAS NOT DEFECTIVE, HOW COULD THIS OCCUR AT 28,300 MILES? THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS COULD HAPPEN IF IT WAS HIT BUT ADMITTED THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF THIS. I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THIS CAR HAS NOT EVEN RUN OVER A POT HOLE. SINCE NO ONE IS TAKING THIS SERIOUSLY, I NEED TO DOCUMENT THIS PROBLEM AS ONE THAT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF NOT RECALLED OR CORRECTED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THIS IS A MUCH MORE SEVERE PROBLEM THAN THE AUTO PROBLEM A FEW YEARS BACK WHERE CARS WERE ACCIDENTALLY RUNNING PEOPLE OVER WHEN STARTING . THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IMAGINE YOUR FAMILY DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT SIXTY MILES AN HOUR AND THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS, I BELIEVE MORE PEOPLE SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS POSSIBILITY BEFORE THEY PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE. I FOR ONE WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED MINE!
Steering, Mar 27, 2017
STEERING RACK AND PINION CONTROL MODULE IS PRONE TO FAILING AND WHEN THIS DOES FAIL THE CAR CANNOT TURN AND THIS IS A HUGE HAZARD TO THE DRIVER AND EVERYONE ON THE ROAD.
Steering, Mar 20, 2017
MY TEENAGE SON WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEED (BELOW 20MPH) IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC IN A BUSY CITY SHOPPING AREA, THE STEERING SUDDENLY LOCKED AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER LEFT OR RIGHT. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OFF THE ROAD INTO A PARKING LOT WITH TREMENDOUS EFFORT. WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT THE CAR SEEMED TO LOCK OR GRAB AT THE WHEEL AND MADE AN AWFUL SCREECHING SOUND. HE SAID THAT SEVERAL WARNINGS FLASHED ON THE MESSAGE CENTER BUT HE DID NOT CATCH THEM AS HE WAS TRYING TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC SAFELY. ONCE HE CAME TO A STOP, HE NOTICED THAT THE ORANGE "I" IN A BOX REMAINED LIT WHILE THE CAR WAS RUNNING. I WENT TO PICK HIM UP AND VERIFIED THE LOCKED STEERING, NOISE, AND WARNING LIGHT. WE LEFT THE CAR OVERNIGHT AND RESEARCHED POTENTIAL PROBLEMS BEFORE HAVING IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC. I CAME ACROSS SEVERAL FORUMS AND COMPLAINTS THAT SOUNDED VERY SIMILAR TO MY CAR'S ISSUES. MANY OF THESE CARS HAD WORKED AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING. SO THE NEXT DAY I WENT AND STARTED THE CAR WITH NO ISSUES AND HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATORS. HOWEVER, AS I PULLED OUT THE STEERING WAS STILL VERY TIGHT AND JERKY BUT I WAS ABLE TO MAN-HANDLE THE CAR ENOUGH TO MAKE IT TO A LOCAL DEALER. NO WARNING LIGHTS EVER CAME ON THIS TIME. I WAS INFORMED THAT I MUST REPLACE THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE AND HAVE IT REPROGRAMMED TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS THE ONLY PROBLEM AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $450. I HAVE AUTHORIZED THIS REPAIR. THE DEALER SAID THAT AFTER THIS REPAIR, I MAY ALSO NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR AND HAVE THE CAR ALIGNED AT AN ADDITIONAL COST OF APPROXIMATELY $1500. MY CAR IS AT 89,700 MILES.
Steering, Mar 20, 2017
COMPLETE AND UNEXPECTED LOSS OF POWER STEERING (ERROR MESSAGE: POWER STEERING FAULT). EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN WHEEL. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED FOR REPAIR. LESS THAN 30,000 MILES.
Steering, Mar 13, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Steering, Mar 10, 2017
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD APPROACHING A TRAFFIC SIGNAL WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE AND WOULD NOT MOVE EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. FORTUNATELY I WAS STOPPED FOR THE SIGNAL. I HAD TO THINK ABOUT WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO ABOUT HOLDING UP TRAFFIC. FINALLY I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I WAITED APPROX 10 TO 15 SECONDS. I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR AND WHEN I STARTED I WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. I THEN PROCEEDED DIRECTLY TO MY MECHANIC VERY CAREFULLY. HE TOLD ME WHAT HE THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS THE ELECTRONIC STEERING MECHANISM. I THEN WENT DIRECTLY TO THE FORD DEALER, EXPLAINED MY PROBLEM AND LEFT THE CAR. HE CONTACTED ME LATER , SAID HE HAD TO ORDER THE PART AND WOULD LET ME KNOW WHEN THE CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. THE COST? WOW. THE NAME OF THE PART WAS STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY, REPROGRAM SYSTEM WITH THE COMPUTER. SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THE TOTAL COST WAS $1,972.19.
Steering, Visibility/wiper, Feb 28, 2017
POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT. HAVE TO TURN CAR OFF AND ON TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS OFTEN HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL TURN ON WITHOUT THE SWITCH BEING TURNED ON. THEY WILL STILL RUN EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY IS OUT OF THE IGNITION. THEY WILL NOT TURN ON AT OTHER TIMES, ESPECIALLY WHEN NEEDED.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND OPERATED CORRECTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC STEERING MOTOR BURNED OUT AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,300. *CN
Steering, Feb 22, 2017
2013 FORD FOCUS POWER STEERING TOTALLY WENT OUT WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. CAR WOULD STILL STEER BUT TOOK A TREMENDOUS PHYSICAL EFFORT. DEALER DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY STEERING EPAS. FORD HAS RECALLED OTHER MODELS FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE, BUT NOT THE FOCUS.
Steering, Power train, Feb 17, 2017
TRANSMISSION BEGAN SHIFTING INCORRECTLY UNTIL FINALLY LOSING ALL POWER LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE PASSING LANE GOING UPHILL ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED AFTER THE FORD DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION. REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE STILL HAS NOT FIXED THE ISSUE AND THE DEALER CURRENTLY DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AS THEY HOLD ONTO THE CAR FOR FURTHER TESTING. I'VE ALSO HAD THE POWER STEERING FAIL ON ME TWICE.
Steering, Power train, Feb 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CONTACT SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STOPPED. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE SERVICE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN MAKING TURNS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO BROUGHT IN FOR A TRANSMISSION CLUTCH FAILURE EVERY THREE TO SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 27, 2017
NEWLY PURCHASED 2013 FORD FOCUS SE.1. INITIAL INCIDENT AT 23000 MILES SHOWING ERROR CODE ON DASHBOARD DISPLAY WITH SUBSEQUENT VEHICLE STALLING (CAR SHUTTING OFF). ISSUE SIMILAR TO ALTERNATOR OR BATTERY FAILURE. 2. NOW-PERSISTENT DASHBOARD ALARM LIGHT WITH MESSAGE: STEERING ASSIST FAULT, SERVICE REQUIRED. FORD DISTRICT MANAGEMENT INFORMED-NO ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR OR BUYBACK OR RECALL. REPAIR ESTIMATE COUPLE THOUSAND DOLLARS. VEHICLE NOT DRIVABLE WITHOUT REPAIR. ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING LOCKS DURING DRIVE AFTER START AFTER CAR IS IN DRIVING GEAR PREVENTING TURNS AND DRIVEABILITY. PLEASE RESPOND, THANK YOU (NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE) LESS THAN 40000 MILES. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jan 19, 2017
CAR HAS BEEN IN 4 TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.TCM AND PCM REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED.CAR WAS BOUGHT 4/25/15 AND WAS IN SHOP 4/27/15 AND 3 CONSECUTIVE MONDAYS AFTER WITH ENGINE LIGHTS AND JERKING..AS OF 01/01/17 MY STEERING ASSIST WENT OUT WITH NO WARNING IN A SNOW STORM.ALMOST WRECKED..VERY DISAPOINTED.ALL PROBS WHILE DRIVING AND IN MOTION.STEERING ASSIST WENT OUT IN MID RIGHT HAND TURN AND FOR ABT A WEEK WLD PERODICALLY BE FUNCTIONAL THEN HARDEN UP STEERING AGAIN. *TR