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, Jan 17, 2017
STEERING ASSIST CODE IS COMING ON AND OFF I LOSE STEERING WHILE I'M DRIVING AT ANY SPEED HWY RESIDENTIAL ECT. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP THEY OFFERED TO FIX FOR 2 GRAND BUT WEREN'T SURE IF ITS 100 PERCENT GOING TO FIX THE STEERING. SO I DRIVE IT HOME THE VIDE HAS BEEN COMING ON AN OFF ITS VERY UNSAFE I LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS AND ITS NOT BEING CONSIDERED A SAFETY RECALL YET, THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE CODE SO WE'RE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Dec 31, 2016
THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH AND THE STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE CAR. WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY THE STEERING COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED. THE ODOMETER WAS ONLY AT 31,870, BUT OUT OF WARRANTY. THE REPAIR BILL WAS $2500 AND TOOK 10 DAYS TO FIX.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 21, 2016
WHILE DRIVING HOME ON A VERY BUSY FREEWAY IN DALLAS THE STEERING DEFAULT WARNING CAME ON. SHORTLY THEREAFTER NUMEROUS OTHER WARNINGS DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD, MY CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST ACCELERATION AND THE ENGINE DEFAULT LIGHT CAME ON CAUSING ME TO COMPLETELY STALL. I ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT BEING RUSH HOUR. I WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. OVER $400 LATER, 4 DAYS LATER, I PICKED CAR UP AND 5 HOURS LATER IT DID IT AGAIN. RETURNED CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND THIS TIME THEY REPORTED AN EVAP CODE. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE STEERING AND I KNEW THIS. I CONTACTED A FRIEND WHO IS A MASTER TECHNICIAN WHO WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WITH ME AND SUBSEQUENTLY I WAS NOT CHARGED THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE AGAIN. HE DISCUSSED THIS ISSUE AND THEY SAID THE STEERING WAS FINE AND UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD IDENTIFY TO FIX!! (HOWEVER, THE REPAIRS THE DEALER WANTED ME TO AGREE WITH NOW-THE EVAP CODE?- WERE JUST UNDER $2,000 AND DIDN'T ADDRESS THE STEERING CODE WARNING IN ANY WAY. FUEL TANK, LINES & PURGE VALVE? ALL IN NEED OF REPAIR 6 HOURS AFTER CAR WAS FIXED VIA A BRAND NEW BATTERY) I AM AT 103,000 MILES. I DROVE THE CAR THAT NIGHT FINE, THE NEXT DAY AND THEN AGAIN IT REPEATED THE STEERING WARNING AND SHUT DOWN WHILE IN MOTION ON A MAJOR FREEWAY THAT EVENING. FOUR TIMES LATER SINCE 11/29/16 I HAVE HAD THIS STEERING WARNING/SUBSEQUENT RESULTS OF ALMOST CRASHING. THIS IS THEE MOST UNSAFE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN ON AMERICAN ROADS TODAY. FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS, FIX THIS STEERING ISSUE ONCE AND FOR ALL. I WILL NEVER, EVER BUY OR DRIVE A FORD CAR AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Dec 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Steering, Engine, Nov 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000.
Steering, Nov 14, 2016
I'M ANOTHER VICTIM OF THE EPAS POWER STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY FAILING. IT FAILED ON SEPTEMBER 26TH, WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT UNFORTUNATELY I DIDN'T BRING IT INTO A DEALERSHIP ON SEPTEMBER 30TH. TWO DAYS AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION. DESPITE THE WELL-KNOWN OCCURRENCES OF THE EPAS / GEAR ASSEMBLY FAILURES, THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION DATE, ETC., FORD STILL CHOSE TO REFUSE IT UNDER WARRANTY CARE. INSTEAD, FORD FORCED ME TO PAY OUT OF POCKET WITH NO ASSISTANCE. THE WORSE PART IS IT NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT CHOSE TO FAIL IN TRAFFIC WHILE UNDER OPERATION AT LOW SPEEDS.
Steering, Oct 23, 2016
WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED(55MPH) ON A HIGHWAY, THE "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE" CAME UP ON THE DASH SCREEN. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THE STEERING WAS TIGHT TO TURN. WHILE TURNING TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE TIGHTNESS GOT WORSE. IT TOOK A LOT OF STRENGTH TO TURN THE WHEEL. I ALMOST GOT IN AN ACCIDENT. WHEN THE FORD DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM, THEY SAID THE STEERING ASSIST WAS SHOT AND WOULD COST AROUND $1600 TO REPLACE AND REALIGN THE WHEELS. THEY INFORMED ME THE PROBLEM WAS NOT A RECALL ISSUE ALTHOUGH I SEE FORD HAS RECALLS ON VARIOUS OTHER MODEL POWER STEERING ASSIST UNITS. THEY NEED TO ADD THE FOCUS TO THE LIST. *TR
Steering, Oct 17, 2016
MY 2013 FOCUS TITANIUM ELECTRONIC RACK & PINION FAILED. IT OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING ON A BUSY INTERSTATE. MIRACLE WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT. 49,000 MILES. I HAVE NO WARRANTY.. MY RESEARCH SHOWS MANY WITH SIMILAR STORIES AND NO RECALL? THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.QUOTED $1800 TO REPAIR. SO THAT MY CAR WILL SIMPLY STEER? RECALLS HAPPEN FOR MANY REASONS AND TO THINK IT HASN'T HAPPENED FOR A SUDDEN LOSS OF A VEHICLES STEERING IN INCOMPREHENSIBLE. TO REPEAT, ALL WITHOOUT ANY WARNING. NO DASH LIGHT OR MESSAGE! I CHANGED LANES AT 60 MPH AND IT WOULD NOT RESPOND SO THAT I COULD MAKE THE NEEDED CORRECTION TO NOT CONTINUE IN TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. GETTING IT SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER WAS PHYSICALLY DIFFICULT AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
Steering, Oct 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH MADE THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, A WARNING MESSAGE WOULD DISPLAY. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Steering, Power train, Oct 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED PER A MANUFACTURER'S CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHUTTERING ON THE CLUTCH OF THE VEHICLE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING SEIZED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING GEAR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,235.
Steering, Oct 10, 2016
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN A MONTH THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE DRIVING AND I LOST POWER STEERING. I HAD TO RESTART THE CAR TO RESET IT. THANKFUL I (AND EVERYONE ELSE) WAS SAFE AND IN A SECLUDED AREA WHEN IT HAPPENED. THIS HAPPENING ON THE FREEWAY OR NEIGHBORHOOD COULD BE A DIFFERENT STORY.
Steering, Oct 9, 2016
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN RIGHT ON TWO OCCASIONS TODAY MY WIFE'S 2013 FORD FOCUS HAD NO POWER STEERING. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND AM VERY CURIOUS AS TO WHY FORD HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT? WILL SOMEBODY HAVE TO CRASH AND DIE FOR THE MOTOR COMPANY TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY? THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE WE BOUGHT IT AND THE FACT THAT WE PURCHASED IT PRACTICALLY BRAND NEW IT IS CONCERNING TO HAVE SO MUCH GO WRONG.
Steering, Sep 26, 2016
RECEIVED A "STEERING ASSIST FAULT" NOTIFICATION WHILE MID-TURN TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. IT FELT AS IF I'D HIT A SLIPPERY SPOT IN THE ROAD OR HAD HIT A SMALL BUMP ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE. WHILE STRAIGHTENING OUT OF THE TURN, I NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN STEERING FEEL, AND STEERING IN GENERAL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. THERE WAS NO GRADUAL DECLINE IN STEERING PERFORMANCE, JUST A SUDDEN FAILURE. I CAN ONLY BE THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED. I CHECKED THE ERROR CODES LATER AND NOTED THE FOLLOWING: U3000-49 (CONTROL MODULE: INTERNAL ELECTRONIC FAILURE), U3000-53 (CONTROL MODULE: DEACTIVATED), U3000-4B (CONTROL MODULE: OVER TEMPERATURE).
Steering, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 10, 2016
ONE DEC 24 2015 DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY MY CAR HAD FULL LOSS OF STEERING, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE PEDALS STOPPED WORKING AND I NEARLY CRASHED THE CAR. AFTER PULLING OFF THE FREEWAY I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND IT WOULD NOT START BACK UP. MOMENTS LATER I COULD START THE CAR, I RAN A VEHICLE HEALTH REPORT TO PROVE TO FORD THAT SOMETHING HAD HAPPENED. I THEN DROVE MY CAR WHICH WAS STUCK IN 1ST GEAR TO MY DESTINATION. THE STEERING WAS VERY HEAVY, THE PEDALS WERE NOT WORKING WELL AT ALL. AFTER LEAVING IT PARKED FOR 30 MINUTES I TURNED THE CAR ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE ILLUMINATED, BUT THE PROBLEMS HAD CLEARED. THIS FEATURE IS VERY DECEIVING, AS SOME MAY ASSUME THE CAR IS NOW SAFE. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR, AND THEY SIMPLY REPROGRAMMED THE CAR. I CONTINUE TO THIS DAY TO HAVE TRANSMISSION ISSUES, AND HAVE HAD THE CLUTCH ONLY REPLACED ONE TIME DISPITE BRINGING IT TO THEM CONSTANTLY FOR REPAIR. IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR MY CARS CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION FAILED, THE CAR SEEMED TO MAKE A LOUD ACCELERATION NOISE AND THEN BECOME FORCED INTO 1ST GEAR. THIS MADE STEERING HEAVY OR HARD, & THE PEDALS NOT WORK WITH THE USUAL WEIGHT ON THEM. I DROVE MY CAR TO FORD LIKE THIS, STUCK IN 1ST TO SHOW THEM FINALLY THAT THE WHOLE TIME I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. MY VARIOUS OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS VEHICLE INCLUDE REGULAR ACCELERATION BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR, THERE IS THE STANDARD SHUDDER. IN ADDITION, MY VISITING FAMILY BECAME STUCK IN THE BACK SEAT WITH INDOOR LATCHES NOT WORKING - THE CHILD LOCKS WERE OFF. I FEEL AS THOUGH I WAS SOLD A "DUD" CAR & THAT THE SALESPERSON LIED TO ME ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION. IF I HAD KNOWN IT WAS AN "ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED MANUAL CAR" I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED IT. NOW I CAN'T GET MY CAR APPRAISED, NO DEALER IS WILLING TO BUY THIS CAR FORM ME. KBB STATES MY CURRENT VALUE IS AT AROUND $9000 AND 12 MONTHS AGO I PAID $16000, CLOSE TO $17000 INCLUDING FINANCING
Steering, Sep 9, 2016
ON THE EVENING OF SEPT. 8, 2016 WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON LEE JACKSON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY IN FAIRFAX, VA AT ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR, POWER STEERING FAILED WITH NO WARNING. POWER ASSIST CUT OUT AND A WARNING INDICATOR CAME ON. THIS RESULTED IN AN IMMEDIATE CHALLENGE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS FORTUNATE AN ACCIDENT DID NOT OCCUR GIVEN THE IMMEDIATE, DRAMATIC INCREASE IN PHYSICAL EFFORT REQUIRED TO STEER. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY RETURN HOME THAT EVENING WITH DIFFICULTY, AND I BROUGHT THE CAR TO TED BRITT FORD THE FOLLOWING MORNING. I WAS TOLD THAT A CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED, BUT SINCE IT WAS INTEGRAL TO THE STEERING "GEAR" THE ENTIRE STEERING SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1,600. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON RECENT FORDS WITH STEERING PROBLEMS, BUT MY MODEL, YEAR, AND ISSUE ARE NOT COVERED. THIS IS CLEARLY A WIDESPREAD SAFETY ISSUE. HAD A SMALLER ADULT OR A CHILD BEEN DRIVING, THIS EVENT COULD HAVE HAD A VERY BAD END.
Steering, Sep 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT FUNCTIONAL AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT REVERSE PROPERLY. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, THE POWER STEERING REGAINED FUNCTION AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S MODEL TYPE WAS KNOWN TO EXPERIENCE POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Steering, Aug 20, 2016
TAKATA RECALL: WHILE I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY, MY STEERING WHEEL STOPPED RESPONDING. IT JUST STIFFED UP AND I HAD LITTLE CONTROL OF IT AND IT WAS VERY HARD TO MAKE TURNS. ALSO I NOTICED SOME TYPE OF MALFUNCTION MESSAGE ON THE LCD DISPLAY SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT THE STEERING WHEEL STOPPED WORKING, SWITCHING TO ASSIST MODE, AND TO TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A WHOLE NEW STEERING RACK, BUT FROM READING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT OTHER USERS OF THE FORD FOCUS 2013 EXPERIENCED AND FROM MY REPAIR INVOICE, I SUSPECT IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE (ELECTRIC POWER-ASSISTED STEERING) EPAS
Steering, Aug 12, 2016
I OWN A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE DEALER REPLACED TCM MODULE AND UPDATES AS NEEDED DUE TO RECALL. MY CAR HAS 60K MILES AND EVERY SINCE DEALER COMPLETED WORK, MY STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TURN ONCE YOU FIRST CRANK THE CAR. AFTER IT IDLES FOR AWHILE, I CAN DRIVE OFF. AS OF THIS MORNING, MY "STEERING ASSIST DEFAULT SERVICE REQUIRED" SENSOR IS ON, AND MY STEERING WILL NOT TURN AT ALL. THERE IS ALSO A CLICKING NOISE, LIKE A BLINKER, THAT WILL NOT STOP EVEN IF KEYS ARE OUT OF IGNITION.
Steering, Aug 6, 2016
I HAVE THE CAR PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE IT GIVES ME THE MESSAGE "STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED". THE STEERING WHEEL IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CAR HAS 48,288 MILES WHICH I'VE ONLY PUT 12,088 OF IT. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR 14 MONTHS WHEN THIS OCCURRED I'VE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHICH THEY STATED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I REQUESTED WAS NEVER PURCHASED WHEN I TOLD THEM THE WARRANTY PAPERWORK THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME WAS EXPIRED BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR. I AM FURIOUS WITH THE DEALER, AND FORD. I DON'T HAVE $1,500 FOR THE REPAIR AND WITHOUT A CAR I CAN'T GET TO WORK. NOW I HAVE TO WORRY OF HAVING IT REPOSSESSED BECAUSE I CAN'T MAKE THE CAR PAYMENT.
Steering, Jul 27, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO STEER THE VEHICLE. "STEERING ASSIST FAULT" WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Steering, Jul 9, 2016
BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED AT ALL. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALER SINCE AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT REPAIR. TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $1793.43. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 49K MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE.
Steering, Jul 1, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.
Steering, Jul 1, 2016
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY MAKING SWEEPING RH TURN STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY TURNED TO THE LEFT ENOUGH THAT I CROSSED INTO ANOTHER LANE. GOT OFF HIGHWAY, NO WARNING INDICATORS. WENT THROUGH TOWN AND ON BUMPY PAVEMENT OR LOW SPEED TURNS STEERING WHEEL WOULD FIGHT MY EFFORTS TO TURN. CALLED DEALER AND DROVE THE CAR THERE THE NEXT MORNING. FINALLY A WARNING APPEARED THAT SAID STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. IT WAS THEN I REALIZED CAR WAS TWITCHING IN / OUT OF MANUAL STEERING AND WOULD JERK STEERING WHEEL FROM MY HANDS IF I DIDN'T KEEP A DEATH GRIP ON THE WHEEL. THIS 2013 FOCUS HAS HAD CLUTCH PACK REPLACEMENT, TCM FAILURE AND HORN INTERMIT WORKING. IF YOU DON'T HOLD WHEEL TIGHT I COULD SEE A CRASH WOULD BE LIKELY. THIS CAR SCARES ME BUT CAN'T AFFORD A NEW CAR, HECK THIS IS A NEW CAR WITH 65,000 MILES ON IT. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE DEALER BILL FOR THIS. UGH
Steering, Jun 27, 2016
DROVE OUT OF STATE FOR A WEDDING, PARKED CAR AT A REST STOP TO USE THE BATHROOM CAME BACK OUT STARTED THE CAR TO FIND A WARNING LIGHT "STEERING ASSIST FAULT" AMBER COLORED [I] APPEARED ON THE DASH AND UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. MY HUSBAND TOOK THE DRIVERS SEAT TO DRIVE TO THE NEXT EXIT WHERE OUR HOTEL IS TO MANUALLY FIGHT TO TURN THE WHEEL. HAD TO BE TOWED HOME ALMOST 100 MILES, FORD SHOULD OWN UP TO THIS SEVER SAFETY ISSUE AND RECALL THIS VEHICLE PROBLEM. NOTHING CLEARED THIS CODE OR FIXED THE DIFFICULT STEERING.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 13, 2016
VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I WENT TO TURN ON THE CAR, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED AND WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAYS THE ELECTRIC STEERING RACK AND PINION HAS FAILED AND HAS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF 1,497.00. IN ADDITION, THE CAR HAS ALSO HAD NUMEROUS REPAIRS TO THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. THE CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SINCE THE VERY FIRST DAY OF PURCHASE. THE CAR WILL VIGOROUSLY SHUDDER AT RANDOM TIMES. THE SHUDDERING OCCURS EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR AND IT CAUSES THE CAR TO VIOLENTLY JERK FORWARD. WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR ALL OF THE SERVICE UPDATES/RECALLS, AND THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS STILL PERSIST. THE COMPUTER SCREEN ALSO WILL TURN OFF RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. ONE TIME WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, THE CAR DIED. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS. I SHOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS CAR.