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: structure
84 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jul 28, 2015
I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AND THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR ON MY 2 YEAR OLD FORD FOCUS FLEW OPEN. IT ALMOST HIT AN ONCOMING CAR CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. NOW THE DOW WILL NOT CLOSE AT ALL.
Structure, Jun 18, 2015
WHEN CLOSING FRONT PASSENGER DOOR CLOSES, DOOR LATCH WILL NOT KEEP DOOR SECURELY CLOSED. DOOR WILL OPEN ON THE SLIGHTEST PUSH AND WILL OPEN WHEN TURNING VEHICLE. IF PASSENGER IS NOT WEARING SEAT BELT OR IF SEAT BELT IS NOT FULLY PENSIONED, A PASSENGER MAY FALL FROM MOVING VEHICLE. ENGAGING DOOR LOCK WILL NOT SECURE DOOR. WITH LOCK ENGAGED DOOR WILL STILL OPEN WITHOUT RELEASE DOOR LATCH. DOOR LATCH WILL NOT ENGAGE.
Structure, May 28, 2015
DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE DOOR WILL NO LONGER STAY SHUT. THE LATCH TO HOLD THE DOOR CLOSE WOULD NO LONGER LATCH IN PLACE, SO YOU COULD PULL THE DOOR OPEN WITHOUT ANY FORCE. WE HAD TO TIE THE DOOR CLOSED IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE.
Power train, Structure, Jan 29, 2015, crash
I WAS ENTERING A CAR PORT THAT HAS A SLIGHT 2 DEGREE DOWNWARD SLOPE TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR PORT. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE SEEMED TO ACCELERATE SLIGHTLY WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE AND GO THROUGH THE CAR PORT FRONT OVERHANG. THE CURRENT DRIVING CONDITIONS ADEQUATE (THE WEATHER -VERY COLD, SNOWING BUT CARPORT WAS CLEAR UNDERNEATH) BEFORE AND SINCE THE REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO HESITATE TO ENGAGE MOMENTARILY ON DECELERATION AND ACCELERATION OPERATIONS. *TR
Structure, Aug 12, 2014
WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF INITIAL PURCHASE I NOTICED A RATTLE/CRUNCHING/GRINDING NOISE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE IS PREVALENT DURING REVERSE AS A RATTLE AND DURING LEFT TURNS AS CRUNCH AND SOMETIMES GRINDING NOISE. *TR
Suspension, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Structure, May 2, 2014, crash
I WAS GOING TO PICK UP MY WIFE FROM WORK AS USUAL. I AM A VERY SAFE DRIVER ESPECIALLY AROUND CORNERS. I WAS NOT DRIVING MORE THAT15 MPH WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. TO AVOID HITTING A PARKED CAR I HAD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. I WENT UP ON THE DRIVEWAY AREA. I HIT A CONCRETE WALL PORTION OR A DRIVEWAY. TOTALED THE ENTIRE FRONT RIGHT. AXLE IS BROKEN. AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED. SEVERAL MONTHS BACK THEY HAD TO PUT IN A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION. THE CAR IS JUST NOW 1 YEAR OLD. IT COULD NOT GO UP HILLS, PARK UP HILLS. TRANSMISSION WOULD TURN OFF. NOW IT ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. MY WIFE TOLD ME FROM THE BEGINNING THIS CAR IS A LEMON. I LIKED IT SO DID NOT WANT TO BELIEVE IT! NOW I HAVE TO. I AM STILL STIFF ALL OVER. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD AUTO BODY AND MY DEALER. I HOPE THEY WILL BE HONEST ABOUT ALL THIS. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD BE MARKED BADLY BY MY INSURANCE OR HAVE MY PREMIUM GO UP WHEN THIS IS NOT MY FAULT. I HOPE FORD WILL AT LEAST HELP ME OUT WITH A NEW REPLACEMENT CAR FOR THIS LEMON THEY SOLD ME! NOW THEY WILL PUT THROUGH A CLAIM ON MY INSURANCE TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE WALL. I HOPE MY INSURANCE PREMIUM WILL NOT GO UP. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS WHEN FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND HAS MANY COMPLAINTS. THIS I WAS NOT EVEN AWARE OF! *TR
Power train, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2013, crash
DRIVING INTO WORK ONE MORNING, I WAS FOLLOWING BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, ALMOST TO A STOP WHEN I THEN TURNED INTO A PARKING SPOT, PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE SO I THEN PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AT A MUCH FASTER SPEED THAN USUAL AND THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO THE WALL OF THE PARKING STRUCTURE IN THE SPACE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN. ON OTHER OCCASIONS BEFORE THIS, I HAD EXPERIENCED HESITATION WHILE PRESSING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL BUT NOTHING LIKE WHAT HAPPENED THE MORNING THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD, HITTING THE CEMENT WALL IN THE PARKING STRUCTURE. *JS
Visibility, Structure, Seats, Mar 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT HEADREST BLOCKED THE REARVIEW MIRROR VISIBILITY WHEN REVERSING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOT AN ADJUSTMENT AVAILABLE FOR THE HEADREST BECAUSE IT WAS A SAFETY FEATURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. ..UPDATED 04/24/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS PEDAL IS TOO CLOSE TO THE BRAKE. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A PERSON WITH A WIDE SHOE TO STEP ON BOTH PEDALS AT THE SAME TIME. UPDATED 05/16/2013 *JS
Structure, Jan 26, 2013
THIS IS A COPY OF COMPLAINT SENT TO FORD... "THE HOOD ON MY ONE MONTH OLD FOCUS HAS POPPED FOUR (4) TIMES. TODAY I BROUGHT IT IN TO MY DEALER (RT 23 AUTO MALL, BUTLER, NJ) AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT "MAY" BE MY FOOT ACTIVATING THE HOOD LATCH. IF MY FOOT CAN OPEN THE CAR HOOD, YOU HAVE A SERIOUS DESIGN PROBLEM. (WHICH WE ALREADY KNOW FROM THE OTHER DESIGN ISSUES THE FOCUS HAS). THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!!! FORD SHOULD REMOVE ALL FOCUS' FROM THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. MY DEALER AGREED AND GAVE ME A LOANER. THEY WILL BE CONTACTING YOU MONDAY TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. IF I WAS ABLE TO TEST DRIVE THE FOCUS FOR MORE THAN AN HOUR, I PROBABLY (DEFINITELY) WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED IT. I HAD CONVINCED MYSELF TO BUY AN AMERICAN MADE CAR, BUT I WAS WRONG!" *TR