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: other or unspecified
196 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2026
Transmission error stating clutch A engaged. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the vehicle would not move after being stopped at the stop light or stop sign or stop during traffic.
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2026
Transmission problems and my car is still under 100000 and it’s a 2013 ford focus
Other or unspecified, May 17, 2026
While driving home from work, I was attempting to accelerate my RPMs showed 4000. However, my speed did not match the car. He hesitated and was doing a lot of jerking after I got home turned off the car turned it back on my check engine light came on and it threw a code P07A5.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 8, 2026
The "shift tower" typically refers to the external mechanism on top of the transmission where the shifter cables connect. Problems with this part, which is a broken internal pin, result in a shifter that moves freely without engaging any gears. The gear become in operatable when driving down the highway, which is a hazard on the road. There were no warning light just not ale to change gears.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 14, 2026
The vehicle began to experience issues where it was difficult to start and ran rough. Multiple times after turning off vehicle and attempting to restart later it would not restart. Had vehicle towed to dealership for repairs, they conducted a recall repair and test over multiple days. Picked up vehicle, drove approximately 7 miles. Went into store came back and vehicle would not start. Multiple other recalls are listed for this date range and motor that likely could be impacting my current vehicle. However, this VIN is not listed as a specific recall. Current situation places driver and passenger at risk as the vehicle does not run properly and does not restart
Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2025
The reverse Camera assist and alerts are faulty. The camera when you put the car into Reverse is upside down all of a sudden. The alerts continue to beep when I put the car in reverse as well. It's very dangerous because you think something is behind you even though there is nothing. Because the camera is upside down you can see anything behind you as well it just beeps non stop with no assistance.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2025
The car shows a warning transmission fault service now
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2025
Power train or speed control. The transmission acts up and it’s a common problem in this model and it’s almost caused an accident and I haven’t had a reliable source of transportation since this issue arose.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 18, 2024
The vehicle jerks from gear to gear when getting the car to move, hesitates and feels like it's skips
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 28, 2024
I am experiencing a significant issue with my 2013 Ford Focus that aligns with known recall symptoms. When I accelerate from a stop, the car shakes violently, similar to a washing machine off balance, and struggles to gain momentum. This issue impacts the vehicle's performance and safety, and I believe it may be related to a recall affecting this model. I kindly request your assistance in diagnosing and resolving this problem under the applicable recall or warranty coverage. Please let me know the next steps to address this concern.
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2024
[XXX], around 11am, I was driving and the driver door was wide opened. I tried to shut it but no way. I managed to find a parking where I parked. I called AAA but they couldn't do anything. While trying to find out what was going on, we came to cross the recall. I called FORD CS. She advised to tow Focus to the nearest dealership. Also, I asked that FORD assist me with a rental but she said that the dealership has to run their diagnosis and confirm it's a recall first even after I gave her the detail of what happened. I could be in a messy accident. All I asked is a car that can keep me going to my workplaces. I work day and night, week days and weekends. Focus was towed. On Monday, June 10th, we kept contact with the dealership. Michelle was our contact. She confirmed the recall and said the car doors would be fixed by Tuesday. I asked for a rental or loaner, she refused. I went back to chat with FORD CS agent. Nothing was resolved. So mad. On Thursday, [XXX], I left my day job going home. The gas yellow sign was showing on the board and I was on my way to get gas. I could still see 7 miles left before completion. I was driving in the middle lane on the highway [XXX] ). The engine stalled without warning and Focus won't restart. Another panicking situation for me in less than a week. I called AAA & they said Focus needed to be towed to the shop. Wow! At this very moment, Focus is at the repair shop. Yesterday, Friday, June 14th, the agent told me that they replaced the battery and that they found some safety issues like oil change ( this was done recently and due only in Nov. 24), .... At this point, I told them I'll pay for the battery and get Focus on Monday, Now, I was reading about the 3 recalls and came across the fuel system, gasoline: storage. I kind of realized that this might be the case on Thursday. Pls, take care of my Focus without endangering my life. I will be expecting your reply about steps to take. Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2024
Dual transmission going out
Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2024
Duel clutch transmission is bad, has trouble shifting and accelerating with a small leak.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2023
I bought the car in November, 2021. I had it immediately start to shudder, noticed that for example when I tried to accelerate especially in the midst of turning in the middle of a busy road at an intersection I would stall and lose the ability to move the car, then the hazard lights would never turn on, then lost power to the components of the car which used to function normally. I’m a single mom caring for a child who has multiple disabilities and needs much assistance in which we are still being tested and on waiting lists for, and the last year our car was overheating always, despite the amount of work and repairs that we have paid for and other organizations helped us with, which is more than the cost of the actual cars worth and before any of these faulty parts or builds were common knowledge and available, I was never aware of this. I had the car in to multiple mechanics and we were told they couldn’t find the problem. We’ve repaired up to 5 grand or more and have been having to drive with the heat on for the last year full blast and windows down. We’ve had heat sickness and thrown up or ended up having severe headaches and dehydration. We then had the loss of power worsen, til 2 months ago. It was dead one morning and after jumping it, I couldn’t get it in reverse, so pushed it out and then it wouldn’t go over 10-15 mph nor would the hazard lights work. I got it to Ogden Ford, who said it’s the dual clutch part. I had it replaced and came up with the near grand. We have lost our entire life due to this, no help with outside assistance, almost homeless. Now we get a call saying the clutch part was replaced but the whole transmission has to be replaced and need to get 4 grand. Had told them no way I can. They had a salesmen call me to pitch a new car instead. I called Ford Motor company and asked customer relations to get help. They won’t even fix the existing recalls and we are losing our life. We need help. Please we have tried all we can.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2023
We bought a used car,as is, and had no problem. Approx 6 wks later it had trouble going into park and were told (by our technician) there was a recall on a computer. Made an appt. with the dealer and on the day it was to go in husband went to get gas the transmission failed so we had AAA tow it to them. They then told us the entire transmission failed and there was no warranty. We learned there was a nationwide problem with the computers. We never, nor did the dealer we purchased it from ever receive a notice from Ford that there was a recall on the outer computer. If they had done that the transmission could have been saved. I contacted Ford and was told to go back to the dealer they were doing nothing, The car sits in our driveway. This is not the only year Ford had a problem with Ford Focus transmissions. They should do something. We were quoted $9000, for a new transmission. Being on social security and a small pension we can't afford it and a used transmission is not feasible because of the major problems with the trans.
Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2023
I was driving and all of a sudden a loud bang was heard which made me shocked and frightened. I realized after I pulled over that my moonroof had shattered completely. Knowing nothing had fallen on it or was thrown. I called Ford about the issue and they refuse to do anything about it. I also made an insurance claim which has been not addressed.
Other or unspecified, May 10, 2023
Clutch Assembly
Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2023
Faulty door latch/ car not registering door is closed Dealer did not recognize this as part of the recall for cars of the same year and model because of the difference in vin
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 17, 2023
On Monday March 27th 2023 at about 7:00 pm I was leaving the parking garage where I work in Rosslyn, VA: I started the car as usual and notice that I couldn't put the car in Reverse using the clutch (it's an automatic Ford Focus 2013): Luckily, the parking garage was empty on the level where I was parked, and I pushed the car back and forth to be able to keep the car in "Drive" mode so that I could drive the car out of the garage. I did that and I started to drive to go home. I started to notice that I couldn't accelerate the car and at about 20 min into driving I started to get a signal on the dash board that said: “TRANS OVERHEATING”, and I was getting the signal to stop the car to cool off before driving it again. I had to do this several time (at least 6 times) while I was driving home to MD. The car was NOT SAFE to drive I barely made it home and the next morning on Tuesday March 28th I drove the car to the Ford Dealer "Academy Ford" in Laurel MD, having the same issue and emergency signal on the dash board. This is the SECOND TIME that this issue has presented itself: in 2019 the Car had the same problem, and at the time, because the car was under extended warranty, Ford replaced the part at no cost. I took the car at the same Ford Dealer in 2019. (see paper attached) This time the Dealer said that I would have to pay for the COST OF THE REPAIR, which I provided with the QUOTE from the Dealer in attachment. I was advised to contact directly "Ford Costumer Service" to see if they would provide Financial Assistance and Reimbursement for the Car Rental that I had to get because I didn't have a car and I work in VA every day (the cost is provided in attachment). Ford Costumer Service opened a case but denied ANY FINANCIAL HELP and Assistance for the Car and for the Rental because THERE ARE NOT CURRENTLY ANY RECALLS of this nature ON THE FORD FOCUS 2013. I need to open a CASE & A RECALL for this PROBLEM for the FORD FOCUS 2013. Thank you.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2023
Transmission, there is a recall on the computer mounted outside the trans, we were never told there was a recall on it. Started making a loud noise and had trouble going onto reverse. Made appt. to take to dealer and day before went to fuel up and trans. went. AA A towed it to dealer and were told clutches in trans were computer controlled and were bad. Given estimate of $8000. to replace. Check complaints on this model and from 2011 and on there is a major transmission problem It should have a recall on the entire trans. My husband is 83 and fortunately he was stopped when this happened. Had he been driving it would have been bad.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2023
At approx 01-05-2023 while driving at a speed of 30 to 35 mph Transmission quit with no notice. Dealer says it needs a total rebuild with a cost of approx $3500.00 to $3900.00 The dealer or Ford refuses to make things right with me. Ford told me to make payment arrangements with the dealer and suck it up. I still have a loan on car for approx $7100.00 . Car is currently disabled and is parked for good.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2022
The vehicle sputters and shakes when pulling out. I try not to pull out if someone is coming because I am not sure if the car will stale out or not. The vehicle shuts off sometimes. It has been overheating a lot lately.
Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2022
Lost power while driving on highway. Ford dealership identified problem with TCM. Car has not been repaired at this time. Waiting for back ordered TCM.
Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2022
My Transmission Control Module went out on my 2013 Ford Focus SE and is supposed to be covered by the Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage provided by Ford but the part has not been delivered and Ford has not fixed the issue and is causing more damage to my vehicle and it’s capability to safely transport me anywhere.
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2022
June 2021 I purchased a car from a Ford dealership in North Carolina. when buying the seller had assured me that the vehicle was in good condition and had not informed me that there was a recall concerning the transmission. However, I had clearly explained to this seller that I had to make a long trip (2000 miles). Not even a month later, the vehicle started having problems reversing. When I arrived in Austin I had to take it to a mechanic who informed me of the recall. When I typed the VIN on the internet I even found another recall related to a door safety issue. I took it to another ford dealership for repairs which cost almost $3000. February 2022 another problem appeared and it seems that I still have to make repairs. the capital ford lillington dealer does not answer my calls or emails.