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
Other or unspecified, May 11, 2022
Sometimes the engine will not start. I have to continue attempting start until I hear a noise on the motor then it starts. Then if it goes in gear it will drop out of gear while driving. Most of the time I have to shut the vehicle off and restart multiple times to get it working again. I may be on the side of the road for 45 minutes or an hour waiting for it to reboot and start working again. Thus I don’t allow my fiancé to drive it by herself and this is not good.
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as a stick shift despite being an automatic vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the dual clutch assembly; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the same part was replaced a total of 10 times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2022
There's an extended warranty on the TCMS on the fiestas and focuses from Ford from like 2011 to 16. I took advantage of them to replace the TCM but due to the TCM I guess malfunctioning the clutch itself has went out and now that's like dollars so the transmission control module in the clutch I feel should be covered under the customer satisfaction.
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2022
Car won't go in gear when you come to stop, or in middle of driving on beltway and you can't get over. I almost caused several accidents, cause got stuck in middle of rd for 20 minutes. lucky I had cones.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be repaired under an unknown transmission recall, and he was informed that it would be two months before the vehicle could be repaired. However, the contact stated that 4 months later, the vehicle was still at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Other or unspecified, Electrical system, Jan 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was incorrectly showing that there was a specific amount of fuel to empty ratio on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2022
While driving the vehicle the power steering completely failed and it became impossible to steer (except with great effort). If this had happened on the highway at speed it could easily have caused a major accident. I have seen hundreds of complaints about this problem on the internet, but there has been no recall for this highly dangerous defect.
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that his vehicle would stall soon after filling up as the check engine light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The vehicle had been serviced prior to the failure under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). Both the dealer and the manufacturer have been notified of the failure and both informed him that they could not offer any additional service. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to drive to his residence at 40 MPH but felt that the vehicle was running out of fuel. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V495000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 93,783.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 4, 2021
Powertrain loss and loss of engine power, power control module. Engine failure on a busy highway. Putting me at risk of an accident. The car has been serviced by an independent service center. Has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer. Check engine and other warning lamps appeared
Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2021
The power of the car (a 2013 Ford Focus Electric) simply STOPPED within a few seconds of the warning message. A red triangle appeared on the dash with the message Stop Safely Now. I was surprised and pulled over. My safety was at risk because had I been making a left turn in traffic, I would likely NOT HAVE SURVIVED. I was on a country road and able to pull over immediately. The car lost power within seconds and would not move. After my car was towed away, I learned: This is a defect that FORD knows about; it has been confirmed in one of their technical safety bulletins (TSB 17-0045.) It ought to be a RECALL. It is a huge safety issue. The car was towed to a Ford dealership parking lot and could be inspected.
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2021
When accelerating the vehicle pulls back to shift and then will release when going up in RPM’s. After filling car with gas and when on the break the car will stall and takes time to restart the car. Had to pay out of pocket for recall 18S32 due to initially having it looked out and Ford closed out the recall because they recalibrated but did not actually fix the issue so 2 months later I had to pay out of pocket for the recall.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2021
Our Ford focus is in the shop for its third transmission module problem.
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2021
I was driving down the road and getting ready to stop at a red light but all of a sudden my car died completely. Lost all power including electrical and mechanical. Luckily there was no one in front of me so there was no accident but I was forced to push the car out of the middle of the intersection. It still isn't working. The battery is brand new and when I charge it it charges up like it should so I definitely think it's something else on the car causing the issue. I had no warning lights on or anything.
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2021
I was driving and all of a sudden my car just shut down. Completely. It has not electrical power or anything.
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2021
Was driving and had stoppedat a red light. Car died andwould not start again. Has not started since
Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2021
I had a recall for door latches to the ford focus My back passenger door automatically open while my son was sitting in his car on when I was making a left on a street Took my vehicle to Riverside ford an their technician told me they couldn't repair the door latches because the recall expired
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER MOTHER WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED AND LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED. THE DRIVER CONTINUED DRIVING TO THE RESIDENCE WITH THE VEHICLE CONTINUING TO SHUDDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BEECHMONT FORD, INC. (600 OHIO PIKE, CINCINNATI, OH 45245, (513) 752-6611) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEXT TAKEN TO MIKE CASTRUCCI FORD (1020 OH-28, MILFORD, OH 45150, (513) 275-1048) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED SERVICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V735000/19V515000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) WHICH FAILED TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2021
I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH THIS CAR SINCE I GOT IT 5 YEARS AGO. I WAS LEAVING TO TAKE MY SON TO A DR APPOINTMENT. I GOT ABOUT A MILE DOWN THE ROAD AND THE SERVICE ENGINE NOW POPS UP. A LOUD POP SOUND CAME THRU MY SPEAKERS AND THE RADIO STOPPED WORKING. THEN I STARTED LOSING RPMS AND POWER TO MY CAR IT WOULDN'T GO OVER 10MPH. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP IT BACK HOME VERY SLOWLY. I'M NOT SURE WHAT'S GOING ON I'VE REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT/CAMSHAFT SENSOR AND PURGE VALVE. I'VE HAD ALL THE RECALLS FIXED ON IT DEALING WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. WHEN FORD MADE THIS CAR THEY CLEARLY WASN'T THINKING STRAIGHT. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE AND I'M SO GLAD WE MADE IT BACK HOME SAFE MY CHILD WAS TERRIFIED. NOTHING BUT A MONEY PIT AND I DON'T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY TO KEEP PUTTING IN A CAR THAT KEEPS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES OVER AND OVER.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 10, 2021
THE CAR ISN'T DRIVABLE. WHEN I START IT IT MAKES CLICKING NOISE AND HARD TO START. IF DRIVING IT, IT DOESN'T GIVE ANY GAS OR GO OVER 20 MILES. IT SOMETIMES SHUT OFF AND SOMETIMES HAVE A HARD TIME DRIVING FOWARD. CODES P0087, P0783, P2872, COMES UP ON A DIAGNOSTIC. THAT'S DRIVING ON A STREET AND CAN'T DRIVE ON HIGHWAY ANYMORE.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2020
I HAVE HAD MY FOCUS IN THE SHOP AT LEAST 6 TIMES FOR THE TRANSMISSION. EACH TIME THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CLUTCHES & SEALS. NOW THEY SAY IT NEEDS THE CLUTCHES, SEALS, THROW OUT BEARING AND FORKS AT A COST OF $2231.00 & IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM SINCE THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 2013 & FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT HAS CAUSED ME TO ALMOST BE HIT SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT CORRECTLY. I WOULD SAY THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AS WELL AS MECHANICAL.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 20, 2020
I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN AUGUST OF 2017 IN BASTROP, TEXAS AT BENNY BOYD USED CAR SALES. IT BROKE 20 DAYS LATER , WHERE IT WENT TO BASTROP FORD , UNKNOWN AS TO WHAT RECALL THEY REPAIRED BUT IT RETURNED TO THE SHOP ABOUT LESS THAN 2 MONTHS LATER WITH ANOTHER RECALL ISSUE , I HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUES SEVERAL TIMES , I NOW HAVE THE SAME ISSUES AGAIN AND HAVE SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2018 I WOULD LIKE TO RETURN TO MY HOME STATE AND OR BE ABLE TO GET A NEW CAR BUT BECAUSE THIS CAR HAS CONSUMED AND NEARLY DIMINISHED ALMOST EVERY PART OF MY LIVELYHOOD AND SELF WORTH , FINANCES, DEBT , ETC . I AM UNABLE TO EVEN OPERATE AS A NORMAL HUMAN. I NEED THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED BECAUSE THE CAR DEALERSHIPS REFUSE TO ADDRESS THE FEDERAL RECALLS AND OR BUYBACK TILL 2023. . THIS CAR LOSES GEAR, HAS CLUTCH AND TRANS ISSUES DESCRIBED THE SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE'S IN ALL FORUMS AND COMPLAINT SITE ACROSS THE WEB. BACKWARDS IN DRIVE STALLS AT LIGHTS LOSES GEAR WHILE DRIVING MAKES ROBOT SOUNDS ETC. I HAVE RUINED MY LIFE BY PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE AND WOULD LIKE TO GO BACK TO BEING PRODUCTIVE. I HAVE A MIRAGE OF HEALTH ISSUES SO THIS IS NOT EASY CONSIDERING I SHOULD BE IN CONTROL OF MY EVERYDAY LIFE BECAUSE I ORCHARD A VEHICLE TO DRIVE NOT SIT AND WATCH IT PARKED WHILE PAYING 400 A MONTH IN IT. I AM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS AND SOLUTIONS . I AM IN FIRE NEED OF SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS FROM ALL ASPECTS . THANK YOU .
Other or unspecified, Sep 18, 2020
CAR WAS RUNNING AND THEN JUST DIED. CAR WAS STATIONARY.
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2020
THE TRANSMISSION STICKS AND VEHICLE IS HARD TO GET UP TO SPEED. TOOK IT TO A CERTIFIED DEALER AND IT'S THE AUTOMATIC CLUTCH AND SAID THEY SEE THE FORDS AND FIESTAS DOING THIS A LOT!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 29, 2020
RECALL PERFORMED ON PURGE VALVE....STILL CANT BREATH INSIDE THE CABIN FROM THE FUMES...WAS TOLD IT THE CAT CONVERTER..... 1550 BEFORE TAX