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: vehicle speed control
112 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 13, 2014
I'VE REPORTED THIS ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES. IT IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT!! WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, OR STOP SIGN, THE CAR WANTS TO KEEP MOVING, EVEN THOUGH HEAVY BRAKE PRESSURE IS BEING APPLIED. WHEN I AM AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN TO MOVE FORWARD, THE CAR HESITATES TO MOVE, CAUSING THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME TO BLOW THEIR HORN! THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO!! THIS CAR IS GOING TO CAUSE MYSELF OR OTHER OWNERS AN ACCIDENT WITH NO DOUBT IN MY MIND! THE HESITATION TO TAKE OFF WHEN I'M WANTING TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SCARES ME TO DEATH!!! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE AN INNOCENT LIFE OR LIVES ARE LOST!!! *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 20, 2014
THE CAR IS EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. IT SHUDDERS AND BOGS DOWN AS I AM ACCELERATING, AND OFTEN LURCHES FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CAR MAKES A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING THROUGH GEARS. THE PROBLEMS BEGAN IN LOW GEARS, BUT I AM NOW EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS AT ALL SPEEDS, INCLUDING LURCHING FORWARD. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, ONLY FOR THEM TO TELL ME THIS IS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE. I AM AFRAID THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE GRINDING OF THE GEARS WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO OTHER COMPONENTS OF MY VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 11, 2014
I BOUGHT MY 2013 FOCUS SE PRE OWNED WITH 19500 MILES IN MARCH OF 2014. WITHIN A MONTH THE CAR WAS SHAKING HORRIBLY AT STOP AND AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 0-30MPH, WHILE GRINDING-LIKE NOISE CAME FROM THE TRANSMISSION. I AM IN FEAR OF MY WIFE AND MY SAFETY, I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY A BIG 1 TON DIESEL TRUCK BECAUSE MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FROM STOP. I TOOK IT THE DEALER AND THE CAR WAS "REPAIRED" BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT FROM. AFTER TAKING IT HOME 2 WEEKS LATER I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK BECAUSE THE SAME PROBLEMS WERE OCCURRING. FORD SERVICE ASSURED ME THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. ME BEING A CHEMICAL PLANT WORKER WORKING OVERNIGHTS MADE IT DIFFICULT TO BRING THE CAR IN FOR A THIRD TIME DURING THEIR BUSINESS HOURS. FIRST CHANCE I GOT I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP A MONTH LATER TO GET IT FIXED AGAIN. I TALKED TO THE DEALER MANAGER AND HE GUARANTEED ME HE WOULD HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE, HE TOOK ME TO THE FORD SERVICE MANAGER JUST FOR HIM TO TELL ME "ITS NORMAL" FOR THAT CAR TO DO THAT. THEY SAID ALL THEY COULD DO IS SOME COMPUTER RESET TO THE CAR AND GAVE IT BACK TO ME. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THE CAR WILL START SHAKING AGAIN EVENTUALLY AND THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX THAT PROBLEM BECAUSE THAT'S THE WAY THE TRANSMISSION WAS DESIGNED. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF FILING A LEMON LAW COMPLAINT AGAINST FORD. WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE AGAIN. *TR
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Jul 29, 2014
SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IS BEEN HAVING A LOT OF ISSUES WITH CHANGING GEARS,I CALLED AND FORD SAID IT WAS NORMAL.BUT I HAD AN INCIDENT IT WAS VERY SCARY EVERY TIME YOU ARE IN TRAFFIC AND THE CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP, IF YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE THE CAR IT GOES HARD AND FAST I ALMOST CRASHED THE PERSON RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME.THE OTHER INCIDENT I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND HAD THE CAR ON REVERSE AND THE CAR ACTUALLY WENT FORWARD IT WAS VERY SCARY I WENT ONLY AND SEE MANY CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING ABOUT SIMILAR ISSUES I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY ARE TAKING SO LONG TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS MODELS IS VERY DANGEROUS THEY NEED TO AVOID ANY FURTHER INCIDENTS I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR AND I DON'T WANT TO PUT SOMEONE ELSE IN DANGER TO FOR SOMETHING THAT COULD BE AVOIDED. I REALLY PRAY AND HOPE THAT THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT NOW THESE CARS NEED TO BE OFF THE STREET NOW. *JS
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 16, 2014
AS I WAS WAITING A TRAFFIC LIGHT MY ENGINE REVS DROPPED SO LOW THE ENGINE QUIETLY DIED. WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE FROM THE LIGHT I REALIZED THE CAR HAD STALLED AND HAD TO RESTART THE CAR. IT ONLY HAPPENED ONCE MORE IN THE NEXT MONTH AND A HALF, THEN HAPPENED THREE TIMES YESTERDAY. THE LAST TIME THE CAR STALLED I WAS GETTING READY TO MAKE A LEFT TURN THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT DURING THE RUSH HOUR COMMUTE HOME. THE CAR DID START UP AGAIN, BUT IT STRUGGLED TO TURN BACK ON AND SOME DASH LIGHTS FLASHED UP ME (I BELIEVE THE CEL FLASHED ON.) I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION DURING RUSH HOUR FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS WITH A DEAD CAR. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 28, 2014
WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND BEGIN TO ACCELERATE THE CAR STALLS AND JERKS RAPIDLY WHEN THROWING ITSELF INTO 2ND GEAR. ONCE IT FINISHES THE JERKING AND STALLING MOTION IT MAKES A LOUD RATTLING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN IN GEAR AND ACCELERATED GOING TO 35-55 IT WILL STALL THEN THE RPMS WILL GO HIGHER AND IT WILL JERK BACK INTO GEAR ACCELERATING FASTER THAN I WAS GOING. SOMETIMES IT WILL BARELY GO FROM A STOPPED POSITION TO TRYING TO ACCELERATE THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN JERK INTO GEAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 5 MPH. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER NOR WAS IT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 23, 2014
I PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY IT DROVE FINE FOR 2 WEEKS. THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED HESITATING, SHUTTER NOISES, AND VIBRATING. I TOOK IT TO FORD 2 DAYS LATER IT STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN. THE CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED BEFORE I PURCHASED IT. I WAS NOT DISCLOSED THAT INFORMATION WHEN I PURCHASED IT. NOW I HAVE A UNRELIABLE CAR, THANKS FORD! *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 23, 2014
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN SEPT 2013 BRAND NEW WITH 23 MILES ON IT. I HAVE NO MEDICATION DONE TO MY CAR, AND FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS I'VE NOTICED A SMALL MISS EVERY ONCE AND A WHILE. THIS PROBLEM STARTED GETTING WORSE AT TIMES MY CAR WOULD ACCELERATE WITHOUT ME PUSHING THE THROTTLE. ON 21 JUNE 2014 THE PROBLEM GOT MUCH WORSE AND STARTED TO STALL WHEN I AM IN NEUTRAL, AND THE THROTTLE IS ALL OVER THE PLACE. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP, THIS PROBLEM IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET, WITH QUITE OF FEW 2013 FORD FOCUSES EFFECTED THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT NEED TO BE RAISED. IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN THAT IF LEFT UNTREATED COULD RESULT IN SOMEONE LOSING THEIR LIFE. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 19, 2014
I UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN THIS CAR REVS AND TENDS TO BEHAVE LIKE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I OWNED A CELICA WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION YEARS AGO. HOWEVER, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THIS FOCUS HAS DECELERATED, PAUSED AND THEN LURCHED FORWARD AND I WAS POWERLESS TO ACCELERATE IT OR ALTER ITS "LURCH". IT TENDS TO MAKE A WIND UP NOISE ON THESE OCCURRENCES. IT OCCASIONALLY HESITATES WHEN I APPLY THE ACCELERATOR FROM STOPPED. SOMETIMES THE HESITATION IS LONGER AND MORE PRONOUNCED THAN AT OTHER TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN THIS FOCUS TO THE DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW IN SEPTEMBER OF 2013 AND IT IS DIAGNOSED WITH A CODE 7000 AND THE DEALER HAS TO KEEP THE CAR OVERNIGHT BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPROGRAMMED FROM FORD HEADQUARTERS AS I UNDERSTAND IT. THE DEALER ALSO MAY PERFORM A DRUM ADAPTIVE LEARN STRATEGY AND ADAPTIVE LEARN DRIVE CYCLE. WHEN I LEAVE THE CAR SEEMS TO HAVE "SETTLED DOWN" AND RUNS MORE SMOOTHLY AND QUIETLY. IT ALSO GETS SUBSTANTIALLY BETTER MPG. ON APRIL 2, 2014, AT 17,995 MILES, I TOOK IT IN BECAUSE IT WAS HESITATING ON ACCELERATION AND JERKING AND NOISY. THE FOCUS HAD A CRACKED MOTOR MOUNT. AND AGAIN THE TRANSMISSION WAS GIVEN ITS USUAL COMPUTER UPDATE FROM FORD. CURRENTLY, THE FOCUS MILEAGE IS AT 21,300 AND IT'S WINDING ITSELF UP, JERKING ME AROUND, HESITATING AND LURCHING. TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC AND, AS I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR TO PULL OUT, THE FOCUS DID NOT RESPOND FOR A FEW SECONDS. AT THAT POINT I HAD TO BRAKE BECAUSE IT WAS TOO LATE TO ENTER ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS IS VERY WORRISOME FOR ME ESPECIALLY SINCE MY SON DRIVES THE CAR AS WELL AND HE IS A NOVICE DRIVER WITH ONE YEAR EXPERIENCE. IN MARCH, I WAS TRAVELING AND RENTED A 2013 FORD FOCUS AND DROVE IT ABOUT 500 FREEWAY MILES. IT SEEMED ON IT'S BEST BEHAVIOR. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 5, 2014
CAR IS LAGGING AND BOGGING CONSISTENTLY; TURN ACCELERATION IN UNPREDICTABLE, FREQUENT TRANSMISSION SHUDDERING OCCURRING, UN-SMOOTH SHIFTING, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE. LOW GAS MILEAGE 20-24. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 2, 2014
JUST PURCHASED A USED FORD FOCUS SE 2013. THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD UPON ACCELERATING AND THEN THE RPMS DECREASE WHILE ACCELERATING, THEN INCREASE FOR A MOMENT, THEN DECREASE AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS ANY TIME I ACCELERATE. THE CAR JERKS FORWARD THEN STOPS. WHILE THE RPMS ARE INCREASING, THE CAR MAKES A REVVING SOUND ALMOST AS IF I'M IN THE WRONG GEAR (THOUGH IT'S AN AUTOMATIC), THEN IT SOUNDS AS IF IT'S STOPPING WHILE THE RPMS DROP. I HEAR AN INTERMITTENT GRINDING SOUND THAT SEEMS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS BEING OVERTAXED OR DAMAGED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 2, 2014
WHILE SLOWING DOWN ON A TURN, THE CAR LOOSES POWER, AS IF ITS GOING TO STALL, THEN RECOVERS WHEN ACCELERATING, THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, MUCH MORE TRICKY ON ICY AND WINTRY DAYS, ACCELERATING IN A CURVE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STALLING. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS THE CAR ROLLS BACK ON HILLS, FOR AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, NOR IS IT SAFE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, May 29, 2014
FIRST INCIDENT ...WAS MAKING A TURN FROM A STOP POSITION AND CAR HESITATED(TRANSMISSION). SECOND INCIDENT .. PARKED CAR ON AN INCLINE AND CAR ROLLED BACK ENOUGH TO HAVE SOMEBODY BEHIND ME CALL IT TO MY ATTENTION. THIRD INCIDENT ? GOING UP ON MY DRIVEWAY THE CAR HESITATED AND SHAKES A LOT WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP POSITION. NOTE= WHEN MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR ON A TEST RUN.. NONE OF THIS PROBLEMS SHOWED UP. THAT IS BECAUSE THE ROUTE WE TOOK WAS ALL ON FLAT SURFACES(IN FLORIDA). WE BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THEY HANDED US A PAMPHLET, THAT EXPLAINED TO US THAT WE DID NOT REALLY BUY A CAR WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, IT IS A STANDARD TRANSMISSION WITH SOME KIND OF GEAR SET UP TO SHIFT AS IF IT IS AN AUTOMATIC. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO TOLD US TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER IF WE WANTED TO MAKE A COMPLAIN. WE HAVE A TWO YEAR WARRANTY, BUT I AM THINKING THAT WE MIGHT HAVE SOME TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS A LOT SOONER, BUT WHO WANTS TO DRIVE A NEW CAR WITH THAT PROBLEM PENDING OVER YOUR HEAD. I HOPE THAT WE ALL COMPLAIN LOUD ENOUGH FOR FORD TO TAKE SOME IMMEDIATE ACTION, AND COME UP WITH A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 21, 2014
WE WERE DRIVING HOME AND HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD USING CRUISE CONTROL FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 1/2 HOURS WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY GOING FROM 70 MPH TO NO POWER OR ELECTRICAL. WE WERE FAST LANE ON I-75 NORTH AND THE CAR WAS WITHOUT ANY POWER OR HAZARD LIGHTS. WE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES AND FINALLY IT STARTED AFTER 5 MINUTES. LUCKILY A CAR STOPPED AND HAD THEIR HAZARD LIGHTS ON. SINCE THEN OUR CAR FUEL HAS DECREASED TO 12 MPG IN THE CITY AND 22 ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN YOU TAKE OFF CAR BOGS DOWN AND YOU HAVE TO MASH HARD ON THE GAS TO GET IT TO MOVE. THE IDLE IS ROUGH AND YOU CAN FEEL IT RUNNING ROUGH. WE HAVE HAD IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP FIVE TIMES AND SINCE CAR DOES NOT CODE THEY WILL NOT WORK ON IT PER FORD'S POLICY. THUS, WE HAVE THAT FORD HAS ADVERTISED WILL GET 28 IN THE CITY AND 40 ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH WE DID GET THE FIRST MONTH BEFORE IT DIED ON THE HIGHWAY. SINCE THEN WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE USING CRUISE ON A TRIP. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 21, 2014
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED 65 WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED THE VEHICLE FEELS AS IF THE ENGINE IS CUTTING OUT OR ENGINE BRAKING IS BEING APPLIED THE RPM'S DROP FROM 2.5 TO 2.25 FEELS LIKE THE ENGINE IS PULSING. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 14, 2014
THE VEHICLE EVER SINCE ABOUT 8 MONTHS POST PURCHASE AND TO DATE HAS A VERY UNCONTROLLABLE, JERKY TRANSMISSION, OFTEN TIMES LUNGING FORWARD AND EVEN VIBRATING DURING ACCELERATION. IT ROLLS BACK ON HILLS AS WELL. IT SHIFTS UNPREDICTABLY A LOT OF THE TIME AND SOMETIMES GEARS WILL SLIP AND THEN CATCH VERY ABRUPTLY. HOW IT'S AVOIDED RECALL FOR THIS LONG IS BEYOND MY UNDERSTANDING... *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,600. UPDATED 06/30/14 MA THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INCONSISTENT TRANSMISSION PERFORMANCE AND LURCHES DURING ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE TRUSTED DURING EXPECTED QUICK RESPONSE. UPDATED 07/2/2014 *JS
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 28, 2014
I FIRST NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION THE FIRST WEEK I BOUGHT MY '13 FORD FOCUS. I WOULD HEAR A SHUDDERING AND GEARS GRINDING WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE AND MY TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK IT OUT BUT WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NORMAL AND NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT AND SENT ME ON MY WAY WITHOUT EVEN TAKING A LOOK UNDER THE HOOD. I INFORMED THEM I WAS WORRIED ABOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH IT AND THEY SAID THAT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE AND IT WAS OF NO CONCERN. ON FRIDAY, APRIL 25TH, 2014, AFTER DRIVING 40 MINUTES TO WORK, I STARTED MY CAR UP AGAIN AND TURNED ONTO A MAIN CITY ROAD FROM A PARKING LOT THEN ONTO A RESIDENTIAL STREET. THERE, I NOTICED MY TRANSMISSION LIGHT HAD TURNED ON AND MY CAR WAS HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME SHIFTING GEARS. THE RPMS SKYROCKETED AND THEN PLUMMETED. I WAS GOING ABOUT 20MPH-25MPH AND MY DASH IS READING 4RPMS. I THEN TURN ONTO ANOTHER MAIN ROAD WHERE MY CAR STARTED CHUGGING ALONG, IT FELT, WHILE REVVING MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAD NO CONTROL OVER MY OWN VEHICLE. ABOUT A MILE OR TWO AWAY, I REACHED MY DESTINATION. I PARKED AND THEN STARTED TO DRIVE AGAIN WHERE MY CAR THEN STOPPED AND I HAD TO DECLARE IT INOPERABLE. THE NEXT DAY, I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED. COME TO FIND OUT, THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS I COMPLAINED ABOUT TO THE DEALER WERE NOT NORMAL AND ANY DAY MY CAR WAS GOING TO QUIT ON ME. APRIL 25TH, 2014 HAPPENED TO BE THAT DAY. MY CAR IS JUST OUTSIDE OF THE LEMON LAW AS I PURCHASED IT LAST JANUARY. FORD IS HESITANT ON HELPING ME AND GETTING MY CAR BACK AND RUNNING. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM AND NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT, THEREFORE, I DID NOT PURSUE THE PROBLEM ANY FURTHER. *JS
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Apr 8, 2014
IN AUGUST OF 2013 I BROUGHT MY 2013 FORD FOCUS INTO THE DEALERSHIP WITH TRANSMISSION ISSUES. I OWNED THE CAR FOR 6 MONTHS AT THAT POINT WITH 6,000 MILES ON IT. CAR WAS SHUDDERING AT LOWER GEARS, TRANSMISSION FELT LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING, AT TIMES RPM WOULD REV UP HIGHER THAN NORMAL, GRINDING NOISE COULD BE HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AT TIMES, LOSS OF POWER AND A COUPLE TIMES COMPLETE LOSS OF ACCELERATION WHILE TRYING TO TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC. I TOOK THE CAR INTO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND A COUPLE OF SOFTWARE UPDATES WERE APPLIED TO THE CAR. THIS FIXED IT FOR MAYBE 3 MONTHS THEN I STARTED NOTICING LOSS OF POWER IN THE CAR AGAIN, AND NOW RECENTLY ALL OF THE SAME ISSUES I ORIGINALLY HAD, AND LISTED ABOVE, HAVE RESURFACED. CURRENT MILES ARE 14,000. I CAN'T EVEN GO UP A HILL FASTER THAN 25 MILES AN HOUR, THE CAR FAILS TO CHANGE GEAR AND ENGINE RPMS REV AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING EVERYDAY. MY CAR IS BACK AT FORD, THIS TIME FOR A WEEK WHILE THEY TRY TO DETERMINE WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THIS IS NOT NORMAL OPERATING FOR A CAR NO MATTER WHAT FORD SAYS. LOSS OF POWER WHILE TRYING TO CROSS TRAFFIC IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 3, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN A COMPLETELY FLAT SECTION OF THE ROAD AND HAD BEEN APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES IN MY JOURNEY WHEN I NOTICED MY CAR STARTED SLIGHTLY SHUDDERING. WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR A MERGING VEHICLE, MY VEHICLE WENT TO OVER 5000 RPM (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BY THE WAY) AND MY SPEED DROPPED, DANGEROUSLY DROPPING MY SPEED IN A PASSING LANE TO 20 UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT. WHILE MAKING MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE THE SPEED, MY RPM'S KEPT GOING UP AND MY ACCELERATION KEPT DECLINING WITH CARS SWERVING UNTIL I COULD GET INTO THE RIGHTHAND LANE. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT OR ANY DIFFICULTY WITH MY VEHICLE AS I PURCHASED IT NEW. FURTHER, I HAVE NOTICED THAT EVEN THOUGH I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, WHEN STOPPED AT INTERSECTIONS OR LIGHTS, IF I LET UP OFF OF THE GAS AT ALL, MY CAR ROLLS BACKWARDS MUCH LIKE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WOULD DO, WHICH NOW THAT I KNOW THE TRANSMISSION DOES THIS, I AM AWARE, HOWEVER ON UPHILL STOPS I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO NOT ROLL BACKWARDS IN SWITCHING BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATION IF A CAR IS CLOSELY BEHIND ME, STOPPED. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR IT TO BE LOOKED AT, AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (WHERE I DIDN'T BUY THE CAR) STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES ARE COMMON IN FORD FOCUSES OF THIS MODEL YEAR -- AND FORD IS AWARE/THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE -- YET THEY "CAN'T FIND ANYTHING ACTUALLY WRONG BY GUIDELINES" FOR THE CAR. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH IMMEDIATELY! I EXPECT A NEW CAR WITH NO ACCIDENTS TO RUN SMOOTHLY! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED AND REDUCED IN ACCELERATION POWER. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER RECALIBRATED THE COMPUTER HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 27, 2014
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2013 FORD FOCUS IN JANUARY 2013 AFTER HAVING PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2011 FORD FOCUS THAT WAS HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TOLD ME THAT THE 2013 FOCUS MODELS HAD A REDONE TRANSMISSION THAT WAS MORE EXPENSIVE AND DIDN'T HAVE THE "ISSUES" THAT PLAGUED THE 2011 FORD FOCUS. TURNS OUT IT IS THE SAME TRANSMISSION, EXCEPT WITH A COMPUTER UPDATE WHICH DOES NOT FIX THE ISSUE. WITHIN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS, MY CAR WAS 'SHUDDERING' FOR LACK OF A BETTER DESCRIPTION WHEN ACCELERATING; THE RPM'S GO UP SPORADICALLY TO, REVVING THE ENGINE HIGHER THAN IT NEEDS TO GO. IT FEELS ALMOST LIKE IT'S GOING TO DIE AND THEN WILL CATCH THE GEAR AND GO. I HAVE TAKEN MY CURRENT CAR IN FOR SERVICE ONCE FOR ANOTHER UPDATE, BUT MY 2011 WAS IN THE SHOP MULTIPLE TIMES TO FIX THIS ISSUE, AND ALWAYS CAME BACK TO ME DOING THE SAME 'SHUDDERING' AS IT DID BEFORE IT WENT IN. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD TALK TO MY DEALER AND THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. WELL, BY TAKING CARE OF IT, THEY MEANT THAT THERE IS ANOTHER 'UPDATE'. I HAD IT UPDATED ON 8/26/13 AND I PICKED IT UP ONLY TO FIND THAT THE SHUDDERING IS WORSE. IT'S NOT SAFE TO TRY AND DRIVE A CAR THAT SHUDDERS AND LAGS WHEN YOU HAVE TO CROSS BUSY STREETS AND IN NORMAL DAILY TRAFFIC. I'M TIRED OF DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE ESPECIALLY BEING THAT I BOUGHT A NEW CAR. AND AN AMERICAN CAR AT THAT. FORD NEEDS TO HAVE SOME INTEGRITY AND FIX THIS BEFORE I DO WHAT I WANT TO DO AND GO BUY A HONDA OR NISSAN.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2014
IN 2/13, MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A '13 FORD FOCUS FROM BREWSTER FORD IN NY. UNFORTUNATELY, OUR CAR HAS NEVER WORKED CORRECTLY. IT RANDOMLY LOSES POWER. IT FEELS LIKE THE GAS PEDAL DOESN'T RESPOND SOMETIMES WHEN WE TRY TO ACCELERATE. OUR CAR IS CURRENTLY IN THEIR SERVICE CENTER FOR THE 4TH ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY INTERVENTION. 3 OF THE MASTER MECHANICS, SCOTTY, CARLISLE, AND ANTHONY, SAY THEY HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES WITHOUT REPAIRING ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY CLAIM THAT THEY CANNOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM. 5/28/13 THE HESITATION AND NONRESPONSIVE ACCELERATION INCREASED AND WE BROUGHT OUR CAR TO THE SERVICE CENTER AND PAID FOR AN OIL CHANGE. WE WERE GIVEN THE CAR BACK AND TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND. 6/14/13 WE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE WAS AN UPDATE FOR THE COMPUTER AND WE THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE FIXED. 12/9/13 WE CAME BACK TO THE SERVICE CENTER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THIS TIME THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ON THE NYS THRUWAY AND THIS TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF. AGAIN THE CAR WAS GIVEN BACK AND WE WERE TOLD NO PROBLEM FOUND. THEY SAID THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. IT HAD BEEN ON FOR TWO DAYS PRIOR. 12/18/13 WE BROUGHT OUR CAR BACK TO THE SERVICE CENTER. AFTER WE CALLED FORD CORPORATE FOR HELP, THE SERVICE MANAGER, DANIELLE GOT INVOLVED. THE GAS MILEAGE DROPPED AT THIS TIME FROM 32-27 MILES/GALLON COMBINED. OUR CAR WAS AT BREWSTER FORDS SERVICE CENTER FOR OVER 30 DAYS WITHOUT BEING CONTACTED ONCE. WHEN MY HUSBAND CALLED TO CHECK ON THE STATUS, HE WAS TOLD THEY WERE WAITING ON A SERVICE ENGINEER TO COME OUT. AFTER SPEAKING TO ANGELA, THE REGIONAL MANAGER FROM FORD, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE SERVICE CENTER IS UNABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND WE SHOULD AGAIN TAKE OUR UNSAFE CAR. 1/23/14 TODAY THE REGIONAL MANAGER AGREED TO APPROVE A SECOND OPINION.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT NO ISSUES WERE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 15,000. UPDATED 04/04/14*LJ UPDATED 04/11/2014 *JS