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
2,112 reports, newest first.
Power train, Sep 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving in a parking garage, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the engine just revved as the vehicle failed to move forward while in drive. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled backwards as she then depressed the brake pedal and attempted to shift to park however, the gear shifter failed to move. The contact waited for a few minutes and was able to shift to park and turn the vehicle off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the shifter was still difficult to move to drive. After a couple more minutes the vehicle was able to shift to drive but the vehicle hesitated and jerked before the contact was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed of a transmission recall. The dealer informed her that the transmission module was on backorder. The vehicle was temporally repaired however, the failure recurred several days later. The contact stated that on 8/6/2021 the transmission failure reoccurred while driving on a bridge. The contact stated that the engine revved, rolled forward, and the vehicle finally engaged to resume normal driving. The dealer was notified of the failure again and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. Once again, a temporary fix was performed on the transmission. The contact stated that “Service Transmission” was displayed once she retrieved the vehicle from the dealer for the second time. The contact called the dealer and was advised not to drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Tires, Sep 19, 2021
Size p215/55r16 Tire blew out on the freeway. After close inspection discovered that the blown out tire had severe tread separation. After closer inspection of the other tires on the car, I discovered another tire identical to the blown out tire also has tread separation. The tires on the vehicle have a least one year of tread on them.
Steering, Sep 15, 2021
As I was driving down the road my power steering went out. I pulled over and tried to turn the car off and on and had no luck. I then got a warning that said my power steering malfunctioned. I do not know what I would have done if I were on the interstate as I had been 2 minutes earlier. I cannot believe I am alive. This is the second time something like this has happened. The other time I just had my car stall out on the interstate as I drove down it. That time it was a transmission issue.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled on multiple occasions. The contact indicated that during the failure there was fuel in the fuel tank. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2021
Our Ford focus is in the shop for its third transmission module problem.
Engine, Aug 24, 2021
When pulling out on a hill or incline the car hesitates and seems to fall on its face for a short time then it finally picks up and has power. It just feels like it only has ten percent of power. It puts myself and others at risk of being in an accident , especially when pulling out into traffic. It could cause a side impact or rear collision very easily. I have driven a streight shift all my life and never ever had a vehicle seem to stall like this . I try and wait for a very large gap in traffic to pull out. On a hill in traffic I am afraid of getting rear ended trying to get pulled out and going. This has happened several times, it is intermittent .the car has only 60,000 miles, so it isn’t worn out.
Power train, Aug 19, 2021
On this 2013 ford focus titanium. ,the transmission would shutter and go into neutral i almost got smashed by a semi truck when my focus would not move forward it went into neutral, NY friend has a ford Fiesta and he and his girl friend was hit from behind by a large diesel truck and suffered back head and leg injuries u have kids so we would have been seriously hurt or dead anyway my car is in the ford repair and they did the tcm and since rhe clutch recall ended July 31 and my appointment was made before rhat but ford didn't have openings and I was told to come in August and now they want me to Pay for the repair I can't afford it recall should fix it anyway that is a dangerous transmission now I'm forced to leave my car there until I can save money to have it fix that's crap now I have no car and no money pandemic is making it hard
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 13, 2021
The car stalled several times while driving. After a mechanics evaluation it was determined that there was a fuel delivery problem. After further evaluation it was confirmed that the problem was a defective purge solenoid. This item was recalled by Ford. However, they did not include this vehicle (by date) in the recall. The recall lists cars made until July 2012 and this vehicle was manufactured in May of 2013. The effect of the defective purge solenoid caused damage to other components of the fuel delivery system. I am now forced to pay for the repairs out-of-pocket. For a problem that is known by (and recalled by) Ford but is excluded from the recall. NOT FAIR
Power train, Aug 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse. The check transmission message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where service was denied. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was bearing slipping, grinding and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was not available.
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.
Power train, Aug 6, 2021
The transmission control module (TCM) failed on my 2013 Ford Focus again. This resulted in me loosing the ability move my car while in an intersection putting my safety and other drivers safety at risk. This required me to get out of my car in an intersection to push it to the side of the road with the assistance of other drivers, further putting our safety at risk. This is not the first time this has happened (loss of driving power in an intersection), and I have had this component and other transmission related components repaired under warranty multiple times by ford dealerships. There were no check engine lights or warning lamps that indicated the problem was going to occur before the vehicle failed.
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2021
Was driving and had stoppedat a red light. Car died andwould not start again. Has not started since
Power train, Jul 26, 2021
Transmission fault service now It has a recall but for will not doing it with out me paying for it they told me 10 year or 150000 miles the last owner had it done 3 times in the last 2 years
Engine, Jul 23, 2021
Clutch and actuators , car only has 80,000 miles. $3500 transmission repair .
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 16, 2021
After driving my vehicle it stalls once it is stopped and I try to press the gas. This can cause a collision. This can either be the fuel system which they did have a recall on my car but the dealership decided it wasn't needed at the time. It could also be the power train. This incident has occurred multiple times since 2017.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 15, 2021
Check engine light came on. Before I had a chance to get it checked, the engine wouldn't start after refueling until trying on the fourth time. Took the car to a parts store and the code read P1450. An October 25, 2018 recall acknowledged a problem with 2012-18 Ford Focuses with a 2.0L engine. Although this problem is clearly acknowledged with this same year, model, and engine, my VIN is allegedly not covered in the recall. Dealer will not service the car under the recall.
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
Power train, Jun 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact’s daughter stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled with a message stating that the transmission was overheating. The vehicle was towed and was awaiting a diagnostic test and repair. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Power train, Jun 24, 2021
Ford issued a recall on the TCM/ clutch in 2019. This recall was to fix the shuttering in shifting. My focus was repaired by a Ford dealership in 2019 in accordance to the recall. My focus is shuttering again when accelerating. The car has no warning lamp for this issue. I recently had the car in to a ford dealership for diagnostics and they confirmed that the clutch is in need of replacement again. I have contacted ford directly and they refuse to cover the cost of a new clutch. The shuttering affects proper acceleration which is a safety issue.
Power train, Jun 19, 2021
This is car is in low mileage. But the transmission has been not worked twice
Steering, Jun 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while reversing out of the garage, the power steering malfunctioned causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000. Vin was not available. Consumer stated mechanic has custody of the old rack and pinion needs to evaluate it.
Engine, Jun 3, 2021
Two weeks after purchasing vehicle from a used car dealer, started having severe transmission shudders and car shut down stating the transmission was in need of repair. Had vehicle towed to dealership where diagnosis determined transmission needs replacing. Upon researching on line,, cars.com states NHTSA vehicle safety recall was issued for the transmission and also “copilot” states on line that a recall was issued on this vehicle power shift transmission,,, only two of many complaints on line about the transmission in 2013 Ford Focus .. However Ford states there is no safety recall .. only an extended warranty customer satisfaction warranty for transmission clutch slippage ,, which ended last august , campaign #14M01... What am I to do ? ... the price quoted for a new clutch exceeds the value of the car....