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.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 29, 2024
UNKNOWN
Power train, Jun 29, 2024
For some reason the recall doesn't show up on the last page, but my TCM went out. The car failed to sshift at a stop sign. I brought the car to a Ford dealer, who confirmed the part was covered by recall. That was 2 years ago. It's bene sitting in their parking lot ever since. I've emailed them twice. The first time, they seemed to try just reentering the cars ticket, based on emails I was getting. I got several emails saying service has been scheduled. The second time they told me the repair was complete. I drove to Ford where they told me they were stil waiting on th part. That's when I emailed this site, which directed me here. I don't know what a "reasonable amount of time" is, but I feel two years of waiting is excessive.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Engine, Jun 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle shuddered and then stalled. The contact stated that the failure also recurred while reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure could be related to the TCM. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Power train, Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding and started jerking and shuddering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several dealers where the clutch assembly was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
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)
Power train, Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 70 MPH, the engine began revving intermittently. The contact stated that his daughter observed the “Service Transmission” message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that while parked at the residence, he attempted to shift into reverse(R), the engine began revving intermittently, but the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the actuator and clutch pack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was partially repaired. The failure mileage was 126,023.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2024
I have had multiple instance of losing power with my car, I completed Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 and the known issue was not solved. I then went to a mechanic to have a diagnostic test performed due to the check engine light being on and they concluded that the issue was the Canister Purge Valve as well as possibly the Charcoal Canister due to the CPV malfunctioning. Other than losing power within my car the other associated problems, as confirmed by mechanic, are rough idling, difficulty starting, decreased fuel economy, and increased emissions.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Power train, May 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shuddering, and the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was not included.
Power train, May 16, 2024
Vehicle struggles to accelerate from a stop or climb a hill at low speed. Many owners of the same year, make and model have discovered TCM and clutch problems with the same exact systems.
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2024
Dual transmission going out
Air bags, Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not able to be diagnosed when connected to the diagnostic machine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,525.
Power train, Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond and stopped with the engine running. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to respond when shifted into drive(D). The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Transmission Control Module and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the manufacturer's Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 14M02 TCM Extended Warranty (Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2024
Duel clutch transmission is bad, has trouble shifting and accelerating with a small leak.
Electrical system, Mar 26, 2024
The washer fluid pump leaks causing liquid to make its way along the electrical wires leading to the Body Control Module (BCM) and causing corrosion on the electrical connections and rendering the vehicle either inoperable or causing it to stall in some cases.
Power train, Mar 13, 2024
Ford has a CSP for the Transmission Control Module on this vehicle, which will be replace the TCM. My vehicle had a TCM replaced in 2016, but it has still caused the transmission to prematurely fail. I am currently being quoted nearly $4,000 to replace the clutch pack/transmission in my vehicle, even though there were ZERO issues. My vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership and they are saying that they will replace the TCM, but I am responsible for the rest of the repairs that were caused by the faulty TCM. How can they be ONLY responsible for replacing the easy repair, while completely ignoring the Thousands of dollars of damages that were caused by this faulty component?
Electrical system, Engine, Power train, Mar 11, 2024
My car has a transmission problem because when I run the car it goes from and back and is takes time to speed it feel like if I’m forcing the car to move I don’t run the car to much since I got it it has 48538 it also makes a lot of noise on the engine we noticed since we buy the car from car max but they say the car had no recalls. About June 2023 it started with more problems and I don’t like it much because my 19 year old daughter is driving my car for school. I would like if ford can fix the engine problem ASAP. I would like my daughter to drive a safe car and for her not to be on danger.
Power train, Jan 30, 2024
While making stops and accelerating car would jerk after it just stopped going reverse got a warning on dashboard staying transmission hot over heating made it home turned off the vehicle in will not power on right now and makes weird noises when the driver door opens and closes and I haven't drove the car since
Power train, Jan 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after shifting from first to second gear, the vehicle was shuddering and vibrating and failed to shift smoothly into third gear. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond after being shifted into reverse. The failure was intermittent, and the check engine warning light would illuminate occasionally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine, Jan 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle started to overheat. The contact's son was able to drive the vehicle to a safe location off the roadway. The contact's son allowed the vehicle to cool down. The contact's son safely drove the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed TCM. The contact was informed that there was a technical service bulletin for the TCM replacement, and the part would be ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had provided any assistance or information regarding the ordered parts for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated. The canister purge valve had been replaced; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The canister purge valve was replaced. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact was then referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 160,000.
Lane departure, Back over prevention, Jan 17, 2024
The rear backup camera is malfunctioning and is unsafe when backing up.
Power train, Jan 11, 2024
I have been an owner of a Ford vehicle for 3 generations. My 2013 Ford Focus has only 95K Miles and has had serious Transmission problems. The vehicle has been well taken care of and has been serviced at the dealership several times for regular service maintenance. All recalls have been taken care of. However, Despite the fixes performed by Ford Dealership. The car still has problems of shuddering, hesitation, and stalling or inability to accelerate. Most of the time the clutch experiences slips between 1 and 2nd gears. It is not safe to drive on the highway. Ford service center is refusing to fix the problem as the 10 year power train warranty has expired in May of 2023. I have spent thousands of $'s in maintaining the vehicle and my wife loves it. But we cannot afford to keep spending money. IT needs a new transmission and I feel Ford should fix it. I have been given a runaround. Can Someone in Ford customer care help with this request to get my Transmission fixed under customer satisfaction.
Wheels, Jan 9, 2024
Swollen lug nuts. They corroded and were almost impossible to remove. Lug nuts were destroyed during removal and had to be replaced. Apparently some two piece lug nut Ford used. They were original equipment.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 7, 2024
While driving on busy street, car gave sudden warning light 'stop safely now’, car then slowed and shut down on its own, not giving enough time to find a safe place to pull over, posing risk of serious injury to myself, my son, and my wife, as this happened to all of us while driving this vehicle.