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.
Structure, Aug 10, 2015
2012 FORD TAURUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE RECALL # 15V040000. *SMD
Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2015
SOON AFTER BUYING THE CAR IT STARTED STALLING WHEN FIRST ACCELERATING LEADING TO RISK OF THE CAR STALLING AT INTERSECTIONS. THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY LURCH FORWARD AND I HAVE BEEN VERY CLOSE TO CRASHING SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR FOR SERVICE ABOUT 4 TIMES AND IT WORKS FINE FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS BEFORE STARTING AGAIN WITH THE PROBLEM. RECENTLY (07/31/2015) THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON AND WHEN IT DID IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY CITY STREET. A SHOP AT A FORD DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION MODULE CONTROL WHICH THEY REPLACE BUT 2 DAYS AFTER I GOT MY CAR BACK IT DID IT AGAIN. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE NO MATTER HOW MUCH I PRESSED THE PEDAL AND I WAS ON I95! I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY BABY WHILE IN THIS CAR.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Aug 8, 2015
IN AUGUST 2013 AFTER OWNING CAR SHORT TIME TOOK TO DEALER AND SERVICE MANAGER DROVE IT WITH US AND SAID MANY PEOPLE THINK THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH SHUDDERING AND DELAYED ACCELERATION BUT IT'S JUST THE HIGH PERFORMANCE TRANSMISSION.. NOT TO WORRY. THE CAR CONTINUALLY GOT WORSE OVER TIME AND WE GOT A RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK IN IN OCT 2014. THEY REPLACED THE CLUTCH AND SEALS. MAY 5 THE CAR GOT REALLY BACK ON LONG DRIVE HOME FROM LA. OVERHEATED AND THEN WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TURNED CAR OFF AND BACK ON WARNING LIGHT WENT OFF AND DROVE CAR HOME SHUDDERING VERY BAD AND WITH EXTREME DELAYED ACCELERATION. HAD CARS BEHIND US ON HILLS HONKING AND ALMOST REAR ENDED US... TOOK CAR IN MAY 15 THEY SAID IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE AND THEY HAD IT FOR 2 MONTHS TO FIX CLUTCH, SEALS AND ADAPTIVE LEARNING SENSOR, REPLACED TCM, ELECTRONICS. 8/8/15 WHILE ON FREEWAY STEERING ASSIST FAULT NOTIFICATION - SERVICE REQUIRED. PULLED OFF AND WHEN I TRIED TO START CAR AGAIN I COULDN'T MOVE THE STEERING COLUMN. CALLED NEARBY FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID YOU CAN'T DRIVE IT - SAFETY ISSUE. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AGAIN. HAVING THIS HAPPEN ON A FREEWAY IS TERRIFYING - CARS HONKING AT YOU, TRYING TO STEER OFF, ETC. THIS IS A DANGER AND FORD NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF IT INSTEAD OF CONTINUING TO DO TEMP FIXES!!!!!
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2015
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED. LAST OCTOBER WAS THE FIRST. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR RPM GAUGE RACED BUT THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. THE CAR JERKS HARD. FIRST TIME MECHANIC (DON CHALMERS CAPITOL FORD) TOLD ME THAT THESE ISSUES WERE NORMAL, THAT ALL OF THESE CARS HAVE SHUTTERING ISSUES, WHICH TO ME WAS A FRIGHTENING STATEMENT. THEY ADDRESSED A14M01 TRANSMISSION CLUTCH SHUDDER AND INPUT SHAFT SEAL WARRANT (FSA). THE TOTAL BILL WAS $1,377.88. THIS TIME, I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY WORK AND DIAGNOSTICS. I STATED THAT I EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT SHUTTERING, SHIFTING ISSUES AND NOISES AS THE FIRST TIME AND WAS TOLD IT COULD BE ANYTHING. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 28, 2015
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY GOING AROUND 70 MPH THE CAR SHUTS DOWN. I PULL OVER AND CALL FORD ROAD SIDE ASSISTANTS. 2 HOURS LATER RSA BRINGS GAS AND I PAY THEM $50 BECAUSE I'M OUT OF THE WARRANTY THAT COVERS RSA. AS THE GENTLEMEN POURS GAS IN MY TANK THE GAS POURS RIGHT OUT. I CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP LOOKS AT MY VEHICLE THE NEXT DAY AND THEY SAY THE GAS TANKED WAS HIT BY SOMETHING ON THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING. I REPLY I DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING HIT MY CAR. THEY REQUEST MY INSURANCE INFO SO THEY CAN CALL TO FILE A COMP CLAIM. I SAY NO I WILL CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY MYSELF. MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER COMES OUT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT THE DAMAGE AND WHEN THE DEALERSHIP SHOWS HIM THE GAS TANK THEY SEE THAT THE GAS TANK IS DEFORMED AND THE FUEL PUMP IS FRIED. THE ADJUSTER SAYS THIS IS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM NOT A COMP CLAIM. THE DEALERSHIP DOES SOME FURTHER INVESTIGATING AND SAYS THAT THERE IS A SEAL THAT DID NOT CLOSE IN THE GAS TANK AFTER PUMPING GAS AND THE GAS TANK WAS SUCTION UPPED WITH THE PRESSURE WHILE DRIVING AND FRIED THE GAS PUMP. MY CONCERN IS THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND THE PEOPLE DRIVING AROUND ME. IF GAS WAS SPRAYING ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THE GAS TANK AND FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONS I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. MY SERVICE ADVISOR DID INFORM ME THAT THE FORD MODELS FIESTA, FOCUS AND F-150 HAVE HAD THESE ISSUES, BUT THE NEWER MODELS HAVE BEEN FIXED.
Wheels, Jul 28, 2015
WENT TO GET TIRES ROTATED. I WAS CALLED TO MY VEHICLE TO SHOW EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR ON REAR TIRES. ESPECIALLY RIGHT REAR .I WENT TO FORD DEALER AS THIS VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THEY CHECKED AND SAID IT WAS WITIIN LIMITS. I WAS TO ROTATE MORE OFTEN. I ROTATE ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE AND ALSO RUN NITROGEN IN MY TIRES FOR SAFETY AND EXTENDED TIRE LIFE. I TOOK A TRIP AND WAS DUE FOR OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION.. THE WEAR BARS WERE SHOWING AND THE MECHANIC WOULD NOT ROTATE OR ATTEMPT TO ALIGN. HIS COMMENT WAS ALL THE FORD FOCUS VEHICLES ARE LIKE THIS AND NO MATTER HOW GOOD A TIRE YOU PUT ON; THEY WEAR OUT RIGHT AROUND 30,000 MILES. IS THIS ANOTHER DENIED DEFECT BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY LIKE MY TRANSMISSION WAS AT FIRST??? THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND INVESTIGATING WITH OTHER FOCUS OWNERS FOUND THE ABOVE TO BE TRUE WITH THEIR VEHICLES. I AMM SURE I DIDN'T HAVE A BLOW OUT DUE TO USING NITROGEN IN MY TIRES.
Structure, Jul 28, 2015
I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AND THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR ON MY 2 YEAR OLD FORD FOCUS FLEW OPEN. IT ALMOST HIT AN ONCOMING CAR CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. NOW THE DOW WILL NOT CLOSE AT ALL.
Power train, Jul 26, 2015
OWNED 2013 FORD FOCUS FOR 9 MONTHS WHEN WE NOTICED CAR WAS "SHUDDERING" AND "SLIPPING " INTO GEAR WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE. WE WERE PULLING ONTO A BUSY STREET AND OF COURSE HAD TO ACCELERATE. IT LUGGED AND DELAYED SHIFT INTO 2ND. THIS CAUSED LOWER THAN EXPECTED ACCELERATION AND BECAUSE WE COULD NOT GET UP TO SPEED IN THE TIME REQUIRED ALMOST GOT HIT. TOOK IT IN FOR PROBLEM IN 2/2014 AND THEY SAID IT WAS A TRANSMISSION LEAK ( AT ONLY 5200 MILES!). FIXED LEAK AND SENT US HOME. THE SAME PROBLEM BECAME NOTICEABLE AGAIN. WE TOOK IT 6 MONTHS LATER (8/2014). MILEAGE WAS 9247. THEY SAID A PART OF THE CLUTCH WAS BROKEN NOW AND REPLACED THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THE 3RD REPAIR WAS IN 4/2015 WHERE THEY REPROGRAMMED THE PCM-TCM AND SENT US HOME. IT IS CURRENTLY BACK AT FORD SERVICE SO 7/2015 WITH 16000 MILES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY SAID FORD IS CONSTANTLY WORKING ON A NEW CLUTCH TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY WILL MOST LIKELY REPLACE IT BUT "IT IS NOT GUARANTEED TO WORK!" FORD DID EXTEND THE WARRANTIES ON THE VEHICLE TO 100K FOR POWER TRAIN. WHICH DOES IS LITTLE GOOD IF WE HAVE TO BRING IT IN EVERY 4-6 MONTHS! ALSO WE SAID WE NEEDED A RENTAL FOR THE TIME IT WAS IN THE SHOP (WE NEED A CAR!) AND THEY SAID FORD JUST CAME UP WITH THE POLICY OF 2 DAY RENTALS - ONLY. IT'S BEEN ON THE SHOP FOR 3 DAYS ALREADY AND WE HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE LAST 2 DAYS OF REPAIR WHEN WE WILL "DESPERATELY " NEED THE RENTAL. UNBELIEVABLE. THEY SAID THIS IS WHAT FORD IS "DOING FOR US" IN REGARDS TO THIS REPAIR ISSUE. LIKE WE ARE SUPPOSED TO TAKE IT AND LIKE IT.
Power train, Jul 25, 2015
MY 2013 FORD FOCUS HAS THE 2.0 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC, DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM. BUT WHEN DRIVING THIS CAR IN WARM TO HOT WEATHER, THIS CAR WILL GET YOU KILLED!!!!!!!! AFTER DRIVING AROUND 10 MILES AND COMING TO A STOP EVERYTHING IS FINE. BUT WHEN YOU GET READY TO ACCELERATE FROM THAT STOP THE CAR WILL BARELY MOVE. YOU CAN GIVE IT ALMOST FULL THROTTLE AND THERE IS NO POWER. ONCE YOU FINALLY GET ALMOST TO THE FLOOR WITH THE GAS PEDAL IT TAKES OFF LIKE A BAT OUT OF HELL. IT ACTUALLY WILL SCARE YOU FOR A SECOND UNTIL YOU REALIZE THE CAR HAS TAKEN OFF. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED AFTER TAKEN OFF AROUND A CURB AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN NO GAS PEDAL. THERE IS NOTHING!! YOU CAN TRY TO FEATHER THE GAS PEDAL AND THERE IS NO RESPONSE, NOTHING AT ALL AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT TAKES OFF! MY WIFE AND I HAVE TO TRAVEL TO RALEIGH NC MONTHLY, AND THAT IS THE REASON I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE OF ITS FUEL MILEAGE AND FOR THE ROOM. AFTER MAKING ONE TRIP, I WILL NEVER DRIVE THIS CAR TO A EXTREMLLY BUSY TOWN AGAIN UNTIL IT IS FIXED!!!! I HAVE ALSO TOLD MY DAUGHTER IF WE GET KILLED IN A AUTO ACCIDENT, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A LAWYER LOOK INTO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND FORD MOTOR CO. BECAUSE THEY ARE AT FAULT!! AFTER GETTING HOME, I RESEARCH A COUPLE OF FORD FOCUS FORUMS THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY TYPE OF FIX UNLESS YOU BUY A CONTROLLER THAT PLUGS IN BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE ACCELLERTOR HARNESS
Power train, Jul 24, 2015
BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW ,HAD A SLIGHT JERKING BUNNY-HOP,LEAP,AT ACCELERATION DEALER SAID IT WOULD ADJUST.. AFTER 33000 MILES DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION... NOW SAME IS HAPPENING AGAIN WITH A ADDED TWIST.. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH MY FORD FOCUS HAS DECIDED TO DOWNSHIFT TO A LOWER GEAR AND CAUSING THE PASSENGERS TO LURCH FORWARD AND CONTROL BECOMING HAZARDOUS.. ALSO INCLUDE THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAR TENDS TO HESITATE AS IF IGNITION IS BEING TURNED OFF,IF ONLY FOR A SECOND...
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2015
I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE IN 2013, NEW FROM THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW DAYS WE NOTICED THE SHUDDERING ON ACCELERATION. IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS BREAK IN TIME. A FEW MONTHS INTO OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, WE BROUGHT IT INTO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AGAIN, AND HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED AND WORK DONE TO IT. SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FLASHING AND SHUTTING DOWN. THE VEHICLE WILL SHUDDER UPON ACCELERATION. NOW NO LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS, WILL COME ON. THE VEHICLE WILL RUN, BUT YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING, YOU HAVE NO TURN SIGNALS, THE 2013 FORD FOCUS IS A TIME BOMB. FORD WILL OFFER US NO SOLUTION EXCEPT TO BRING IT IN AND LOOK AT IT. AFTER BRINGING IT IN FOUR TIMES I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE BRINGING IT BACK AND HAVING IT NOT COMPLETELY REPAIRED AND HAVING TO PUT MORE MONEY INTO THIS VEHICLE WHEN IT IS NOT GOING TO BE PROPERLY FIXED. I AM NOT SURE HOW FAILING TRANSMISSIONS, AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES ARE NOT CONSIDERED SAFETY ISSUES AND PUT ON IMMEDIATE RECALL BUT I MUST ASSUME IT IS BECAUSE I AM NOT A MECHANIC, BUT STUCK WITH A LEMON THAT FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE ARE ISSUES WITH.
Engine, Jul 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE STOPPED MOMENTARILY, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500. UPDATED 12/01/15*LJ UPDATED 12/05/2017*CN
Power train, Jul 22, 2015
THE VEHICLE SHUDDERS/VIBRATES WHEN SHIFTING. THE TRANSMISSION IS AN AUTOMATIC BUT SHIFTS LIKE A STICK. THERE WOULD BE TIMES WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD FEEL LIKE IT WAS POWERING DOWN WHEN IT WOULD GO BETWEEN GEARS. DUE TO DEALER SERVICE ISSUES, IT TOOK MORE THAN A MONTH TO FIX THE ISSUE. NOW, IN 7/22/2015, THE TRANSMISSION IS ONCE AGAIN SHIFTING FUNNY, BOGGING DOWN, SHUDDERING AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THERE IS AN ACTION SERVICE ON THE FOCUS TRANSMISSION, BUT NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, AND ONLY THREE DAYS OF RENTAL ARE BEING OFFERED. EVEN WITH THE EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN, I WOULD ONLY GET 13 DAYS. CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE TO WORK, WHICH IS 70 MILES ONE WAY. NO HELP OFFERED, EXCEPT AN INCENTIVE TO BUY A NEW VEHICLE, WHICH IS NOT FINANCIALLY FEASIBLE AT THIS TIME. NOT SURE HOW FORD EXPECTS PEOPLE TO LIVE WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION FOR SEVERAL MONTHS WHILE THEY TRY AND FIGURE IT OUT.
Engine, Jul 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,800.
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2015
TRANSMISSION CAUSES CAR TO CONSISTENTLY LURCH, SPUTTER, AND STALL WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THROUGH THE FIRST THREE GEARS. IT'S ANNOYING, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT'S DANGEROUS ON HILLS, IN INTERSECTIONS, ETC. I'VE BEEN TOLD IT'S NOT SOMETHING I CAN "FIX," AS IT IS NORMAL FOR FOCUS MODELS IN MY YEAR. HARD TO BELIEVE.
Power train, Jul 18, 2015
SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I HAVE HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HAS BEEN DISABLED WHILE DRIVING TWICE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES FOR SOFTWARE UPDATES. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. THE CAR SHAKES IN THE LOWER AND HIGHER GEARS. WHEN I ACCELERATE IT HESITATES CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE. SHE REFERRED ME TO THE DEALER WHO IN TURN HAS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS STOPPED ANSWERING MY CALLS SINCE LAST FALL (2014). THE PROBLEM CONTINUES.
Power train, Jul 17, 2015
I HAVE ONLY 11,000 MILES ON MY BRAND NEW CAR. I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT A WEIRD GRINDING NOISE AND A SHUDDERING OF MY ENGINE WHEN GOING THROUGH FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. I TOOK IT IN TWICE TO CHECK (WAS CHARGED) AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. FINALLY, I TOOK IT IN BECAUSE THE NOISE WAS SO TERRIBLE- THEY SAID MY CLUTCH HAD FAILED THEIR TESTS. I FOR MONTHS DROVE SCARED THAT THE CAR WOULD SUDDENLY JOLT FORWARD AND HIT SOMEONE'S CAR. ....UPDATED 11/05/15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE IN TRAFFIC OR GOING UP HILL SLOWLY THE TRANSMISSION WOULD OVERHEAT. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PULL OVER AND LET THE VEHICLE COOL DOWN FOR 8 MINUTES. UPDATED 1/8/2016 *JS
Power train, Jul 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Power train, Jul 15, 2015
FIRST STARTED EXPERIENCES TRANSMISSION SHUDDERING/HESITATION SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. DEALER REPROGRAMMED TCM TWICE. THEN, IN OCTOBER 2013, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR LOCKED INTO 1ST GEAR, RED-LINED THE RPM AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 25 MPH. ATTEMPTS TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL OR THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT MODE WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. ENTERED THE FREEWAY GOING 25 MPH AND ALMOST GOT IN A VERY SEVERE ACCIDENT. WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE FREEWAY AT THE NEXT EXIT WHERE THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF. AFTER STARTING THE CAR AGAIN IT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF 1ST GEAR. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW CLUTCH. AFTER THE NEW CLUTCH WAS REPLACED THE SHUDDERING DECREASED BUT THE CAR STILL HESITATED. AT ABOUT 40K MILES, IN FEBRUARY 2015, THE SHUDDERING/JERKING WORSENED. THIS TIME THE JERKING WAS SO VIOLENT THAT PASSENGERS IN MY CAR SAID THEY DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IN IT. THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE EXTREMELY SLOWLY, EVEN WHEN PRESSING THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE TCM AGAIN. THIS MADE THE JERKING WORSE. DEALER RECORDED A SHUDDERING OF OVER 500RPM. I WAS PUT ON A WAITING LIST FOR A NEW CLUTCH (SECOND ONE). CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WHERE I ASKED FOR A RENTAL CAR WHILE THE NEW CLUTCH WAS ON ORDER (8-12 WEEKS). THEY TOLD ME THE CAR WAS "WITHIN DRIVE-ABLE SPECS" DESPITE THE SEVERE JERKING AND LACK OF ACCELERATION AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ME ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THE CAR WAS "SUPPOSED TO SHUDDER" AND IT IS A "DIFFERENT KIND OF TRANSMISSION" THAT I "JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND." THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE AND FORD CAN'T SEEM TO FIX IT. INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION THEY TELL PEOPLE THAT THE ISSUES ARE "NORMAL." THE 2013 FORD FOCUS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED (IF THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ALREADY).
Power train, Jul 14, 2015
TRAVELING ON I-80 IN NEW JERSEY AFTER SLOWING/BRAKING DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC AHEAD AND SLOWING TO ABOUT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT THREE MINUTES WOULD NOT ACCELERATE TO HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65 MPH. VEHICLE WAS SERVICE AT FORD DEALER REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF CLUTCH AND SOFTWARE REINSTALL. SIMILAR INCIDENT OCCURRED A YEAR LATER JUNE 24, 2015 WHILE TRAVELING ON I-77. WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 70 MPH AND HAD TO SLOW DOWN DUE TO POLICE ACTION ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER SLOWING TO ABOUT 50 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR WAS VERY SLOW TO ACCELERATE TO HIGHWAY SPEED. SCHEDULED A SERVICE CHECK WITH FORD FOR JULY 8, 2015. BUT THE TECHNICIAN "COULD NOT VERITY CONCERN." NOTE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FORD FOR OTHER TRANSMISSION ISSUES NOVEMBER 4, 2014 AND JUNE 13, 2015: GRINDING, RUMBLING NOISE FROM TRANSMISSION AREA, JUMPING/STUTTERING FORWARD WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOPPED POSITION AND TENDENCY FOR TRANSMISSION TO SLOW VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING UNDER 30 MPH. TRANSMISSION/ SOFTWARE ISSUES. THE CLUTCH WAS REPLACED FOR THE NOVEMBER SERVICE DATE AND ONLY SOFTWARE WAS INSTALLED ON THE JUNE 13, 2015 SERVICE DATE. UPDATED 09/09/15*LJ
Power train, Jul 12, 2015
JUNE 2014 - PULLED OFF THE MAIN HIGHWAY ONTO A SIDE ROAD. ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN, THE CAR STARTED TO SHUTTER SEVERELY BETWEEN THE 1-2 SHIFT BUT CONTINUED TO RUN NORMAL ONCE UP TO SPEED. WHEN I GOT HOME, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH PACK IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND REPROGRAM THE TCM AT 22,700 MILES. OCTOBER 2014 - CAR STARTED SHUTTERING AGAIN DURING 1-2 SHIFT AND HAD A RATTLE SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER AND THEY HAD TO REPROGRAM THE TCM AGAIN. APRIL 2015 - RETURNED TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE SHUTTER WAS GETTING WORSE. THEY REPROGRAMMED TCM AGAIN. JUNE 2015 - CAR SHUTTERED SEVERELY AND HESITATED AS I PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO THE ROAD, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET REAR-ENDED. IT FINALLY SHIFTED AND WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THE PCM HAD TO BE REPROGRAMMED AS WELL AS THE TCM AGAIN, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETECT ANY SHUTTER. JULY 1, 2015 - CAR SHUTTERED FROM TAKE-OFF AT A STOP SIGN, THEN HESITATED BEFORE SHIFTING. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID NO SHUTTER WAS DETECTED BUT THEY REPROGRAMMED THE TCM AGAIN TO RELEARN HOW WE DRIVE. JULY 11, 2015 - 39,000 MILES. TURNING LEFT ON TO A ROAD FROM A STOP SIGN, THE CAR SHUTTERED, HESITATED AND JERKED BUT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THE NEXT GEAR. IT DID SHOW THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT THEN. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO KEEP FROM GETTING REAR-ENDED. CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO TRY AND GET THE CAR TO THEM. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TURNED AROUND, HEADED TO THE DEALER. THE CAR SHUTTERED THEN HESITATED AGAIN BEFORE SHIFTING. IT WAS ONLY SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 3RD THEN TO 5TH. AT THE DEALER, I HAD THE SERVICE WRITER DRIVE THE CAR WITH ME IN IT AND IT SHIFTED NORMAL, BUT THE CODE WAS STILL THERE. HE SAID SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE MAY HAVE RESET THE FAULT. THIS NEEDS RECALLED BEFORE INJURIES HAPPEN. RECALL NOW!
Power train, Jul 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 9, 2015
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY DAUGHTER I HAD TURNED A CORNER GOING A LOW SPEED LIKE 10MPH AND THE STEER ASSIST FAULT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AS I WAS TURNING AND I HAD TO FORCE MY CAR STRAIGHT. I MOVED OFF TO THE SIDE AND I WAS SO SCARED.MY DAUGHTER WHO IS AUTISTIC ALSO SAID MOMMY I'M SCARED. I HAD NO IDEA IF IT WAS SAFE TO TRY AND GET HOME OR IF I SHOULD SIT THERE.I AM SO FRUSTRATED THAT I BOUGHT THIS CAR TO REPLACE A CAR THAT HAD GONE OUT AND HAVE ONLY HAD IT FOR 5 MONTHS. I'M EVEN MORE UPSET THAT I TRUSTED THAT THE 2013 FORD FOCUS WAS A STABLE CAR AND HERE I AM ABOUT TO HAVE TO SHELL OUT MONEY THAT I DON'T HAVE TO GET IT FIXED. I'M OUTRAGED THAT THIS TYPE OF THING IS HAPPENING TO MANY FORD OWNERS,AND I'M REGRETTING THAT I EVEN CHOSE THIS CAR. THEY BOAST ABOUT BEING AMERICAN MADE YET IT'S BAD QUALITY AMERICAN MADE. I ALSO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR JERKING AND SHAKING WHILE DRIVING OR STUTTERING. ALTHOUGH THIS IS EQUALLY DANGEROUS IT IS TOLERABLE. I HOPE THIS COMPANY MAKES IT RIGHT WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS AND THINK OF OUR SAFETY BEFORE THEY KEEP MAKING THESE CARS.IM VERY DISAPPOINTED BEYOND WORDS. MAJOR WORK ON A CAR WITH ONLY 44,890 MIKES ON IT.SHAME ON YOU FORD
Steering, Jul 8, 2015
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, I FELT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME TIGHT, THEN A SLIGHT DRIFT TO THE LEFT. WHEN I TRIED TO BRING IT BACK TO THE CENTER THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE TO THE RIGHT. I NOTICED IF I TURN IT TO THE LEFT A LITTLE, WHICH COULD TAKE ME LEFT OF CENTER OF THE ROAD, I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND BRING THE CAR RIGHT AND BACK TO CENTER OF MY LANE. THIS WORSEN AS I GOT CLOSE TO HOME AS I BEGAN TO HEAR NOISES LIKE GRINDING FROM THE STEERING. BY DRIVING VERY SLOWLY WITH MY FLASHERS ON, GETTING OUT PERIODICALLY TO CHECK IF THE WHEEL WAS NOT FALLING OFF, I MANAGE TO GET HOME SAFELY.
Power train, Jul 7, 2015
I HAVE HAD ISSUES SINCE THE CAR WAS ONE YEAR OLD. THE ISSUE THAT HAS JUST HAPPENED ON THURSDAY 2ND OF JULY. I HAD JUST COME OFF THE HIGH WAY AND WAS HEADING HOME AND THE CAR JUST STOPPED DRIVING! NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT IS THE TCM (ALL PART OF THE TRANSMISSION/SHIFT GEAR). I HAVE HAD THE SHIFT GEARS REPLACED TWO TIMES AND COMPUTER UPDATES TWO TIMES. NOW THIS IS VERY SERIOUS, IF I WAS STILL ON THE HIGH WAY I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I HAVE ASKED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION TO HAVE THE CAR BOUGHT BACK AND HAVE BEEN TOLD NO! I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR,AND WITH THE PROBLEMS I AM HAVING A HUGE PROBLEM TRADING IT IN, I WOULD BE UNDERNEATH BY 7,000. PLEASE HELP!!!!