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, Aug 10, 2014
WHILE ACCELERATING FROM STANDING POSITION (AT STOP LIGHT PENDING GREEN LEFT TURN) I HEAR GRINDING AND A POP NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE WHEN TRANSMISSION APPARENTLY SLIPPED (DISENGAGED) SO THAT THE FORWARD DRIVE WILL NOT OPERATE. CAR'S MOMENTUM KEPT CAR MOVING FORWARD BUT WITHOUT POWER FROM DRIVETRAIN. PUTTING CAR IN REVERSE GEAR CAUSES SEVERE GRINDING NOISE AND NO CHANGE IN MOTION. CAR DOES NOT HAVE FORWARD OR REVERSE MOVEMENT WHEN PUT INTO GEAR AND IS COMPLETELY DISABLED. CAR THAT WAS BEHIND ME SUDDENLY SWERVED TO PREVENT REAR-END COLLISION WITH MY RAPIDLY DECELERATING VEHICLE (WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS ACTIVATED TO WARN OF RAPID DECELERATION). *TR
Power train, Aug 10, 2014
MY FOCUS HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES TO KEEP FIXING THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND NOW IT IS GOING BACK IN TO THE SHOP FOR THE FOURTH TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS ON SHUDDERING, JERK S AND SLIPS OUT OF GEAR. IT HAS ROLLED BACK ON TAKE OFF. THE ENGINE GOES BUT THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T. I HAVE TOOK MY CAR TO INTO 3 DEALERS HOPING THAT ANOTHER CAN FIX THE PROBLEM. I FEEL UNSAFE FOR MY WIFE DRIVING IT TO WORK. SHE HAS TO BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN SHE GETS ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND AT STOPS. SHE HAS TO DRIVE WITH BOTH FEET SO THE CAR WON'T GO BACKWARDS. SHE ALSO HAS TO WORRY ABOUT THE CARS BEHIND HER WHEN SHE TRIES TO TAKE OFF AT STOP LIGHTS. FORD HAS OFFERED ME A FREE OIL CHANGE WHICH I THOUGHT WAS FUNNY. MY WIFE HAS TO DRIVE IT TO WORK WE HAVE NO CHOICE IN THE MATTER SINCE IT IS OUR ONLY CAR. IF MY WIFE GETS HIT OR IF SHE HITS ANOTHER CAR I WILL BE GETTING A LAWYER BECAUSE FORD KNOWS ABOUT OUR PROBLEMS. I ASKED TO TRADE IT FOR ANOTHER BUT THEY DON'T WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM OR DO A TRADE. THEY DID OFFER ME 1400 DOLLARS OFF A NEW 30,000 CAR BUT WE JUST BOUGHT THIS ONE AND CAN NOT AFFORD ANOTHER AT THIS TIME. PLEASE HELP US GET THIS UNSAFE MATTER FIXED. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS ON THIS VERY UNSAFE MATTER.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO A DIFFERENT GEAR INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,328.
Power train, Aug 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED WITH LITTLE ACCELERATION AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Power train, Aug 6, 2014
THIS IS A FOLLOW ON TO AN ORIGINAL COMPLAINT SUBMITTED. THIS FIRST TIME THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACE AND FIXT THE ISSUE FOR 10,000 MILES. THE NEW TRANSMISSION AGAIN STARTED TO HESITATE WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS OVER 80 DEGREES. SEVERE SHUDDER WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST INTO 2ND. THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD REACH 5 MPH ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AND THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD JUMP TO 5000 AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY CREEP ALONG AT 5 MPH. THIS HAPPENED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING. LIMPED THE CAR INTO THE DEALER WHO HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION TCM. THE CONTROLLERS SEEM TO LAST BETWEEN 10,000 AND 16,000 MILES. WHEN THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A FAILED TRANSMISSION CONTROLLER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THIS POSES A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION AS OTHER CARS ARE TRYING TO DRIVE AROUND AT 45 MPH. *TR
Power train, Aug 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PROPERLY ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED WITH GREAT FORCE TO GAIN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN FIVE TIMES FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER REBUILT THE CLUTCH AND UPDATED THE SOFTWARE, BUT THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY AND PRODUCED A GRINDING NOISE WHEN THE GEARS WERE CHANGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
Power train, Aug 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PROPERLY ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED WITH GREAT FORCE TO GAIN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN FIVE TIMES FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH AND UPDATED THE SOFTWARE, BUT THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY AND PRODUCED A GRINDING NOISE WHEN THE GEARS WERE CHANGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,109.
Power train, Aug 5, 2014
GOING FOR TRANSMISSION #2 SEE IF THIS ONE CAN LAST MORE THAN 3 MONTHS. LAST FORD I WILL BUY SHOULD HAVE KEPT MY 2008 TAURUS HAD ONE PROBLEM WITH IT THE WHOLE TIME I OWNED IT. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY WARRANTY RUNS OUT AND EVERY THREE MONTHS I HAVE TO HAVE CLUTCHES CHANGED. *TR
Power train, Aug 2, 2014
CVT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS, KNOCKS, DELAYS THEN ACCELERATES. DIFFICULT TO PREDICT WHEN. SOMETIMES OK OTHER TIMES IT HESITATES UPON ACCELERATION. WHILE TURNING LEFT WAS ALMOST HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC DUE TO THE UNPREDICTABLE SHUTTER AND DELAY. FORD DEALER SAYS TRANSMISSION IS NORMAL AND TO EXPECT THAT. THERE IS NO WAY THIS IS SAFE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Aug 2, 2014
MY CAR HAS HAD THE STEERING FIXED, THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED AND THE CLUTCH FIXED 5-6 TIMES IN 6 MONTHS. MY TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH IS STILL NOT REPAIRED. SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE IN THIS CAR AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET RID OF IT SO I AM FORCED TO PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER EVERY DAY. I HAVE A LEMON LAW ATTORNEY AND FORD WILL STILL DO NOTHING. I PAID $1095 FOR AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND I DO NOT HAVE AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. FORD COMMITTED FRAUD WITH THIS SALE. *TR
Power train, Jul 30, 2014
UPON ACCELERATION, FROM STOP OR MOVING, THE VEHICLE SHAKES, JERKS, AND RATTLES VIOLENTLY. THE TRANSMISSION WILL GRIND AND WILL HESITATE TO ENGAGE. TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO MOVING TRAFFIC, I WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT MULTIPLE TIMES DUE TO THE ENGINE PROPERLY "REVVING UP" BUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILING TO EITHER ENGAGE, LATE TO ENGAGE, OR MISSING THE PROPER GEAR. ON EVEN SLIGHT INCLINES THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL BACKWARDS QUICKLY WHEN MOVING FOOT FROM BRAKE TO ACCELERATOR. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP WHO CONFIRMED FAILURE OF CLUTCH AND SEALS BUT FORD DOES NOT HAVE AVAILABILITY ON PARTS. MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS TOLD ME THIS PROBLEM IS IN EVERY 2013 FOCUS, AND READING ONLINE CONFIRMS THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AND I'M NOW DRIVING A CAR WITH A CONFIRMED FAILURE ITEM THAT CANNOT BE REPLACED. DEALERSHIPS ALSO HAVE TOLD ME "THIS PROBLEM WILL BE PRESENT FOREVER" OR IS "NOT FIXABLE". *TR
Power train, Jul 29, 2014
VEHICLE SHUDDERS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE ACCELERATING THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF GEAR (DRY TYPE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) AND THERE IS NO CONTROL UNDER POWER. I HAVE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT AND HOPE THAT THE TRANSMISSION REENGAGES. . THIS HAS HAPPENED ON BOTH THE STREET AND HIGHWAY. ON THE HIGHWAY I HAVE TO CONTEND WITH THE POSSIBLE CHANCE OF BEING REAR ENDED BY A VEHICLE TRAVELING MUCH FASTER THAN ONE ON THE STREET. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A REGULAR BASIS, AND THE DEALER HAS YET TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED AS LONG AS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. *JS
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
Engine, Jul 28, 2014
I PURCHASED MY 2013 FOCUS TITANIUM, AUTO TRANSMISSION, IN SEPTEMBER 2013. AFTER A FEW DAYS, I NOTICED HESITATION/SHUDDERING, JERKING, AND GRINDING WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STAND-STILL/"OFF THE LINE" AS WELL AS WHEN THE CAR WAS DOWNSHIFTING FROM HIGHER GEARS. I CALLED MY DEALER, NAZARETH FORD IN NAZARETH, PA, TO REPORT THE ISSUE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THIS WAS "NORMAL" FOR THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH IS A "MANUAL AUTOMATIC" TRANSMISSION. I WAS SKEPTICAL, BUT I WAS ADVISED TO DRIVE 500 MILES AND SEE IF THE PROBLEM CORRECTED ITSELF. I WAS DISCOURAGED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, SINCE THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE "NORMAL" AND I HAD NOT REACHED 500 MILES YET TO SEE IF IT WOULD IMPROVE. IT NEVER DID AND HAS ONLY GOTTEN WORSE. LAST WEEK AFTER ALMOST A YEAR AND 17,500 MILES WITH NO IMPROVEMENT, I WAS FED UP. I CALLED THE DEALER TO MAKE AN AN APPOINTMENT. THE DEALER KEPT THE CAR TWO DAYS AND REPORTED THAT THEY REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION. I PICKED THE CAR UP LAST SATURDAY AND AFTER 15 MINUTES OR LESS, THE ISSUES RETURNED. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AGAIN AND THE PERSON DID NOT RETURN MY PHONE CALL. I VISITED IN PERSON AND WAS ADVISED AGAIN THAT I SHOULD DRIVE ANOTHER 500 MILES SO THE REPROGRAM COULD TAKE EFFECT. THE DEALER COMMENTED THAT A NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS HAVE COME BACK FOR PREMATURE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENTS, WHICH DID NOT LEAVE ME WITH A GREAT FEELING. THIS ISSUE HAS PROVED TO BE POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS, SUCH AS COMING TO A STOP AT THE END OF AN INTERSECTION, RED LIGHT, OR HIGHWAY RAMP BEFORE ACCELERATING BACK UP TO SPEED AND CLIMBING ANY SORT OF HILL. JERKING AND GRINDING PREVENTS THE CAR FROM ACCELERATING SMOOTHLY. WHILE I AM OTHERWISE HAPPY WITH THE FEATURES OF THE CAR, THIS IS A DEAL-BREAKER. WITH THE NUMBER OF MILES THAT I DRIVE, I AM SCARED THAT THIS IMPROPER FUNCTIONING WILL CAUSE A COLLISION IF LEFT UNRESOLVED. *JS
Engine, Jul 27, 2014
WHEN TURNING A CORNER AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE CARE SHUDDERED AND MADE LOUD NOISES. IT PROGRESSED TO SHUDDERING EVERY TIME I ACCELERATED...CLIMBING SMALL GRADE, CHANGING SPEED ZONES ETC. THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC CAR. I HAD IT INTO SHOP WHERE THEY CLEANED CLUTCHES AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND NOW THERE WAS SHUDDERING WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO BACK DOWN A SMALL DRIVE WAY INCLINE. THE CAR CONTINUES TO SHUDDER AND MAKE NOISE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TELLS ME THE CAR NEEDS TO LEARN MY DRIVING STYLE....BS. THIS IS EMBARRASSING AND FRUSTRATING NOT TO MENTION THAT I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING A CAR WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE IT MORE, BUT I REFUSE TO DRIVE A BRAND NEW CAR WITH THESE ISSUES. *JS
Power train, Jul 25, 2014
AT 15,583 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING VERY HARD AND AT RANDOM TIMES CHANGING GEARS. THE DEALER SAID THE DOUBLE CLUTCH TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AND I HAD TO WAIT THREE WEEKS FOR THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THEY HAD SO MANY CARS AHEAD OF ME TO JUST DRIVE THE CAR AS THE TRANSMISSION HAD ALREADY FAILED AND IF IT STRANDED ME, THEY WOULD TOW THE CAR IN. THREE WEEKS LATER THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AND THE CONDITION WAS CORRECTED. NOW AT 26,400 MILES, DURING A VERY HOT DAY, THE CAR LUNGED WHEN ACCELERATING AND THEN LOSS POWER DURING AN ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. MULTIPLE TIMES THE CAR FOLLOWING BEHIND HAD TO 'PANIC STOP' OR WOULD HAVE REAR ENDED MY CAR. AFTER ABOUT 40 MILES OF DRIVING, THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER LOOKED AT THE CAR AND SAID THEY COULD NOT WORK ON THE CAR FOR AT LEAST A WEEK BUT READ THE ERROR CODES AND TURN OFF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL NEXT WEEK AS IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. AFTER EXPERIENCING THIS CONDITION, NO ONE WOULD THINK THIS CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. THEN I WAS TOLD THAT AFTER THEY CHECK OUT THE CAR, IF THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AGAIN, IT WOULD TAKE AT LEAST THREE WEEKS FOR THEM TO GET A NEW ONE AND THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO FIX IT ANY SOONER AS THEY HAVE SO MANY CARS AHEAD OF MINE THAT NEED NEW TRANSMISSIONS. FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS, THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE HAS BEEN MUCH LOWER AND THE LUNGING HAS STOPPED. HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION EITHER SHIFTS PERFECT OR SHIFTS HARD AND IS AGAIN RANDOMLY CHANGING GEARS. THE IDLE IS ALSO BECOMING VERY ROUGH AND AFTER A STOP, STAYS AT 1200 RPMS AND TAKES ABOUT 10 SECONDS TO COME DOWN TO WHAT IS NORMAL ABOUT 700 RPM. *TR
Engine, Jul 25, 2014
I WAS STOPPED IN LINE AT A LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED I PUSHED ON THE GAS AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE- IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND THAT'S WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED SEVERAL TIMES AS THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG-AFTER TWO DAYS I WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO AN UPDATE THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE TO THE ENGINE SOFTWARE AND THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER EITHER THE BASIC WARRANTY OR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I HAD THE SAME VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A SOUND IN THE ENGINE ON 6/30 AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING! I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAD THE SAME ISSUE WHEN HIS CAR WAS A MONTH OLD AND THEY COVERED THE COST OF HIS REPAIR. *TR
Power train, Jul 24, 2014
COMPLAINED TO SERVICE WRITER WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN WITH THE STUTTERING PROBLEM WHEN I START TO DRIVE. WAS TOLD THAT IT IS BECAUSE FORD HAD REDESIGNED A MANUAL TRANSMISSION TO MAKE IT AUTOMATIC TO INCREASE THE GAS MILEAGE. WAS TOLD TO BRING IT BACK IF GOT WORSE. IT HAS AND MUCH WORSE, NOW IT NOT ONLY SHUTTERS BUT IT HAS A KNOCKING SOUND. I NOTICED A BLACK RING AROUND THE AREA WHERE THE TWO PIECES ARE BOLTED TOGETHER. I HAVE TO DRIVE 24 MILES TO WORK EACH DAY ON THE INTERSTATE AND HAVE MAJOR CONCERNS ABOUT BEING STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF ROAD. I WAS TOLD THAT FORD HAD GOT IT'S ACT TOGETHER FINALLY AND DECIDED TO GET THE FOCUS SE. WORST MISTAKE I MADE. SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE KIA SOUL LIKE I PLANNED OR THE CHEVY CRUZE. *TR
Power train, Jul 23, 2014
I HAVE HAD MY 2013 FORD FOCUS SEVERAL TIMES IN THE DEALER, FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THEIR DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION INCLUDING EXCESSIVE NOISE DURING ACCELERATION, THE GEAR SHIFT AROUND ON THE STOP AND GO TRAFFIC EVEN WITH 5 MPH SPEED, HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC, AND JERKY ACCELERATION, ESPECIALLY FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. EVERY TIME THEY TOLD ME IT IS NORMAL, AND TOLD ME IF THE CAR ISN'T BREAK DOWN OR WITH AN ENGINE LIGHT ON, THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ANYMORE, ESPECIALLY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AS I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO FAIL TO ACCELERATE. FORD INSISTS THESE ISSUES ARE NORMAL, AND TELL ME I CAN WAIT UNTIL BEFORE MY WARRANTY EXPIRE TO COME BACK TO FIX (DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT MEAN?) *TR
Power train, Jul 23, 2014
TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE AT A STOP OR SLOW SPEED WILL NOT PROPERLY GO TO THE 1ST GEAR SPEED TRIES TO JERK AND STOP ALSO ROLLS BACK ON A SMALL INCLINE WHEN STOPPED ON A HILL FOR A RED LIGHT .MUST STEP ON GAS ALOT SO I DON'T ROLL BACKWARDS WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN. VERY BAD JERKING WHEN YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY.I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FORM THE VERY FIRST DAY. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 23, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, AT LOW RPM'S THE CAR WOULD STUTTER AND STALL. IT IS MORE PRONOUNCED WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, I WAS TOLD THIS IS COMMON. ON MY WAY HOME FROM THE DEALER THE CAR STALLED LEAVING A GREEN TRAFFIC LIGHT AND I WAS ALMOST HIT IN THE REAR END. THE CAR FINALLY LITE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT 3 WEEKS LATER. DEALER CHANGED AN O2 SENSOR AND 4 DAYS LATER IN JULY CAR WENT INTO "LIMP MODE" IN FIRST GEAR AS I WAS LEAVING A RESTAURANT. THE CAR HESITATED AND STALLED IN TRAFFIC, I WAS ALMOST HIT IN THE REAR OF THE CAR AGAIN. THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT THE AN ACTUATOR CONTROLLING THE RADIATOR VENTS IS BAD, BUT THIS SHOULD NO HAVE CAUSED THE CAR TO GO INTO LIMP MODE. FORD HAS A TSB FOR A WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM, THE NUMBER IS TSB 13-9-7 THAT EXPLAINS THE ISSUES OF STUTTERING AND STALLING, BUT UNLESS 2 CODES ARE READ ON THE COMPUTER THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT. THE PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON FORDFOCUSST.ORG WEBSITE. HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF CARS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT ONE DAY SOMEONE, IF NOT MANY PEOPLE, WILL BE SERIOUSLY HURT DUE TO THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Jul 23, 2014
MY CAR HAS A VERY LOUD RATTLING NOISE WHEN IT SHIFTS, TOOK TO DEALER,FLANDERS AND PATCH IN LEBANON NH ON 07/22/13 THEY LOOKED AT IT, AND SAID ITS THE TRANSMISSION, {SOME PART} ? WAS TOLD IT WAS THE NATURE OF THE BEAST, AND I WOULD HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. WILL VERY LIKELY TRY MY HARDEST TO , TELL EVERY ONE NOT TO BUY THIS TYPE OF CAR,. *TR
Power train, Jul 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 1 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO A HIGHER GEAR AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLUTCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Jul 21, 2014
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS, JERKS, LUNGES, SOMETIMES DANGEROUSLY FORWARD LIKE SOMEONE "POPPED THE CLUTCH". QUESTIONED DEALER AT PURCHASE AND WAS TOLD "BREAK IN". QUESTION DEALER PRIOR TO 10K SERVICE WAS TOLD "NORMAL". AT 10K SERVICE REQUESTED COMPUTER REPROGRAMMING AND UPDATES TO TRANSMISSION. WAS GIVEN AN "OFFICIAL FORD DESCRIPTION" DOCUMENT OF TRANSMISSION BASICALLY TOLD "NORMAL". TOOK CAR TO DIFFERENT DEALER FOR 20K SERVICE. TOLD THEM RE: SHUTTER, JERKING, AND LUNGING FORWARD. THEY FOUND CLUTCH OIL LEAK. REPLACED SEALS AND CLUTCH AND REPROGRAMMED COMPUTER. 2 WEEKS LATER CAR IS WORSE THEN BEFORE. SAME ISSUES BUT WORSE AND NOW A SLIGHT CLANKING/GRINDING SOUND AT LOWER SPEEDS DURING ACCELERATION AND HESITATION. WILL RETURN FOR SERVICE AGAIN.
Power train, Jul 21, 2014
I HAVE HAD MY 2013 FORD FOCUS AT THE DEALER THREE TIMES NOW FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THEIR DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION INCLUDING EXCESSIVE NOISE DURING ACCELERATION, HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC, AND JERKY ACCELERATION, ESPECIALLY FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE CLUTCH AND REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED - THE NOISE AND HESITATION RETURNED WITHIN A DAY OF THE REPAIRS. I SIMPLY DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AS I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO FAIL TO ACCELERATE. FORD INSISTS THESE ISSUES ARE NORMAL, BUT I CAN'T IMAGINE A CAR THAT SOUNDS LIKE THIS AND FAILS TO SHIFT WHEN ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC IS "NORMAL". *TR