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.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 3, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN A COMPLETELY FLAT SECTION OF THE ROAD AND HAD BEEN APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES IN MY JOURNEY WHEN I NOTICED MY CAR STARTED SLIGHTLY SHUDDERING. WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR A MERGING VEHICLE, MY VEHICLE WENT TO OVER 5000 RPM (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BY THE WAY) AND MY SPEED DROPPED, DANGEROUSLY DROPPING MY SPEED IN A PASSING LANE TO 20 UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT. WHILE MAKING MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE THE SPEED, MY RPM'S KEPT GOING UP AND MY ACCELERATION KEPT DECLINING WITH CARS SWERVING UNTIL I COULD GET INTO THE RIGHTHAND LANE. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT OR ANY DIFFICULTY WITH MY VEHICLE AS I PURCHASED IT NEW. FURTHER, I HAVE NOTICED THAT EVEN THOUGH I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, WHEN STOPPED AT INTERSECTIONS OR LIGHTS, IF I LET UP OFF OF THE GAS AT ALL, MY CAR ROLLS BACKWARDS MUCH LIKE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WOULD DO, WHICH NOW THAT I KNOW THE TRANSMISSION DOES THIS, I AM AWARE, HOWEVER ON UPHILL STOPS I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO NOT ROLL BACKWARDS IN SWITCHING BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATION IF A CAR IS CLOSELY BEHIND ME, STOPPED. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR IT TO BE LOOKED AT, AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (WHERE I DIDN'T BUY THE CAR) STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES ARE COMMON IN FORD FOCUSES OF THIS MODEL YEAR -- AND FORD IS AWARE/THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE -- YET THEY "CAN'T FIND ANYTHING ACTUALLY WRONG BY GUIDELINES" FOR THE CAR. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH IMMEDIATELY! I EXPECT A NEW CAR WITH NO ACCIDENTS TO RUN SMOOTHLY! *TR
Power train, Apr 2, 2014
WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED ITSELF TO NEUTRAL. IT DID THIS A NUMBER OF TIMES. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE I COULD HAVE BEEN HIT IN THE REAR END WHEN THE CAR SLOWED DOWN. APPARENTLY, IT WAS A FAULTY COMPUTER CODE. *TR
Power train, Apr 2, 2014
I AM EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH MY 2013 FORD FOCUS THAT IS MAKING ME SO NERVOUS AND SCARING ME. I AM SO AFRAID IT IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, ESPECIALLY PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. I HAVE A CLEAN DRIVING RECORD AND HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT. WHEN I STOP AT A STOP SIGN, LOOK BOTH WAYS, SEE A VEHICLE SOME DISTANCE AWAY AND KNOW IT IS OK TO PULL OUT BUT THEN THE CAR STALLS AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC IS UPON YOU. IT SHUDDERS WHEN I START TO TAKE OFF INTO TRAFFIC OR FROM A STOP. ALSO, WHEN I SLOW DOWN AND TRY TO SPEED UP IT DOES THE SAME. SOMETIMES IT SHUDDERS SO BAD THAT I AM AFRAID IT IS GOING TO CUT OFF. IT ALSO MAKES A NOISE LIKE A RATTLE. MY CAR ONLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 9,000 MILES ON IT AND IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE RAN IT THROUGH THE SERVICE PROCEDURES AS REQUIRED BY FORD MOTOR. THIS 2013 FORD FOCUS HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP THREE TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN DECEMBER, 2012, ALWAYS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN REPAIRED. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS TOLD BY AN EMPLOYEE AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THESE CARS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THIS PROBLEM. YOU AND I BOTH KNOW THAT A CAR IS NOT SUPPOSED TO DO THIS. FORD MOTOR IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES BUT FEELS IT IS NOT BAD ENOUGH TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THAT IS LIKE GOING TO THE DOCTOR AND HE TELLS YOU LETS WAIT UNTIL YOU GET WORSE BEFORE WE DO ANYTHING. I AM ASKING THAT MY 2013 FORD FOCUS BE REPAIRED AS IT SHOULD BE. IF IT MEANS REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION OR WHATEVER IT NEEDS THEN DO IT! *TR
Power train, Engine, Apr 1, 2014
WHEN I DRIVE IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS GRINDING AND/OR A RATTLING IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR. IT DOES NOT ALWAYS MAKE THIS NOISE HOWEVER WHEN IT DOES IT SOUNDS LIKE MY TRANSMISSION IS GONNA FALL OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE I AM DRIVING. I CAN ALSO FEEL A VIBRATION IN MY FOOT PEDDLE. ON JUNE 07 2017 THEY REPROGRAMMED MY TRANSMISSION HOPING THAT WOULD RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. ON ANOTHER VISIT DECEMBER 27TH 2013 THEY LUBED SOME PART OF THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. THEN ON MARCH 19TH 2014 THEY DID ANOTHER REPROGRAM ADVISING ME THIS TIME ITS MORE SPECIFIC FOR MY VEHICLE. THEY ALSO GAVE ME A PRINT OUT ON WHY MY CAR MADE THIS NOISE AND ADVISED ME IT WAS NORMAL. THEY HAVE HEARD THE NOISE ALL 3 OF THESE TIMES, THERE WERE A FEW OTHER VISITS WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO HEAR THE NOISE SO THEY WERE NOT SURE ON HOW TO APPROACH THE PROBLEM. WITH THE LAST REPROGRAMMING THEY DID SO FAR HAS HELPED THE NOISE IT IS NOT AS OFTEN OCCURRING HOWEVER NOW MY CAR IS JERKING, ALMOST LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. THEY DID ADVISE ME I WOULD NEED TO DRIVE 500 MILES TO ENSURE THE REPROGRAMMING HAS BEEN FIXED AND I AM NOT AT MY 500 MILES YET. *TR
Engine, Mar 30, 2014
VEHICLE JUST STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. *TR
Engine, Mar 24, 2014
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED WHEN COMING TO A STOP. SOMETIMES IDLE IS ERRATIC IF THE VEHICLE STAYS RUNNING. IT HUNTS TO IDLE PROPERLY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED AND REDUCED IN ACCELERATION POWER. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER RECALIBRATED THE COMPUTER HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Power train, Mar 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE FAILURE STILL RECURRED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26000.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 13, 2014
WINDSHIELD WIPERS FROZE IN PLACE WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS TO THE RIGHT SIDE WIPER BUT YESTERDAY (3/12/14) NEITHER WIPER WOULD WORK AFTER A 20 MILE HIGHWAY DRIVE DURING A MODERATE SNOWFALL. THE CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1.) THE VEHICLE IS WARMED UP AND THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTED WITH THE NORMAL AUTOMOTIVE HVAC SYSTEM. 2.) THE WIPERS ARE USED DURING LOW SPEED DRIVING AND KEEP THE WINDSHIELD CLEAR. 3.) AT SPEEDS ABOVE 35MPH, LIGHT/MODERATE SNOW DOES NOT STICK TO THE WINDSHIELD SHIELD AND VISIBILITY IS BETTER WITHOUT THE WIPERS RUNNING. AT SOME POINT DURING TRAVEL WITH THE WIPERS OFF, THE MOISTURE FROM PREVIOUS WIPER USE CAUSES THE WIPERS TO FREEZE IN PLACE. 4.) THE WIPERS ARE NEEDED WHEN SPEED IS REDUCED OR ROADSPRAY IS ENCOUNTERED AND THEY DO NOT WORK BECAUSE THEY ARE FROZE BELOW WHERE THE DEFROSTER HEATS THE WINDSHIELD. AT THIS POINT I MUST STOP AND EXIT THE VEHICLE TO FREE THE WIPERS. I'VE THUS FAR BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO NOT HAVE ENCOUNTER SERIOUS ROADSPRAY WHILE MY WIPERS HAVE BEEN FROZEN IN PLACE, BUT FEEL IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I'M REQUIRE TO STOP IN A DANGEROUS/IMPRACTICABLE LOCATION TO FREE THE WIPERS. *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2014
ON FRIDAY 2/14/2014 @ 1100, I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 5 SOUTH, WHEN MY CAR, WITHOUT LIFTING FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL, SUDDENLY LOST POWER GOING FROM 65MPH TO 30 MPH, IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. A LOW SWOOSH SOUND FROM MOTOR OCCURRED AT SAME TIME. I HAD TO EXIT THE FREEWAY AT SEA WORLD DRIVE EXIT FROM THE FAR FREEWAY LANE, MAKING FOR A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AM VERY GLAD I WAS NOT REAR-ENDED AS I EXITED THE FREEWAY. AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY AND PULLED TO THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED THE CAR. .AFTER 5 MINUTES THE ENGINE WENT BACK TO NORMAL AND RAN LIKE NOTHING HAD OCCURRED. I TOOK IT TO THE MOSSY FORD DEALERSHIP THE SAME DAY (SERVICE NUMBER R020298788). THEY KEPT IT OVERNIGHT. THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE INCIDENT AND TOLD ME THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THEY TOLD ME TO WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN, AND TO BRING IT IN AGAIN. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE RESPONSE FROM FORD DEALERSHIP. ON 2/25/2014, I TOOK IT INTO TUNE CRAFTERS TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIND OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY NEW CAR. THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE, BUT DID NOTE IN WRITING THE THROTTLE IS NOT AS RESPONSIVE ON TAKE-OFF ACCELERATION, AND THERE IS A BRIEF HESITATION IN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT AND THROTTLE. I AM FILING A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY TODAY. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY NEW CAR ANYMORE. THANK YOU, NELLIE DOWNIE
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 27, 2014
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2013 FORD FOCUS IN JANUARY 2013 AFTER HAVING PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2011 FORD FOCUS THAT WAS HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TOLD ME THAT THE 2013 FOCUS MODELS HAD A REDONE TRANSMISSION THAT WAS MORE EXPENSIVE AND DIDN'T HAVE THE "ISSUES" THAT PLAGUED THE 2011 FORD FOCUS. TURNS OUT IT IS THE SAME TRANSMISSION, EXCEPT WITH A COMPUTER UPDATE WHICH DOES NOT FIX THE ISSUE. WITHIN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS, MY CAR WAS 'SHUDDERING' FOR LACK OF A BETTER DESCRIPTION WHEN ACCELERATING; THE RPM'S GO UP SPORADICALLY TO, REVVING THE ENGINE HIGHER THAN IT NEEDS TO GO. IT FEELS ALMOST LIKE IT'S GOING TO DIE AND THEN WILL CATCH THE GEAR AND GO. I HAVE TAKEN MY CURRENT CAR IN FOR SERVICE ONCE FOR ANOTHER UPDATE, BUT MY 2011 WAS IN THE SHOP MULTIPLE TIMES TO FIX THIS ISSUE, AND ALWAYS CAME BACK TO ME DOING THE SAME 'SHUDDERING' AS IT DID BEFORE IT WENT IN. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD TALK TO MY DEALER AND THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. WELL, BY TAKING CARE OF IT, THEY MEANT THAT THERE IS ANOTHER 'UPDATE'. I HAD IT UPDATED ON 8/26/13 AND I PICKED IT UP ONLY TO FIND THAT THE SHUDDERING IS WORSE. IT'S NOT SAFE TO TRY AND DRIVE A CAR THAT SHUDDERS AND LAGS WHEN YOU HAVE TO CROSS BUSY STREETS AND IN NORMAL DAILY TRAFFIC. I'M TIRED OF DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE ESPECIALLY BEING THAT I BOUGHT A NEW CAR. AND AN AMERICAN CAR AT THAT. FORD NEEDS TO HAVE SOME INTEGRITY AND FIX THIS BEFORE I DO WHAT I WANT TO DO AND GO BUY A HONDA OR NISSAN.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2014
IN 2/13, MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A '13 FORD FOCUS FROM BREWSTER FORD IN NY. UNFORTUNATELY, OUR CAR HAS NEVER WORKED CORRECTLY. IT RANDOMLY LOSES POWER. IT FEELS LIKE THE GAS PEDAL DOESN'T RESPOND SOMETIMES WHEN WE TRY TO ACCELERATE. OUR CAR IS CURRENTLY IN THEIR SERVICE CENTER FOR THE 4TH ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY INTERVENTION. 3 OF THE MASTER MECHANICS, SCOTTY, CARLISLE, AND ANTHONY, SAY THEY HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES WITHOUT REPAIRING ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY CLAIM THAT THEY CANNOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM. 5/28/13 THE HESITATION AND NONRESPONSIVE ACCELERATION INCREASED AND WE BROUGHT OUR CAR TO THE SERVICE CENTER AND PAID FOR AN OIL CHANGE. WE WERE GIVEN THE CAR BACK AND TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND. 6/14/13 WE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE WAS AN UPDATE FOR THE COMPUTER AND WE THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE FIXED. 12/9/13 WE CAME BACK TO THE SERVICE CENTER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THIS TIME THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ON THE NYS THRUWAY AND THIS TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF. AGAIN THE CAR WAS GIVEN BACK AND WE WERE TOLD NO PROBLEM FOUND. THEY SAID THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. IT HAD BEEN ON FOR TWO DAYS PRIOR. 12/18/13 WE BROUGHT OUR CAR BACK TO THE SERVICE CENTER. AFTER WE CALLED FORD CORPORATE FOR HELP, THE SERVICE MANAGER, DANIELLE GOT INVOLVED. THE GAS MILEAGE DROPPED AT THIS TIME FROM 32-27 MILES/GALLON COMBINED. OUR CAR WAS AT BREWSTER FORDS SERVICE CENTER FOR OVER 30 DAYS WITHOUT BEING CONTACTED ONCE. WHEN MY HUSBAND CALLED TO CHECK ON THE STATUS, HE WAS TOLD THEY WERE WAITING ON A SERVICE ENGINEER TO COME OUT. AFTER SPEAKING TO ANGELA, THE REGIONAL MANAGER FROM FORD, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE SERVICE CENTER IS UNABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND WE SHOULD AGAIN TAKE OUR UNSAFE CAR. 1/23/14 TODAY THE REGIONAL MANAGER AGREED TO APPROVE A SECOND OPINION.
Power train, Feb 27, 2014
AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCHES ARE SLIPPING CAUSING MODERATE TO SEVERE (INTERMITTENT) HESITATION. DEALER SAYS THAT THE WAY ITS SUPPOSED TO BE WHEN I TOOK IT IN FIRST WEEK WE HAD IT. WENT TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR SECOND OIL CHANGE AND FLUID IS LEAKING IN REAR MAIN SEAL, DEALER DIDN'T EVEN CHECK. REPLACED CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AT 21000 MILES, HESITATION FROM START, 8000 MORE MILES, DEALER SAYS NOTHING WRONG, TAKE TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND AGAIN LEAKING FROM REAR MAIN SEAL. JUST GOT CAR BACK WITH NEW SEAL, DIDN'T REPLACE CLUTCH. CONTACTED ATTORNEY TO LEMON LAW THE CAR IN GEORGIA AND THEY HAVE SENT NOTIFICATION TO FORD. *TR
Power train, Feb 27, 2014
AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCHES ARE SLIPPING CAUSING MODERATE TO SEVERE (INTERMITTENT) HESITATION. DEALER SAYS THAT THE WAY ITS SUPPOSED TO BE WHEN I TOOK IT IN. WENT TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND FLUID IS LEAKING IN REAR MAIN SEAL, DEALER DIDN'T EVEN CHECK. REPLACED CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AT 12000 MILES, HESITATION FROM START, 8000 MORE MILES, DEALER SAYS NOTHING WRONG, TAKE TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND AGAIN LEAKING FROM REAR MAIN SEAL. CURRENTLY WAITING FOR LOANER TO GET FIXED AGAIN. CONTACTED ATTORNEY TO LEMON LAW THE CAR IN GEORGIA AND THEY HAVE SENT NOTIFICATION TO FORD. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT NO ISSUES WERE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 15,000. UPDATED 04/04/14*LJ UPDATED 04/11/2014 *JS
Visibility, Feb 13, 2014
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW FROM FORD OF MAYAGUEZ. I SOON NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WHEN WET OR FOGGY WAS MOTTLED OUTSIDE THE GLASS. THINKING IT NEEDED CLEANING I RETURNED TO DEALER WHO COULD DO NOTHING. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO CLEAN IT HAVE FAILED EXCEPTING A SLIGHT WEAR OF THE MOTTLING WHERE THE WIPERSWORK. THE MOTTLED OUTSIDE OF THE GLASS IS PRONOUNCED AT DARK REFLECTING STREETLIGHTS OR IN RAIN OR FOG WHEN FRONT VIEW IS SEVERELY AFFECTED. THE PATTERN OF THE MOTTLED APPEARANCE NEVER CHANGES WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT IS IN THE GLASS. OTHER WINDOWS HAVE SAME MOTTLED APPEARANCE WHEN WET BUT ARE NIT SO IMPORTANT AS THE WINDSHIELD. FORD DOES NOT ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, AND THEY HAVE NOT ANSWERED MY EMAILS. I DOUBT THIS IS UNIQUE TO MY VEHICLE. A FEW DAYS AGO I HAD TO DRIVE AT NIGHT IN A MISTY RAIN. VISION WAS SEVERELY IMPAIRED, HENCE PROMPTING THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 11, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT MIDNIGHT 2/8/2014 AT ABOUT 75MPH WHEN MY CAR STARTED TO BECOME STIFF IN THE STEERING AND LOST SPEED RAPIDLY. I DOWN SHIFTED FROM 5TH GEAR TO 4TH GEAR THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE EVEN WITH MY FOOT PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR, I SHIFTED DOWN TO 3RD BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN LOSS OF SPEED AND STILL NOTHING THE CARS RPMS WOULD GO HIGHER BUT THE SPEED WOULD NOT CHANGE. THIS NEARLY CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT SO I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND TURNED BACK ON THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY, I CONTACTED FORD BROUGHT IT IN TO THEIR SERVICE CENTER AND THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THIS PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Feb 7, 2014
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON MARCH 30TH, 2013 AND HAVE HAD CONSTANT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS EVER SINCE. THE TRANSMISSION GRINDS, LURCHES, ROLLS BACKWARDS ON HILLS, ON SOME OCCASIONS REFUSES TO SHIFT GEARS, SQUEAKS AND RATTLES. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE INTO DAVIES FORD IN CHARLEROI, PA (WHICH IS DOCUMENTED) FOR SERVICE AND THEY HAVE TRIED TO REPROGRAM THE SHIFT POINTS. THIS HAS LESSENED THE SYMPTOMS OF THE VEHICLE BUT THEY ARE STILL PERSISTENT AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SEVERITY. SOME DAYS THERE AREN'T ANY SIGNS OF TROUBLE AND OTHER DAYS THE VEHICLE GRINDS AND LURCHES. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THESE ARE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DCT TRANSMISSION. THE PROBLEMS HAVE CONSISTENTLY OCCURRED BETWEEN THE PURCHASE DATE OF MARCH 2013 TO THE CURRENT DATE OF 02/07/14. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jan 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHE DROVE AT 70 MPH, THE PLACE TRANSMISSION IN PARK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 27, 2014
MY CAR LIKE THE REST OF THE COMPLAINTS DOES NOT SHIFT RIGHT. IT JERKS AND SHUDDERS AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN IT SHIFTS. I TOOK IT TO MY FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE IT DOES NOT MEET FORDS GUIDELINES TO FIX. THEY SAY IT IS IN NORMAL OPERATING STANDARDS BUT I DONT THINK A BRAND NEW CAR SHOULD BE SHUDDERING WHEN SHIFTS. NOW IT HAS AN ALERT POP UP SAYING HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE AND IT WONT GO OFF. *TR
Power train, Jan 21, 2014
WHEN GOING UP HILLS THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION REFUSES TO SHIFT INSTANTLY AND MAKES LOUD GRINDING NOISE. IT WOULD EVENTUALLY SHIFTS BUT THE SPLIT SECONDS OF NOT SHIFTING CAUSES ME ANXIETY AND IMPLIES A SAFETY ISSUE. I BROUGHT THIS PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF FORD OF KIRKLAND'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT THE FIRST TIME IN APRIL AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS STILL "LEARNING" MY DRIVING HABITS BECAUSE IT IS STILL BREAKING IN. THE SECOND TIME I BROUGHT MY CAR IN WAS IN 12/2013, I WAS TOLD THAT WHAT I AM EXPERIENCING IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND FORD IS TRYING TO COME UP WITH A SOFTWARE FIX. NO ONE KNOWS WHEN THE FIX WILL BE AVAILABLE WHILE DRIVERS LIKE ME ARE SUFFERING. IN FILING THIS COMPLAINT, I HOPE THAT WITH A HELP FROM A YOUR AGENCY FORD WILL PAY MORE ATTENTION TO ITS CUSTOMERS WHO ARE ENDURING THIS PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING THEIR CARS EVERY DAY. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jan 18, 2014
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS REST ON A PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD THAT IS NOT HEATED. AFTER HAVING FULLY CLEARED MY WINDSHIELD OF SNOW AND ICE BEFORE MY TRIP, I WAS QUITE SURPRISED TO FIND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS NON-FUNCTIONAL WHEN I WENT TO USE THEM TO CLEAR ROAD SPRAY FROM MY WINDSHIELD. WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS THAT THE WIPERS HAD REFROZEN TO THE WINDSHIELD AFTER HAVING BEEN CLEARED EARLIER. I COMMONLY DRIVE WITH THE VEHICLE'S CLIMATE CONTROL SET TO THE FLOOR/DEFROST SETTING TO KEEP THE WINDSHIELD WARM, ESPECIALLY ON THE FIRST LEG OF A TRIP. THIS IS THE FIRST VEHICLE I OWN WHERE THE WIPERS DISAPPEAR FROM THE VIEW WHEN THEY ARE NOT USED. INSPECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD DESIGN SHOWS THAT THE LOWER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT DIRECTLY EXPOSED TO CABIN HEAT, NOR IS THERE A EASY PATH FOR ENGINE HEAT TO AFFECT THIS AREA. THERE SHOULD BE, AT A MINIMUM, A METHOD TO DEFROST THE LOWER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD THAT THE WIPERS REST ON, EITHER THROUGH DIRECT THERMAL ELECTRIC MEANS, OR BY EXPOSURE TO CABIN HEAT WHEN THE HVAC IS ON THE DEFROST SETTING. HAVING WIPERS THAT RANDOMLY NOT FUNCTION BECAUSE THEY ARE FROZEN REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD WHEN ROAD SPRAY COVERS YOUR WINDSHIELD DUE TO GREATLY REDUCED VISIBILITY. ADDITIONAL HAZARDS ARE PRESENT BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO CHOICE TO BUT TO IMMEDIATLY STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO FREE YOUR WIPERS. THIS LEAVES YOU EXPOSED TO TRAFFIC TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS WHILE YOU ARE STOPPED, AS WELL AS THE INHERENT RISK ASSOCIATED WITH MERGING BACK ON THE ROAD FROM A FULL STOP WITHOUT THE AID OF AN ON-RAMP, OR OTHER ACCELERATION LANE. *TR
Electrical system, Seat belts, Jan 17, 2014
WHEN YOU DRIVE THE CAR FROM 5 - 20 MINUTES AND WHEN YOU REMOVE THE SEATBELT - THERE IS NO ALARMING SOUND AND NO LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD. BUT, WHEN YOU TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND START AGAIN, YOU CAN HEAR THE ALARM AND THE LIGHT WILL APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD WHEN YOU REMOVE THE SEATBELT. CONCERNS: IF THE DRIVER STOP (FOR DRIVING LET SAY 5 - 3 MINUTES) FOR EXAMPLE AND HE REMOVE THE SEATBELT FOR WHATEVER REASON, HE MIGHT FORGOT TO FASTEN THE SEATBELT AS THE CAR WILL NOT ALARM AND NO LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD. NOTE: THE LOCAL DEALER TESTED THE SAME CAR MODEL/YEAR AND HAVING THE SAME RESULT - NO ALARM AND LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WHEN UNBUCKLED AFTER DRIVING 5-20 MINS. *TR
Power train, Jan 14, 2014
TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING, THEN COMPLETE LOSS OF FORWARD MOTION WHILE IN TRAFFIC LANES. DEALER SAYS THAT THIS IS COMMON AND THERE IS A TWO WEEK WAITING LIST FOR REPAIR. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 14, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR JUST DIED. ENGINE SHUT OFF, HOW EVER ALL THE ELECTRICAL IN THE CAR WERE STILL WORKING. ONCE PULLING OFF THE FREE WAY, THE CAR STARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BUT THEN DIED SHORTLY AFTER. THE CAR THEN WOULD NOT WORK. AFTER GETTING THE CAR TOWED TO QUIRK FORD IN QUINCY THEY HAD TO KEEP IT AS A CODE THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT MEANS CAME UP, SO THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE CAR. THE CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP TO THIS DAY AND THEY WONT GIVE ME A RENTAL. *TR