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, Jan 9, 2014
THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT RIGHT. IT HESITATES, JERKS AND SURGING. AT LOWER GEARS OR SPEED UNDER 40, THE CAR IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. IT SHIFT TO HIGHER GEAR WHEN THE SPEED IS NOT HIGH ENOUGH FOR THE GEAR. THIS CAUSES POOR ACCELERATION AND DANGEROUS WHEN MERGING INTO HIGHWAY FROM RAMP. *TR
Power train, Jan 6, 2014
THIS CAR CONSTANTLY GRINDS AND SHUTTERS BETWEEN THE FIRST FEW GEARS EVERY DAY FOR THE LAST 8 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON FEB 2013 AND IT ONLY DROVE GOOD FOR 2 MONTHS AND THE REMAINING TIME I'VE HAD IT, HAS BEEN ON THE SHOP OVER 4 TIMES FOR THE SAME EXACT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. SYMPTOMS; THE TRANSMISSION GEARS SHIFTS INCORRECTLY AND MAKES LOUDS GRINDING AND SHUTTERING NOISES. SOMETIMES THE THE TRANSMISSION HAS POWER AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. NOT TO MENTION I ALMOST GOT MYSELF INTO 2 CAR ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS VEHICLE, DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC THE GEARS GET STUCK AND I ALMOST REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. PLEASE FILE A COMPLAINT TO FORD AND NHTSA TO HAVE THESE DCT TRANSMISSIONS FIXED OR RECALLED. *TR
Power train, Jan 3, 2014
AS WITH OVER 100 OTHER COMPLAINTS, THE TRANSMISSION IS VERY UNSTABLE. HESITATION AND ALMOST DYING AT A STOP OR IN SLOW BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC IS A SAFETY HAZARD. ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ON HIGHWAYS AND ATTAIN HIGHER SPEEDS FROM A STOP OR SLOW (10-20 MPH). GRINDING NOISE FROM FRONT END AT LOW SPEEDS.. THE HESITATION IN ACCELERATION AND JERKING AT SLOW SPEEDS, IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND AS PREVIOUSLY STATED ALMOST CAUSED NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS. I HAD IT REPROGRAMMED AT ONE DEALER, WITH NO RESULTS, AND JUST TWO DAYS AGO, ON 1-2-2014, ANOTHER DEALER REPLACED PARTS ON THE TRANSMISSION AND CALLED ME AND SAID MY CAR WAS READY. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE CAR STARTED MAKING A RATTLING NOISE EVERY TIME I WOULD ACCELERATE AT JUST ABOUT ANY SPEED. TOOK IT BACK TODAY, 1-3-2014, AND HAD TRANSMISSION TECH RIDE WITH ME. AS SOON AS WE PULLED OUT FROM DEALER ONTO HIGHWAY, STARTED MAKING RATTLING NOISE AND SHUTTERING STILL HAPPENING.. NOW DEALER HAS AN ACTUATOR MOTOR ORDERED. WHO KNOWS IF THIS IS A FIX OR ANOTHER PATCH. *TR
Steering, Power train, Engine, Dec 31, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,552. UPDATED 02/11/2014 *BF THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TIE ROD. UPDATED 02/20/14
Engine, Dec 29, 2013
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK ON 12/23/2013 AND ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY CAR SAID ENGINE FAULT CHECK SYSTEM NOW LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN ON ME ON THE EXPRESSWAY I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES CRANKING MY CAR BUT IT WOULDN'T START SO I CALL IDOT TO HELP ME THEY CAME AND TOWED ME TO THE NEAREST EXIT AFTER AN HOUR AND A HALF MY CAR STARTED UP BUT THE ENGINE SYMBOL REMAIN ON THE DASHBOARD I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT BACK HOME I WAITED FOR JOE RIZZO FORD TO OPEN AND THEN I TOOK MY CAR TO THEM THEY ENDED UP KEEPING MY CAR AND I HAD TO RENT ME A CAR UNTIL THE PROBLEM WAS FIX JOE RIZZO FORD SAID THEY WILL CALL ME WHEN THE PROBLEM IS FIX--> THE CAR THEY GAVE ME WAS ANOTHER FORD FOCUS 2013 AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW THE FREAKING ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN THE RENTAL CAR I HAD MY PERSONAL CAR FOR A YEAR NOW THERE IS NO WAY THAT I SHOULD BE HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS OR ANYTHING ELSE WRONG WITH THIS CAR FORD REALLY NEEDS TO GET THESE PROBLEMS FIX BEFORE AN ACCIDENT HAPPEN TO SOMEONE. *TR
Tires, Dec 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS SE. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTIPRO TIRES, SIZE 215/55/R16. THE DOT NUMBER WAS CNB3WBPC0913. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRES HAD LIMITED TRACTION AND FAIL TO GRIP THE ROAD. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED DURING LIMITED CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 2/11/14*CN THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES. UPDATED 02/18/14
Power train, Dec 18, 2013
I'VE DRIVEN OVER 5,000 MILES ON THIS NEW FOCUS. THE FIRST 5K WERE OK BUT LATELY THE TRANSMISSION HAS BECOME EXTREMELY ERRATIC IN ITS BEHAVIOR. IT SHUDDERS VIOLENTLY AND FREQUENTLY AFTER SHIFTING IN TO 2ND GEAR AND THEN HESITATES TO ACCELERATE. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO HAS STARTED MAKING A CLANKING SOUND LIKE TWO PIE TINS BEING HIT UPON EACH OTHER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER.. THEY CONFIRMED IT, REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION ELECTRONICS AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. THAT DID NOTHING TO HELP IT. I TOOK IT BACK A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER AFTER ALMOST GETTING REAR-ENDED WHEN I PULLED INTO MOVING TRAFFIC AND IT SHUDDERED AND HESITATED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE DEALER KEPT IT FOR 2 DAYS AND THEN GAVE IT BACK SAYING THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. THEY ONLY DROVE IT 1 MILE WHICH IS NOT EXACTLY AN EXHAUSTIVE OR GOOD FAITH EFFORT TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM! SO, I'M NOW HEADED FOR TRIP 3 TO ANOTHER FORD SERVICE CENTER TO SEE IF THEY CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THE REGIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE REP ACTUALLY TOLD ME THAT THESE TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO SHUDDER, GRIND AND HESITATE AS PART OF THEIR NORMAL OPERATION. THAT'S INSANE.. WHO WOULD BUY OR WANT A CAR THAT DID THAT!!! HAD IT OPERATED THAT WAY WHEN I TEST DROVE IT.. IT WOULD HAVE STAYED ON THE LOT TO BE SURE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 11, 2013
THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE CAR THAT I AM DRIVING (ANOTHER FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC). MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO SCHOOL AT THE INTERSECTION OF ROSEVILLE PARKWAY AND DOUGLAS BOULEVARD, IN ROSEVILLE, CA TO DAY AT ABOUT 7:15 AM FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE CAR STOPPED. SHE WAS WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. MY DAUGHTER FREAKED OUT AND CALLED ME. I ASKED HER TO SHUT THE CAR OFF, OPEN ONE OF THE DOORS, WAIT FOR ONE MINUTE AND TRY TO START THE CAR AGAIN. AFTER THE SECOND ATTEMPT THE CAR STARTED. LUCKY FOR HER, THE OTHER CARS SWITCHED IN THE OTHER LANES AND SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR. AGAIN. THIS IS HAPPENING TOO OFTEN AND FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. SAME THING HAS HAPPENED IN SAME MODEL AND MAKE CAR THAT I DRIVE. *TR
Seat belts, Dec 10, 2013
I GENERALLY DO NOT HAVE BACK SEAT PASSENGERS, I PICKED UP MY TWO NEPHEWS AND I MADE THEM PUT THEIR SEAT BELTS ON. UPON ARRIVING AT OUR DESTINATION THE BOYS WERE HAVING TROUBLE RELEASING THE BELTS AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF STRUGGLING WITH THE BELTS WE FINALLY GOT THE BOYS RELEASED BUT NOW THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM IS STUCK DOWN IN THE HARNESS AND AM UNABLE TO LOCK ANY SEAT BELTS INTO PLACE. *TR
Power train, Dec 9, 2013
AS WITH OVER 100 OTHER COMPLAINTS, THE TRANSMISSION IS A COMPLETE FAILURE. HESITATION AND ALMOST DYING AT A STOP OR IN SLOW BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC IS A SAFETY HAZARD. ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ON HIGHWAYS AND ATTAIN HIGHER SPEEDS FROM A STOP OR SLOW (10-20 MPH) HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO WRECK SEVERAL TIMES TO DUE HESITATION IN ACCELERATION. GRINDING NOISE FROM FRONT END AT LOW SPEEDS. ROLLS BACK ON A HILL (AUTOMATION TRANSMISSION) ALMOST CAUSED FENDER BENDERS. THE HESITATION IN ACCELERATION AND JERKING AT SLOW SPEEDS, IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND AS PREVIOUSLY STATED ALMOST CAUSED NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS. I HAVE HAD THE FSE INSPECT THE CAR TWICE, A SOFTWARE "UPGRADE" THAT DID NO GOOD, AND EVERYONE FROM FORD SAYS IT IS OPERATING AS "NORMAL CHARACTERISTICS". NOTHING IS NORMAL AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR DIE IF THESE PROBLEMS ARE NOT FIXED. DOZENS OF COMPLAINTS AND NOTHING DONE. *TR
Engine, Dec 9, 2013
TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT I WENT AND TOOK IT FOR A MAINTENANCE OIL APPOINTMENT, ON DECEMBER 3 AS I STARTED THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START, IT KEPT MARKING CHECK ENGINE, IT LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE MIDDLE OF MY STREET BOYLSTON STREET, BOSTON, AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT WOULD START BUT NOT GET TOO FAR. I THEN HAD IT TOWED TO QUIRK IN QUINCY. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Dec 5, 2013, crash
STEERING AND COMPUTER AIDED SYSTEMS ALONG WITH TIRES THAT WERE NOT DISCLOSED TO BE USED UNDER 40 DEGREES CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING INPUT AND CONTROL WHICH LEAD TO HITTING A CURB AND DAMAGING SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AS WELL AS THE DRIVE-ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE IS WORSE THAT BEFORE. THERE ARE KNOWN ISSUES WITH THE STEERING ON THE 2013 FOCUS ST AND AFTER 6 MONTHS OF GOING BACK AND FORTH, FORD CANNOT REMEDY THE SITUATION AND THE CARE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT ANY SPEED AS THE LACK OF STEERING CONTROL CAUSE UNNECESSARY MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE, REQUIRING NERVES OF STEEL TO DRIVE AT EVEN 20 MPH. CLUNKING NOISES AND GRINDING ALSO COMING FROM SUSPENSION AND TRANSMISSION GEARS. *TR
Engine, Dec 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED, IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE MAIN SEAL, CLUTCH PACK AND FRONT SEALS HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.
Power train, Dec 2, 2013
I HAVE OWNED THIS FORD FOCUS TITANIUM FOR 11 MONTHS NOW. I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WOULD SHUDDER WHILE DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS AND JUST TAKING OFF FROM A STOP POSITION. SOMETIMES, THE CAR WOULD FEEL LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL. THERE IS ALSO GRINDING FROM THE FRONT END WHEN THE CAR IS SHIFTING FORM 1ST-2ND OR 3RD-4TH GEAR. I TOOK IT IN TO THE FORD DEALER, WAS TOLD IT WAS A SENSOR AND THEY RE-SET IT AND WAS ALSO TOLD IT WAS A COMMON ISSUE, REALLY?.. NOT NORMAL TO ME. WELL, IT WASN'T FIXED, IT WENT BACK TO THE DEALER 4 DAYS LATER FOR THE SAME ISSUE. NOW I AM BEING TOLD I HAVE TO WAIT ON A NEW CLUTCH AND THAT THERE IS A LONG WAIT FOR THE PART (BACK ORDERED). IF THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS, THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED. I HAVE BEEN CONTEMPLATING ON WHETHER TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND JUST LET THIS ONE GO... I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE TO LAST AS LONG AS MY OTHER FORD HAS (14YRS), I DON'T SEE THAT HAPPENING. *TR
Power train, Nov 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE ABNORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE ON AN INCLINE. THE FAILURES WERE RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE CLUTCHES AND SEALS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 27, 2013
DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL WITH MY GRANDSON AND THE CAR STARTED TO JERK AS WE CREPT IN THE LINE OF TRAFFIC. ALMOST SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS READY TO STALL! THIS CAR HAS JUST OVER 5000 MILES ON IT AND I ENJOY DRIVING IT BUT THIS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS JERKING MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO JUDGE HOW CLOSE TO GET TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU ( BECAUSE THE "SLIPPING " IN AND OUT OF GEAR SURGES FORWARD ) AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. EVEN AT SPEEDS UP TO 35-45 MPH THE HESITATION MAKES ME FEEL AS IF IT IS GOING TO STALL. SO TODAY I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND AM SHOCKED TO FIND THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP BY FORD. ALSO THE DOOR LOCKS DON'T WORK PROPERLY WHEN USING AS THE MANUAL STATES. I PLAN TO BE AT MY DEALERSHIP FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. *TR
Power train, Engine, Nov 24, 2013
I HAVE ONLY HAD TO CAR FOR A DAY. THE CAR MAKES AN AWFUL RATTLING NOISE AND HESITATES WHEN GOING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, TODAY I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND WHEN I WAS IN DRIVE I PUSHED THE GAS TO GO FORWARD AND THE CAR WENT IN REVERSE! PLEASE RECALL THIS CAR. IT'S SO UNSAFE AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED. AWFUL TRANSMISSION. A DANGER! *TR
Power train, Nov 20, 2013
I PURCHASED A 2013 FORD FOCUS TITANIUM IN OCTOBER OF 2012. SHORTLY AFTER, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO HESITATE AND SHUDDER WHEN ACCELERATING OR DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, INCLUDING PULLING INTO AND OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOME. IT THEN BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS ON INCLINES. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FREELY ROLL BACKWARDS ON AN INCLINE, MUCH LESS ON THAT IS NOT VERY STEEP. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR FOR REPAIRS. THEY DID A REPROGRAM ON THE VEHICLE AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. SHORTLY AFTER IT BEGAN DOING IT ALL AGAIN. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING ON A REPLY FROM FORD AS TO WHAT MY NEXT STEP NEEDS TO BE TO GET THIS RESOLVED. *TR
Power train, Nov 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATED PEDAL WOULD BECOME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THE RPMS EXHIBITED ABNORMAL READINGS. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE RECALIBRATED EVERY THREE MONTHS. THE TRANSMISSION WAS RECALIBRATED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,600.
Power train, Nov 11, 2013
WHILE DRIVING MY FORD FOCUS IT "STUTTERED", I.E. WHILE I WAS PUSHING ON THE GAS THE VEHICLE STOPPED RESPONDING AND JERKED AS THOUGH I HAD SHIFTED TO A LOWER GEAR. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPENED BEFORE, BUT DIDN'T REALLY PAY ATTENTION TO IT UNTIL THE 15 OCT. INCIDENT. I MENTIONED IT TO MY WIFE WHO ALSO JUST BOUGHT A FORD FOCUS 2013 MODEL AND SHE CONFIRMED HER VEHICLE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. SEVERAL GOOGLE SEARCHES LATER I FOUND OUT THAT NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING THESE ELECTRONIC PROPULSION TRANSMISSION FAILURES. PLEASE ADD OUR TWO VEHICLES TO THIS REPORT. THANK YOU. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Nov 7, 2013
THIS INCIDENT HAS NOW OCCURRED TWICE IN ONE WEEK. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX AND THE CAR JUST DIED. THE FUEL LIGHT NEVER WENT ON AND STILL SAID I HAD ABOUT 30 MORE MILES UNTIL E. WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME THEY PUT GAS IN IT AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. IT SAID I HAD 144 MILES UNTIL E AND THEY CALIBRATED IT AND THE MILEAGE DECREASED TO 133. I DROVE THE CAR 80 MILES AND HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY, BUT THIS TIME I WAS ON A BUSY STATE ROAD GOING ABOUT 55 MPH WITH MY SON IN THE CAR. THE CAR JERKED AND I COULD TELL IT WAS LOSING POWER. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO A SUBDIVISION. THE FUEL LIGHT NEVER WENT ON AND ALSO STATED I STILL HAD ABOUT 33 MILES LEFT UNTIL E. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED AGAIN TO SAME DEALERSHIP AND NO WORD ON WHAT IS WRONG. WAS TOLD THEY WERE ON THE PHONE WITH FORD TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I AM CURRENTLY IN A RENTAL AND SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR AS I AM AFRAID THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. ALSO, HAD MANY TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH ISSUES THIS SUMMER AND THOSE PARTS HAVE SINCE BEEN REPLACED. THE CAR IS A YEAR OLD AND BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE TIMES THAN MY OLD CAR THAT I TRADED IN FOR MY NEW FORD. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 5, 2013
I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND WAS PUTTING SOME GAS ON TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE DEEP SNOW TO THE CENTER OF THE ROAD WHERE THE SNOW WAS COMPACTED. I WOULD HAVE MADE IT TO THE CENTER; HOWEVER THE TRACTION CONTROL REDUCED THE POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS GETTING ME STUCK IN THE SNOW, BLOCKING HALF OF THE LANE. IF THIS WOULD HAVE OCCURRED IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC I MIGHT HAVE BEEN HIT. I HAD TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHICH ALSO PUT ME AT A HIGHER RISK OF GETTING HIT BY A CAR, OR SLIPPING AND FALLING, OR GETTING FROST BITE. IF I HAD THE OPTION OF TURNING OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL I COULD HAVE GOTTEN MYSELF OUT OF THE SNOW AND CONTINUED ON MY WAY SAFELY. CONVERSELY, IF I DID NOT HAVE THE TRACTION CONTROL ON IN THE FIRST PLACE I WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN STUCK. THIS BROUGHT TO MIND A FEW CRITICAL QUESTIONS: 1. WHAT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN A MORE REMOTE AREA AND I HAD BEEN STRANDED IN FREEZING WEATHER WITHOUT HELP; AND 2. WHAT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN A MORE CONGESTED ROADWAY AND I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN HIT DUE TO THE RANDOM OPERATION OF THE TRACTION CONTROL WITHOUT A WAY TO DISABLE THE FEATURE. BECAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT I FEEL UNSAFE WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL ON, SO I HAVE DISABLED IT. TO DO SO I HAD TO PULL THE FUSE, WHICH ALSO DISABLED THE ABS. I HAVE DRIVEN FOR OVER HALF OF MY DRIVING CAREER WITHOUT ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL AND I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL HAS NEVER BENEFITED ME, EVEN WHEN I NEEDED THE FEATURES. A CONCERTED INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE MADE TO DETERMINE IF FORCING THIS FEATURE ON DRIVERS IS A BETTER POLICY THAN ALLOWING THE DRIVER'S EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TO BE THE CONTROLLING FORCE WHEN BEHIND THE WHEEL. I BELIEVE THAT THERE MUST BE, IN ALL CASES, A WAY TO TURN OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL FEATURE IN A VEHICLE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER AND THEIR PASSENGERS. *TR
Power train, Nov 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE WHEN DRIVING 20-30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A ROUGH JERK, WHEN SHIFTING INTO LOWER GEARS, AS WELL AS A SHUDDER AND GRINDING METAL SOUND WHEN ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS SLUGGISH, AND DID NOT PERFORM AS A NEW CARE SHOULD. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM AND THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. UPDATED 05/05/14
Power train, Oct 29, 2013
I HAVE OWNED THIS FORD FOCUS FOR APPROX. 1 YEAR. 10 MONTHS INTO OWNING IT, I NOTICED THE CAR WOULD SHUDDER WHEN I WAS DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS, OR PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY WHICH HAS A SLIGHT INCLINE. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL UNLESS I GAVE IT A LOT OF GAS TO KEEP IT MOVING. THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK OF THIS I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER, A TECH. RODE WITH ME AND AGREED IT WAS SHUDDERING AND MAKING GRINDING NOISES. THEY SAID THIS WAS COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE, BUT THEY HAD A FIX FOR IT. THEY RESET THE TRANSMISSION STRATEGY AND SAID IT SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. WITHIN A WEEK THE SAME THING STARTED ALL OVER, THE JERKING, THE GRINDING NOISE WAS LOUDER THAN EVER AND MORE CHRONIC. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP THAT HAD RESET THE TRANSMISSION. AGAIN A TECH DROVE IT, CONFIRMED MY CONCERNS. I WAS INFORMED FORD WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE ANY ADDITIONAL REPAIRS ON MY VEHICLE, AND THAT THE GRINDING IS "NORMAL CLUTCH RATCHET NOISE". I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR THIS TIME, EXPLAINED MY CONCERNS. I WAITED FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS WHILE THEY INSPECTED MY CAR. I WAS INFORMED THAT MY CAR WAS OPERATING NORMALLY, AND NO FURTHER REPAIRS WOULD BE AUTHORIZED BY FORD. THE SERVICE CONSULTANT TOLD ME THERE WERE FIVE OTHER CUSTOMERS AHEAD OF ME FOR CLUTCH REPLACEMENTS FOR THE SAME KIND OF ISSUE I AM HAVING. HE STATED THE CLUTCHES WERE ON BACK ORDER DUE TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF PROBLEMS WITH THESE VEHICLES. TALKED TO THE REGIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER TODAY, SHE TOLD ME FORD WAS ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR MECHANICAL FAILURES. HER WORDS TO ME WERE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO "LIVE WITH THE GRINDING NOISE, THE SHUDDERING AND JERKING."WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GET REAR ENDED AT A STOP LIGHT BECAUSE MY CAR SHUDDERS AT LOW SPEEDS AND TAKES OFF SLOWLY?" 3 TIMES IN FOR SERVICE WITHIN 30 DAYS. NO HELP FROM FORD! *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2013
TRANSMISSION FAILURE, SLOWING TO EXIT OFF THE INTERSTATE, VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER THAT I PURCHASED IT FROM, THEY REFUSED TO LOOK AT OR SERVICE MY VEHICLE AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. I HAD ALREADY TAKEN IT TO THEM ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR A NOISE AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, THEY ASSURED ME THE NOISE WAS NORMAL, SAYING IT WAS LUBRICATING THE TRANSMISSION SO IT DIDN'T HAVE TO "COLD START." I FOUND A TSB ABOUT THIS NOISE AND TOOK IT BACK TO THEM TO HAVE THEM CORRECT THE PROBLEM THEY HAD TOLD ME WAS NORMAL. AFTER THEY MADE THE NOISE GO AWAY IS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP. I TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT FORD DEALER WHO REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE PARTS AFTER A 36 DAY WAIT. I HAD THE VEHICLE BACK FOR 3 DAYS AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AGAIN. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB REQUESTING FORD DO A BUY BACK OF THE VEHICLE, ARBITRATOR RULED THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO. I AM NOW IN THE PROCESS OF APPEALING THIS DECISION. THESE CARS WITH THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION ARE UNSAFE AND FORD IS REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR