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, Oct 28, 2013
MY VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING, AND ONCE I DID GET IT STARTED, I COULD NOT PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. THE REVERSE GEAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE CAR COULD OPERATE IN THE FORWARD DIRECTION, HOWEVER, ISSUES WERE NOTED WHEN THE CAR CHANGED GEARS (FROM 1ST TO 2ND, AND 2ND TO 3RD) EVEN THOUGH IT'S AN AUTOMATIC. RATTLING SOUNDS WE'RE HEARD AS THE CAR LURCHED INTO THE NEXT GEAR. AFTER 80 MILES OR SO, THE DISPLAY SAID TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND WAIT 9 MINUTES FOR TRANSMISSION TO COOL. AFTER WAITING, CAR HAD ISSUES STARTING, AND SAME PROBLEMS PERSISTED. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. *TR
Power train, Oct 27, 2013
I JUST BOUGHT THIS BRAND NEW 2013 FORD FOCUS TITANIUM ON FRIDAY 10/25/2013 AND IT HAD 107 MILES. I DROVE AROUND YESTERDAY. WHILE GETTING ON RAMP TO 85 SOUTH FREEWAY FROM FREMONT BLVD, I HEARD THIS LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE, AS I ACCELERATED THE NOISE GREW LOUDER. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT CONTINUING AND EXISTED AT THE NEXT EXIT. DROVE TO A SMALL STREET, DRIVING SLOWLY TO SEE WHAT THE NOISE WAS. THERE I WERE, EVERY TIME I ACCELERATE, YOU CAN HEAR THE RATTLE. THIS IS BRAND NEW CAR. I WENT ONLINE ALL NIGHT LAST NIGHT AND SURPRISINGLY, THERE ARE SOME MANY SIMILAR CAR OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH NEW 2012-2013 FORD FOCUS. I'M TAKING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER BUT I CAN SEE SO MUCH HEADACHE AHEAD TO GET THIS FIXED. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MORE FUTURE CAR OWNERS OF FORD FOCUS. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 26, 2013
CAR: FORD FOCUS EV (ALL ELECTRIC) - SECOND REPORT ON NHTSA WEBSITE ON THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE FAILURE: INCIDENT: WHILE BACKING OUT OF PACKING SPACE IN COSTCO PARKING, I STARTED TO SHIFT FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE. ALL OF SUDDEN, THE CAR SHUT DOWN AND HAD COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. I COULD NOT MOVE THE AUTO TRANSMISSION SHIFTER OUT OF THE (N) NEUTRAL POSITION. THE WEIRD THING WAS THAT AS YOU LOOKED AT THE DASH BOARD PANEL, IT SAID THE CAR WAS IN (P) BUT THE SHIFTER WAS PHYSICALLY IN NEUTRAL AND THE CAR ACTED AS IF IN PARK (WHEELS IN GEAR - CAN'T PUSH IT). THE CAR HAD NO POWER AND I WAS STRANDED IN THE PARKING LOT LANE BETWEEN PARKING STALLS. I CALLED MY HUSBAND AND FRITZ FORD IN RIVERSIDE, CA (WHERE I RECENTLY BOUGHT THE VEHICLE). FRITZ CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO GET THE CAR AND MY HUSBAND CAME TO PICK ME UP. BEING THAT THE FOCUS EV IS NEW, THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS A LITTLE CONFUSED ON HOW TO GET IT ON THE TRUCK AS THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS LOCKED IN NEUTRAL. FRITZ STILL HAS THE CAR AFTER 5 DAYS CLAIMING THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH IT. HMM? *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND MOVED FORWARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM COULD NOT BE ACTIVATED WITH THE NAVIGATIONAL BUTTON AND THE SPEEDOMETER PROVIDED TWO DIFFERENT SPEED READINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,633.
Power train, Oct 22, 2013
VEHICLE GOING ON LOWER GEAR (1ST TO 3RD GEAR) WILL SLIP. THE TRANSMISSION WILL JERK AND CHOKE. WHEN IT CHOKES THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER AND SLOWS DOWN CAUSING THE CAR BEHIND ALMOST HIT ME. ALSO THERE IS A DRY RATTLE FROM THE TRANSMISSION. BROUGHT IT BACK TO FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID ALL TEST IS NORMAL BUT CAN'T DO ANY OTHER REPAIR TO TEST BECAUSE I AM UNDER WARRANTY AND FORD DON'T AUTHORIZE THEM TO DO FURTHER REPAIRS. *TR
Power train, Oct 22, 2013
THE ENGINE AND FORD SELECTSHIFT DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSIONS ARE DANGEROUS. THEY ARE VERY UNPREDICTABLE.THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS, GRINDS AND BUCKS IN TRAFFIC. IT HAS CAUSED ME TO NEARLY HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME BEFORE. THE ENGINE'S ELECTRONIC THROTTLE IS ALSO VERY UNPREDICTABLE. SOMETIMES WHEN I TRY TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AND PRESS THE ACCELERATOR, NOTHING AT ALL HAPPENS FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS. THIS HAS NEARLY CAUSED ME TO BE STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE BEFORE. *TR
Power train, Oct 19, 2013
WITH 9100 MILES ON IT...WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE RPMS REVVED TO OVER 7000 AND THEN DOWN TO ZERO. ALL GEARS WERE LOST AND HAD TO COAST TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER. TOWED TO DEALER WHERE THEY DOWNLOADED SOFTWARE TO IT AND SAID IT WAS FINE. *TR APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHILE CROSSING TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY. TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE A CLUTCH MOTOR WAS REPLACED. WITH 14320 MILES ON IT THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHILE TURNING OFF A FREEWAY RAMP. TOWED TO DEALER WHERE THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK IN TRADE FOR A NEW CAR. VEHICLE WAS POWERLESS TO MOVE AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURY OR DEATH OF OCCUPANTS DUE TO SHUTDOWN OCCURRING WHILE MOVING IN TRAFFIC AT HIGH SPEEDS. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 17, 2013
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT ANY POINT IN TIME THE CAR STARTS TO SOUND LIKE ITS GOING TO DIE ALMOST LIKE I'M DRIVING A STANDARD BUT I'M NOT. I MOSTLY NOTICE IT WHEN DRIVING IN TOWN. YET I HAVE NOTICED IT WHEN GOING FASTER AS WELL. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THIS BEING "NORMAL". I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN. THE PERSON WORKING ON MY VEHICLE SAID THEY DROVE IT AND NOTICED THE ISSUE. STATED THAT RESETTING THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WOULD RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. YET AFTER HAVING THIS REDONE. NOT EVEN AN HOUR LATER I NOTICE THE ISSUE HAS NOT BE RESOLVED AND IS STILL HAPPENING. I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL GET INTO A WRECK, NOT TO MENTION I HAVE WASTED MY MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE. I FEEL AS IF I AM THROWING MY MONEY AWAY COMPLETELY. WHEN TALKING TO MY SALES MAN AFTER HAVING THIS ISSUE NOT RESOLVED. HE TELLS ME THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT EVERYONE COMPLAINS ABOUT THOUGH FORD STATES THIS IS NORMAL. I HAVE HAD MANY VEHICLES IN MY LIFE AND THIS IS BY FAR NOT NORMAL. IF THIS VEHICLE DID THIS WHILE I WAS TEST DRIVING THE CAR. I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS CAR EVER. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. DO WE NEED TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED FROM THE DEFECT BEFORE SOMETHING WILL BE DONE. FORD... FIX THIS!! *TR
Power train, Oct 16, 2013
AFTER COASTING AROUND A CORNER AT 30MPH I PRESSED ACCELERATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND THEN CAUGHT AND THE CAR LAUNCHED FORWARD. IT DID THIS THREE TIMES AND NOW ITS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. *TR
Power train, Oct 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP GEARS IN A JERKING MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THREE TIMES WHERE THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS REPROGRAMMED ON EACH OCCASION. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR AFTER THE MOST RECENT REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. ...UPDATED 11-18-13 *BF
Power train, Engine, Oct 15, 2013
CAR JERKS ALOT! ALWAYS JERKING AT LOW SPEEDS AND USUALLY THROUGH GEARS 1-4. VERY UNRELIABLE IN CITY DRIVING AND FEELS VERY UNSAFE. I TOTALLY REGRET PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE. TAKEN IT SEVERAL TIMES TO THE FORD CAMELBACK IN PHX AZ AND THEY JUST SAY ITS THE WAY THE MANUFACTURE BUILT THE CAR AND HOW THE CAR IS ABLE TO SAVE GAS. FORD NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THIS PROBLEM AND GIVE FORD OWNERS A BREAK. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2013
VEHICLE STOPS MIDDLE OF NO WHERE ABRUPTLY. *TR
Power train, Engine, Oct 11, 2013
WAS DRIVING UP MY DRIVEWAY WHICH IS FAIRLY STEEP, THE ENGINE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR (IT'S AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) AND STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL, THE ENGINE WAS REVVING/REDLINING AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. I QUICKLY APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND STEPPED ON THE GAS. THE CAR WAS STILL NOT IN GEAR AND CONTINUED TO ROLL BACK, I APPLIED THE BRAKES AGAIN, AND THEN THE GAS AT WHICH POINT THE CAR SHOT FORWARD, LUCKY THAT I WAS FAR ENOUGH AWAY FROM THE GARAGE OR ANY OBJECTS AND REMAINED IN GEAR WHEN I PULLED INTO THE GARAGE. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME ON FLAT GROUND IN A PARKING LOT ONE DAY. THE LURCH WAS LESS, BUT THE CAR STILL SHOT FORWARD FASTER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE, ANOTHER INSTANCE WHERE I WAS LUCKY THAT THERE WERE NO PEDESTRIANS/CARS/OBJECTS TO RUN INTO. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS AND A LIABILITY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 8, 2013
FOR A FEW MONTHS PRIOR I HAD NOTICED A SHUTTERING STUTTERING TYPE FEELING WHEN COASTING OR AT AT STOP, ALMOST LIKE THE CAR WAS GOING TO STALL. ON 9/13 I WAS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC GOING UP A HILL INTO A DODGER GAME WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN A WARNING POPPED UP ON THE SCREEN INFORMING ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD OVERHEATED AND I NEEDED TO PULL OVER, STOP THE CAR AND WAIT FOR 8 MINUTES. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE CAR TO PULL OVER THE ENGINE WOULD REV BUT THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE, THEN IT STARTED DOING LARGE LURCHES FORWARD. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET OUT OF THE TRAFFIC AND MOVE THE CAR TO SAFETY WITHOUT FURTHER ENDANGERING MYSELF, MY PASSENGERS, AND THE OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME. THE SMELL WAS SO BAD I ACTUALLY GOT OUT OF THE CAR AT ONE POINT THINKING IT MIGHT EXPLODE. THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR AS I TRIED TO GET TO SAFETY. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS THE NEXT MORNING AND IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A WEEK. I GOT IT BACK AND COULD TELL THERE WAS STILL SOMETHING WRONG BECAUSE THE SHAKING WAS NOW SO BAD I WOULD GET MOTION SICK ANYTIME THE CAR WAS AT A STOP. 5 DAYS AFTER PICKING IT UP I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP. AGAIN, THEY HAD THE CAR FOR A WEEK. AFTER PICKING IT UP, THREE DAYS LATER I WAS AGAIN PULLING INTO DODGER STADIUM AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. TRANSMISSION OVER HEATED, LURCHING AS I TRY TO PULL OVER TO SAFETY AND A TERRIBLE SMELL COMING FROM THE CAR. THE CAR IS BACK IN THE SHOP AGAIN, BUT I FEEL THAT MY SAFETY IS THREATENED AND I DO NOT WANT THIS CAR BACK. IN 23 DAYS, THE CAR HAS HAD TO GO INTO THE SHOP 3 TIMES, FOR A TOTAL OF 15 DAYS SO FAR. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 7, 2013
WHEN DRIVING ON RESIDENTIAL ROADS, I OFTEN FEEL MY 2013 FORD FOCUS STALL OR JERK. OFTEN TIMES THERE ARE GLITCHES IN THE ELECTRICAL WIRING OF LOCKS AND ALSO IN THE RADIO. THE DOOR WILL STAY LOCKED AFTER HITTING THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE INSIDE MULTIPLE TIMES. THE RADIO WILL NOT TURN ON, UNLESS I TURN OFF AND RE-TURN ON THE CAR. AS FOR THE STALLING, IT OFTEN STALLS WHEN GOING ANYWHERE FROM 30-65 MPH. *TR
Power train, Oct 3, 2013
TRAVELING AT 40 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED AND CAR SLOWED AND ONLY REVVED. STOP AT STOP SIGNED, TRIED TO ACCELERATE ENGINE ONLY REVVED THEN TRANSMISSION ENGAGED AND CAR JERKED. THIS CONTINUED THE 3 MILES LEFT TO MY HOUSE. *TR
Power train, Oct 3, 2013
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
Power train, Engine, Oct 3, 2013
THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. TOOK TO DEALER WITH PROBLEM ABOUT 1,000 MILES. THEY ACKNOWLEDGED IT HAS A PROBLEM AND SAID THEY NEEDED TO KEEP IT OVERNIGHT. THEN I FIND OUT ALL THEY DID IS RESET THE COMPUTER. THAT DID NOT WORK AND NOW AT 7,000 MILES THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. ENGINE HESITATES AND SLIPS WHEN STARTING ACCELERATE AND IS WORSE AROUND 30 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTTERS, RATTLES AND JUMPS LIKE I AM RIDING ON A HORSE. HOW CAN FORD SELL A CAR THAT HAS A MAJOR FLAW LIKE THIS? I SEE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS SIMILAR PROBLEMS. WHEN IS THE GOVERNMENT GOING TO DO SOMETHING? I JUST WASTED MY MONEY. I EXPECT TO GET A GOOD CAR WITH NO PROBLEMS BUT I GET A NEW PIECE OF TRASH. HOW CAN I GET THE CAR FIXED OR MY MONEY BACK? *TR
Power train, Oct 2, 2013
IN OCTOBER OF 2012 I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 FORD FOCUS SE. WITH LESS THAN 100 MILES ON THE CAR I NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE WHEN THE CAR WAS SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE CAR WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS IN EXCESS OF TWO FEET WHEN ENGAGING THE ACCELERATOR FROM A STILL POSITION ON AN EMBANKMENT. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND UPON EXAMINATION I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS A "NORMAL AND EXPECTED" RESULT WITH FORDS NEW TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 32,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT ONLY GRINDING WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR IT IS ALSO SLIPPING!! WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR THE CAR NOW LURCHES! FORD SERVICE ONCE AGAIN HAS THE VEHICLE IN AN ATTEMPT TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THIS CAR AS IN THE PAST YEAR IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP OVER 5 TIMES WITH THIS ISSUE AND NO RESOLVE. THESE ISSUES POSE A SAFETY RISK TO ALL DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY NEEDS TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES!! *TR
Steering, Sep 29, 2013
I OWNED MY BRAND NEW CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 7 DAYS, WHEN THE PROBLEMS BEGAN! IT HAD 4 MILES ON IT WHEN I PURCHASED IT NEW! I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 45-55 MPH, WHEN THE STEERING STARTED TO FEEL STICKY, I FELT LIKE I WAS LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, IT FELT AS THOUGH I WAS IN A MAJOR WIND STORM AND WAS BEING BLOWN BACK AND FORTH ACROSS THE HIGHWAY! I WAS SCARED TO DEATH! I PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD MY HUSBAND COME DRIVE US THE REST OF THE WAY HOME. ALSO, WHEN TURNING TO A HARD RIGHT OR LEFT, I CAN FEEL SOMETHING UNDER MY FEET LIKE THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT TO ROCKET THROUGH THE FLOOR BOARDS! ALSO, WHEN I'M STOPPED ANYWHERE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED, AND I'M HOLDING THE BRAKE OF COURSE, THE CAR WANTS TO LUNGE FORWARD AND IT DOES IT TOO, WHEN I'M PULLING INTO OR BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. ITS DANGEROUS AND VERY SCARY!! PLEASE FORD, PLEASE LOOK INTO THESE ISSUES BEFORE SOMEONE DIES OR IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Sep 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN, SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO DRIVE BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO MOVE FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE SURGING AND ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80. UPDATED 11/19/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE ISSUE WAS REPAIRED. THE BRAKE LIGHT CONTINUED STAY ON WHEN THE BRAKE WAS NOT DEPRESSED.
Power train, Sep 26, 2013
FORD FOCUS 2012-2013 HAVE DANGEROUS TRANSMISSIONS. FORD SELLS YOU AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, BUT ACTUALLY IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH DUAL CLUTCHES AND A COMPUTER. MY CAR LUNGES, SURGES, LUGES, GRINDS, AND DOESN'T ACCELERATE PROPERLY, IT IS LIKE DRIVING A BUCKING BRONCO. FORD INITIALLY SAID THESE PROBLEMS WOULD GO AWAY AT 3000 MILES ONCE THE CAR LEARNS HOW I DRIVE. HERE I AM 6 TIMES INTO THE SHOP 11,000 MILES AND FORD SERVICE MANAGER FINALLY ADMITS THE TRANSMISSION IS FLAWED AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX IT. HE STATES THE PARTS FOR THE TRANSMISSION WERE NOT MAKE TO SPECK AND THAT'S THE PROBLEM. MY CAR SITS IN MY CARPORT NOW BECAUSE IT HURTS MY NECK TO DRIVE IT....IT JERKS MY HEAD BACK AND FORTH EVERY TIME IT DECIDES TO SHIFT....IF IT DOES AT ALL. I HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER WHEN GETTING ON AN LOS ANGELES FREEWAYS BECAUSE MY CAR CANT DECIDE WHAT IT WANTS TO DO AND I AM LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN HIT. THIS CARS TRANSMISSION IS HORRIBLE DANGEROUS......IT ALSO ROLLS BACKWARDS ON HILLS FORD FORGETS TO TELL YOU THIS UNTIL YOU BRING IT IS. SO, NOT ONLY IS THIS CAR A DEATH TRAP, I FEEL LIKE I WAS TOLD I BOUGHT AN AUTOMATIC WHEN I DIDN'T ITS A MANUAL. FALSE ADVERTISING. WHEN I BUY AN AUTOMATIC I EXPECT IT TO BE AN AUTOMATIC. FORD NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND GET RID OF THESE TRANSMISSIONS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. FYI ALSO THEY SAY IT GETS GREAT GAS MILEAGE BUT IT IS FALSE I GET MAYBE 20 IN THE CITY AND MAYBE 30 ON THE FREEWAY. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF US FORD FOCUS DRIVERS OUT THERE THAT NEED FORD TO STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS FAULTY NOT MADE TO SPECK TRANSMISSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *JS
Engine, Sep 25, 2013
WHEN SHIFTING THE CAR FROM FIRST TO SECOND, A VERY LOUD BANGING SOUND WAS HEARD. CHECKED ONLINE FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND FOUND THAT FORD HAD ISSUED A TSB FOR THIS PROBLEM ON JUNE 10, 2013. WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND INFORMED THEM OF MY PROBLEM AND THE TSB. WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM BEFORE THEY WOULD ORDER PARTS. HAD TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THEM TO DRIVE THE CAR AND LEAVE IT AN ENTIRE DAY. WENT BACK JULY 18, 2013. DEALER HAD A TECH DRIVE THE CAR, AND YES, THERE WAS A PROBLEM. PARTS ORDERED. AFTER WAITING WEEKS, WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS A NATIONWIDE BACKORDER ON PARTS. AFTER HITTING 3000 MILES, STARTED TO HAVE SEVERE STEERING ISSUES. WHEN SHIFTING INTO SECOND OR THIRD UNDER ACCELERATION, THE WOULD ALMOST MAKE A RIGHT TURN. AND THEN WHEN ACCELERATING IN SECOND AND THIRD, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE SO BAD I HAD TO HANG ON FOR DEAR LIFE. BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY MADE A CALL TO FORD ENGINEERING WHO SAID THAT NEW MOUNTS WOULD FIX THE STEERING ISSUES. IN AUGUST, I STARTED CALLING HEATHER AT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. EXPLAINED ABOUT THE BACKORDER AND MY STEERING ISSUES. TOLD HER I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. SHE SAID SHE WOULD TRY TO EXPEDITE THE PARTS. AFTER WEEKS OF NO RESULTS, TALKED TO HER ABOUT ME BUYING AFTERMARKET MOUNTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE. SHE SAID FORD WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE ANYTHING BUT FORD PARTS. I SAID THAT WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE IF FORD WOULD COME UP WITH THE PARTS. I AM NOW BEING TOLD THAT PARTS MIGHT BE HERE IN OCTOBER. WORD ON THE WEB IS THAT DELIVERY WILL MOST LIKELY BE NOVEMBER OR NEXT YEAR. FINALLY BROKE DOWN AND BOUGHT MY OWN MOUNTS AT A COST OF $369. MY SAFETY IS WORTH THAT MUCH. I WILL TRY TO GET MY MONEY BACK FROM FORD, WAITED 9000 MILES FOR THEM TO FIX IT. *JS
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2013
CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH VOICE COMMAND. WHEN I USE VOICE TO TURN ON HEAT OR AC, I WILL SAY FOR EXAMPLE, CLIMATE 68. THE CAR WILL RESPOND, SETTING CLIMATE 68. THEN IT DOES NOT TURN ON. IF I TOUCH THE CLIMATE TOUCH SCREEN IT THEN COMES ON AT 68, EVEN IF IT WAS PREVIOUSLY SET AT 75. BEEN TO THE DEALER REPEATEDLY FOR TWO SOFTWARE UPDATES, ONCE PULLING OUT THE CONTROL BOX PER FORDS REQUEST TO CHECK THE PART NUMBER AND ONCE TO HAVE THE 8 PIN CONTROL MODULE REPLACED. NOW WAITING FOR FORD ENGINEERING TO COME UP WITH A FIX. *JS
Power train, Sep 25, 2013
BACK IN MAY MY HUSBAND AND I WERE TRAVELING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND NOTICED THAT MY BRAND NEW 2013 FORD FOCUS SE WAS GRINDING AND MAKING HORRIBLE NOISES WHILE SHIFTING. ESPECIALLY SHIFTING IN LOWER GEARS. AS I REMIND YOU... THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC. AS OF TODAY THIS IS THE 4TH TIME THAT IT HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND STILL THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED. THE CAR CONTINUES TO JERK AND MAKE MENTAL ON METAL GRINDING NOISES. TODAY WHEN SPEAKING TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT A FORD ENGINEER WAS LOOKING AT IT AND TRYING TO FIX IT. REMIND YOU THAT THE CLUTCHES HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPLACED, THE COMPUTER HAS BEEN UPDATED, AND THE COMPUTER HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED. WHEN I CALLED TODAY THEY SAID THAT THEY HAD TO KEEP IT OVER NIGHT. THIS IS TOTALLY RIDICULOUS AND THIS IS A NEW VEHICLE!!! OF THE ALMOST SEVEN MONTHS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE FOCUS IT HAS SIT IN THE SHOP A TOTAL OF 20 DAYS. COME ON FORD!!!! *JS