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, Sep 24, 2013
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A BRAND NEW AUTOMATIC FORD FOCUS 2013 AND AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AND ANGRY. THE FIRST PROBLEM IS THE CAR TENDS TO STALL IN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR, KEEP IN MIND IT IS AUTOMATIC. BESIDES STALLING IT DOES NOT SWITCH GEARS PROPERLY BETWEEN FIRST AND 2ND. I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WHEN IT STALLED WHILE I WAS GOING UP A HILL. THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY! *JS
Seat belts, Sep 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK CORRECTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE LOCK WOULD NOT ALLOW THE SEAT BELT TO CLICK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE SEAT BELT LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,600.
Engine, Sep 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND JERKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND TO A MECHANIC, WHO BOTH STATED THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,600.
Power train, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2013, crash
DRIVING INTO WORK ONE MORNING, I WAS FOLLOWING BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, ALMOST TO A STOP WHEN I THEN TURNED INTO A PARKING SPOT, PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE SO I THEN PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AT A MUCH FASTER SPEED THAN USUAL AND THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO THE WALL OF THE PARKING STRUCTURE IN THE SPACE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN. ON OTHER OCCASIONS BEFORE THIS, I HAD EXPERIENCED HESITATION WHILE PRESSING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL BUT NOTHING LIKE WHAT HAPPENED THE MORNING THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD, HITTING THE CEMENT WALL IN THE PARKING STRUCTURE. *JS
Power train, Sep 24, 2013
MY CAR HAD TO GO IN FOR SERVICE TWICE. THE ISSUE AS I DESCRIBED IT WAS THAT THE CAR BOGS DOWN, SHUDDERS WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, MAKES A RATTLING NOISE, AND SHIFTS INCORRECTLY INTO THE WRONG GEAR. THEY APPLIED A SOFTWARE UPDATE ON 9/14 THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE ISSUE, BUT IT DID NOT. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN TODAY AND THEY INDICATE THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING INTO THE CLUTCH. THEY SAY TO PICK UP THE CAR AND DRIVE IT FOR THE 10-12 DAYS IT WILL TAKE TO GET PARTS. THEY'LL FIX IT LATER THEY SAY. THEY WILL NOT PROVIDE A WRITTEN STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS THEY HAVE FOUND, AS I REQUESTED. NOT SURE IF IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE, I WOULD THINK THAT IT IS NOT SAFE. THE DEALER IS WALLS FORD, 2 MERRILL ST, SALISBURY MA 01952. *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2013
VEHICLE WARNING "STOP SAFELY NOW" APPEARED AND THE EV LOST ALL ITS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE FAILED.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 22, 2013
THIS APPLIES TO A FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC, NOT A GASOLINE MODEL. WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN "STOP SAFELY NOW" INDICATOR APPEARED. VEHICLE SLOWED AND CAME TO STOP WITHIN A FEW SECONDS WHILE STILL IN TRAFFIC LANES. I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK AND SWITCHED THE SYSTEM OFF, THEN ON AGAIN. IT STARTED NORMALLY AND DROVE NORMALLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES WHILE I WENT HOME. THERE IS NO APPARENT VALID REASON FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP ITSELF. UNDER OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES THIS COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. CHECKING REPORTS ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON, AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED REPEATED OCCURANCES OF THIS PROBLEM. WEATHER AT THE TIME WAS MODERATE (70 TO 75 DEGREES F). THIS IS A NEW CAR (TWO WEEKS OLD, APPROXIMATELY 1350 MILES) WHILE I DON'T SUGGEST THAT THE FOLLOWING ARE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS, I LIST THEM BECAUSE THEY WERE UNUSUAL FOR ME AND THIS MAY BE HELPFUL TO REVIEWERS LOOKING FOR COMMON CIRCUMSTANCES: 1. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN GIVEN A LEVEL 1 (120 VOLT) CHARGE EARLIER IN THE DAY, BRINGING THE STATE OF CHARGE FROM APPROXIMATELY 60% TO 70%. THIS IS UNUSUAL BECAUSE I USUALLY USE LEVEL 2 (240 VOLT) CHARGING. 2, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SWITCHED "ON" WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER OPERATING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR BUT WITHOUT DRIVING ANYWHERE. THE PROBLEM OCCURED SHORTLY THEREAFTER, AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY TWO MILES. 3, NO OTHER UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES WERE NOTED. CAR DROVE NORMALLY BEFORE AND AFTER THIS INCIDENT.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 21, 2013
CAR:2013 FORD FOCUS EV. NOTICED "STOP SAFELY NOW" LIGHT ON AT STOP LIGHT JUST AFTER EXITING FREEWAY OFF WINCHESTER RD IN TEMECULA, CA. WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE TO GET ONTO WINCHETER ROAD TRAVELING WEST GOING DOWN HILL AND NERVOUSLY COASTED DOWN HILL NOTICING THE STEERING BECOMING DIFFICULT. THANKFULLY THE LEFT TURN LIGHT WAS GREEN SO I WAS ABLE TO COAST THRU THE INTERSECTION AND GET ON JEFFERSON ROAD. I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, HOWEVER, THE CAR WAS UNRESPONSIVE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO THE FIRST AVAILABLE PARKING LOT OFF OF JEFFERSON ROAD - POLLO LOCO PARKING LOT AND TURNED VEHICLE OFF. CALL HUSBAND TO COME GET ME. HE TURNED VEHICLE ON WITHOUT INCIDENT AND DROVE IT HOME WITH OUT ISSUE. WORKING WITH DEALER FOR NEXT STEPS. CALL FRITTS FORD AS I TALKED TO DANIEL IN SERVICE AND HE REPORTED THAT ANOTHER FOCUS EV OWNER JUST REPORTED TEH SAME ISSUE AND WAS ON THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP ON SATURDAY, 21.SEPT. THIS PROBLEM IS PERHAPS MUCH BIGGER THAN WE THINK?! FYI: DEALERSHIP = FRITTS FORD, RIVERSIDE, CA CAR PURCHASED ON SUNDAY, 15.SEPT.2013. OWED THE CAR FOR 6 DAYS.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 20, 2013
THIS IS FOR THE FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC. I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD GOING APPROX 50 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST POWER AND HAD NO ACCELERATION A MESSAGE CAME ON THE DISPLAY THAT SAID STOP SAFELY NOW IN RED WITH A EXCLAMATION POINT INSIDE A TRIANGLE AT THAT POINT I WAS A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS AS THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN AS I WAS TRYING TO MERGE TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO STOP AND I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. I LET IT SIT FOR A MINUTE AND TRIED TO RESTART AND IT WOULD NOT, I TRIED A SECOND TIME AND IT FINALLY CAME UP READY TO GO. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED ME TO TAKE TO THE SERVICE DEPT IN THE MORNING. THIS WAS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 20, 2013
TRAVELING AT APPROX. 35 M.P.H. ON COUNTY ROAD, PULL OVER SAFELY LIGHT CAME ON, UNABLE TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY DUE TO TRAFFIC, TRAVELED A SHORT DISTANCE IN ATTEMPT TO FIND A SHOULDER TO PULL ONTO, CAR DIED IN A CURVE. NO POWER AT ALL. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 19, 2013
THIS IS REGARDING FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC VEHICLE 2013 MODEL. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. WHILE DRIVING IT SUDDENLY BEEPS AND DISPLAYS MESSAGE "STOP SAFELY NOW" AND CAR JUST STALLS AND STOPS RUNNING. QUITE DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS BEEN TO FORD DEALERSHIP AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE AND AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS THAT I GOT BACK THE VEHICLE, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. IT IS AGAIN IN THE SERVICE CENTER OF FORD DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY STILL DO NOT KNOW WHY THIS HAPPENS OR WHAT IS THE FIX. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY FORD ASAP AS IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Sep 19, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE CAR QUIT RUNNING AND DISPLAYED "STOP SAFELY NOW". *TR
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2013
CAR STALLED WITH SOME WARNING MESSAGES FOR NO REASON. AFTER COMPLETE TURN-OFF RESTARTED NORMALLY. HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC AND COULD RESULT WITH ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 16, 2013
I WAS COMING BACK FROM SCHOOL TO MY HOUSE. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ASKING ME TO PULL OVER SAFELY. I DID THAT, THE CAR STALLED. I FREAKED OUT, AND CALLED MY DAD. HE SAID NOT TO WORRY AS IT HAD HAPPENED TO HIM IN HIS FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC TOO. HE ASKED ME TO WAIT FOR TWO MINUTES AND THEN RESTART THE ENGINE. I DID THAT, THE CAR WAS FINE THEN. PLEASE TALK TO MY DAD IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. HIS CONTACT INFORMATION IS LISTED BELOW. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 16, 2013
I LEASE TWO FORD FOCUSES; ONE FOR ME AND ONE FOR MY DAUGHTER (UNDER MY WIFE'S OWNERSHIP). THE CAR HAS STALLED ON ME TWICE AND ONCE ON MY DAUGHTER. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AT SPEED OF 35 MILES PER HOUR IN JUNE 2013 AND THE SECOND TIME AT LESS THAN 2 MILES HOUR IN AUGUST 2013. THE FIRST TIME, IT ASKED ME TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE AND STALLED. I PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE CAR, LOOKED AT THE WHEELS THINKING THAT IT MAY HAVE HAPPENED DUE TO LOW AIR, HOWEVER, NOTHING. I SHUT DOWN THE CAR AND THEN RESTARTED AFTER TWO MINUTES, IT STARTED JUST FINE. THAT IS UNTIL THE SECOND TIME WHEN IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED AT THE CORNER OF 11TH AND J STREET IN SACRAMENTO, CA. I GOT OUT OF THE CITY GARAGE MADE A RIGHT TURN ON 11TH TO MAKE A LEFT ON J STREET. AT THE LIGHT, IT JUST SHUT DOWN WITH THE WARNING WITHOUT ABILITY TO PULL OVER. I HAD TO WAIVE THE DRIVERS BEHIND ME TO GO AROUND. I COULD NOT DO MUCH. SAME THING, AFTER TWO MINUTES, THE CAR RESTARTED. AT BOTH TIMES, THE CAR WAS FULLY CHARGED. SIMILARLY, THIS HAPPENED TO MY DAUGHTER, WHO FREAKED OUT AND SHE CALLED ME. I TOLD HER IT MAY BE GLITCH AS IT HAD HAPPENED TO ME THE FIRST TIME AROUND. SHE PULLED OVER, PARKED, WAITED FOR TWO MINUTES, RESTARTED AND SO FAR HER CAR IS FINE. WHOM SHOULD I REPORT THIS TO? THE FIRST TIME, IT GAVE ME TIME TO PULL OVER, HOWEVER, THE SECOND TIME, IT JUST SHUT DOWN. I THOUGHT FORD KNEW ABOUT IT THUS DID NOT REPORT. PLEASE HELP ME REPORT THIS. I LOVE THE CAR AS THERE IS NO MORE GAS STATION TRIPS, HOWEVER, IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Sep 12, 2013
THIS IS A FOCUS ELECTRIC. WHILE STOPPED IN AN INTERSECTION WAITING TO TURN LEFT, THE STOP SAFELY NOW LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND GET THE CAR OUT OF THE INTERSECTION. AFTER A FEW CYCLES OF THE START/STOP BUTTON THE CAR STARTED AGAIN AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. *TR
Power train, Sep 11, 2013
- WHILE IN DRIVE AND MOVING FORWARD AT 55 MPH THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED AND NO POWER WAS TRANSMITTED TO THE WHEELS OF THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS ALSO HAPPENED AT 15 MPH GOING AROUND A TURN FOR 4 SECONDS BEFORE POWER TO THE WHEELS RESUMED. DURING THESE TWO OCCURRENCES THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND BEHAVING AS IF THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. - AFTER BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND IT MOVED FORWARD AS EXPECTED ABOUT 2 FEET AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS. THE TRANSMISSIONS WOULD NOT ENGAGE UNTIL 4 ATTEMPTS OF PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. - ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE TRANSMISSION WOULD RAPIDLY SHIFT UP AND DOWN WHILE MOVING FORWARD BETWEEN 5 AND 40 MILES PER HOUR. BY RAPIDLY, I MEAN IT WAS SHIFTING IN AND OUT OF GEARS AT A RATE OF ABOUT 4 SHIFTS PER SECOND. THIS RESULTED IN ERRATIC SPEED AT CONGESTED INTERSECTIONS AS WELL AS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY AND REGULAR ROADS. - ON 2 OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AT ALL. THIS IS MOST LIKELY RELATED TO THE BEFORE MENTIONED ISSUES BECAUSE THE CAR WAS CONFUSED AND THOUGHT IT WAS IN GEAR. - SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO LAG AND THEN LURCH. - 1ST GEAR WAS MUSHY WHEN TAKING OFF THEN WOULD SUDDENLY LURCH. THESE ARE SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND FLUID ON THE CLUTCH PADS AND MOST LIKELY ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE SENSORS IN THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. FULL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AND SHAFT SEAL REPLACEMENT IS BEING PERFORMED BY DEALER. VEHICLE IS ONLY 4 MONTHS OLD WITH ABOUT 4K MILES. *TR
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2013
1ST INCIDENT: WIFE WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON ROUTE 30 BYPASS WEST IN DOWNING TOWN WHEN THE CAR STALLED AND GAVE A WARNING TO STOP SAFELY NOW. ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT MY WIFE PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STARTED THE CAR AGAIN THEN DROVE HOME WITH NO ISSUE. 2ND INCIDENT: TODAY 9/11 MY WIFE WAS PULLING OUT OF HER DRIVEWAY FOR WORK AND THE CALL STALLED WITH THE MESSAGE TO STOP SAFELY NOW. SHE RE-STARTED THE CAR WITH NO INCIDENT AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO WORK. *TR
Power train, Sep 10, 2013
I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AT APPROXIMATELY 15MPH AND NOTICED THE STOP SAFELY NOW ICON ALERTING ON THE DASH. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP THE VEHICLE. WHEN I WENT TO PROCEED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION THE CAR WAS STALLED WITH THE STOP SAFELY NOW LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED. I TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. I EXITED THE VEHICLE FOR FEAR OF BEING REAR-ENDED. AFTER 5 MINUTES I ATTEMPTED THE IGNITION AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY. THE CAR IS NOW AT DEALER. *TR
Power train, Engine, Sep 9, 2013
TRIED TO TELL DEALERSHIP ABOUT STUTTERING OF CAR WHEN IT IS SHIFTING, RESPONSE WAS NOT ENOUGH MILES ON IT, NOTHING WAS CHECKED OUT. ALSO CALLED DEALERSHIP AGAIN ABOUT THE STUTTERING, HAD THE FEELING THEY THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY. OIL CHANGE AT 5000 MILES, WAS ASKED ABOUT HOW I LIKED THE NEW STANDARD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, WAS NOT IMPRESSED, WAS TAKEN OUT ON THE ROAD, HAD A LOUD SCREECH IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, WAS TOLD SOMETIMES A SOMETHING GETS LOOSE AND AIR GETS UNDER IT AND IT SCREECHES**.2ND OIL CHANGE, HAD ENOUGH OF THE RUN AROUND, MADE SOME NOISE AND GOT THE CAR CHECKED OUT ON A COMPUTER, LOW AND BEHOLD, THEY FOUND A BAD CLUTCH, THEY ARE REPLACING IT AT NO COST TO ME, PROBLEM IS I DON'T WANT THIS CAR ANYMORE, I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING THIS CAR, & I FEEL IT IS A " LARGE RED LEMON "& I WANT IT REPLACED WITH A GOOD DEPENDABLE NEW CAR, I DON'T HAVE TO BE AFRAID TO DRIVE. THANK YOU, WOULD LIKE TO THINK THIS WOULD HELP MY CAUSE. *TR
Power train, Sep 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO SHIFT GEARS AND SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Engine, Sep 5, 2013
I HAVE A FORD FOCUS EV 2013. TWICE THE CAR HAS SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND THE MESSAGE APPEARS ASKING YOU TO PULL OVER AND STOP. THIS IS POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS. FURTHER, THE SYNC SOFTWARE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE GPS SHOWS WRONG LOCATION, INCLUDING THAT THE CAR IS AT THE MICHIGAN ASSEMBLY PLANT, CLOCK SHOWS WRONG TIME, PHONE DOES NOT CONNECT OR WILL NOT DISCONNECT AND THE REAR CAMERA PICTURE SHOWS WHILE DRIVING FORWARD. *JB
Power train, Sep 5, 2013
VEHICLE STUTTERS AND GRINDS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO SHIFT SOON ENOUGH AND FREQUENTLY WILL LOSE POWER TO THE POINT OF ALMOST STALLING OUT. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO PULL OUT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, SO I HAVE TO MAKE SURE THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM IN CASE IT TAKES A COUPLE SECONDS FOR IT TO GET MOVING AGAIN. IT ALSO ROLLS BACKWARDS ON HILLS AND EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE KEEPS RUNNING FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AFTER I'VE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND REMOVED THE KEY. *JB
Power train, Engine, Sep 4, 2013
VEHICLE GRINDS GEARS FREQUENTLY. FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR VEHICLE WILL SHAKE, LOOSE POWER AND ALMOST STALL BEFORE ENGINE REGAINS POWER AND SHIFTS TO GO FORWARD. TAKEN TO FORD 4 TIMES. THEY SAY IT IS NORMAL AND JUST NEEDS TO BE BROKEN IN. AT ONE VISIT, THEY GAVE ME A 2 PAGE HANDOUT ON HOW DUAL CLUTCH ENGINE WORKS, AS IF THAT JUSTIFIES THE PERFORMANCE. THEY FINALLY REPLACED CLUTCH WHICH HELPED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE ORIGINAL PROBLEMS RETURNED. NOW, ON A GOOD DAY, THE CAR JUST GRINDS IN 3RD GEAR. MEANWHILE, FORD DOES NOTHING, SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 3, 2013
THE CAR HAS LOCKED ME OUT THREE TIMES WHEN I HAD THE KEYS IN MY POCKET THE ELECTRICAL WENT OUT THE CAR STALLED AND I HAD TO CALL FOR HELP AND THE BLUE TOOTH WAS OUT. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND CALLED THE DEALER 25 MILES AWAY . I GOT THE CAR STARTED AND DROVE TO DEALER AND THEY PUT A NEW SD CARD IN THE CONSOLE, SAYING THE WRONG CARD WAS BEING USED. NOW, THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR A TEST DRIVE AND THEY SAID THE TIRES ARE OUT OF BALANCE AND NEVER BALANCED AT THE FACTORY. THE CAR LOOSES POWER ON STEEP HILLS AND SOME TIMES ROLLS BACK ON HILLS. THE DEALER SAYS THE TRANSMISSION WILL MEMORIZE MY DRIVING HABITS . THE TRANSMISSION TWO MONTHS LATER STILL SHUDDERS UNTIL IT WARMS UP AND HESITATES TO SHIFT T TIMES AND I FEEL THE NEED TO USE THE THROTTLE IN BETWEEN SHIFTS. THE TRANSMISSION WILL CLUNK EVERY NOW AND THE AS THE GEARS ARE OUT OF SYNC NOW, THIS CAR HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN AND SEEMS TO TRY AND CORRECT ITSELF ELECTRONICALLY. THE TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO LOOSE ONE OR BOTH OF ITS CLUTCHES AT ANYTIME. THE CAR IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN . AN EXAMPLE THE CAR DOWN SHIFTED ON ME AND A CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME. THE DEALER KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM, BUT TELLS THE SAME STORY. THAT'S HOW A DCT IS. FORD NEEDS TO HELP THE DEALERS AND STEP UP. THE GOVERNMENT OUGHT GET AFTER FORD. THE CAR IS UNSAFE, UNRELIABLE AND NEEDS A RECALL. THE CAR HAS 3600 MILES ON IT AND RUNS LIKE 1936 FORD MANUAL SHIFT. WHAT A WASTE OF 25K, NO MORE AMERICAN CARS FOR ME. *JB