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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 2,112

Of the 2013 reports, 49 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 28 people were injured and 3 people died.

Primary concernPower train1,102 reports · 52% of complaints
Owner complaints2,112Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship12 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train1,102
  2. Engine344
  3. Electrical system276
  4. Steering273
  5. Fuel/propulsion system209
  6. Other or unspecified196
  7. Vehicle speed control112
  8. Structure84

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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.

  1. Power train, Aug 29, 2013

    THIS VEHICLE SHUTTERS, JERKS AT EACH STOP. IT FEELS LIKE IT GETS NO POWER WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL. SOMETIMES ITS LIGHT SHUTTERING/JERKING, OTHER TIMES ITS VIOLENT SHUTTERING AND JERKING TO THE POINT WHERE IT JERKS SO BAD THE CAR SHUTS OFF. WE HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY KEEP TELLING US ITS A "GREEN CLUTCH" AND JUST KEEP DRIVING IT TO GET IT BROKEN IN. WE DO NOT SEE AN IMPROVEMENT OVER AFTER A WEEK OF DAILY DRIVING. WE HAVE VISITED MANY SITES AND REALIZE THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE WHO PURCHASED A 2012,2013 FORD FOCUS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. *TT

  2. Seat belts, Aug 29, 2013

    MY FIVE YEAR OLD SON WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER REAR OF THE FORD FOCUS EV (2013) IN A BOOSTER SEAT (BOTTOM ONLY, NO BACK). HE MANAGED TO WRAP THE SEAT BELT AROUND HIS TORSO. WHEN MY WIFE ARRIVED HOME AND PARKED, MY SON UNHOOKED THE SEAT BELT, BUT THE BELT HAD LOCKED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE BELT WAS VERY TIGHT AGAINST MY SONS CHEST. WE TRIED TO WIGGLE HIM OUT AND TO RELEASE THE TENSION ON THE BELT, BUT WITH EACH TRY THE BELT TIGHTEN MORE. HE BECAME VERY SCARED AND WE CUT THE SEAT BELT.

  3. Electrical system, Engine, Aug 28, 2013

    MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR NEW 2013 FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC HOME FROM SCHOOL AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH WHEN THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHE STARTED TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT BEFORE SHE COULD GET SAFELY TO THE CURB, THE CAR SHUT DOWN. SHE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR STARTED AND WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALER. AFTER READING ABOUT THIS 'STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING ONLINE IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THAT CARS BREAK DOWN BUT COMPLETELY DISABLING THE CAR IN THIS WAY COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS CRASH. *TT

  4. Engine, Aug 28, 2013

    I WENT AND TRADED IN MY MUSTANG FOR SOMETHING WITH BETTER GAS MILEAGE WHICH ENDED UP BEING A 2013 FORD FOCUS (MANUAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE FIRST ONE I GOT WAS IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES FOR GRINDING NOISES WHEN IT TRIED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE FIRST TIME THEY BARELY HAD IT A DAY AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE SECOND THROUGH THE REST OF THE TIMES I HAD IT OUT THERE THEY JUST REBOOTED THE COMPUTER AND SAID IT IS FINE AND WILL BE FINE. NOT EVEN TWO DAYS LATER I WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND COULD GET THE CAR TO MOVE. I BARELY MADE 3 PAYMENTS ON THAT CAR. I KEPT TELLING THEM THIS WAS A LEMON AND THEY WOULDN'T TAKE IT BACK. WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THE LADY I TALKED TO SAID "WELL MY SONS FOCUS HASN'T BEEN GIVING HIM ANY TROUBLE. THAT MADE ME REALLY PISSY. I TOLD THE LADY I DIDN'T CARE ABOUT HER SONS CAR YOU SHOULD FIX MINE. I WENT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THEY HAD ANOTHER FOCUS THAT DIDN'T HAVE THE "MANUAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION" AND THEY DID SO I GOT THAT ONE INSTEAD OF THE PIECE OF CRAP I HAD. NOW I HAVE NOT EVEN MADE A SINGLE PAYMENT ON THIS NEW CAR AND IT IS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. THEY KEEP TELLING ME THIS IS NORMAL. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FOCUS OR FORD AGAIN. I DON'T CARE WHAT KIND OF FORD IT IS. *TT

  5. Electrical system, Aug 28, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STOP SAFELY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,900.

  6. Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2013

    LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED - AS I WAS DRIVING THE HIGHWAY TO GO HOME, THE CARS MOTOR SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, AFTER BARELY MAKING IT TO THE SHOULDER (INCHES FROM TRAFFIC) I LOOKED AT THE ESTIMATED MILES TO EMPTY, WHICH STATED 17 MILES TO EMPTY - YET I WAS OUT OF FUEL. SEEMS FORD FOCUS HAS A INCORRECT READING ON THE FUEL ECONOMY/AND OR ESTIMATED PORTION THAT COULD BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. (I TOOK A PHOTO OF THE DASH READOUTS AS WELL). *TR

  7. Power train, Aug 25, 2013

    AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT A LIGHT, AN ALERT CAME ON INSTRUCTING ME TO "STOP SAFELY NOW!" AND THE POWER TRAIN LOST ALL POWER. *TR

  8. Power train, Aug 24, 2013

    STOP SAFELY NOW (SSN) CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH. THIS CAUSED POWER TO BE CUT AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ANY FURTHER DRIVING OF THE CAR, WHICH ONLY ALLOWED FOR COASTING TO A STOP WHILE IN TRAFFIC. *TR

  9. Steering, Aug 23, 2013

    STEERING INTERMITTENTLY GETS 'STICKY' IN CENTER POSITION AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE TRACKS REASONABLY WELL BUT AS IT DRIFTS SLIGHTLY IN THE LANE IT IS NORMAL TO MAKE SMALL CORRECTIONS. IN EVERY VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED BEFORE THIS REQUIRES NO EFFORT OR THOUGHT. IN THIS ONE IT TAKES CONCENTRATION TO AVOID LOOKING LIKE I'M DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE. IN OTHER WORDS, IT RESISTS NORMAL MICRO-CORRECTIONS AND TENDS TO TWITCH AND OVER-CORRECT WHEN IT FINALLY RESPONDS TO THE STEERING ADJUSTMENT. THAT RESULTS IN MY VEHICLE MOVING A FOOT INSTEAD OF AN INCH WHICH IS NOT A LOT OF FUN AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. MY RESEARCH SUGGESTS THAT THIS IS A PROGRAMMING ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRICALLY ASSISTED STEERING. NHTSA: PLEASE ADDRESS THIS WITH A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED. *TR

  10. Power train, Electrical system, Aug 23, 2013

    THIS IS AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE. WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" LIGHT CAME ON. I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION, BUT REALIZED I HAD NO POWER. I COASTED TO A STOP AT THE CURB. THERE WAS A HAZARD SYMBOL DISPLAYED, BUT I COULD NOT BRING UP ANY OTHER INFORMATION TO GIVE A CLUE WHAT MIGHT BE BEHIND THE PROBLEM. I NOTED THE GREEN VEHICLE SYMBOL LIGHT WAS OFF, INDICATING POWER IS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE DRIVE TRAIN. I TRIED DOING DIFFERENT THINGS TO RESTART THE CAR, BUT ALL ATTEMPTS FAILED. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A FORD SERVICE CENTER. AFTER THE CAR WAS ROLLED BACKWARDS OFF THE TOW-TRUCK FLATBED, I TRIED ONCE AGAIN TO START THE CAR. IT STARTED RIGHT UP, AS IF NOTHING HAD BEEN WRONG. *TR

  11. Power train, Aug 22, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING UPHILL. THE VEHICLE ALSO JERKED WHEN SHIFTED FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR AND WOULD LOSE ACCELERATION POWER WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE LOSS OF ACCELERATION POWER ONLY. THE TRANSMISSION COMPUTER WAS REPROGRAMMED; HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED AND THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS OPERATING AT NORMALLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,202.

  12. Steering, Aug 22, 2013, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT TIE ROD FAILED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE, CAUSING THE FRONT END OF THE FRAME TO DROP TO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT A DIAGNOSTIC WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,200.

  13. Electrical system, Aug 22, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MINUTES. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS AWAITING INSPECTION FROM A FORD ENGINEER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 889. *TR

  14. Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 21, 2013

    THIS IS ACTUALLY THE 3RD TIME IN A MONTH THIS OCCURRED. THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING COMES UP. 1ST TIME ON 7/29, I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART, AND THE WRENCH SYMBOL DISPLAYED. TURNED OFF AND TRIED AGAIN 5 MINUTES LATER, AND THE CAR WORKED FINE. THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR GAVE NO NOTICE AS I MOVED TO ACCELERATE AT A GREEN LIGHT. A CLUNK, AND NO POWER, AND THE "STOP SAFELY" NOW WARNED OCCURRED AT THE SAME TIME. I TURNED THE HAZARD LIGHTS ON, A PEDESTRIAN ASSISTED ME IN PUSHING THE CAR OUT OF THE TRAFFIC. IT RESTARTED 5 MINUTES LATER, I DROVE IT STRAIGHT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER DID THE SOFTWARE UPDATE. AFTER WAITING OVER 2 WEEKS FOR THE CAR, THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" OCCURRED AGAIN 5 DAYS AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THIS TIME, I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND DO NOT KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL TO TAKE TO FIX THE ISSUE. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR, KNOWING THE POWER CAN BE DISABLED ANYWHERE AT ANY TIME. I HOPE FORD TAKES THESE ISSUES SERIOUSLY. *TR

  15. Power train, Aug 20, 2013

    THE 2013 FORD FOCUS HAS A DUAL CLUTCH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHICH IS A DESIGN DEFECT. THE VEHICLE STALLS, BUCKS, JERKS AND ROLLS BACKWARDS ON INCLINES. HAD I KNOWN THESE ABOUT ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS SURROUNDING THIS VEHICLE, I NEVER WOULD HAVE PURCHASED IT. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD AND NEEDS THE CLUTCHES TO BE REPLACED. THIS TRANSMISSION IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND FALLS WELL SHORT OF PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS FOR AN ALLEGED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *TR

  16. Power train, Aug 17, 2013

    WAS TOLD BY DEALER TRANSMISSION WAS NORMAL IF IT JERKS HARD AND GRINDS AND KNOCKS,DEALER WAS CHECKING TRANSMISSION THE WHOLE TIME. TRANSMISSION HAD A SEAL LEAK( DEALER STATED YOU CAN RUN THOSE TRANSMISSION WITHOUT FLUID), DEALER FIXED SO THEY SAY, DEALER LEFT RATCHET THE SIZE OF MY FOREARM ON TRANSMISSION WHEN I PULLED AWAY FROM DEALER I THOUGHT TRANSMISSION HAD FELL OUT. DEALER COULD HAVE BEEN BOUGHT FOR A DOLLAR. DEALER PLACED DYE IN TRANSMISSION OFFERED FREE OIL CHANGES NO THANK YOU I REPLIED. THREE DAYS LATER BACK IN SHOP TRANSMISSION STILL BAD ALONG WITH A BAD MISS. NOW THE CLUTCH PLATE IS BAD. GOT CAR BACK DROVE THREE MORE DAYS, CAR SHAKING WAS TOLD CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THAT( DIDN'T DO THE HARD SHAKING UNTIL THEY MESSED WITH TRANSMISSION), TRANSMISSION STILL ISN'T RIGHT IN LOW GEARS HARD SHIFTING AND GRINDS . TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER REFUSED SERVICE I WAS TOLD TO TAKE CAR SOMEWHERE ELSE THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH. WE FEEL ALL THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED OUT CAUSING ALL THIS. THIS CAR WAS TAKING IN TO DEALER AFTER I CAME OFF A EXIT ALL WAS CLEAR TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT IN SHIFT IN GEAR TO GO ALL TO SOON A SEMI-TRUCK WAS ON ME IF HE HAD NOT HAD ROOM TO GET OVER IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FATALLY. THAT'S NOT A NEW NORMAL TRANSMISSION . I HAVE FILED A LEMON LAW SUIT. FORD NOTIFIED MADE ALL THE EXCUSES THAT EVERYONE ELSE HAS BEEN TOLD, CAR WILL GET BETTER THE MORE YOU DRIVE IT, PARTS ON BACKORDER, THAT'S THE WAY IT IS, CAR HAS TO LEARN YOUR DRIVING HABITS. ALL THE SAME STUFF. *TR

  17. Power train, Electrical system, Aug 12, 2013

    THIS APPLIES TO THE FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC. I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOAD CLUNK. I INSTANTLY FELT THE POWER STEERING FAIL AND THE MOTOR CEASE FUNCTION (LOST ALL POWER RENDERING ME IMMOBOLIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET). THE DASH DISPLAYED THE WARINING "STOP SAFELY NOW". THIS INDICATES AN ELECTRICAL FAULT. NOTE THE BATTERY HAD A FULL CHARGE. THE SYMPTOM PERSISTED.AS I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE A FEW BLOCKS WITH THE SAME BEHAVIOUR. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR BACK TO MY HOUSE AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I WAS LUCKY I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENDED. *TR

  18. Visibility, Aug 12, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED AND SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,400.

  19. Power train, Aug 12, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS SE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK WITH AN ACCOMPANYING RATTLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO REPROGRAMMED THE PCM AND THE TCM. THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED ON A SEPARATE VISIT. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT CORRECTLY FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. THE JERKING BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE WHENEVER THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,042.

  20. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2013

    WHEN YOU TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS OR IF YOU TURN ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES, GET "VERY DIM". WHEN THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE TURNED TO OFF, ALL OF THE GAGE LIGHTS GET BRIGHTER. THIS MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AND SEE THE SPEEDOMETER DURING THE DAYTIME. I WOULD LIKE TO DRIVE WITH MY RUNNING LIGHTS "ON" DURING OUR TRAVELS IN THE DAYTIME. BUT THE GAUGES GET TO DIM TO READ IN THE DAYLIGHT, SO WE TRAVEL WITH OUR RUNNING LIGHTS IN THE "OFF" POSITION. OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER SAYS THAT IS THE WAY THEY ARE DESIGNED AT THE PRESENT TIME. THE LOCAL DEALER DOES NOT HAVE A "FIX".... THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND MY WIFE. *TR

  21. Power train, Aug 8, 2013

    BRAND NEW 2013 AUTOMATIC. APPARENTLY, MY AUTOMATIC HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION TO IMPROVE FUEL EFFICIENCY. AROUND MAY MY VEHICLE STARTED ACTING UP WHEN I WOULD PULL FORWARD OR BACK UP - THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHUDDER CAUSING A DELAY IN ACCELERATION. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO DID A SOFTWARE UPDATE, NO CHANGE. THEY TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT FOR AWHILE TO ALLOW IT TO RESET. AFTER ABOUT ANOTHER FEW HUNDRED MILES THE PROBLEM WAS STILL THERE- TOOK IT BACK AND THEY PUT IN A NEW CLUTCH. SAME ISSUES - SAME RESPONSE, DRIVE IT FOR AWHILE AND LET IT BREAK IT. TOOK IT BACK - TOLD IT WAS WITHIN STANDARDS AND I WAS TO EXPECT THE SHUDDER!? IT'S BRAND NEW - ACCORDING TO THE SALE REP AND MAINT SUPERVISOR ITS PART OF THE DESIGN, BUT CUSTOMERS AND EVEN FORD SALES AND MAINT WAS NOT TOLD UNTIL COMPLAINTS CAME IN. FORD WILL DO NOTHING BUT TELL ME I CAN TAKE IT FOR ANOTHER OPINION AND PAY FOR IT. NO MATTER, THEY FEEL IT PERFORMS WITHIN THEIR STANDARDS. THE PROBLEM IS I'M PAYING FOR THE CAR AND WHEN I PULL INTO TRAFFIC I EXPECT IT NOT TO PAUSE - THAT IS DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE ME TO GET HIT. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! I CAN'T BELIEVE FORD WILL NOT MAKE THIS RIGHT. *TR

  22. Electrical system, Service brakes, Electric, Aug 8, 2013

    WHILE DRIVING AN ALERT COMES ON STATING "STOP SAFELY NOW", THEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO LOSE POWER, GIVING THE DRIVER LITTLE TIME TO PULL OVER. IF YOU ARE IN THE FAR LEFT LANE, IT COULD BE A REALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP ONCE BEFORE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED AND IT IS BECOMING AN ISSUE OF CONCERN. FROM THE INTERNET SEARCHES ON FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC STOP SAFELY NOW IT APPEARS TO BE A PRETTY LARGE ISSUE. *TR

  23. Power train, Aug 7, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS RE-CALIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

  24. Power train, Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Aug 6, 2013

    MAY 1ST: SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION, VEHICLE SHUTTERS WHEN SHIFTING 4TH: NO CHANGES IN PERFORMANCE. SHUTTER AND VIBRATION CONTINUES; NO WORK PERFORMED. ADVISED ALL OF THIS IS A ?NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC? OF A DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. 10TH: SIGNIFICANT SHAKING AT IDLE CONTINUES 17TH: VIBRATION CONTINUES; TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO BUCK AND STALL. VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND WELL TO SUDDEN STOPS? SIGNIFICANT SHUDDERING AND RPM GAUGE HAS RAPID FLUCTUATIONS. GEARS STILL MAKING GRINDING NOISE. 18TH: TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FELT WORSE THAN USUAL TODAY. 20TH: VEHICLE DOES NOT DRIVE WELL. TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO CLICK/POP/GRIND; GEAR CHANGES ARE ROUGH, SIMILAR TO SOMEONE WHO CANNOT DRIVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION 24TH: ROUGH IDLE PERSISTS; CAR SLOW TO ENGAGE IN FIRST GEAR; FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL. JUNE 4TH: ROUGH IDLE CONTINUES 26TH: GEAR CHANGES ARE NOT SMOOTH AND IN FACT ARE QUITE ROUGH; CAR DOES NOT FUNCTION NORMALLY. NO IMPROVEMENT WHATSOEVER SINCE LAST UPDATE. 29TH: VEHICLE SHAKES BADLY UPON START; VERY ROUGH SHIFTING; CAR DOES NOT FEEL SAFE JULY 5TH: GEARS ARE NOT ENGAGING PROPERLY; DELAYED ACCELERATION FROM 0MPH IN DRIVE 11TH: VIBRATION IS AS BAD AS EVER; NO IMPROVEMENT. 17TH: HAD TWO CASES OF DELAYED ACCELERATION & BUCKING TODAY 19TH: VEHICLE SHUTTERED SIGNIFICANTLY TODAY; RPM GAUGE PLATING CONTINUES TO RATTLE; PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK WITH REMOTE KEY; BEGINNING OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS 21ST: TRANSMISSION STALLED UPON ACCELERATION AGAIN; SUBSTANTIAL HESITATION 22ND: LOUD GRINDING NOISE SHIFTING TO REVERSE; RPM GAUGE WENT TO ABOUT 2500 26TH: STALLING, SHUDDERING/BUCKING CONTINUES; GEAR CHANGES ARE NOT SMOOTH 28TH: INTERIOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM; INTERIOR OVERHEAD LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE NOR DO THE A/C & RADIO LIGHTS; 29TH: EXPERIENCED A VERY HARD JOLT UPON ACCELERATION SO MUCH SO THAT IT JARRED THE ENTIRE CAR. *TR

  25. Steering, Aug 3, 2013

    I WAS ON MY WAY BACK HOME FROM CHICAGO TO OHIO. ABOUT AN HOUR INTO THE TRIP MY STEERING STARTED GETTING STIFF AND HARD TO CONTROL. I HAD TO HOLD ON WITH BOTH HAND TIGHTLY. IT FELT LIKE THE STEERING WAS LOCKING UP. LIKE A CLICK. IF I MOVED IT EVER SO SLIGHTLY IT STUCK AND I HAD TO MOVE IT BACK QUICKLY. WHAT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN 6 1/2 HOURS TOOK ME 10 1/2. MY YOUNG SON AND I WERE SCARED. IT WAS SUNDAY AND I WAS IN ANOTHER STATE. NOTHING OPEN AND ON A TOLL ROAD. IT STILL GETS HARD TO STEER BUT MY DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP. I TRAVEL BACK AND FORTH FROM OHIO TO CHICAGO A LOT. *TR