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.
Steering, Nov 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 10 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. The message to pull over safely was displayed. The red critical warning indicator light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering control module (PSCM) needed to be replaced but the parts were back ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred him to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Power train, Nov 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after shifting into drive, the vehicle started to jerk abnormally. The contact stated that after accelerating to 40 MPH, the vehicle started to operate normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty only covered the transmission, not the clutch. The failure mileage was 15.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle would shudder while shifting gears. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the transmission module had caused the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000. The consumer stated repairs for the vehicle would cost $3,000 and requesting either reimbursement or included in the recall.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The engine fault service light illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the powertrain control module (PCM) software needed to be updated, and the fuel delivery module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the NHTSA was responsible for including VIN in recalls and advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2022
The vehicle sputters and shakes when pulling out. I try not to pull out if someone is coming because I am not sure if the car will stale out or not. The vehicle shuts off sometimes. It has been overheating a lot lately.
Power train, Oct 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the transmission failed to shift as designed. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was shifted into gear, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance but was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Power train, Oct 18, 2022
I purchased a 2013 Ford Focus in the spring of 2020. I have taken my car to the dealership three times (it's about to be a fourth time) for the same Transmission Control Module issue. They keep replacing the part because it is recalled, and each time the new module stops working after roughly 5,000 miles. Today is the fourth time it has malfunctioned. The car shudders and jumps when I downshift at stoplights, and it will not shift to fourth gear to drive at acceptable speeds on the highway to my job. The car never shifts well, but this is dangerous.
Steering, Oct 16, 2022
I have a 2013 Ford Focus Titanium with 92k miles and have been experiencing problems with my electric steering rack. It’s making noises when turning the steering wheel. I have not had it replaced yet as I fill this something that should recalled and covered through Ford. It has not locked on me yet but this is something that should be recalled and fixed as I’m hearing multiple ford owners are experiencing the same issue.
Steering, Oct 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2022
Car acted like the battery was dead, then when the car started the Check Engine Light engaged. The car did not have to be jumped. Put the car in Drive and accelerated. The Transmission changed gears rather rough. After a couple miles the car, although in reverse or drive had, zero acceleration power. Seemed as though I was in Park or Neutral. The 3rd day with this issue, I was prompted that the Transmission was overheating. Please note that the car had been started and in park for 5 minutes. Took the vehicle to the auto shop and found the TCM failed at 54 thousand miles. Before this issue there was not any sign of issues. Looked at my maintenance records and found the TCM had been reprogrammed by an Official Authorized Ford Dealership.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the carbon canister and the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the vehicle had been previously repaired under the recall. The contact was informed that the vehicle would be repaired out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 33,000.
Electrical system, Oct 3, 2022
Horn stopped working three times. Was replaced by a certified mechanic both times and once again horn stopped working. Horn is getting wet because of its placement from what the mechanic he also said it’s a safety issue that does needs to recall
Power train, Oct 3, 2022
Like me and countless others, the transmission shutters at low speed causing a safety issue, apparently people have been having this issue even out the door when their cars had 100 miles on them, I just got mine and it has this issue, I'm gonna go see how much it is to get fixed but I'd like it if I didnt have to pay since so many others are also having this issue
Power train, Sep 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while at a stop light and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dual clutch was replaced; however, the failure continued and the dual clutch was replaced several times. The manufacturer was contacted and but offered no assistance. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Power train, Sep 28, 2022
There is a shudder in the transmission when accelerating, upshifting and occasionally downshifting as well. It has not posed any safety risk yet. My car has not (to my knowledge) been inspected by a dealership, service center, insurance representative, etc. but there have been previous recalls for this issue. Since buying it last autumn there has been a small, almost unnoticeable shudder, but it has quickly gotten worse.
Power train, Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the RPM revved up and the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure would stop after driving for an extended period. However, the failure had been reoccurring while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the used car dealer where an unknown software was reprogrammed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the used car dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,042.
Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2022
Lost power while driving on highway. Ford dealership identified problem with TCM. Car has not been repaired at this time. Waiting for back ordered TCM.
Wheels, Sep 20, 2022
Could not get tires rotated due to "swollen"lug nuts. Also the tool to fix a flat tire will no longer fit the lug nuts due to the swelling of the lug nuts. I feel like this is a very serious safety issue and we, the owners should not have the burden of having this situation fixed!! Please help!! Thank you
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2022
Faulty canister purge valve caused vehicle to stall and shut down while driving on public roads. Canister purge valve is also causing check engine code P0420. Catalytic converter is also giving out while operating causing a lot of white smoke from the exhaust and catalytic converter.
Electrical system, Sep 11, 2022
Bought my car from a dealer Ford and it was fine to start out then the battery died put a new one in kept doing what it was took it in to Ford They said it was the battery so I bought a new battery I asked them to check the alternator starter and the electrical wiring and things to see if they were something wrong with them they told me no that they had checked each one I can’t be driving in the whole car will shut off and shut back on then when you get in it the next day there is no electrical working had to call [XXX] when I was grocery shopping to have them to come look at it they jarred the car little bit and it started up then my brother got in the car to start it lights and dash lights kept going off like it was possessed but would not start Would like to know if they are any recalls on the electrical of the car it’s a 2013 Ford Focus INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Sep 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the RPM revved 6,000 RPM and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated he was unable to shift out of first and second gear however, the transmission independently shifted to fourth gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the warranty had expired and would not apply towards the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 184,000.
Power train, Sep 3, 2022
The 2013 Ford focus has a manufacturer defect that the ford has been aware of. The vehicle has slowed down to 15 mph while I driving the expressway making it very unsafe. When I took it back to the dedealership I was told that I could not drive the car but no rental car would be provided to me. It has been over a month with no rental car and being unable to drive my vehicle, and Ford has not to accountability for the inconvenience that this has caused.
Power train, Aug 29, 2022
Dual clutch recall with actuators and TCM, FORD won't fix recall because it's on a national back order.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter and vacuum hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at 50-60 MPH, the vehicle was emitting abnormal loud whining sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that upon refilling gas in the vehicle and starting the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a rough start, was shuddering and was jerking, in addition to the abnormal loud whining sounds. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall repair was previously completed but the fuel tank and fuel delivery module were not replaced as the vehicle was not experiencing a failure at the time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.