Ford Focus Complaints (2013)

2,181 consumer complaints on file.

#11767028September 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Transmission error stating clutch A engaged. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the vehicle would not move after being stopped at the stop light or stop sign or stop during traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766562September 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle suffered a major mechanical and electrical failure on July 28, 2026, and was immediately towed to an authorized dealership. After a multi-day delay awaiting a senior technician's analysis, the dealership issued a single service ticket grouping two distinct issues: a failed Canister Purge Valve (active Safety Recall 26S40) and localized wiring damage. The dealership fraudulently drafted the ticket to imply that external rodent damage caused the recall component failure. However, forensic photographic proof uploaded to the manufacturer database on August 13, 2026, reveals a classic consequential engineering failure: the wiring insulation is severely bubbled and thermally fused from extreme internal circuit resistance caused entirely by the defective recall component. An adjacent plastic snack wrapper remains completely pristine and untouched, disproving the rodent narrative. The vehicle has now been held in safety detention for 57 consecutive days. A corporate supervisor explicitly confirmed on a recorded line that the manufacturer has possessed these forensic photos since mid-August but left the safety file stagnant due to an internal database text-field error. Their software is failing to match the vehicle's engine string '2.0L I4 DI Ti-VCT' to the recall applicability screen 'GDI', creating a data-entry roadblock to deny a free safety remedy. I am requesting an immediate federal audit of the manufacturer's database alignment for Recall 26S40 and a manual technical override directive to initiate repairs. Manufacturer Master Case: CHX-09386351-T9Y5H1.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763027September 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RE: FAULTY THROTTLE WIRING / LOCATION CAUSING CORROSION 2013 FORD FOCUS - RECALL NEEDED To Whom It May Concern: My 2013 Ford Focus SE Flex with VIN [XXX] lost power while traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] a couple times before completely dying. My code reader was getting fixed throttle codes 2112, 2111 and pending codes 122, 223. I switched out the throttle body AND accelerator pedal position sensor. This did NOT resolve the issue. I had the Focus towed to Downey Ford in [XXX] where they found a Technical Service Bulletin stating endless Focuses had this issue with corroded wiring, which appears to be caused by TSB 15-0036, which is regarding the wiring harness rubbing against a sharp part of the intake, which can cause shorts in the cables. This Ford Dealership repair cost me $845.80 + grief + an extended stay at my hospitable parents in [XXX]. This concern should be escalated to RECALL status as it leaves your loyal customers stranded on the roadside. My request is a full refund from Ford for $845.80 CAD. See Downey Ford Invoice # SO # XXX attached. Source: [XXX] [XXX]: Bear with me, this is going to be a bit long. TL;DR: Car will not accelerate, CEL/MTC states problem with "accelerator pedal position sensor". Wiring harness has been cut into by rubbing on intake. I want to splice it to fix it, but need advice due to length/resistance requirements. Two weeks ago, my wife was driving my 2013 Ford Focus SE Hatchback and right as she got off the freeway, it instantly lost power, a message appeared on the screen stating "Engine Fault - Repair Now", and it idled super rough. She restarted the engine and it was fine until she tried accelerating more than a tiny bit, at which point the same symptoms occurred again. She was able to limp the car home. Having misplaced my OBD2 scanner, I limped it over to the local auto parts store and they read the code as INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761594September 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the transmission failed, and the vehicle lost motive power, and the vehicle was stuck in the middle of traffic. The contact referenced several satisfaction programs for the issue; however, the VIN was not included in the repair. The vehicle was towed back to the residence due to it not being able to operate. The contact stated there was an unknown warning light on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the transmission had overheated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was confirmed with transmission failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761674September 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased a 2013 Ford Focus from Boucher Ford of Menomonee Falls, WI in February, 2026. A few months later, Ford issued a recall on this car that requires the Powertrain Control Module to be reprogrammed to avoid issues like a collapsed fuel tank or stalling while driving, potentially causing an accident. I had been informed by a mechanic that this car was sold to me with a custom tune on the PCM. This tune was not disclosed to me when I purchased the car and due to the PCM being modified, the recall cannot be performed without damage to the PCM rendering the car undriveable. I tried working with Jeff Samp (General Manager) at the dealership but he told me they were not required by law to check for tunes when a car is traded in and that he could have someone "look at the car" but if they damage the PCM performing the recall, they will not be held responsible. I opened a case with Ford Motor Company and was informed that they would escalate to some kind of dealership oversight department and that it might take a couple weeks to get a response. I never received a response so I called Ford to inquire and was told that they are not sure why I was told that, that no such department exists, and that all they can do is call the dealership on my behalf and "ask" them to deal with it. Facts: 1. They sold me a car with a modified Powertrain Control Module which can affect many things, even falsely disabling check engine lights. 2. A FEDERAL RECALL for my own safety cannot be performed on this vehicle IN THE CONDITION THEY SOLD IT TO ME, putting my safety, my passengers' safety, and the safety of other motorists at risk. 3. Boucher Ford will not remedy this issue or even contact the previous owner as I requested to find out what kind of tune is on this vehicle so that I can get it removed and this safety recall performed. I want the PCM replaced with a new unit, with the new software that complies with this recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761046August 31, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Issue happened in November 2016. The glass sunroof exploded while driving NE on I-44 just SW of Springfield MO. The reason I am reporting this now, is that I saw a news article about this happening often. Until I saw the news article I thought it was a one of event. We did not witness anything hitting the car/sunroof. I don't expect anything from this report. I just wanted report that a Ford Focus experienced this type of event.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758556August 21, 2026
POWER TRAIN
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750247July 14, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I am reporting a severe vehicle safety hazard and engine stalling incident on my 2013 Ford Focus caused by an un-remedied factory emissions safety defect (related to Ford Recall 26S40 / 18S32). Due to an incomplete factory software monitoring patch, the canister purge valve stuck open and allowed continuous, unchecked engine vacuum to pull straight out of the plastic fuel tank. This heavy vacuum physically collapsed and deformed the bottom of the plastic fuel tank inward by approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inches. This structural collapse compressed the internal fuel pump assembly and mechanical float arm, falsifying the dashboard fuel gauge and distance-to-empty calculations. On April 2nd, while driving on Interstate 95 at midnight, the vehicle displayed an inaccurate fuel level, ran completely dry, and suffered a sudden engine stall in high-speed traffic without warning. My family and I were trapped in a highly hazardous situation and were forced to physically push the disabled vehicle 3 miles down the highway in total darkness. We ultimately had to enlist the emergency intervention of the Florida State Patrol Road Rangers to dispatch a unit and supply fuel so we could safely clear the interstate. The vehicle has since thrown a hard diagnostic trouble code P0443, confirming a complete electrical circuit malfunction of the EVAP system. Ford's failure to successfully deploy a functional software monitor has caused severe structural damage to my fuel system and created an imminent, life-threatening safety risk to my family on public highways. I am requesting a federal record of this incident to compel a full vehicle inspection and complete fuel system component replacement by the manufacturer."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750254July 14, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The evap canister purge valve has been a recurring problem for this vehicle. The canister was replaced in 2021, but continued having problems, as it pulled a vacuum on the fuel tank in upwards of 3/8 inch. (Documented by Murray Ford in 2023 and reassuredthere was no issue by them) the vehicle has displayed inaccurate fuel readings and caused our family to be disabled and then stranded in the night on highway 95. It put the safety of my family, and other motorists at risk The problem hasn't been duplicated because their "software fix" essentially ignored the problem altogether. There were no warnings. According to my vehicle it had at least 50 miles til empty. The fuel sending unit is displaying innacurqte fuel readings, and the fuel pump has displayed symptoms, characterized by surging, stalled when accelerating from a stop, and of course, completely shutting off, while on the highway. I've tried my best to trust and be patient with Ford and for them to do the right thing, but have been brushed off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742139June 4, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I had my purge valve replaced under 24N07 ford costumer satisfactory program and the faulty purge valve damaged my catalytic converter and caused my engine light to illuminate with P0420.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739072May 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission problems and my car is still under 100000 and it’s a 2013 ford focus
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738402May 17, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving home from work, I was attempting to accelerate my RPMs showed 4000. However, my speed did not match the car. He hesitated and was doing a lot of jerking after I got home turned off the car turned it back on my check engine light came on and it threw a code P07A5.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736515May 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The "shift tower" typically refers to the external mechanism on top of the transmission where the shifter cables connect. Problems with this part, which is a broken internal pin, result in a shifter that moves freely without engaging any gears. The gear become in operatable when driving down the highway, which is a hazard on the road. There were no warning light just not ale to change gears.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731107April 14, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle began to experience issues where it was difficult to start and ran rough. Multiple times after turning off vehicle and attempting to restart later it would not restart. Had vehicle towed to dealership for repairs, they conducted a recall repair and test over multiple days. Picked up vehicle, drove approximately 7 miles. Went into store came back and vehicle would not start. Multiple other recalls are listed for this date range and motor that likely could be impacting my current vehicle. However, this VIN is not listed as a specific recall. Current situation places driver and passenger at risk as the vehicle does not run properly and does not restart
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725902March 20, 2026
STEERING
Steering wheel became hard to turn and then no steering and steering loss Stop safely came on the instrument panel, had car towed home and have had no one look at it yet
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725243March 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle was serviced at Bartow Ford in Bartow, Florida, where approximately $1,100 was paid for the installation of a Body Control Module (BCM). Less than two weeks after this repair, the vehicle was returned to the same dealership due to issues involving the windshield wipers. According to the dealership’s own written statement, their technician began diagnosing the issue by replacing a blown fuse and tracing the wiring harness. While inspecting the wiring harness near the heater hose area, the technician observed coolant dripping onto the harness. When the technician touched the harness, it immediately caught fire. The shop foreman then had to disconnect the battery to prevent further damage. This fire occurred while the vehicle was in the possession and control of the dealership and during active diagnosis by their technician. Despite this, the dealership is now attempting to charge approximately $3,700 to repair the wiring harness and related components. We find this unacceptable. It is unreasonable to expect the customer to pay for repairs to damage that occurred during dealership service and inspection. This situation raises serious concerns, particularly because the dealership had recently performed electrical work on the vehicle involving the BCM only two weeks earlier.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717304February 11, 2026
STEERING
During recent freezing weather, upon starting the car and attempting to turn, I realized that the steering wheel was frozen solid. While researching what could have happened, the war warmed up enough to melt the water in the electric power assisted steering motor, allowing the vehicle to turn. Now, the EPAS is seized up completely. If I had been driving when it locked up completely, it could have proved fatal. The problem has not been reproduced, as it just happened in the last couple of weeks. I never got any check engine light pertaining to this issue. OBDII showed not errors for the EPAS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702176December 1, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700041November 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Our 2013 ford focus has had the shudder clutch replaced 3 times in 4 years. We paid $2500 for them to replace the clutch, forks, and adjust the tcm module. Within a year it went again. They replaced under our warranty from the first fix. Then a year later, it went again, warranty was out but ford sent a letter to replace for free. They did.. and now it’s broke again. It shudders and jerks so bad. My college daughter takes it to and from school and relies on it. I don’t understand how Ford gets away with this as it is an ongoing issue with this year make and model vehicle. It’s dangerous, will stall… and jerk. They charge to fix and all it is a bandaid for an ongoing inevitable failure again. On top of that all the electrical to the radio, speakers and such went as well. The vehicle has less than 98k miles on it. It is well taken care of. This transmission issue is Fords negligence. It’s dangerous, deadly; and I cannot believe they continue to charge for an issue they know about.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699842November 17, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, the RPM decreased, and the vehicle turned off independently. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the fuel line and fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 178,391.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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