2013 Ford Focus: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 2,105 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, steering, and electrical. The 8 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2013- Owner complaints
- 2,105
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes reported
- 49
- 28 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/8 checked
2013 Ford Focus: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Focus is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2013 Ford Focus. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | FWD | 30 mpg |
| Electric | FWD | 76 mi range |
| 2.0L 4-cylFlex fuel | FWD | 32 mpg |
- The 2013 Ford Focus was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- With a full charge, the range estimate on the dash should land near the EPA figure of 76 miles. A much lower number on a mild day can mean a worn battery; ask for a battery health report.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Transmission shudder and clutch failure
24,000–80,000 miles
Power steering assist loss
40,000–120,000 miles
Trunk opening while driving
86,000–131,000 miles
Door latch failure
87,000–125,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Ford Focus, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission1,04916 crashes
Shuddering, lurching and slipping from the automatic transmission dominate these reports. Drivers describe hesitation from a stop, jerks between first and second gear, sudden drops into neutral at highway speed, refusal to go into reverse, and stalling. Many cars get repeated clutch replacements and software reprogramming, and the shudder often comes back. Some owners say it started when the car was new. Of 1049 complaints, 16 involve crashes and 10 report injuries, usually after a loss of power in traffic or unexpected acceleration while braking.
Steering2737 crashes
Electric power steering assist cuts out, leaving a heavy wheel that has to be muscled through turns. A steering assist fault warning usually appears, often right after the car has been parked. Restarting may bring assist back for a while before it quits for good. Reported failures fall roughly between 40,000 and 120,000 miles. Dealers typically replace the steering gear assembly (rack and pinion), with quoted bills near $2,600. Seven complaints involve crashes, mostly when assist failed mid-turn or at highway speed.
Electrical151No crashes
Sudden stalling with a burst of dash warnings is the most common thread, and often only a full shutdown and restart clears it. Other reports cover a dead horn, failed Sync audio and media inputs, erratic lights, locks and alarm, and drained batteries. Four complaints describe fires, including dashboard wiring that smoked or burned and a car that caught fire while parked. Wiring harness repairs and body control module replacements appear as fixes. Several owners also report transmission jerking alongside the electrical faults.
Fuel system141No crashes
The fuel gauge and miles-to-empty readout overstate how much fuel is left, so the engine dies in traffic or on the interstate with dozens of miles supposedly remaining. Mechanics in these reports blame a failed canister purge valve that pulls vacuum on the tank and dents it, throwing off the fuel sender. Other symptoms include stalling or hard starts after refueling and a pump nozzle that clicks off every half gallon. Fixes range from a new valve to a full tank and pump replacement. Several owners say an earlier dealer fix did not hold.
The engine stalls without warning, often at highway speed, while the gauge still shows fuel. Restarts can be hard after refueling. Rough idle, shudder, jerking, and pressure escaping from the tank at fill-up also appear. Repair shops keep pointing to a failed canister purge valve or a deformed fuel tank, sometimes along with the fuel pump. Most filings are about coverage. Owners say dealers turned them away because the car was not included or because earlier work, sometimes just a software update, had already been done.
Engine883 crashes
Hesitation and shudder from a stop are the main complaints, and most reports trace them to transmission clutch problems, with some cars on their third clutch. Stalling at highway speed while the gauge still shows fuel also appears, along with failed canister purge valves that trigger a check engine light. Three complaints involve fires, including cars that burned while parked or right after a minor collision, and three involve crashes. A leaking timing cover that loses oil between changes is also reported.
Body and structure69No crashes
Door latches stop catching, so doors either will not close or swing open while the car is moving, sometimes in a turn. Owners tie doors shut with rope or bungee cords to get home. Front and rear doors are both affected, and on some cars a second latch fails after the first is replaced. Some reports also describe the trunk opening on its own at highway speed. Many describe arguments with dealers over who pays, and some owners covered the latch parts and labor themselves.
Door latches and locks45No crashes
Doors fail to latch or pop open at low speed, and the trunk unlatches by itself while driving. In cold weather the hatch latch may not catch, which can set the door locks cycling rapidly. After one latch is replaced, another door often fails. Most reported door latch failures fall between about 87,000 and 125,000 miles. Many filings describe dealer trouble: parts unavailable, claims that earlier repair work ends the dealer's obligation, or VINs said to be excluded from coverage.
Acceleration and cruise control392 crashes
Acceleration fails. The engine revs high while the car crawls, or it jerks and shudders pulling away from a stop and shifting from first to second, especially uphill or with a load. Stalling at speed also appears, sometimes along with fuel gauge errors. The two crash reports describe a car that would not accelerate and another that surged while braking to park. For many owners, repeated dealer computer resets and several clutch repairs fail to cure the hesitation.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Focus owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
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.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2022
How the 2013 compares with other Focus years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2013 ranks second for owner complaints among 6 Focus years, about 1.6 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission1,049695
- Steering27384
- Electrical15162
- Fuel system141125
- Engine88161
- Body and structure699
Where the 2013 fits in the Focus's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2013 is the third model year of the Focus's third generation (2011–2018).
Ford updated the Focus for 2014, so a 2013 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2014 (not on a 2013)
- Minor exterior updates
- Enhanced technology integration
Recalls to confirm (12)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
26V369000Fuel systemJun 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.
Risk: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
26V011000EquipmentJan 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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
20V331000Door latches and locksJun 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.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: 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.
19V515000Fuel systemJul 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
18V735000Fuel systemOct 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
16V698000Door latches and locksSep 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.".
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
16V643000Door latches and locksSep 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.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: 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.
15V813000ElectricalDec 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).
Risk: The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
14V495000ElectricalAug 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).
Risk: The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
13V335000Exterior lightsAug 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.".
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
13V085000Door latches and locksMar 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
12E035000EquipmentOct 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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