10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
7 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 2
Average Mileage:
43,231 miles

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problem #326

Jun 192023

Focus

  • 52,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle started to overheat. The contact's son was able to drive the vehicle to a safe location off the roadway. The contact's son allowed the vehicle to cool down. The contact's son safely drove the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed TCM. The contact was informed that there was a technical service bulletin for the TCM replacement, and the part would be ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had provided any assistance or information regarding the ordered parts for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

- Hastings On Hudson, NY, USA

problem #325

Nov 152022

Focus

  • miles
While driving on busy street, car gave sudden warning light 'stop safely now-??, car then slowed and shut down on its own, not giving enough time to find a safe place to pull over, posing risk of serious injury to myself, my son, and my wife, as this happened to all of us while driving this vehicle.

- Carlsbad, CA, USA

problem #324

Apr 302023

Focus

  • 101,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35-70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the steering wheel was vibrating while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the RPMs were high, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where DTC code: P1450 was retrieved, and the contact was informed that the fuel tank was deformed. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall was previously completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

- West Richland, WA, USA

problem #323

Jul 012023

Focus

  • miles
Car was inspected by a Ford certified mechanic after issues arose. My car only has 24,000 miles on it. Was informed that it was the clutch in the transmission that needs replaced. Investigation into the problem I saw a recall referring to the clutching, but was not associated with the car I have. For it having low miles and the clutch going out on it already, seems a bit odd. The car cannot be driven until repairs get done as I do not want to be breaking down on the side of the road.

- Minot, ND, USA

problem #322

Jul 262023

Focus

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the roadway and the vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the powertrain control module needed to be updated and that the carbon canister, fuel tank, and fuel delivery module needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). On another occasion while attempting to starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact added fuel and the vehicle started however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted a case was filed and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 110,000.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #321

Jul 012019

Focus

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch pedal, transmission, canister purge valve, injectors, and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Centreville, VA, USA

problem #320

Apr 302023

Focus

  • miles
While driving at approximately 60 mph on a highway in the passing lane, the engine shut off without warning, and the following lights appeared on the dash: check engine, ABS, and traction control. The speedometer needle also went down to zero. I was in the process of passing a tractor trailer, and another tractor trailer was right behind me. I was barely able to maneuver off the highway onto the left shoulder and was almost rear-ended by the tractor trailer. The lack of power steering made it extremely difficult. This is a major safety issue. My family was in the car with me. After sitting on the side of the highway, I was able to start the engine and drive home. I arrived home and tried to back into my driveway, but it would not go into reverse. I took the car to the local Ford dealer and I was told the TCM needs to be replaced for around $750. I asked about the recall and they said that it expired in October of 2022. I did not know that recalls had an expiration date. After reading through many other complaints on the NHTSA website for the 2013 Focus, it seems that I have purchased a lemon. I just bought this vehicle in January at 57000 miles and have only put around 5000 miles on it. I still owe $9700 on the loan and the vehicle is undriveable. The manufacturer needs to buy this vehicle back so that I can purchase a replacement vehicle.

- Tunkhannock, PA, USA

problem #319

Mar 272023

Focus

  • miles
On Monday March 27th 2023 at about 7:00 pm I was leaving the parking garage where I work in Rosslyn, VA: I started the car as usual and notice that I couldn't put the car in Reverse using the clutch (it's an automatic Ford Focus 2013): Luckily, the parking garage was empty on the level where I was parked, and I pushed the car back and forth to be able to keep the car in "Drive" mode so that I could drive the car out of the garage. I did that and I started to drive to go home. I started to notice that I couldn't accelerate the car and at about 20 min into driving I started to get a signal on the dash board that said: -??TRANS OVERHEATING-??, and I was getting the signal to stop the car to cool off before driving it again. I had to do this several time (at least 6 times) while I was driving home to MD. The car was NOT SAFE to drive I barely made it home and the next morning on Tuesday March 28th I drove the car to the Ford Dealer "Academy Ford" in Laurel MD, having the same issue and emergency signal on the dash board. This is the SECOND TIME that this issue has presented itself: in 2019 the Car had the same problem, and at the time, because the car was under extended warranty, Ford replaced the part at no cost. I took the car at the same Ford Dealer in 2019. (see paper attached) This time the Dealer said that I would have to pay for the COST OF THE REPAIR, which I provided with the QUOTE from the Dealer in attachment. I was advised to contact directly "Ford Costumer Service" to see if they would provide Financial Assistance and Reimbursement for the Car Rental that I had to get because I didn't have a car and I work in VA every day (the cost is provided in attachment). Ford Costumer Service opened a case but denied ANY FINANCIAL HELP and Assistance for the Car and for the Rental because THERE ARE NOT CURRENTLY ANY RECALLS of this nature ON THE FORD FOCUS 2013. I need to open a CASE & A RECALL for this PROBLEM for the FORD FOCUS 2013. Thank you.

- College Park , MD, USA

problem #318

Mar 272023

Focus

  • 118,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the -??Engine Overheated-?? message was displayed. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle and waited for the engine to cool down before restarting the vehicle. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the clutch was previously replaced in 2019. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

- College Park, MD, USA

problem #317

Mar 132023

Focus

  • miles
The vehicle had a recall on the clutch that is faulty AGAIN, only after 2.5 years from the last repair. This part has been replaced 2 times and now needs to be replaced a third time. The vehicle frequently and unexpectedly stalls during acceleration and is a tremendous safety issue; however Ford is stating the part was already repaired under the recall once and will not repair it a second time, even though it is the same function and safety issue as the previous recall only 2.5 years ago

- West Babylon , NY, USA

problem #316

Mar 212022

Focus

  • miles
I had my engine on in park and it stalled left me stranded and dashboard said engine fault service now when I tried starting the car it would turn over and I heard a bunch of clicking and the lights were flickering the dash and radio had no power and my wipers wouldn-€™t go off. I had to abandon my car on someone-€™s private property until I could get it towed they ended up calling the cops and gave me 48 hours to remove my car off there property. In my 2013 Ford Focus se I have experienced reduced engine power, hesitation, ENGINE STALLS while driving with NO WARNING Front and rear lights flicker and dim random spikes in voltage and inconsistent start-up issues like sometimes the vehicle does not start when turning the ignition on and car suddenly starts or idles down unexpectedly and stutters/lurches when driving. Also sometimes my radio fails to have power. I have replaced relay fuses starter fuses purge valve bought a new battery bought a new alternator I changed o2 sensors spark plugs filters etc I took it to Fred Martin Ford and they advised me they found intermittent communication failure between PCM and TCM. Performed wire trace on harness found harness frayed that runs along transmission unit. There are wiring harness recalls on Certain 2013 and 2014 Model Year Focus ST and Escape Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L Engine Engine Wiring Splice Repair Safety Recall 14S17 My 2013 Ford Focus SE 2.0L Engine does not fall under this recall how come? There are several other customers having the same wiring harness issues.

- Youngstown, OH, USA

problem #315

Feb 062023

Focus

  • 115,670 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started shuddering, and lost motive power. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal however, the pedal was firm. The contact pulled over and used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact allowed the engine to cool down before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle then operated as designed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted a case was file and the contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 115,670.

- Lake Mary, FL, USA

problem #314

Mar 122022

Focus

  • miles
The contact owned a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that she had left her dog in her vehicle with the engine off and the windows crack, as she enter her workplace. Approximately 30 minutes later, she was alerted that there was a vehicle on fire. She rushed outside to discover that her vehicle was on fire. As she attempted to save her dog, the fire grew stronger as the vehicle became engulfed in flames By the time the fire department arrived, the vehicle was incinerated. Her dog died as a result of the fire and was taken by animal control. A police and fire report was filed. The contact sustained severe emotion trauma due to the loss of her dog but did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was deemed a total loss and destroyed. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

- Colton, CA, USA

problem #313

Feb 012023

Focus

  • miles
Transmission failed. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. The car was in a stalled out mode. Unable to drive the vehicle. No warning lights, symptoms or messages. Simply got in the car at the store and put it in gear car would not go forward or backwards. The motor would only raise as if the vehicle was in park.

- Kingstree, SC, USA

problem #312

Nov 252022

Focus

  • 113,659 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and flashing. While driving at an unknown speed, the engine misfired and the vehicle was chugging. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the powertrain control module (PCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 113,659.

- Clarklake, MI, USA

problem #311

Jun 152022

Focus

  • miles
There have been several lawsuits filed and settled for the vehicle in question previously. Most recently, Ford was having so many issues with models 2011-2016 Ford Focus cars that they were taken to court over the matter related to the transmission control module in the vehicle. This was settled and Ford placed and extended warranty on vehicles of that model should customers have issues. However upon taking the vehicle to a Ford dealership, they are saying that that is not in fact the issue with the car, it is the clutch in the transmission which they also had an extended warranty on that expired conveniently not long before this happened. The clutch going out would mean that I would not be able to go and I would be stuck where the car sits. I have reached out to several other independent mechanic shops and every single one of them have stated that it is only a matter of time before the transmission control module breaks as it sounds like it is not functioning correctly now. I would also like to state that in no way did Ford attempt to contact me about any of these issues involving my car via and email or letter. They knew of the issues that could happen and the risks involved with me continuing to drive the car around and did nothing. The vehicle has been sitting for 7 months now as Ford has deemed it worthless. A vehicle that they sold me they will not even negotiate for because of how broken it is. I find this to be extremely irresponsible and quite frankly I do not have the money to be doing this.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #310

May 302022

Focus

  • 74,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to shift gears and drive the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

- King George, VA, USA

problem #309

Oct 192021

Focus

  • miles
This car started to make loud engine noises which caused the car to shut off then it restarted on it's on I finally got it to parking lot when I cut it off it still was rattling and clacking like I was cranking it up on the left side of engine so I waited till about 30 minutes what ever it was it killed my battery then it started back up again but then through a check engine light on but when I got it checked it wouldn't read any codes so the display on board of the car read transmission shift in reverse but I wasn't in reverse so it was stuck in transmission mode and could not drive it I got it at a shop which they only would say a transmission, but they only wants to put a transmission in with out checking if it could be anything else like a electrical problem but he says no a transmission so now I'm only at 150k miles and this goes out without notice, I even asked about the transmission acuator but he says no the whole transmission, I just got the car like 3 months ago, and that is no good

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #308

Oct 012021

Focus

  • miles
Powertrain loss and loss of engine power, power control module. Engine failure on a busy highway. Putting me at risk of an accident. The car has been serviced by an independent service center. Has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer. Check engine and other warning lamps appeared

- Montclair , CA, USA

problem #307

Aug 232021

Focus

  • miles
When pulling out on a hill or incline the car hesitates and seems to fall on its face for a short time then it finally picks up and has power. It just feels like it only has ten percent of power. It puts myself and others at risk of being in an accident, especially when pulling out into traffic. It could cause a side impact or rear collision very easily. I have driven a streight shift all my life and never ever had a vehicle seem to stall like this. I try and wait for a very large gap in traffic to pull out. On a hill in traffic I am afraid of getting rear ended trying to get pulled out and going. This has happened several times, it is intermittent.the car has only 60,000 miles, so it isn-€™t worn out.

- Lebanon, VA, USA

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