2013 Ford Focus electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

62 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2013 Ford Focus, 12% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 119,000 mi.

Electrical System complaints
62
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Injuries
3
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
119,000 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system60
Electrical system:instrument panel:fuel gauge2
Electrical system:horn1

Electrical System complaints across Ford Focus years

1200522006320073200842009220106720126220131002014382015542016252017452018
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2013 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

2Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k560k–100k17100k–150k3150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 15V813000Dec 2, 20159,017 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 14V495000Aug 11, 2014133,227 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 23, 2026ILElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11766562 · source
  2. Filed Sep 9, 2026MEElectrical 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]…
    NHTSA complaint #11763027 · source
  3. Filed Sep 2, 2026WIElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11761674 · source
  4. Filed Jul 14, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11750254 · source
  5. Filed Mar 18, 2026FLFireElectrical 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11725243 · source
  6. Filed Nov 18, 2025NJElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11700041 · source
  7. Filed Sep 9, 2025MNCrash2 injuredTowedElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    erratic shifting and eratic slipping gears , first happened while on highway and then it wouldnt go in any gear besides reverse and would say transmission overheat wait 5 min . caused another veihcal behind me to slam on there brakes and they ended up getting rear ended from the car behind them ..... all becouse of my cars tcm or transmission issues>!!!! also not too mention ` random unusual noises coming from clutch or shifter when not even start car yet _delayed start and…
    NHTSA complaint #11686017 · source
  8. Filed Aug 19, 2025TXElectrical SystemSteering
    While driving, the electric power steering went out. I purchased this vehicle on Aug 15 2025 and the Carfax report did not have any information pertaining to an issue with EPAS. To have this repaired will cost me over $3k which I was not prepared for. Being that other Ford vehicles have this EPAS recall, shouldn't a recall be made on the 2013 Ford Focus as well.
    NHTSA complaint #11681687 · source
  9. Filed May 30, 2025TNElectrical System
    Power steering randomly stops working when vehicle is running. It happens most often right after I start the vehicle. I can turn the vehicle off and back on a couple times to get it to work. I am worried that it will happen while active driving. Power steering light comes on dashboard. It has happened many times.i will list the last date that it happened.
    NHTSA complaint #11663878 · source
  10. Filed Dec 11, 2024196,666 miKYElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and shut off at a red light. The contact stated that after ten attempts the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 196,666.
    NHTSA complaint #11630181 · source
  11. Filed Oct 18, 2024SCElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    P0236 , p0238, p007d, p0456, charged air sensor A fault, boost sensor range/performance fault, and other faults , crank car engine service now pops up everytime, clear codes pops rite back up, car stumbles ,misfires , no boost, no throttle shuts off . Only had this car a week . Performed wire splice and anything I saw that I could do to fix this . No help making payments on a car I can't drive is very frustrating. Replaced sensors. These faults pop up within 2 seconds of…
    NHTSA complaint #11620504 · source
  12. Filed Sep 7, 2024ALElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    Not shifting into gear properly, slipping out of gear into what seems like neutral, downshifting. Also electrical problems, radio not functioning, speakers popping and static sounds even with vehicle completely off.
    NHTSA complaint #11613253 · source

Other 2013 Ford Focus problem areas

Back to all 2013 Ford Focus problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology