2013 Ford Focus engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

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 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
3. Filed Jul 14, 2026GAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11750247 · source
4. Filed May 8, 2026VAEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11736515 · source
5. Filed Apr 14, 2026OHEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11731107 · source
6. Filed Jun 30, 2025126,000 miFLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the transmission was slipping, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11670310 · source
7. Filed Jun 17, 2025103,000 miWIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced.…

   NHTSA complaint #11667397 · source
8. Filed Mar 8, 2025TXEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   I have a current recall on my transmission I notify for it. I went up there to get the recall fixed. They plugged it up to the machine to see about my transmission, and they said it came back with a cold that was not associated with the recall for my transmission, but it did say something was wrong with my transmission, I looked into that popped up on the cold reader and it’s it. I gave them the number and they said that Ford will be unable to pay for it and they told me I…

   NHTSA complaint #11647156 · source
9. Filed Mar 6, 202524,000 miCAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before suddenly jolting forward. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the clutch, slave cylinder, and shift levelers. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…

   NHTSA complaint #11646728 · 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 Nov 28, 2024150,546 miFLEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    I am experiencing a significant issue with my 2013 Ford Focus that aligns with known recall symptoms. When I accelerate from a stop, the car shakes violently, similar to a washing machine off balance, and struggles to gain momentum. This issue impacts the vehicle's performance and safety, and I believe it may be related to a recall affecting this model. I kindly request your assistance in diagnosing and resolving this problem under the applicable recall or warranty coverage.…

    NHTSA complaint #11627869 · source
12. Filed Nov 19, 2024154,000 miGAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle rolled backward. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the…

    NHTSA complaint #11626112 · source

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