2013 Ford Focus
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 1,138 of 2,179 complaints (52%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Engine include more deaths (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 3,801 in 2012 to 2,179 in 2013.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | vs. 2013 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,150–2,250 | 1,950–2,150 | 1,950–2,400 | 1,950–2,400 | 1,850–2,400 | |
| Combined MPG | 28–29 | 29–32 | 26–32 | 26–32 | 26–34 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 25 / 33–34 | 26–28 / 35–39 | 23–28 / 31–39 | 23–28 / 31–39 | 23–30 / 31–41 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 306–317 | 278–306 | 278–340 | 278–340 | 260–340 | |
| Complaints filed | 113 | 3,801 | 2,179 | 2,655 | 1,028 | |
| Recalls issued | 0 | 11 | 15 | 14 | 11 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 8 | 108 | 50 | 69 | 32 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 4 | |
| Injuries reported | 10 | 88 | 29 | 47 | 29 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Focus have?
15 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2013 Ford Focus?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 1,138 of 2,179 NHTSA complaints (52%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Ford Focus get?
EPA rates it 26–32 MPG combined across 8 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Ford Focus?
EPA estimates $1,950–$2,400 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (9)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 27 mpg | 36 mpg | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 294 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 27 mpg | 36 mpg | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 294 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 26 mpg | 35 mpg | 29 mpg | $2,150 | 304 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 23 mpg (low) | 31 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 340 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Compact Cars | 27 mpg | 37 mpg | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 292 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Compact Cars | 27 mpg | 37 mpg | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 292 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Compact Cars | 26 mpg | 35 mpg | 29 mpg | $2,150 | 304 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Compact Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 39 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $1,950 (low) | 278 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (A1) | — | — | Front-Wheel Drive | Electricity | Compact Cars | 110 MPGe | 99 MPGe | 105 MPGe | $700 | 0 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 373 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 2 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1,138 | 18 | 1 | 11 | 1 |
| Fuel System | 277 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Electrical | 302 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Brakes | 68 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 282 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 33 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 43 | 18 | 0 | 16 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 117 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 136 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 44 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (15)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER · Campaign 26V369000 · Jun 9, 2026
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER · Campaign 26V011000 · Jan 15, 2026
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · Campaign 20V331000 · Jun 9, 2020
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER · Campaign 19V515000 · Jul 5, 2019
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER · Campaign 18V735000 · Oct 23, 2018
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL · Campaign 18V592000 · Sep 11, 2018
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.
Consequence: An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S24.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK · Campaign 16V698000 · Sep 28, 2016
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · Campaign 16V643000 · Sep 6, 2016
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · Campaign 15V813000 · Dec 2, 2015
Defect: 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).
Consequence: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · Campaign 14V495000 · Aug 11, 2014
Defect: 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).
Consequence: 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.
Show 5 earlier campaigns
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · Campaign 13V523000 · Nov 7, 2013
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through August 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a powertrain control module software problem may result in a stall-like condition.
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the power control module, free of charge. The recall beganon November 22, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S09. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES · Campaign 13V475000 · Oct 23, 2013
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence: Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C07.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 13V335000 · Aug 6, 2013
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES · Campaign 13V085000 · Mar 11, 2013
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
EQUIPMENT · Campaign 12E035000 · Oct 2, 2012
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.