Home · 2013 Ford Focus Bev · Complaints

What 2,157 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Focus Bev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (2,157)Crash / fire / injury (63)Transmission & drivetrain (1,131)Engine (355)Electrical system (295)Steering (279)Fuel system (270)Speed control (115)Body & structure (83)Latches & locks (52)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (39)Visibility & wipers (29)

Newest first · 2,157 complaints · page 9 of 87

Aug 25, 2022Engine & coolingFuel system

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter and vacuum hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ODI 11481195

Aug 17, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at 50-60 MPH, the vehicle was emitting abnormal loud whining sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that upon refilling gas in the vehicle and starting the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a rough start, was shuddering and was jerking, in addition to the abnormal loud whining sounds. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall repair was previously completed but the fuel tank and fuel delivery module were not replaced as the vehicle was not experiencing a failure at the time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11479833

Aug 10, 2022

My Transmission Control Module went out on my 2013 Ford Focus SE and is supposed to be covered by the Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage provided by Ford but the part has not been delivered and Ford has not fixed the issue and is causing more damage to my vehicle and it’s capability to safely transport me anywhere.

NHTSA ODI 11478715

Aug 8, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently and shifted out of gear independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.

NHTSA ODI 11478118

Aug 5, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

I was driving 65mph on CA highway 880 in the left carpool lane. Suddenly my transmission slipped and my car ended up in neutral. I was forced to park in whatever space there was between the concrete barrier and the carpool lane. After the car stopped, the transmission would not re-engage for another 3 minutes or so. After that it re-engaged and I was able to drive back home. My understanding this is one of the issues that can be expected with a Ford DPS6 transmission. COMPLETELY UNSAFE. I had two young children in the car.

NHTSA ODI 11477700

Aug 5, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while stopped, the vehicle lost motive power; however, the windshield wipers were still activated. The contact replaced the battery and the vehicle restarted, but the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. The vehicle was towed. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle in past under the recall and stated that the vehicle was not affected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 142,000.

NHTSA ODI 11477819

Aug 2, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Ford extended the warranty for the Transmission Control Module to 150,000 miles. Mine has failed at 160,000 miles but there is possibility for extension through Ford, they stated that this mileage is set by NHTSA. I don't mind repair cost, but to add insult the part is not available for 2 months as stated by the service department at the dealership. With current market situation, the mileage should be extended. This failure makes the car unsafe to drive, Ford should extend the warranty mileage further, especially in the current market of vehicle availability. Also, Ford needs to work with a supplier to improve lead times.

NHTSA ODI 11477219

Jul 29, 2022Electrical system

The stereo has faulty mosfet components IT SOUNDS LIKE MACHINE GUN SHOTS I almost hit another car and drove off the road. Even when the car is off it does this! this is a MAJOR safety issue no one is doing ANYTHING about. Half my dashboard is on my floor in order to make this stop! I can’t lock or unlock my doors without the key fob so if I needed to get out of the vehicle fast I have to reach in my pocket to hit the key fob. The radio also drains the battery while the car is off and making VERY LOUD MACHINE GUN SHOT NOISES. A new stereo unit is about $1000 this is a MAJOR safety problem as you can’t even turn the volume down ITS ON FULL BLAST! Whether the radio is on or off the only option is to take the 1.5’by1.5’ section of the dash “the whole middle” and put it somewhere else until this can be fixed! RANDOM FULL BLAST GUN SHOTS ARE NOT SAFE! I’ve read a LOT of forums and there are A LOT of people that have been in accidents because this is so LIAD and uncontrollable. Please let me know what I am supposed to do about this as your site says the radio is not covered? I’ve driving down the highway and the gunshots go off NON STOP for random lengths of time it is NO EXAGGERATION ITS AS LOUD AS GUN SHOTS! I shouldn’t have to drive my car with ear plugs or headphones I wear at the gun club while shooting guns! The mosfets on the pcb board are not adequately cooled, they break down because the heat for the car blows HOT AIR right on/around them. The design of the stereo uses the plate on the back to keep them cool, not possible while running the heater! I am unsure what to do as I need to be able to safely drive my car without it shoot full blast blank gun shots at me!also the FUSE for the radio does NOT blow shutting the stereo off when this happens. The mosfets get so hot I worry I’ll have an electrical fire while driving! This radio is NOT SAFE when the cheap components don’t function correctly and the safety features like fuses DONT WORK! I DONT WANT TO CRASH!

NHTSA ODI 11476614

Jul 28, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the fuel quickly evaporated soon after refueling. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that an abnormal sputtering sound was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; the contact was informed of a failure with the catalytic converter. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and notified the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

NHTSA ODI 11476323

Jul 22, 2022Transmission & drivetrainFuel system

My daughter has a 2013 Ford Focus SE and has had numerous issues with her transmission which of recent has presented some serious safety concerns. She had driven her car to work and when attempting to leave after work was unable to get her car to move . She put the car in drive and reved the engine then in reverse the same , would not move. We had the car towed to Sarchione Ford of Alliance and was diagnosed as the Transmission Actuator A . My understanding of the Actuator is it engaged the transmission into gear. I recently read an article in a Ford Forum relating to the April 2020 Class Action Suit and I quote a blogger stated that this defect can abruptly cause car to jump into gear which could cause a safety issue . Another blogger stated that he had a similar issue while on an expressway traveling fast and ended up on the shoulder until eventually getting the car to move again. My daughter's Ford Focus 2013 has had 2 recalls issued relating to the transmission. Program #14M01 Transmission Clutch Shudder / Transmission input seal Warranty extension which is no longer valid. Program #14M02 Transmission Control Module which has been extended to 150,000 mile or until February of next year. Both of the said recalls we're mandated due to the numerous safety concerns relating to failure or uprupt operation due to design defect and no fought of the vehicle operation. So I pose a very simple question, why has not Actuator A and B of the Ford Focus been issued recalls when failure of said parts presents safety concerns? There should be a warranty extension mandate to repair at no cost to vehicle owner. All of these said parts work together when operational to perform safe driving practices on the contrary the motorists are left at risk regarding highway safety. I have written a letter to CEO Jim Farley to reevaluate his Customer Satisfaction Program and recall procedure. The NHTSA needs to review the said safety concerns. I have filed with Ford Motor PAS-37493284.

NHTSA ODI 11475326

Jul 18, 2022Steering

A few times i have been driving, or sometimes just started my car to drive and my steering would be hard. Contacted Ford and was told that was normal. I Was driving a couple months with everything working properly and suddenly the Electronic steering is gone. Nearly caused an accident with my grandchildren in the vehicle. I was fortunate enough to be able to get to the side of road without getting hit.

NHTSA ODI 11474450

Jul 15, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced jerking while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch, kit seal, bearing, and fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ODI 11474081

Jul 11, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle was bouncing. The contact was able to pull over safely to the side of the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11473335

Jul 8, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to park on the side of the road. The contact stated her uncle arrived at her location and assisted with adding fuel to the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact stated she had experienced the failure a second time. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11472865

Jul 6, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle failed to restart immediately. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started but then lost motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 129,000.

NHTSA ODI 11472616

Jun 23, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the RPM would increase however, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a diagnostic trouble code presented an evap leak. There was no additional information available. The local dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 206,000.

NHTSA ODI 11470641

Jun 20, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The transmission on our 2013 has now failed. We brought it to Ford’s attention back During the Covid shut down before The Focus reached the 100,000 mile expiration. Ford said there’s nothing they can do about it. We gingerly drove the car to make the transmission last as long as possible and it lasted quite a while. However now the transmission has failed it and after taking the vehicle to a certified mechanic they found the DTC Code showed P0805:00-68, The description was clutch position sensor A circuit, and the status was continuous memory DTCs, another code PC805 had a similar description and a status of “freeze frame module2”. Certified mechanic check this out and reported this information to me told me to go to a transmission specialist. The transmission specialist said it would cost at least $500, but if it turned out that the central module was at fault there aren’t any parts to be had. Ford is not making any of them anymore. They said I could pay the $500 and then your car will sit because there’s no parts to fix the central module. I would like the car repaired but I have another question. Why isn’t the NHTSA Making Ford fix this issue. Ford new their transmissions were faulty and sold the automobiles anyway. Where is the NHTSA on this issue? Well I be able to get the Ford focus fixed?

NHTSA ODI 11470119

Jun 12, 2022Steering

Power steering assist failure. On the freeway. Hard to steer. Then when I made it home (thankfully) turned into the driveway, turned the car off. Then when I tried to start it later, the wheel had completely locked up. Couldn't move the car. If it would have done that on the freeway, I would have died.

NHTSA ODI 11468869

Jun 7, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11468021

Jun 4, 2022Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemFuel system

This message is a complaint about my local car dealership and the car manufacturer of my vehicle. I will try to follow the general guidelines as much as possible. First off, I have a 2013 Ford Focus with numerous recalls. I recently dropped the vehicle off at my local car dealership the have those recalls worked on...and ONLY those recalls. The recalls include: - faulty transmission control module (TCM) - canister purge valve (CPV) being stuck open causing the plastic fuel tank to deform, causing incorrect gas tank readings - door latches not being secure - software update of the vehicle's computer...to also correct false computer readings. Symptoms I have with the vehicle are as follows: - difficulty with ignition, as I have to turn the key multiple times to start the vehicle; also happens when putting in gas - constant jerking of the vehicle while driving, especially when starting from a stop - stalling of the vehicle, especially when driving uphill - engine light always on - incorrect gas reading; fuel gauge goes up and down. When I dropped my vehicle off at the dealership, I was assured that if the problems were any of the recalls, they would be free of charge. Fast-forward a couple of weeks later and I'm being told that I now owe over $1,000 in labor fees! On top of that I am being told that I owe a $180 diagnostic fee. I was told of two things that were replaced on the vehicle: the canister purge valve (which I already stated IS one of the recalls) and some random sensor, which they had no right to replace without my permission. I am being told neither of these things are covered since the car dealership and manufacturer suddenly don't consider these recalls. The excuse I have been given is the "codes" of the vehicle don't give the same information. I am in utter disbelief of everything I am being told. The recall letters clearly state repairs that are part of a recall are free of charge. Absolutely ridiculous.

NHTSA ODI 11467548

Jun 3, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while accelerating between 1st and 2nd gear as well as between 3rd and 4th gear, the vehicle shuddered. The failure occurred at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program 19N08 (Transmission Clutch Shudder/Transmission Clutch Warranty Extension) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.

NHTSA ODI 11467273

Jun 2, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The dealer was notified of the failure and scheduled an appointment to diagnose the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,950.

NHTSA ODI 11467177

May 31, 2022

June 2021 I purchased a car from a Ford dealership in North Carolina. when buying the seller had assured me that the vehicle was in good condition and had not informed me that there was a recall concerning the transmission. However, I had clearly explained to this seller that I had to make a long trip (2000 miles). Not even a month later, the vehicle started having problems reversing. When I arrived in Austin I had to take it to a mechanic who informed me of the recall. When I typed the VIN on the internet I even found another recall related to a door safety issue. I took it to another ford dealership for repairs which cost almost $3000. February 2022 another problem appeared and it seems that I still have to make repairs. the capital ford lillington dealer does not answer my calls or emails.

NHTSA ODI 11466829

May 19, 2022Transmission & drivetrainFuel system

During startup after refilling tank with fresh gas it will putter and hesitate to stay stay on. Engine light came on had codes ran came back as codes P0171 system to lean secondary DTC P1450 unable to bleed up fuel tank. Was told that was caused by the EVAP so I needed that replaced. Then it’s starts again was told it was the canister purge valve. I had my car taken to a ford dealership and was told they didn’t see what the issue was. It is doing all the things that the recalls for the same year make and model did. It needs to be fixed because this is a safety issue. Next step is to hire an attorney and have vehicle throughly looked at.

NHTSA ODI 11465263

May 11, 2022

Sometimes the engine will not start. I have to continue attempting start until I hear a noise on the motor then it starts. Then if it goes in gear it will drop out of gear while driving. Most of the time I have to shut the vehicle off and restart multiple times to get it working again. I may be on the side of the road for 45 minutes or an hour waiting for it to reboot and start working again. Thus I don’t allow my fiancé to drive it by herself and this is not good.

NHTSA ODI 11464154

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Ford Focus Bev verdict →