NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls and 2,157 owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Focus. Most complaints involve power train (1,131) and engine (355). The EPA rates it 26–105 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Focus model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3,738 |
| 2001 | 1,790 |
| 2002 | 1,014 |
| 2003 | 1,017 |
| 2004 | 387 |
| 2005 | 441 |
| 2006 | 205 |
| 2007 | 391 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 229 |
| 2010 | 287 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 3,803 |
| 2013 | 2,157 |
| 2014 | 2,661 |
| 2015 | 1,034 |
| 2016 | 1,196 |
| 2017 | 906 |
| 2018 | 838 |
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH on two occasions, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the roadway and restarted. The contact stated that after the first failure, the vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure could not be replicated; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that on the second failure, the vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure persisted upon restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to another unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Transmission Control Module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
“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.”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Electric Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 110 | 99 | 105 | $700 | — |
| Focus SFE FWD FFV Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 39 | 32 | $1,950 | 278 |
| Focus FWD Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,100 | 294 |
| Focus FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,100 | 294 |
| Focus FWD FFV Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 30 | $2,100 | 292 |
| Focus FWD FFV Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 30 | $2,100 | 292 |
| Focus FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,150 | 304 |
| Focus FWD FFV Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,150 | 304 |
| Focus FWD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 340 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
12 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 2,157 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (1,131), engine (355), electrical system (295). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Ford Focus at 26–105 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (9 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Ford Focus 5 out of 5 stars overall.