Problems · by component

2013 Ford Focus electrical system problems

295 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Focus cite electrical system, 14% of all 2,157 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
295
14% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 30, 2025Electrical systemODI 11663878
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 11, 2024Electrical system, EngineODI 11630181
“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 clearing codes and starting vehicle everytime.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2024Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11620504
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 7, 2024Power train, Electrical systemODI 11613253
“Electrical Power Steering. While driving the steering suddenly locked up. There was no prior indication. Upon having a Master Mechanic check the vehicle, it was stated that it is a common problem seen by mechanics and after researching online searches, the Ford Focus vehicles from 2010-2014 have experienced the same issue. This is an absolute hazard. The cost to repair will be close to $4, 000. I am requesting that an immediate recall she be mandated by Ford. This was a close call for me on a main Freeway.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 9, 2024Steering, Electrical systemODI 11607623
“The washer fluid pump leaks causing liquid to make its way along the electrical wires leading to the Body Control Module (BCM) and causing corrosion on the electrical connections and rendering the vehicle either inoperable or causing it to stall in some cases.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 26, 2024Electrical systemODI 11579433

Showing 6 of 295 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Electrical system: wiring

Free remedy

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).

Electrical systemReported Dec 2, 2015NHTSA 15V813000

Electrical system: wiring

Free remedy

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).

Electrical systemReported Aug 11, 2014NHTSA 14V495000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.