What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Focus?

By complaint count, the power train group leads, followed by engine, electrical system and steering.

Does the 2013 Ford Focus have recalls?

Yes. The by-year fact lists recalls for this year. The recalls section on this page lists each one by code.

How many complaints are filed for the 2013 Ford Focus?

NHTSA has 2,181 owner complaints on file. They are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

What is the gas mileage of the 2013 Ford Focus?

See the fuel economy section on this page. It is built from EPA data.

Is the 2013 Ford Focus reliable?

Complaints are spread across several parts, with power train the biggest group. See the recalls and by-year sections to compare it with other years of the same model.

2013 Ford Focus Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 2,181 owner complaints on file for this Focus^[1]. The power train group has the most, with 1,139 complaints^[2].

2,181owner complaints^[1]

14recalls^[3]

26–32MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints across several parts of the car, and these groups are the biggest.

Power train. 1,139 complaints^[2]. Owners describe a gearbox that hesitates between gears, feels like it slipped into neutral while the engine revs, or lets the car roll back on a hill or after parking.
Engine. 374 complaints^[6]. In the stories we read, owners describe sudden loss of power, a car that will not pick up speed, rough shifting and oil leaking from early on.
Electrical System. 303 complaints^[7]. Owners describe the car losing all power while driving, a dead car that needs a jump, and instrument gauges that are hard to read in bright sun.
Steering. 282 complaints^[8]. Owners describe the car drifting at highway speeds, a sticky or jerky wheel that needs constant small corrections, and power assist that cuts out.
Fuel/Propulsion System. 224 complaints^[9]. We do not describe these reports here.
Unknown Or Other. 199 complaints^[10]. These reports do not point to one clear part.
Speed Control. 117 complaints^[11]. We do not describe these reports here.
Structure. 84 complaints^[12]. We do not describe these reports here.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2013 Focus is necessarily included.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister (26V369), June 2026. About 257,868 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater (26V011), January 2026. About 116,672 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch (20V331), June 2020. About 2,147,323 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister (19V515), July 2019. About 57,488 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling.^[16]
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister (18V735), October 2018. About 1,282,596 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling.^[17]
Equipment › Electrical (18V592), September 2018. About 49,197 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock (16V698), September 2016. About 64,038 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[19]
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch (16V643), September 2016. About 2,046,297 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[20]
Electrical System › Wiring (15V813), December 2015. About 9,017 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[21]
Electrical System › Wiring (14V495), August 2014. About 133,227 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[22]
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) (13V523), October 2013. About 2,456 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, loss of power. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[23]
Equipment › Electrical › Anti-Theft Devices (13V475), October 2013. About 23,000 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[24]
Exterior Lighting (13V335), August 2013. About 6,308 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[25]
Latches/Locks/Linkages (13V085), March 2013. About 5,675 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[26]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[27]	27 / 36 / 30	$2,250
Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[28]	27 / 36 / 30	$2,250
Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[29]	26 / 35 / 29	$2,300
Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[30]	23 / 31 / 26	$2,600
Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive^[31]	27 / 37 / 30	$2,250
Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive^[32]	27 / 37 / 30	$2,250
Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive^[33]	26 / 35 / 29	$2,300
Focus SFE FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	28 / 39 / 32	$2,100
Focus Electric, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity^[34]	110 / 99 / 105	n/a

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR FWD^[5]	5	4	5	4	11.6%
5 HB FWD^[35]	5	4	5	4	11.6%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2013 Ford Focus with electric motor^[36]	144 hp
2013 Ford Focus with 2.0L 4-cylinder^[37]	160 to 247 hp

How 2013 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Focus model year. The 2013 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2000	3,686	11
2001	1,761	7
2002	971	2
2003	977	1
2004	387	1
2005	441	1
2006	205	0
2007	391	0
2008	250	1
2009	229	0
2010	287	0
2011	113	0
2012	3,803	10
2013	2,181	14
2014	2,659	14
2015	1,034	11
2016	1,194	11
2017	907	10
2018	837	7

NHTSA's counts for the Focus show 2,181 complaints and 14 recalls for 2013^[3]. Among the 19 model years listed, 15 have fewer complaints than 2013 and 3 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2011 (113) and the most are for 2012 (3,803)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2013 Focus?

The complaint file for this Focus is large^[1]. Power train reports are the biggest group, followed by engine, electrical and steering^[2]^[6]^[7]^[8]. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales, so they show what owners raised and not how many cars failed. The by-year fact also lists recalls for this year^[3]. Read the recalls section and compare other years of the same model before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Focus?: By complaint count, the power train group leads, followed by engine, electrical system and steering^[2]^[6]^[7]^[8].
Does the 2013 Ford Focus have recalls?: Yes. The by-year fact lists recalls for this year^[3]. The recalls section on this page lists each one by code.
How many complaints are filed for the 2013 Ford Focus?: NHTSA has 2,181 owner complaints on file^[1]. They are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
What is the gas mileage of the 2013 Ford Focus?: See the fuel economy section on this page. It is built from EPA data.
Is the 2013 Ford Focus reliable?: Complaints are spread across several parts, with power train the biggest group^[2]. See the recalls and by-year sections to compare it with other years of the same model.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Ford Focus

2010 287 complaints, 0 recalls
2012 3,803 complaints, 10 recalls
2013 this page
2014 2,659 complaints, 14 recalls
2015 1,034 complaints, 11 recalls
2016 1,194 complaints, 11 recalls
2017 907 complaints, 10 recalls
2018 837 complaints, 7 recalls

Compare all model years of the Ford Focus

Other Ford models from 2013

2013 Ford Edge 2,447 complaints, 2 recalls
2013 Ford Escape 2,756 complaints, 18 recalls
2013 Ford Explorer 2,237 complaints, 11 recalls
2013 Ford F150 2,990 complaints, 3 recalls
2013 Ford Fiesta 668 complaints, 3 recalls
2013 Ford Flex 580 complaints, 6 recalls

All Ford models

Similar cars from 2013: compact cars

2013 Audi A4 111 complaints, 4 recalls
2013 BMW 3 Series 377 complaints, 8 recalls
2013 Chrysler 200 628 complaints, 5 recalls
2013 Hyundai Accent 141 complaints, 1 recall
2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 565 complaints, 7 recalls
2013 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport 251 complaints, 4 recalls

All compact cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 2,181 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Ford Focus (50 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 29 injuries, 3 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
1,139 complaints name the power train component group (18 crashes, 1 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Focus model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Focus SFE FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
374 complaints name the engine component group (7 crashes, 7 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,603). NHTSA vehicle records
303 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 5 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
282 complaints name the steering component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,101). NHTSA vehicle records
224 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (4 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
199 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,193). NHTSA vehicle records
117 complaints name the speed control component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,900). NHTSA vehicle records
84 complaints name the structure component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,500). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 26V369, filed June 9, 2026: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
Recall 26V011, filed January 15, 2026: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V331, filed June 8, 2020: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V515, filed July 5, 2019: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V735, filed October 22, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V592, filed September 10, 2018: Equipment › Electrical. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V698, filed September 28, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Hatchback / Liftgate › Lock. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V643, filed September 6, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V813, filed December 2, 2015: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V495, filed August 11, 2014: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V523, filed October 30, 2013: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V475, filed October 17, 2013: Equipment › Electrical › Anti-Theft Devices. NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V335, filed August 1, 2013: Exterior Lighting. NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V085, filed March 7, 2013: Latches / Locks / Linkages. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 36 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 36 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 35 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 35 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Focus Electric, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 105 MPGe combined, 76 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2013 Ford Focus with electric motor: rated 144 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2013 Ford Focus with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 160 to 247 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2013 Ford Focus: problems, recalls and fuel economy