Ford famously makes tough vehicles. But the 2013 Focus doesn’t live up to expectations, with recalls for random engine stalls and doors unexpectedly opening while driving. Plus, nearly 2,000 NHTSA complaints make the compact car’s 2013 model year a difficult one to recommend.
Key Points
- The 2013 Ford Focus has received 10 recalls, and most of them are for potentially dangerous issues. They cover problems with engine wiring slices and a stuck canister purge valve that may result in an engine stall without the ability to restart the vehicle.
- Nearly 2,000 consumer complaints are registered with the NHTSA, with nearly half focused on the problematic power train. Owners mention having to replace the transmission over engine problems that began with a noticeable loss of power.
- Though most of the 2013 model’s consumer complaints are in the double digits, a few of the more common problems–like electrical system glitches and engine stalls–are in the triple digits.
- Power steering assist failure in the 2013 Focus is another commonly reported problem. It may cause the driver to have to exert extra force to control the vehicle, and can cost upwards of $1,800 to fix.
- Overall, poor reliability ratings and high cost of ownership make the 2013 Ford Focus difficult to recommend.
2013 Ford Focus’ 10 Recalls Cover Mostly Dangerous Problems, Including Engine Stalls and Doors Opening Unexpectedly while Driving
The 2013 Ford Focus has been subjected to 10 recalls by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recalls range from innocuous to dangerous.
The most severe problems pertain to powertrain failure, shaky transmissions, vehicle stalls, and doors opening unexpectedly while in motion.
The NHTSA launched the same recall in 2016 and 2020 over a faulty component within the 2013 model’s door latches. This particular part may easily break, making the doors difficult to latch.
The door latch problem also gave a false sense of security that the doors were securely closed when they were not.
The first recall saw Ford replacing the door latches with an improved part. But some of the parts were still faulty, resulting in the second recall.
Another of the more dangerous problems covered in the NHTSA’s 10 recalls focuses on a stuck canister purge valve that may result in engine stall. The stall may happen without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle.
Ford’s initial remedy in 2018 wasn’t enough to thoroughly fix the issue, leading to another recall in 2019.
Most of the remaining recalls concern less serious issues, such as rooftop racks sliding off and sidelights not illuminating properly.
2013 Focus Owners Filed Nearly 1,850 Complaints Over Transmission Problems and Power Steering Failures
From the almost 1,850 complaints about the 2013 Ford Focus filed with the NHTSA, more than 1,200 are categorized as power train or engine problems.
The most recurring issue relates to Ford’s PowerShift transmission. Many owners report gears shifting roughly, and hesitating when attempting to accelerate.
Reportedly, replacing the clutch solves the problem, but it will set you back about $1,000.
The 2013 Ford Focus’ electric power steering is also reportedly faulty. The power steering assist may randomly stop, causing the driver to have to exert stronger force to steer and control the vehicle.
Many 2013 Focus owners had to replace the power steering entirely, with a new unit costing roughly $1,800.
“I’ve seen multiple recalls on the electric power steering with Ford, and recently, I lost all power steering in my 2013 Ford Focus SE,” says one owner. “My vehicle has 119,000 miles.”
A different owner reported to the NHTSA: “[My 2013 Focus] had a bad clutch/automatic transmission problem. It shuddered and had to be replaced at 67,206 miles. Now, 15,000 miles later, it has to be replaced again.”
Unusually High Numbers of Complaints and Repetitive Recalls Tarnish 2013 Ford Focus’ Reputation as a Reliable Compact Car
The 2013 Ford Focus comes with a long list of problems. Power steering fails and doors unexpectedly opening are only two of the more dangerous issues.
Vehicle History‘s real-owner reviews of the 2013 Ford Focus reveal an eclectic mix of feedback that ranges from high praise to downright disappointment.
“It does occasionally have a weird shudder,” says one 2013 Focus owner in a 2021 review, “but for a seven-year- old car, I cannot complain. The fuel economy is amazing, and it has a pretty decent amount of get up and go.”
Another recent Vehicle History review notes a different driver experience: “If it wasn’t one thing going wrong, it was another. First some type of shielding fell off. Then it was having trouble locking and unlocking. Finally, the transmission sensor went out. The local Ford place didn’t have the part, and said it was very hard to get.”
Vehicle History‘s 2013 Ford Focus review also highlights many problems with the vehicle in an overview that calls the sedan “a problem-ridden, cramped car to avoid.”
All things considered, if you’re in the market for a compact car, you should weigh the pros and cons of the 2013 Ford Focus very carefully before making a definitive buying decision.
Photos: Ford
