The 2013 Ford Focus is a compact car available as both a sedan and hatchback with a price range of $5,161 to $16,637. Poor reliability ratings and high ownership costs make the Focus a car buyers should stay away from.
2013 Ford Focus: Quick Overview
- New features for the 2013 model year include the introduction of the sport-focused ST hatchback model.
- Reliability ratings are worse than average, according to J.D. Power, but there are fewer complaints than in the 2012 model.
- Two engine choices are available including a powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder in the ST.
- Fuel economy is average, tying for 9th place out of 38 cars with a combined rating of up to 32 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are excellent for a compact car with a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest award of Top Safety Pick+.
- The 2013 Focus ranks 33rd out of 39 compact cars and is near the bottom of the class based on owner reviews. The Focus does nothing to stand out among the competition and is one buyers should avoid.
Expert Ratings
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2013 Ford Focus Have?
The 2013 Ford Focus’ problems include 10 recalls, costly transmission problems, and severe steering failure. Transmission problems, including jerks and hesitations with acceleration, are the most frequent issues owners report. Replacing the clutch for about $1,000 usually solves the problem, but there are reports of complete transmission failures requiring replacement.
Radio problems are also mentioned by owners. The radio will frequently lock up and become unresponsive. Replacing the head unit fixes the problem, but can cost about $400.
Electric power steering failures are very serious, and are commonly brought up by owners. Often the only solution is to replace the power steering module, which costs over $1,500 depending on local labor rates.
There are 10 recalls, which is worse than other cars from 2013. The recalls include the rooftop rack, child locks, side lights, engine wiring, doors opening unexpectedly, the hatchback unlatching, and a stuck canister purge valve. Most serious are doors opening since they can cause injury to passengers.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2013 Ford Focus is more affordable than other compact cars with a price range of $5,161 to $16,637, depending on the model and mileage with the ST being the most valuable. When new, the price range was $16,200 to $24,200. Depreciation is worse than other vehicles, losing 55% of the initial value in the first 5 years.
- S is the entry-level model with 15-inch steel wheels, cloth seats, keyless entry, power mirrors, and an AM/FM/CD player with AUX input and 4 speakers.
- SE is next in the lineup with 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, automatic headlights, Sync Bluetooth connectivity, and a 6-speaker stereo system.
- Titanium is the luxury model with 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, sunroof, dual zone climate control, an 8-inch infotainment system, navigation, rearview camera, and 10-speaker Sony stereo system.
- ST focuses on performance and is only sold as a hatchback with 18-inch alloy wheels, a more powerful motor, high performance summer tires, Recaro seating, ambient lighting, and xenon headlights.
How Long Will the 2013 Ford Focus Last?
A properly maintained 2013 Ford Focus should last over 200,000 miles, which is average for a compact car. Regular maintenance costs are significantly more expensive than the competition. Repair Pal estimates them to be $626 per year.
Only problem was transmission which was covered under warranty. Other than that no problems other than regular maintenance.
The ford focus is very reliable. It does not have any problems currently, and overall, has provided a lovely and stable experience. Compared to the vehicle I was driving before this one, this one is the most reliable.
It has been mostly reliable. It has had some issues with a module and transmission, but ford has always been helpful in fixing the issues.
It has. Some weird fuel economy issues. There was a recall on some kind of fuel pump and it actually got worse after that. But the vehicle is reliable.
Very reliable no problems. The car has new paint. The ac works great. Brand new tires low mileage. The perfect fit for me and my daughter.
I have had several recalls on ford including: door safety features, transmission issues, and fuel processing. The transmission recall left my car stranded miles from my home not able to accelerate over 15mph. . My cmv has failed on the vehicle but was covered with purchased ford liability. . No other issues besides regular upkeep. Good card if you pay hand and foot for liability.
This car is very reliable. I have gone on many road trips in it and had no issues. I have only had one issue with the transmission but that was covered on warranty.
Someday it is reliable but for the most parts there is a lot of problems. Like hazard lights, tail light keep going out, low beam lights, and transmission too.
What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?
Technology in the Ford Focus is average for a compact car from 2013, with no major frills.
- Base technology includes a 4-speaker stereo system with AM/FM/CD and AUX connectivity.
- Upgrades include Bluetooth, Sync voice control, an 8-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-speaker Sony stereo.
- Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, airbags, and traction control. Optional upgrades include a rearview camera, and emergency crash notification with the Sync infotainment system.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2013 Ford Focus’ two inline-four engine options include turbocharged EcoBoost, but popular compact car has reliability issues. Performance is weak in the entry-level 2013 Focus models, but good in the ST version. With the more powerful engine, the Focus ST goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds.
- The base engine is a 2.0L 4-cylinder with 160 horsepower.
- The engine found in the ST model is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder which has 252 horsepower.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Focus?
The 2013 Focus is a compact car offered as both a sedan and hatchback and is similar in size to the competition. Passenger room in the backseats is cramped in the sedan, but better in the hatchback. Even with the extra space fitting five adults into either version is difficult. The sedan has 13.2 cubic feet of space in the trunk, and the hatchback has 23.8 cubic feet. There’s more than enough room to fit 3 suitcases in the sedan and 5 in the hatchback.
How Does the 2013 Ford Focus Compare to Other Cars?
Ranking near the bottom of the compact car class, the 2013 Ford Focus comes in 33rd place out of 39 cars, based on owner reviews.
Higher up the list is the more expensive Honda Civic. The Honda has more passenger room, better reliability ratings, and is a more efficient choice. Interior materials are superior in the Focus. Overall, the Civic is a better vehicle, since there are not as many serious issues.
Another competitor which is offered as both a coupe and hatchback is the Mazda3, which has a higher starting price. Reliability, comfort, technology, and passenger room are all better in the Mazda. Handling is a bit sharper in the ST Focus, and is the only place it wins. The Mazda3 is a much better choice, with fewer problems.
Final Verdict: Is the 2013 Ford Focus a Good Car?
No, the 2013 Ford Focus is not a good car based on information from 983 verified owner reviews and 18 government and automotive websites. The positives include nimble handling in the ST model, and decent interior materials. Where the Focus falls short is with poor reliability ratings, and a clunky infotainment system. Overall, there are much better compact cars on the market than the Focus.