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CarComplaints.com Notes: Ford changed a lot of things for its 3rd generation, just none of them were a good idea.

The transmission tends to hesitate and jerk when accelerating. The new electronically-driven power steering can fail suddenly and without warning. Even Ford's SYNC can be a headache. Actually, scratch that last one — it's always been a headache.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 1
Average Mileage:
58,935 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Ford Focus fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2013 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 1 of 11)

problem #202

Nov 042023

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The canister purge valve has failed. Was not defective when recall #19S22 was performed. Car failed to start repeatedly and would not idle after refilling the tank from low (fuel light on) to approximately 75%. Eventually, the car did start and after keeping the RPMs at 2000 for a few minutes, the car is back to idling normally. Check engine light did not appear until 3 days after the stall at the gas station, which had a DTC P1450 code indicating inability for the car to bleed the fuel tank, suggesting the canister purge valve. Ford should offer the free replacement of the defective purge valve and inspection of the carbon canister and fuel tank even after the 19S22 recall was performed (which was just a software update and inspection at the time of service). The possibility of the car stalling not just at the gas station is a safety issue for others and the occupant because of the possibility of a sudden loss of power/becoming an obstruction/or abruptly stopping on the road.

- Newberry, FL, USA

problem #201

May 152023

Focus

  • miles
On 4/20/23 while driving home from work on the highway my car stalled and after pulling over would not start. The check engine ight had come one. On 4/21/23 I took my car to a mechanic who found the p0456 fault in the PCM which was tied to an active recall on my vehicle. The mechanic printed out the recall information and recommended replacing the cannister purge valve, fuel tank and fuel pump assembly. They suggested I take it to the local ford dealer to have the recall work done as it would be covered. On 4/27/23 I took my car to the dealership to have the recall work done. The dealer reprogrammed the PCM and replaced the vapor canister purge solenoid. On 5/15/23 while driving home from work on the highway my car stalled again and after pulling over would not start. The fuel tank has deformed, but less than the 1 inch ford is requiring to replace it and the distance to empty is still inaccurate. On 5/16 I dropped the car back off at the dealer. They looked at the car the next day and refused to address the outstanding issues.

- Eureka, CA, USA

problem #200

May 032023

Focus

  • miles
There was a past recall for the purge valve canister and the fuel pump and I was never notified from Ford about the recall when it was open. Now they are asking me to pay out of pocket for these repairs the dealership is asking $1400 to repair. Ford shoild honor there recalls even if the recall is closed. Now that I have the problem with the fuel system it is affecting my fuel tank as well. I have been buying Ford cars for over 20 years. The least they can do is offer financial assistance. If this is affecting my fuel tank now my car can catch on fire. I can't drive my vehicle more than two miles before it starts to slow down. At the time of the recall my vehicle had 83,000 miles. it now has 140,000.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #199

Jun 222022

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Faulty canister purge valve caused vehicle to stall and shut down while driving on public roads. Canister purge valve is also causing check engine code P0420. Catalytic converter is also giving out while operating causing a lot of white smoke from the exhaust and catalytic converter.

- Gainesville , GA, USA

problem #198

Jul 132022

Focus

  • miles
My daughter has a 2013 Ford Focus SE and has had numerous issues with her transmission which of recent has presented some serious safety concerns. She had driven her car to work and when attempting to leave after work was unable to get her car to move. She put the car in drive and reved the engine then in reverse the same, would not move. We had the car towed to Sarchione Ford of Alliance and was diagnosed as the Transmission Actuator A. My understanding of the Actuator is it engaged the transmission into gear. I recently read an article in a Ford Forum relating to the April 2020 Class Action Suit and I quote a blogger stated that this defect can abruptly cause car to jump into gear which could cause a safety issue. Another blogger stated that he had a similar issue while on an expressway traveling fast and ended up on the shoulder until eventually getting the car to move again. My daughter's Ford Focus 2013 has had 2 recalls issued relating to the transmission. Program #14M01 Transmission Clutch Shudder / Transmission input seal Warranty extension which is no longer valid. Program #14M02 Transmission Control Module which has been extended to 150,000 mile or until February of next year. Both of the said recalls we're mandated due to the numerous safety concerns relating to failure or uprupt operation due to design defect and no fought of the vehicle operation. So I pose a very simple question, why has not Actuator A and B of the Ford Focus been issued recalls when failure of said parts presents safety concerns? There should be a warranty extension mandate to repair at no cost to vehicle owner. All of these said parts work together when operational to perform safe driving practices on the contrary the motorists are left at risk regarding highway safety. I have written a letter to CEO Jim Farley to reevaluate his Customer Satisfaction Program and recall procedure. The NHTSA needs to review the said safety concerns. I have filed with Ford Motor PAS-37493284.

- Canton , OH, USA

problem #197

May 112022

Focus

  • miles
This message is a complaint about my local car dealership and the car manufacturer of my vehicle. I will try to follow the general guidelines as much as possible. First off, I have a 2013 Ford Focus with numerous recalls. I recently dropped the vehicle off at my local car dealership the have those recalls worked on...and ONLY those recalls. The recalls include: - faulty transmission control module (TCM) - canister purge valve (CPV) being stuck open causing the plastic fuel tank to deform, causing incorrect gas tank readings - door latches not being secure - software update of the vehicle's computer...to also correct false computer readings. Symptoms I have with the vehicle are as follows: - difficulty with ignition, as I have to turn the key multiple times to start the vehicle; also happens when putting in gas - constant jerking of the vehicle while driving, especially when starting from a stop - stalling of the vehicle, especially when driving uphill - engine light always on - incorrect gas reading; fuel gauge goes up and down. When I dropped my vehicle off at the dealership, I was assured that if the problems were any of the recalls, they would be free of charge. Fast-forward a couple of weeks later and I'm being told that I now owe over $1,000 in labor fees! On top of that I am being told that I owe a $180 diagnostic fee. I was told of two things that were replaced on the vehicle: the canister purge valve (which I already stated IS one of the recalls) and some random sensor, which they had no right to replace without my permission. I am being told neither of these things are covered since the car dealership and manufacturer suddenly don't consider these recalls. The excuse I have been given is the "codes" of the vehicle don't give the same information. I am in utter disbelief of everything I am being told. The recall letters clearly state repairs that are part of a recall are free of charge. Absolutely ridiculous.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #196

Apr 052022

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

During startup after refilling tank with fresh gas it will putter and hesitate to stay stay on. Engine light came on had codes ran came back as codes P0171 system to lean secondary DTC P1450 unable to bleed up fuel tank. Was told that was caused by the EVAP so I needed that replaced. Then it-€™s starts again was told it was the canister purge valve. I had my car taken to a ford dealership and was told they didn-€™t see what the issue was. It is doing all the things that the recalls for the same year make and model did. It needs to be fixed because this is a safety issue. Next step is to hire an attorney and have vehicle throughly looked at.

- Florence , KY, USA

problem #195

Jun 272021

Focus

  • miles
I have had my car in at the ford dealership and I have been waiting on parts to come in. The recalls on the car which are the transmission control module and the gas tank deformation recall have not been completed on my vehicle but is showing up in the system as repaired. I have been waiting for over 10 months for these parts to come in for the repairs to be done. Now my car isn-€™t drivable and just sits in my driveway.

- Darlington, SC, USA

problem #194

Dec 112021

Focus

  • miles
Check engine light came on Saturday morning on my way to work, When checked it comes up as fault codes P0420, with secondary codes of P144A - EVAP Emission System Purge Vapor Line Restricted/blocked, P1450 - Unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum, and P0131 - O2 Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 1), And started stalling after putting new gas in only, and now hesitates at lower gears and has a rougher then normal idle with the rps not staying steady, Also when doing a VIN check on Fords website, or the NHTSA lookup it does not show up as a recall, however when I do a full VIN check it does show under the recalls page, I'm not sure if they marked it as completed for the VIN of this vehicle or not but its doing literally all the stuff stated in Ford Safety Recall 18S32 18V735000 or 19S22 19V515000, but when trying to chat Ford about it they deny there is one even though the NHTSA OVERVIEW states: All of the affected vehicles previously had Ford Safety Recall 18S32 performed; however, updated powertrain control module (PCM) software was not available at that time. Ford Motor Company wants to ensure the software is updated to the most current release available. In some of the affected vehicles, the PCM software may not adequately detect a stuck-open canister purge valve (CPV) within the fuel vapor system. If the CPV malfunctions and sticks open, it can lead to excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor system, allowing the plastic fuel tank to deform. This can cause the following symptoms: -€¢ Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0420, P1450, P0443, P0452, P0456, P0460 and/or P2196 -€¢ Inaccurate or erratic fuel gauge indication -€¢ Inaccurate distance to empty (DTE) -€¢ Engine stall and/or other drivability concerns related to stuck open CPV I have only had the car 2 months as of tomorrow, and am a single dad raising my 6 month old son alone, I cannot have this breakdown completely and risk a accident when it should be covered by recall

- Monroe, MI, USA

problem #193

Nov 272021

Focus

  • miles
Daughter's car has hesitation when driving, took to son who is mechanic. He said it has hesitation, cough idle, loss of power and the gas tank is malformed. He said he looked up the vin and it showed recall 18532-51. I looked on fords website and see that this is recall for their reference number 19S22. My son said this is dangerous because that issue with the fuel tank vacuum could cause the gas tank to crack. I called ford service center to schedule a recall repair but they told me her vin does not show that recall. This car has all the symtoms of the recall, the vin showed up for my son, and the recall is mentioned on fords werbsite. We need to have this repaired. It is a known issue for 2012-2013 ford focuses. Why wouldn't her car be covered??

- Papillion, NE, USA

problem #192

Aug 012021

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car stalled several times while driving. After a mechanics evaluation it was determined that there was a fuel delivery problem. After further evaluation it was confirmed that the problem was a defective purge solenoid. This item was recalled by Ford. However, they did not include this vehicle (by date) in the recall. The recall lists cars made until July 2012 and this vehicle was manufactured in May of 2013. The effect of the defective purge solenoid caused damage to other components of the fuel delivery system. I am now forced to pay for the repairs out-of-pocket. For a problem that is known by (and recalled by) Ford but is excluded from the recall. NOT FAIR

- Blackstone, MA, USA

problem #191

Sep 172017

Focus

  • miles
After driving my vehicle it stalls once it is stopped and I try to press the gas. This can cause a collision. This can either be the fuel system which they did have a recall on my car but the dealership decided it wasn't needed at the time. It could also be the power train. This incident has occurred multiple times since 2017.

- Othello, WA, USA

problem #190

Jul 152021

Focus

  • miles
Check engine light came on. Before I had a chance to get it checked, the engine wouldn't start after refueling until trying on the fourth time. Took the car to a parts store and the code read P1450. An October 25, 2018 recall acknowledged a problem with 2012-18 Ford Focuses with a 2.0L engine. Although this problem is clearly acknowledged with this same year, model, and engine, my VIN is allegedly not covered in the recall. Dealer will not service the car under the recall.

- Lancaster, PA, USA

problem #189

Oct 012020

Focus

  • 141,000 miles
My car when at idle or driving at low RPM (900-2000) will stall out and not start for a while. Ive replaced fuel pressure sensors and the injection pump, and it still stalling.

- Guthrie, OK, USA

problem #188

Feb 142021

Focus

  • 119,000 miles
Doesn't accelerate half the time when I hit gas. Doesn't go reverse half the time I put it in reverse. Shuts off randomly. Shakes, shutters. Had codes P07A3 and P2872 show up and Ford said they aren't transmission related even tho both codes have the word " transmission in the code summary. Couldn't get involved in 55mill lawsuit because I haven't had 2 repairs on it. Been in shop since 50K miles getting seniors and stuff replaced. Car has never improved even tho I keep spending money. It's been in shop 3 weeks now. They said might be trans issue now but the radiator is messed up and they can't proceed without 600 dollars. Help before car kills some1. Millions of youtube videos show same issues I have. Ford don't do anything but deny cause 1.8 cars out there from the same assembly plant mine is from with same issues

- St Albans, WV, USA

problem #187

Apr 012021

Focus

  • 114,000 miles
Car filing hard, stalling out when accelerating. Complete stall/failure unable to restart while driving at 55+ mph. Almost got rear ended. More issues the lessgas the car has.

- Ionia, MI, USA

problem #186

Jun 102020

Focus

  • 130,000 miles
The fuel gauge and miles till empty is always wrong so I constantly run out of gas while driving anywhere. When I put the fuel nozzle in my tank it makes a hissing noise (compressed air) or it sprays fuel out of the tank. I have a check engine light that won't go off.

- Poughkeepsie, NY, USA

problem #185

Dec 262020

Focus

  • 100,000 miles
Ford transmission problems wont go away!! transmission shutter and poor initial acceleration. The clutch has been replaced twice and tcm twice by Ford dealer. After the last tcm replacement in 2016 problems continued and I was turned away by Ford dealerships because no engine light came on. Now that finally a check engine light came on U0101, P07A3, I am now over 100, 000 miles the clutch is no longer covered under warranty but the tcm is. I have had several incidents where the car lost all acceleration abilities while driving on a busy highway or simply fail to accelerate and a traffic light causing major delays for anyone around me. It has been a saftey concern for years due to the unpredictability of the transmission intermittently not allowing acceleration.

- Whittier, CA, USA

problem #184

Jan 122021

Focus

  • miles
Vehicle shuddering on acceleration. At an intersection/full stop car would sputter when trying to accelerate through the intersection. At cruising speeds, RPM's would suddenly accelerate.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #183

Dec 172020

Focus

  • 0 miles
Car is less than 6 years old, steering completely fails in very cold weather despite a fully electric epas steering system (no power steering fluid). In addition to the radiator and fuel pump needing replacement within the full lifespan of this car, it is very unsafe and not road worthy.

- Westbury, NY, USA

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