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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 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,432 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 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2013 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #22

Apr 302022

Focus

  • miles

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

This vehicle was brought into jiffy lube and we inspected the vehicle. We noticed rust on the passenger rear of the car and we looked at the brakes on the passenger rear and there is little to almost no rotor left maybe a fingernail thin and it is not attached to the wheel anymore it has been cut from it and now is hanging on by what-??s left of the brake pad. We gave him almost more than half off of what we can do to get it fixed and give the oil change what he came in for for free but declined and just wanted the oil change. I was scared for him to leave the shop because it is unsafe and endangering me and other people that are on the road around this area. But the customer did not seem to care how dangerous it could actually be on the road and didn-??t seem like he was in any rush to get it fixed as well.

- Tulalip, WA, USA

problem #21

Mar 072022

Focus

  • miles
blah

- 2, TN, USA

problem #20

Nov 032018

Focus

  • 134,000 miles
I purchased this car in August of 2017 in bastrop, Texas at benny boyd used car sales. It broke 20 days later, where it went to bastrop Ford, unknown as to what recall they repaired but it returned to the shop about less than 2 months later with another recall issue, I have had the same issues several times, I now have the same issues again and have since November of 2018 I would like to return to my home state and or be able to get a new car but because this car has consumed and nearly diminished almost every part of my livelyhood and self worth, finances, debt, etc. I am unable to even operate as a normal human. I need this issue addressed because the car dealerships refuse to address the federal recalls and or buyback till 2023.. this car loses gear, has clutch and trans issues described the same as everyone else's in all forums and complaint site across the web. Backwards in drive stalls at lights loses gear while driving makes robot sounds etc. I have ruined my life by purchasing this vehicle and would like to go back to being productive. I have a mirage of health issues so this is not easy considering I should be in control of my everyday life because I orchard a vehicle to drive not sit and watch it parked while paying 400 a month in it. I am at a loss for words and solutions. I am in fire need of someone who understands from all aspects. Thank you.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #19

Dec 272019

Focus

  • 74,000 miles

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

El vehculo empeso a jolonearse en carretera Y fue perdiendo la fuerza Y a otro da ya no agarro la reversa Y para enfrente velosidad que agarraba era a 5

- Soledad, CA, USA

problem #18

Nov 162019

Focus

  • 140,000 miles
When driving car and come to a stop, it splitters when accelerating. When fuel gets lower than half of a tank, the car loses power, sputters and engine makes a grinding noise. This happens only when driving uphill or from stopped position.

- Brookhaven, MS, USA

problem #17

Dec 312013

Focus

  • 30,000 miles
Passenger side tail light is out (brake light bulb fault warning light is on). After several bulb changes, the brake light either does not come on or it burns out very quickly. An on-line search revealed that this is a common problem and Ford has done nothing about this safety concern. I do not know when this problem first started because it may have been a long time before someone else noticed it and alerted me. The problem is present as soon as the key is turned on.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #16

May 112019

Focus

  • 81,780 miles

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

I was driving down the highway when my vehicle started lagging and the RPM was going up to 60. Stop at red light the passenger side front wheel caught a fire. Brake caliber locked

- Natchez, MS, USA

problem #15

Jul 242018

Focus

  • 39,394 miles
The car rolled down our driveway while parked with parking break on. There were no keys in the car. We were in the house when it happened.

- Prairie Grove, AR, USA

problem #14

Mar 092018

Focus

  • miles
I've had the clutch and transmission control module replaced twice. The car still doesn't drive properly. My car locks, auxiliary, ac nobs need tweaking to work. The brake lights constantly go out. When I'm on an incline the brake alert comes on. And now there is a power steering issue. The steering wheel is completely locked up and I'm unable to drive the vehicle.

- San Marcos, TX, USA

problem #13

Jan 162018

Focus

  • miles
I purchase a 2013 Ford Focus July of 2013. About 3 months after I purchased the car, it started to jerk as I would press the gas to accelerate the auto. I've taken it into the dealership about 6 times since. They've reset the system and about a month later, the card would jerk again. This past summer, in a parking lot of a shopping center my car wouldn't turn on. I had to call a towing company and take it into the dealership again to have checked out. They said it was due to the clutch, it needed to be replaced. It was replaced and the jerking continued to the point I was so used to it, I forgot about it. A few nights ago I had the most terrifying situations while driving. As I was driving, I'd press the brake to stop at the red light and the car kept wanting to accelerate, making the system go crazy and the car dieing. I was able to turn the car back on but it died again. The dealership now says its the clutch and something on the transmission that needs to be replaced. Now, I get a call saying they cannot replace the clutch until I replace the release baring, which I have to pay out of pocket. My life was in danger and I could have easily crashed into another car. I am so furious with Ford and will never purchase another car from them. I don't understand how I have to pay out of pocket for a part that is on recall to be replaced. Very upset!

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #12

Feb 202017

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,300 miles

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

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. While driving low speeds, the steering wheel seized and the brake system warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted and operated correctly. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electric steering motor burned out and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,300.

- Palm City, FL, USA

problem #11

Dec 162016

Focus 4-cyl

  • 43,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. While driving 20 mph in an ice storm, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to respond without warning. As a result the contact crashed into the median and another vehicle. A police report was not filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the cause of the failure was unable to be determined however. The body damage was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000. Updated 04/17/17

- Mountain Home, AR, USA

problem #10

Jun 132013

Focus

  • 10,000 miles
I purchased my 2013 Ford Focus SE brand new in June of 2013. I noticed the shuddering during acceleration immediately and mentioned it to someone at the dealership. I was told this was normal for it being brand new and that it would stop after awhile. We are now over 3 years later and it has not stopped. Someone finally convinced me to take it in. I've had several people that have been in my vehicle and can't believe that it does this and tell me that it is absolutely not normal. I took my car into the dealership a couple months ago and they said they reprogrammed something. This did not help. Took it back in again today and before even looking at it they are telling me that was I'm describing is normal and gave me a flyer explaining the transmission differences. I couldn't believe they thought I would buy into that. I immediately began researching the issue and am now finding out this is widespread. I'm beyond pissed. I was also involved in an accident on 11/13/14 in this vehicle where I hit the breaks and my car wouldn't stop right away so I rear ended someone. I just assumed I did something wrong but I couldn't believe that it wouldn't stop. I had plenty of room. The wheels did not lock up. The sensation I felt in the vehicle when I hit the breaks is hard to explain. It was as if I was pumping on the breaks as opposed to what I did, which was to put my foot all the way down full force.

- New Braunfels, TX, USA

problem #9

Aug 052015

Focus

  • 52,456 miles
As I was driving East on the long island expressway prior to exit 41S the cars notification lights kicked on several messages came up which included rear park assist, hill start assist as well as battery indicator, oil light, check engine light, etc. I attempted to push on the gas however nothing occurred I was coasting at 40 mph I signaled to get over into the right lane, I applied the brake however it also locked up and would not brake, I was almost rear ended/side swiped by several vehicles as I was unable to keep up with traffic and brake accordingly. I got to the right shoulder and hit the E-brake to stop. I turned off the vehicle and attempted to restart however the engine would not kick on and the gas pedal would not work.

- Seaford, NY, USA

problem #8

Jun 122015

Focus 4-cyl

  • 21,500 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. While driving at an unknown speed, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that there was a rear brake failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,500. The VIN was not available. MA 08/11/15 updated 10/26/2017

- Eau Claire, WI, USA

problem #7

Jun 262014

Focus

  • 38,000 miles
My Ford Focus shudders when accelerating and lurch forward without warning when I'm slowing down or accelerating. I have had it repaired once and need to go back again. How many times do I have to go without a car because the dealership once again has my car in for repairs due to a manufacturer transmission defect. Also, what premature internal wear is this all causing" will I need to replace parts before they would normally need replacing or fixing"! I'm worried the car will breakdown or there will be a crash where someone gets seriously hurt. It has been brought to my attention that Ford knew about the defect and concealed the information and there are numerous law suits out there for this particular issue. I really don't feel safe driving the car anymore. I can't remember the specific date of the first incident but I can find out from the dealership if necessary.

- Ofallon, IL, USA

problem #6

Dec 082014

Focus 4-cyl

  • miles
I was traveling a local highway, 195 East, and over a bridge when the two vehicles in front of me hit their brakes and started to spin out - the roads had appeared wet, but the bridge had become icy and a vehicle in front of them had already spun out. I was approximately 6 car lengths behind the vehicle in front of me, but when I stood on the brake nothing happened and I slid into the back of the vehicle in front of me and was ultimately rear ended. The anti-lock brakes did not engage, despite there being no traction on the icy roads and full pressure being applied to the brakes. I've lived in cold weather climates my whole life, driving in similar conditions, and have had anti-lock brakes engage. They should have in this incidence, no question. The vehicle is awaiting repairs, but I feel unsafe driving it again. It was also recently recalled for an issue with the transmission, requiring the clutch to be fully replaced.

- Tiverton, RI, USA

problem #5

Oct 122014

Focus

  • 50,000 miles
The contact rented a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, all the lights on the instrument panel illuminated along with the transmission and you are not in park warning lights. In addition, the brakes and power steering failed. The vehicle was towed to the rental company. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

- Washington , DC, USA

problem #4

Aug 262014

Focus

  • miles
An enterprise branch put me in a defective rental. The brakes were bad. The enterprise employee who put gas in it advised the branch manager there was a problem but he put me in the car anyway. I have tried for a week to get a regional manager to return my call. There were two comments made by individuals involved with the dealership that lead me to believe this has happened before. I don't care about a refund. I want a corrective action plan that can be monitored to ensure no one is put in that position again. The second vehicle's engine maintenance was due.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #3

May 012014

Focus 4-cyl

  • 9,974 miles
2013 Ford Focus St has stalled on the highway going 65+ mph multiple times, in addition to on -ramps and while coming to a stop, resulting in loss of power brakes and power steering. Multiple times has stalled without giving a check engine light, meaning the dealer wouldn't look at it despite being under warranty. Engine's idling speed is wildly erratic before and after stalling events. Have been incredibly lucky so far because this is extremely dangerous and a huge safety risk. Terrified of losing power again while turning left ahead of oncoming traffic or while merging onto the freeway. Ford has issued tsb 13-9-7 for those lucky enough to have the ECU store a code, notice the issue and get it to a dealer while still under warranty, but this absolutely needs to be a recall before someone gets hurt or killed.

- Columbus, OH, USA

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