Last updated: 2026-08-24

2013 Ford Focus Reliability Report
The 2013 Ford Focus scores 54/100 ("Mixed"). With 12 recalls and 2105 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
12
Complaints
2105
Complaint Rate
89.7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$569
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,900–$2,350
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (1049)
- STEERING (273)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (151)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2013 is year 3 of the Third generation (C346).
- Redesigned for the 2011 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2014.
- 3rd generation Focus (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2011: Third generation (C346) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2013: This Model Year
2013 is year 3 of the Third generation (C346).
2014: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2013 Ford Focus?
A 54/100 score puts the 2013 Ford Focus in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2013 is year 3 of the Third generation (C346).
Complaint volume sits above average at 2105 owner complaints alongside 12 recalls. Issues in power train (1049) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put power train (1049) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2014 Ford Focus, which scored 2 points lower.
Pros
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (13%)
- +Complaint rate in line with Sedan segment average (early data)
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (1049 complaints)
- −STEERING issues reported (273 complaints)
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 12 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (1049)
- STEERING (273)
Recall Overview
12
recalls on record
The 2013 Ford Focus has 12 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
89.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 89.7
Safety Incidents
49
Crashes
12
Fires
28
Injuries
3
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2013 Ford Focus Recall Details
12 recalls have been issued for the 2013 Ford Focus. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
Consequence
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
EQUIPMENT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Consequence
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Showing 10 of 12 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2013 Ford Focus? Check its history first
Every 2013 Ford Focus has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2013 Ford Focus NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 11.6%
Safety Technologies
Ford FocusRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$569
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
13%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Ford Focus Resale Value
The Ford Focus is estimated to retain about 48.1% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Ford Focus model overall and is not specific to the 2013 model year.
- Value Retained
- 48.1%
- Depreciation
- 51.9%
- Listings Analyzed
- 329
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Ford Focus depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
26–32 MPG
Running cost: $2,450–$2,900/yr
Fuel + repair
23–28 city / 31–39 hwy MPG
Electric
76 mi range
Fuel cost: $700/yr
Fuel only
32 kWh/100mi · 4 hrs @ 240V
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2013 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus SFE FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM6) | 28 | 39 | 32 | $1,900 |
| Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM6) | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,050 |
| Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,050 |
| Focus FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM6) | 27 | 37 | 30 | $2,050 |
| Focus FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 27 | 37 | 30 | $2,050 |
| Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,100 |
| Focus FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,100 |
| Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,350 |
Electric trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | Range | kWh/100mi | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Electric | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 76 mi | 32.0 | $700 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2013 Ford Focus.
Test drive to check for transmission shudder or hesitation
Inspect power steering for any warning lights or difficulty in steering
Verify fuel gauge accuracy by filling the tank and checking readings
Check for any transmission warning lights or error messages
Review service history for multiple clutch or TCM replacements
Ensure all recall repairs have been completed, especially for transmission and fuel system
2013 Ford Focus Common Problems by Component
2105 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
1049 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2013 Ford Focus's DPS6 transmission, particularly shuddering, slipping, and hesitation during acceleration. Complaints commonly describe symptoms such as loud noises when shifting, jerking motions, and transmission disengagement, often occurring at low speeds or when accelerating from a stop. Some owners experience these issues shortly after purchasing the vehicle, while others note problems persisting despite multiple repair attempts. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and injuries linked to these transmission failures, including incidents where the vehicle rolls away or stalls unexpectedly. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and their potential safety risks.
STEERING
273 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2013 Ford Focus frequently report issues with the electric power steering system, characterized by a sudden loss of power steering assist. Common symptoms include warning messages such as "Steering Assist Fault" and "Service Required," as well as the steering wheel becoming difficult or impossible to turn. These issues often occur both when starting the vehicle and while driving, with some reports of the problem resolving temporarily after restarting the vehicle. Complaints mention occurrences at varied mileages, with some vehicles experiencing failures around 95,000 to 140,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with several reports involving crashes and one injury, highlighting the risk of losing steering control unexpectedly.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
151 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2013 Ford Focus frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with common problems including the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly, inaccurate fuel gauge readings, and malfunctioning radios that produce loud noises or drain the battery. Complaints often describe electrical failures that lead to the car becoming inoperable, sometimes while driving, which poses safety risks. Several reports involve fires, particularly in the wiring harness, and one incident includes an injury from an electrical shock. These issues are reported across a wide range of mileages, with some occurring shortly after repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurrent electrical problems and their implications for safety and reliability.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (88 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
88 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2013 Ford Focus frequently report issues with the fuel propulsion system, particularly involving the canister purge valve. Common symptoms include stalling, difficulty starting after refueling, and inaccurate fuel gauge readings. Many complaints describe vehicles stalling on highways or losing power unexpectedly, which poses safety risks. Some owners mention that these issues occur even after recall repairs have been attempted. The problems are often noted in vehicles with mileage ranging from 83,000 to 140,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of potential stalling and fuel gauge inaccuracies that could lead to hazardous driving situations.
ENGINE (88 complaints)
ENGINE
88 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2013 Ford Focus frequently report engine stalling and transmission issues. Common symptoms include sudden stalling at various speeds, erratic idle, and hesitation during acceleration, often accompanied by warning lights. These problems are typically noted at mileages ranging from 24,000 to over 100,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of crashes, fires, and injuries. Buyers should be aware of recurring transmission failures and potential fuel system inaccuracies that can lead to unexpected vehicle shutdowns.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (39 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
39 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2013 Ford Focus related to vehicle speed control, primarily involving hesitation, stuttering, and loss of power during acceleration. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle shaking, vibrating, or failing to accelerate properly, particularly when transitioning from a stop or when climbing hills. These problems often occur at various mileages, but some reports mention issues arising as early as 10,000 miles. Two complaints involve crashes, highlighting safety concerns with unexpected acceleration or stalling. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for unresolved repairs, as some owners report repeated service visits without a permanent fix.
AIR BAGS (21 complaints)
AIR BAGS
21 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2013 Ford Focus frequently report issues with air bag non-deployment during crashes, with 15 of the 21 complaints involving incidents where the air bags did not deploy as expected. Many complaints describe situations where the vehicle was involved in collisions at various speeds, yet the air bags, particularly those in the steering wheel and dashboard areas, failed to activate, sometimes leading to injuries. The mileage at which these failures occur varies, with some reports indicating problems as early as 33,000 miles. The lack of air bag deployment in these cases is associated with significant safety implications, as multiple reports include injuries from crashes where the air bags did not function properly. Potential buyers should be aware of this pattern of air bag issues when considering a used 2013 Ford Focus.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (14 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2013 Ford Focus frequently report issues with the vehicle's engine and transmission, particularly noting shuddering and hesitation during acceleration. Complaints often describe the check engine light illuminating, rough shifting, and power loss while driving. These problems are commonly reported at mileages ranging from 19,000 to 180,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by instances of the vehicle losing power unexpectedly, leading to near-collisions, and one report of a fire occurring after the car stopped accelerating. These issues suggest potential reliability challenges for prospective buyers considering a used 2013 Ford Focus.
SUSPENSION (12 complaints)
SUSPENSION
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2013 Ford Focus frequently report issues related to excessive rear tire wear, with one owner attributing this to fixed alignment settings that lead to uneven tire degradation. Complaints also highlight popping noises in the front suspension, with attempts to resolve these by replacing strut bearings and towers proving ineffective. These issues often appear at relatively low mileages, such as around 27,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one report involves a crash where the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly, resulting in a collision with a concrete wall. This pattern of suspension-related problems, combined with potential safety risks, is crucial information for prospective buyers.
SERVICE BRAKES (9 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the service brakes on the 2013 Ford Focus, with a significant number involving serious safety implications such as crashes and a fire. Commonly described symptoms include brake failure during icy conditions, leading to crashes, and instances where the brakes do not respond when applied, even with full pressure. Some owners mention abnormal noises from the rear brakes and excessive rust causing brake components to detach. Notably, one complaint involves the parking brake failing to hold the vehicle, resulting in it rolling away. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, from as low as 21,500 miles to over 43,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported brake system failures and their associated risks.
When Do 2013 Ford Focus Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Focus Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford Focus Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Ford Focus year is 2018 with a reliability score of 59/100, rated mixed. Other strong picks include 2015 (59/100) and 2017 (58/100).
Ford Focus Years to Avoid
No Ford Focus years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Ford Focus maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Ford Focus Reliability Score Trend
Ford Focus reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 56/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2014 | 52/100 | Mixed |
| 2015 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2016 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2017 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2018 | 59/100 | Mixed |
Ford Focus Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2013 Ford Focus reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Focus?
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Focus have?
Is the 2013 Ford Focus expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2013 Ford Focus without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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