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2013 Ford Focus acceleration complaints

Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 112, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2013 Ford Focus acceleration problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Oct 15, 2020 · Acceleration, Transmission · IA

I purchased a ford focus se from mccarthy ford in illinois in 2015. Since having the car, I've constantly experienced jerking while accelerating, lack of acceleration, which was dangerous, while making a left turn with oncoming traffic, or on the highway with trucks speeding by you because my car wouldn't accelerate quick enough. I constantly complained to ford dealer about these issues and the kept repairing it under the guise that 'oh your TCM(transmission control module) beds reprogramming' or it was 'your car was originally a stick shift that they turned automatic, and what you feel, is your car shifting gears'. The car was under warranty and they assured me I didn't have transmission issues, so I let them fix this same issue more than 5 times over the course of warranty. In july 2020, my car stopped and wouldn't drive at all. I took it to ford, and they claimed it was the TCM again, and supposedly fixed with no customer to me. However, the car never stop jerking or the acceleration was always lacking, like it's always done, before and after a repair. October 11,2020, I take my car in for the exact same symptoms, and now I need a transmission clutch, that ford claims is $1700 dollars to fix. Now, I took my car in for these exact issues, I've been experiencing, all these years. But, now my warranty is up on the transmission and now it's supposedly gone out. I have less than 6 months to pay on this vehicle, I'm a single mom, a student, and unemployed due to the pandemic. I absolutely do not have this money, as I feel ford as blackballed me, and as I read reviews, apparently thousands of other people as well. I am devastated, and don't know what else to do. Is there any way the federal safety agency can help, or hold ford accountable for this? The potential danger I've dealt with while driving this vehicle all these years, with minimal acceleration and shifting gears. Thank you! !

Filed Apr 27, 2020 · Acceleration, Fuel system · NC

I reported this issue when I had my focus in 2014....it was dismissed. Now, 4 times it was in the dealership and 4 times it wasn't fixed, 4 times I had to pay for a rental for 2 weeks each time, costing me a total of $2,755 in all for nothing to be resolved. I traded the vehicle because it was literally a safety hazzard but no one would designate it that at the time.

Filed Mar 19, 2020 · Acceleration, Transmission · 77,100 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission started to slip. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to skalnek ford located at (941 s lapeer rd, orion charter township, mi 48362) where it was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 77,100. *bf

Filed Mar 17, 2020 · Acceleration, Fuel system · FL

The steering wheel got stuck! Thank god I was leaving my home and noticed it.. And also I had to get the meter fixed because it was giving me the wrong gas mileage

Filed Mar 2, 2020 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 120,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was inoperable. Roadside assistance was called and jump started the vehicle and added fuel to the vehicle. The contact also experienced the failure while driving at 55 MPH. Additionally, after refueling the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the RPM revved up however, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle respond up to 10 MPH. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v735000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was taken to mike reichenbach ford lincoln located at (600 n coit st, florence, sc 29501), to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that an unknown software update needed to be performed which was still pending. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.*dt consumer stated that vehicle was taken to mike reichenbach on 9/12/2019 for the repair and was told that the vehicle was repaired. Consumer found out later that no repairs were actually made. The check engine light came on and vehicle was taken to an auto zone where it was found out that there was an issue with the canister purge valve which was part of the recall. On 3/2/2020 consumer took vehicle to raceway ford of darlington to be repaired. Raceway ford refused to repair vehicle because mike reichenbach had closed the recall. Consumer says vehicle continues to stall randomly and that after refueling vehicle has to be running with the gas pedal depressed before it can be driven.

Filed Jan 10, 2020 · Acceleration · 45,084 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated and shook abnormally while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to rochester ford 4900 us-52, rochester, mn 55901, (507) 288-7564, where it was repaired nine times under warranty however, the failure persisted and the repairs were unknown. The manufacturer had been notified regarding the matter and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 45,084.

Filed Jan 8, 2020 · Acceleration, Transmission · FL

Vehicle has known issues thru ford. Just had clutch assembly replaced was driving car monday it started shifting erratically my granddaughter was in car it lurched shudders. At ford dealer said it is some sort of transmission fork 1900.00 to fix vehicle has recalls but ford won't honor the transmission by certain dealers

Filed Aug 29, 2019 · Acceleration · TN

When I purchased my car used february 2017 at 70,000 miles, I was given a carfax stating the only issue was with the transmission clutch. Less than a month in, I seemed to be losing power so I took it to town & country ford in madison, tn. It was repaired under the aforementioned recall issue and I drove in relative satisfaction for almost an entire year. Then I took it into two rivers ford (mt. Juliet) for the same issue. The service guy was very amicable and even arranged for me to have a loaner car while they had mine. The same issue was diagnosed, but with an additional fix. I paid $125 for some part not covered by the recall warranty because I was told that if it were to malfunction again, it may not be covered. The third time I took it in (back to mt juliet) they looked at it, determined it was the same issue, and said I'd have to pay out of pocket because the recall warranty was only good for 100,000 miles. I couldn't afford $2300 quite to fix it so I returned the loaner and claimed my vehicle, but not without making it abundantly clear that wasn't satisfied with how the situation was handled.

Filed Aug 22, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 82,000 miles · TN

While turning a corner my car vibrates and shakes and hear as if metal is hitting underneath. When pushing on gas to go, the car will jerk. Doesn't want to rev like it needs to. Will shake aggressively when braking. Have to let off gas then push back down on it to make it stop shaking. Also vibrates when in park intensely

Filed Aug 5, 2019 · Acceleration · 40,000 miles · MI

I was entering the on ramp for the highway. The car would not accelerate past 15 MPH. However, the RPM's went up to 4-5. I immediately got off the highway. The problem persisted when try to accelerate after each stop sign and light on city streets..

Filed Jul 26, 2019 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 500 miles · FL

This vehicle has had problems since the day we bought it .the transmission has a mind of its own. It jerks ,shudders and slips in and out of gear at random . We have had 4 clutches ,a TCM, 2 purge vale replacements and countless software updates. It has completely lost the ability to propel itself on three separate occasions; once while we were taking it in to the dealer . When we got to the dealer they told us that "yes that can happen sometimes " !!! Please help us and hold ford accountable for their reckless decision to allow these vehicles to be sold to chumps like me . They have deliberately and repeatedly blamed us for their mistake . We are unable to use our vehicle because it is unsafe .

Filed Jul 18, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 86,000 miles · TX

Dps6 transmission shudder and slipping issue. Vehicle has been serviced under multiple owners and had the clutches replaced as well as the software re-flashed. Ford dealer stated they are aware of the issue told me they would get it fixed under the extended warranty offered by ford. I was charged for a re-flash I was never called to authorized, that has not fixed the shuddering issue. I was almost in an accident when the card decided to not shift going through a stop light and the vehicle behind me almost rear ended me. I contacted ford and the service manager stated "you need to drive it more aggressively". Ford opened a case to review the poor service and they have never contacted me again.

Filed Jul 16, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · FL

I purchased my brand new 2013 ford focus, from the dealer in may of 2013. I took it back a week later because it was "clunky" when accelerating. The ford dealership told me "the car just needs to learn how you drive, we will reset the computer". Since then I have had it "reset" 4 times and am on my 3rd clutch repair. Last week while braking my car decided to accelerate instead. This is the 4th time in a year, one resulting in a bumper on bumper accident with minimal damage. I dont feel safe driving my car, I commute two hours a day. Ford should be ashamed of themselves! If the I had been told back in 2013 when I purchased that there was an issue I would have traded that car the first week.

Filed Jul 16, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · MD

The engine and transmission stutter when taking off.

Filed Jul 16, 2019 · Acceleration, Electrical · 12,000 miles · MI

Vehicle has repeatedly had transmission issues coming in a variety of forms. At times I will be unable to accelerate, with my pedal to the floor, while the car seems to 'coast' and with no explanation. Other times I have had the vehicle's alert lights come on with a warning the transmission has overheated and to pull over 'immediately.' this is difficult to do when on a 55 MPH zone or on the highway; the inability to accelerate has LED to multiple incidences pulling into traffic or attempting to merge where vehicles have had to swerve or stop because I am in their way. In daily driving, there is a constant shudder that makes me believe the vehicle will fail at any moment. This vehicle was the daily driver of my wife and we were forced to lease another vehicle because she did not feel safe. It has been in for a multitude of repairs and requires more. However, no dealership is able to schedule an appointment or provide a loaner, even though it is supposed to be a covered repair. I exceeded my warranty to have it entirely covered simply because no dealer could schedule me. The problems began in 2013 and have persisted since, to this date. The most recent safety-related matter occurred on a winding two lane road a month ago where there was nowhere to pull over safely and the car threatened to shut down due to the transmission overheating

Filed Jul 14, 2019 · Acceleration · 57,400 miles · AR

Driving on the interstate and RPM's shot up to 5 and I had no power and when I stop and then try to take off the car jerks and theres no power, car also shuts off unexpectedly which is a major safety concern because car is on interstate daily. Check engine light also came on.

Filed Jul 11, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · FL

Along with the myriad of ford dps6 transmission problems, and repairs over the past 4 years, I alsoy had an event that could have caused a fatality directly related to the performance of the power train and engine. While attempting to make a light acceleration for a city green traffic signal for a left 90 degree turn the car unilaterally increased the speed and RPM's. The car was moving so fast I nearly hit a tree on the opposite side of the intersection at a high rate of speed. I had to repeatedly hit the gas peddle with my foot to stop the acceleration, while maintaining directional control of the vehicle. I am still waiting for ford to contact me about the other fuel recall issue related to this vehicle so they can address this issue as well.

Filed Jun 13, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 115,000 miles · NY

My 2013 ford focus has an issue with a stuttering/shuddering type feeling. When I am stopped and then begin to try and accelerate is when the problem occurs. This has been very dangerous at times when I am entering traffic after being stopped. My car does not get to proper speed quickly enough.

Filed May 14, 2019 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 70,000 miles · CA

Stalling

Filed Jan 15, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 10,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. The contact purchased the vehicle in new jersey from a used dealer. The contact was not informed that there was an extended warranty from may 10, 2013 or up to 60,000 miles that had expired. The contact stated that the engine stalled several times, there was a drastic reduction in speed, and the vehicle accelerated intermittently. On october 22, 2018, nets campaign number: (fuel system, gasoline) was issued. An independent mechanic stated that the vehicle was included in an extended warranty, but had not provided any specific guidelines to repair the vehicle. Stevens jersey city ford (740 nj-440, jersey city, nj 07305, (201) 432-7272) and the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in any warranties. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jan 9, 2019 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 118,000 miles · SC

2013 ford focus, was bought new from dealership and has had clutch issues from beginning. The car stutters on acceleration, shifts hard, and occasionally there is a delay when the gas pedal is pressed. A recall was performed on this car and the clutch was replaced, but still had same issue. This car has been seen 8 times for this issue, and has never been resolved. The clutch that was replaced during the recall has failed the performance test, but the dealership will not replace due to expired warranty. Recently another recall was issued on this vehicle due to a stuck cannister purge valve. This causes the engine to stall and the fuel meter to read incorrectly. This caused me to run out of gas on the highway when my gas meter reported I still had half a tank of fuel. On 11/29/18, the dealership performed the recall and believing my fuel meter to now be accurate, I ran out of gas again at a quarter tank full. My check engine light is back on and it is again throwing a code for the purge valve. This car has several safety issues which ford dealer has been unable and unwilling to remedy.

Filed Jan 3, 2019 · Acceleration, Electrical · 35,000 miles · VA

Car is driven in moderate raining conditions in va. Suddenly while maneuvering in a walmart parking lot a fault 'engine faul service car now' showed up on the dashboard screen. Didn't feel anything different at first and continued driving back home. About 2 miles later in the middle of route 28 the car lost acceleration and completely stalled in the middle of the highway. Was able to maneuver it on the shoulder before car completely stopped. Restarted engine but same error showed up and car only moved a meter before stalling again. Had it towed to ford chantilly va. Dealer called a few days later and stated it's a 800usd repair on a electrical harness issue. It is the same electrical harness recall that ford released but only for the ford focus st models and not se. This is the 2nd time this year that I've brought the car back to the dealer for major performance issues. The first one is covered by the transmission PCM recall. For a 2013 model that is barely being used (car has only 35k mileage) this is unaccepatable. Btw car also has an issue on the driver side power window (doesn't go down) but I have not requested them to fix them yet.

Filed Aug 17, 2018 · Acceleration, Transmission · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While the vehicle was in motion, it shuttered extensively. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate and slowed down with a drastic reduction in speed numerous times without warning. Capital ford (4900 capital blvd, raleigh, nc 27616, 919‑878‑4884, (877) 659-2496) stated that it may take a month and a week before the remedy and part would become available. The diagnosis was unavailable. The dealer advised the contact to either repair the vehicle or trade it in because they had limited technicians available. The dealer stated that they may service the vehicle with a warranty extension. The manufacturer issued 35 tsbs on the power train and 2 tsbs on the vehicle speed control. The vehicle was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v523000 (power train), which affected the 2012 to 2016 models. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and indicated for the dealer to diagnose and repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Jun 21, 2018 · Acceleration, Transmission · 100,000 miles · FL

Starting february 2018 the car was jerking and it had turned off on me while on the highway 3 times. I have changed oxygen sensors and purge valve (I have receipts) and it had initially helped. As of june 2, 2018, it is jerking and turning off again and throwing check engine code p0805 and p080a. The system from car notified me that the transmission was hot and needed to be turned off. From june 2, 2018 I have not driven the car.

Filed Feb 15, 2018 · Acceleration, Transmission · 24,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was applied, but the vehicle failed to respond without warning. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated, jerked, and shook. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (coconut point ford, 22400 s tamiami trl, estero, fl 33928) where it was diagnosed that the transmission, clutch, and control module needed to be repaired. Additionally, a software reflash was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact back to the local dealer. The contact was informed of the buy back program. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

Filed Feb 6, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 70,000 miles · MS

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. On several occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated abnormally and the passenger side motor mount was replaced several months ago, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to butch ostalet ford lincoln (9274 us 49, gulfport, ms 39503, (228) 863-5525) where it was diagnosed that the clutch was slipping. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the warranty period had expired and no additional assistance would be provided. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Dec 27, 2017 · Acceleration, Transmission · 119,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While driving various speeds, the transmission slipped gears and the vehicle accelerated. The service transmission warning indicator illuminated. The contact had to apply the brakes in order to reduce the speed of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer tinpusher, llc (801 s state st unit 10 11, bunnell, fl 32110) where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

Filed Nov 9, 2017 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 69,000 miles · WV

Car has already shut down while driving twice ,a year and a half ago. I took it topatrick st. Ford, it shut down again in parking lot, had to push it into garage. They supposedly fixed a sensor recall. Did nothing to the unbelievable shaking and shuttering recall. 3 weeks ago when I left work, I noticed instrument panel was black, said no gas, 0 MPH, and so forth. Blinkers wouldn't work on inside but the driver behind me could see me signaling from behind me. Pulled into convenient store , turned car off, went inside, came back and car wouldn't start at all. Had it towed to same berte wolfe ford , they told me it was electrical wiring issues and it would be 380$ , they called back next day and said 500$ more. I told him to stop and I would pay tho 380$ and have it looked at somewhere else but if I did and other place said it was ford's accountability I would be back. Sales manager j.c. Assured me he would reimburse me everything if that was the case. I took it to copleys in chas wv and jay russ hooked up his computer and said , looks like ford owes you. They should of fixed the problem last time it was with them and he couldn't work on it because it was ford parts and should been fixed free. I need my car fixed before someone gets injured. They have been aware of this and keep denying it. It's most complained car of that yr. Multiple fsa's and electrical recall along with shutter lawsuit. New cars on list include my year , 6 speed auto transmission and michigan assembly plant. Just from me mentioning those things to j.c. , he took my bill from 380$ to 240$ . Seemed fishy to me , that's why I wanted a second opinion and took it elsewhere and I found out pretty much what I expected. Car was 13000$ paid off and has been nothing but a shuttering possible deathtrap on wheels. I'm just fortunate it hasn't shutdown and lost steering going on a busy interstate.ref: tsb16-0044

Filed Oct 5, 2017 · Acceleration, Transmission · 76,000 miles · TN · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While driving unknown speeds, the transmission slipped and skipped without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (autonation ford wolfchase, 7625 stage rd, memphis, tn 38133) where it was diagnosed that the digital sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. On september 30, 2017, while driving 25 MPH, the transmission slipped gears and the vehicle accelerated and crashed into the median. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The occupant sustained cut and bruises to the arms, an ankle sprain, and back pain. Medical attention was received. The two air bags deployed on the driver's side. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 76,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2017 · Acceleration, Engine · 73,000 miles · CA

I was driving home on the I- 5 san diego, ca and my car completely lost power. The check engine light started flashing. After I turned the car off for about five minutes, I drove it once again and it seemed to be normal and the check engine light was no longer flashing. Then, after a week it happened again, the car died on the highway.

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