Check a VIN

2013 Ford Focus electrical complaints

Page 5 of 10: complaints 101 to 130 of 276, newest first, as owners wrote them.

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

Filed Dec 6, 2018 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · NM

While in motion, radio / navigation system notifies of error in "911 assist" system at which point all audio queues from system go in active, including navigation prompts, radio, phone (if connected) etc... This randomly may occur and typically will not resolve itself till after a shut down period of a number od hours.

Filed Nov 6, 2018 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · NY

The radio/entertainment system of car has stopped functioning. Approx. 4 months ago, radio/entertainment system would intermittently shut down while driving. Prior to the shutdown, a very loud cracking noise would was heard through speakers. Only after turning the vehicle off and on would the service return. The stoppage would occur daily while driving, approx. 2-3 times a day. I changed the battery 4 weeks ago and once that happened, the frequency of stoppages increased and the noise through the speakers became louder. Two weeks ago, after a very loud screech, the radio/entertainment system ceased functioning. When turning on the car ignition, the entertainment system screen will only display the time and date. No use of radio, cd player, USB port and bluetooth.

Filed Nov 3, 2018 · Electrical, Fuel system · 67,000 miles · IL

Was driving to work and my car would not go . The rpms went way high and I could not go over 15 miles per hour in my car. Also my automatic clutch was bad and my stereo also has stopped working.

Filed Oct 30, 2018 · Electrical · 98,878 miles · WI

Initially, once vehicle is started and radio is turned on, crackling sounds are heard across entire dash of car. Radio stops working. Some days radio works, other days long stretches of crackling and then radio stops. Recently, radio does not work at all. When back door is opened, speaker in rear driver door crackles and sound is heard all the way to the front driver door and across dash to the radio. Radio has stopped working altogether. Cannot be turned off (appears to be on even though not working). Events occurred over 2 week period. No difficulty with transmission, operation or dashboard. Last event with crackling occurred as rear driver side door was opened to put items in back seat. Car not running.

Filed Sep 6, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 97,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus equipped with goodyear viva 3 tires, size: 215/55r16 (na). The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate over 30 MPH and the change engine oil warning indicator illuminated. The contact also stated that a warning message illuminated, indicating that the vehicle would shut off in five minutes due to overheating. Furthermore, while driving between 50 to 70 MPH, the vehicle shook. The vehicle was taken to herb chambers ford of westborough (310 turnpike rd, westborough, ma 01581, (508) 366-8311) where it was diagnosed that the computer needed to be reset and replaced and that the tires were bald. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The vehicle failure mileage was 97,000. The tire failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 31, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 140,000 miles · MN

Vehicle completely died while driving. Replaced battery vehicle starts but shuts right off on its own. Vehicle also started on its own with keys just in the on position.

Filed Aug 13, 2018 · Electrical · 44,904 miles · ME

Within the last 12 months or so, the stereo will emit a loud pop (which is quite alarming whilst driving) and then go out. It is now followed by what can only be described as electrical current running throughout the car and speakers. This last saturday, while at work, a customer came in and asked who owned the blue ford focus because it's making a weird noise. I go outside (keys in my pocket) and sure enough, it sounds like electricity running through the speakers!! The following day, it did this again (keys still in my pocket). I performed a google search for this issue and came upon multiple sites (some dating as far back as 2015) describing this issue and the fact that ford is unwilling to address this issue. I contacted ford motor company this morning and was told that I would need to take it to my nearest ford technical service to have a diagnostic performed so they could note what the issue may be, on my dime! To which I questioned the validity of this statement as there are thousands of people complaining about this very issue and find it rather odd that ford has no knowledge what so ever regarding this issue. My main concern is, what possible damage could it be doing to the cars electronics as well as the alarming pop whilst driving. One of the main safety features of this vehicle was the ability of hands free calling, but that feature is completely rendered useless when this happens.

Filed Aug 2, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · FL · fire

On thursday august 2, 2018 around 8:30. The wires in the dash board caught on fire. The card began to fill with smoke. I could smell the burning and I wasn't sure of what was happening. I could hear a spark sound and I could tell that the wires where burning. This was an extremely dangerous situation, the entire car might have caught on fire , if my boyfriend didn't come and contain the fire.

Filed Jul 31, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. The contact stated that the engine warning indicator flashed and remained illuminated as the failure progressed. The vehicle jerked and decelerated to a low rate of speed each time the indicator flashed. The dealer (landers ford, 2082 w poplar ave, collierville, tn 38017, (901) 854-3600) provided a software update to the computer; however, the failure recurred. The contact planned on taking the vehicle to a second dealer (jack schmitt ford, 1820 vandalia st, collinsville, il 62234, (618) 477-8126) for further diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure numerous times, but offered no assistance. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.

Filed Jul 7, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · 71,461 miles · OH

The first problem was with the transmission, ford extended the warranty to cover whatever the part was out to 150k miles. The second problem was the radio/sync system quit working. And as of today july 7 a steering assist fault warning is coming up on the dash. I did some research and the problem does not appear to be an isolated incident. The steering assist fault warning comes on when you start the vehicle, we have not seen it happen while in motion.

Filed Jul 3, 2018 · Electrical · PA

2013 ford focus. Consumer writes in regards to loss of power while driving. *ld the consumer stated a new transmission was installed and failed. The vehicle began to violently shake. The transmission was rebuilt and the clutch repaired.

Filed Jun 2, 2018 · Electrical · MA

I have a 2013 ford focus se the fuse is ok but the horn does not work. Is this a safety issue. Is this covered under my warrenty?

Filed May 19, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 79,450 miles · MD

I bought this car brand new in 2013. On 5/16/2018 I was driving down the road during rush hour in the left lane of traffic when all of a sudden the I get a notification that says "engine fault service now". Then the engine cuts off in the middle of a busy road. The person behind me almost smashed into me but swerved at the last second and cut a car off in the lane next to me. I tried to turn the car off and then on, but it wouldn't start. It was sooo dangerous to be stuck on the road not able to do anything. I had to call the police to set up flares behind me. I have been reading blogs and I am not the only person this has happened to.

Filed May 17, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 32,000 miles · AZ

The car is stalling when accelerating which seems to be a common complaint from this year focus owners. I took the vehicle to a transmission shop but they too were unable to diagnose. Some of the reading is showing there is an electrical connection issue which is causing this.

Filed Mar 19, 2018 · Electrical · 143,358 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle's power seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to galpin ford (15505 roscoe blvd, van nuys, ca 91343), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 143,358.

Filed Mar 9, 2018 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

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.

Filed Mar 5, 2018 · Electrical · 65,000 miles · CA

Insturment cluster stopped working. Noticed it when I started up the car several days ago

Filed Feb 24, 2018 · Electrical, Visibility · 80,000 miles · MO

Wipers will not work when raining. Then they will come on on their own. Then go off again then come on and not turn off even after then engine has been shut off and the key removed. This is a major safety hazard and has been reported several times by several people. 2012 was recalled for this very same thing

Filed Feb 20, 2018 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · OH

Design failure in engine wiring harness the wires with in the engine wiring harness rub together with the vibration of an ignited engine. As friction occurs between the individual encased wires, the casing wears down, the wires risk becoming fused together within the harness. The consequences of a faulty engine wiring harness: 1.RPM readings do not coincide with the motor. The vehicle struggles to accelerate from the traffic light even though the car idles at 2000 RPM. Therefore, the tachometer is unable to read the rotation of the engine's crankshaft. 2.as the vehicle in motion encounters an incline it loses power and is unable to accelerate on any grade hill, causing the engine to dump fuel. In such instance one can watch the fuel gauge recess quickly from full to empty. 3.whether the engine is turned on or off, the tail light and horn will also short out, presenting faulty circuits.

Filed Feb 14, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · AL

Ford focus shuts off when you press the brakes. It cranks back up fine but whenever you pull off and stop or try to slow down the car will shut down. It is happening constantly now.

Filed Feb 13, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · 89,000 miles · WI

Driving down the road at 35 when a steering failure warning popped up on the screen we drove a short distance to a gas station by then the power steering was completely gone. We did leave the gas station just trying to limp it home not far out of the gas station the steering completely locks up. Had it towed to the closest ford dealer. $1900 to have the steering module replaced. I had just had the car in a month ago because the transmission failed. That was on recall so no cost. I'll tell ya I feel punched in the stomach and cant believe ford does not take responsibility for all their faulty parts. Launching a complaint with ford. New richmond, wi bought used in 10/17 ford focus 2013 86000miles

Filed Feb 13, 2018 · Electrical · 86,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While driving, an abnormal popping noise was coming from the radio. In addition, the radio failed to operate and then operated independently. After attempting to the lock the doors while inside the vehicle, the doors failed to lock while driving. The vehicle was taken to blue springs ford (3200 nw south outer rd, blue springs, mo 64015), but was not diagnosed due to the cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

Filed Jan 18, 2018 · Brakes, Electrical · VA

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!

Filed Jan 18, 2018 · Electrical, Transmission · 50,000 miles · IL

Right now, ford is rebuilding the hybrid transition for my 2013 ford focus for at least the 4th or 5th time. There have been so many problems with this model, so many complete shut downs (sometimes as I am getting on the highway) and so many service appointments that it's astonishing there are no official recalls on the books. I would absolutely never consider buying another ford until they make this situation right.

Filed Nov 30, 2017 · Electrical, Fuel system · 86,000 miles · FL

We had he check engine light come. A check of the code showed a fuel delivery system problem. We also noticed that when trying to fuel the vehicle when placing the fuel nozzle into the fuel fill a rush of air would escape. After fueling the car would not start. Once we get the car started it would run rough for several miles. Also, the fuel gauge was wrong. The fuel gauge would show 1/2 tank but we ran out of gas. The mechanic had to replace the fuel tank, our mechanic had to replace the fuel tank, purge valve and associated hoses, fuel pump. Also, another problem arose with the instrument cluster. All of the gauges including the radio went blank and would not function. The mechanic had to disconnect the battery and reset the computer for the instruments and radio to begin working again.

Filed Nov 28, 2017 · Electrical, Fuel system · 125,000 miles · TX

All lights come on and the transmission jerks and hazing in moveing and the electric with the trunk and lights and the doors and the alarm. Been having problems for about a year.

Filed Nov 27, 2017 · Electrical · 90,563 miles · WA

Loud crackling/popping/static sound comes from radio at random intervals, radio then stops producing sound, have to turn the car off, open & shut door, then turn car back on then radio starts working again. Safety concern is the loudness of the sound coming at random times is startling and can cause an involuntary jerk/jump. Numerous people have had the same issue- one example is this forum: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/car-audio-sync-myford-touch-electronics/358625-crackling-radio-problem-my-2012-sel-38.html. I have video of the issue, which I cannot upload, but type ford radio issue into youtube and you'll find lots of examples.

Filed Nov 25, 2017 · Electrical · MA

Radio makes loud popping noises and loud static discharge sounds. Noise comes from nowhere and continues even if the car is shut off or with the car running. Can't adjust volume on radio to lower sound. Sound like a gun being shot near your ear. Very annoying especially when in traffic.

Filed Oct 3, 2017 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled several times without warning. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure progressed intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (landmark ford, 2401 prairie crossing dr, springfield, il 62711, (217) 862-5200) for diagnostic testing. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 14v495000 (electrical system) and 15v813000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Oct 3, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. Ever since the vehicle was initially purchased, there was a safety concern with the clutch. The contact stated that the clutch assembly shuttered and affected the condition of the vehicle. Years later, the dealer (pat milliken ford, 9600 telegraph rd, redford charter twp, mi 48239, (313) 731-6436) repaired the vehicle per an unknown recall. Months later, the failure recurred. In addition, after completing an unknown manufacturer recall concerning the door locks, the horn, key fob, and electronic locks failed to function. The contact was not experiencing the electrical failures prior to the dealer's repairs. The contact was concerned that the recall remedy caused multiple electrical failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available. *bf

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2013 Ford Focus?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history