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2013 Ford Focus engine complaints

Page 11 of 13: complaints 281 to 310 of 358, newest first, as owners wrote them.

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

Filed Sep 13, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 7,500 miles · PA

I've reported this issue several times. It is going to cause an accident!! When stopped at a stop light, or stop sign, the car wants to keep moving, even though heavy brake pressure is being applied. When I am at a stop light and the light turns green to move forward, the car hesitates to move, causing the vehicles behind me to blow their horn! There is nothing I can do!! This car is going to cause myself or other owners an accident with no doubt in my mind! The hesitation to take off when I'm wanting to get out of the way of oncoming traffic, scares me to death!!! Something needs to be done before an innocent life or lives are lost!!!

Filed Sep 9, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · KY

Cpsc: i1490081a. 2013 ford focus. Consumer stated the car stalls, stutters and also lurches between shifts.

Filed Sep 2, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 500 miles · CA

The transmission shifts roughly between first and second gear. It causes the car to shutter and on an incline, has caused the vehicle to roll backwards. I have taken the car to a ford dealership at least 4 times to fix the issue, but they have told me each time that there is no problem with the transmission. My driver door and driver-side passenger door have both opened while I was driving because of a faulty latch. They opened on separate occasions, so I have been to ford twice because of the door not closing. Lastly, the AC has two separate issues where it doesn't work. The technicians at ford have not been able to replicate the problem, so it has gone on unsolved.

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 20,153 miles · IL

The car is experiencing transmission problems. It shudders and bogs down as I am accelerating, and often lurches forward unexpectedly. The car makes a loud grinding noise when shifting through gears. The problems began in low gears, but I am now experiencing problems at all speeds, including lurching forward. I have taken the car back to the dealership twice, only for them to tell me this is a normal occurrence. I am afraid the transmission issues will cause an accident. I am also concerned that the grinding of the gears will cause damage to other components of my vehicle.

Filed Aug 18, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 2,000 miles · CA

Shifting into neutral (while decelerating/braking) will intermittently cause engine rpms to rapidly drop, resulting in engine failure/stall. Attempts to restart the engine are typically successful, although occasionally requiring multiple attempts, due to engine re-stalling. Key factors seem to be engine oil temperature, and braking/decelerating.

Filed Aug 11, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 19,500 miles · TX

I bought my 2013 focus se pre owned with 19500 miles in march of 2014. Within a month the car was shaking horribly at stop and at speeds between 0-30mph, while grinding-like noise came from the transmission. I am in fear of my wife and my safety, I almost got rear ended by a big 1 ton diesel truck because my car would not accelerate from stop. I took it the dealer and the car was "repaired" by the ford dealership where I bought it from. After taking it home 2 weeks later I brought the car back because the same problems were occurring. Ford service assured me there was absolutely nothing wrong with my car. Me being a chemical plant worker working overnights made it difficult to bring the car in for a third time during their business hours. First chance I got I brought the car back to the dealership a month later to get it fixed again. I talked to the dealer manager and he guaranteed me he would help me with this issue, he took me to the ford service manager just for him to tell me "its normal" for that car to do that. They said all they could do is some computer reset to the car and gave it back to me. The service manager told me the car will start shaking again eventually and there's nothing they can do to fix that problem because that's the way the transmission was designed. I am in the process of filing a lemon law complaint against ford. Will never buy another ford vehicle again.

Filed Jul 28, 2014 · Engine · 200 miles · PA

I purchased my 2013 focus titanium, auto transmission, in september 2013. After a few days, I noticed hesitation/shuddering, jerking, and grinding when accelerating from a stand-still/"off the line" as well as when the car was downshifting from higher gears. I called my dealer, nazareth ford in nazareth, pa, to report the issue. I was told by the dealer that this was "normal" for the transmission, which is a "manual automatic" transmission. I was skeptical, but I was advised to drive 500 miles and see if the problem corrected itself. I was discouraged to make an appointment, since this was supposed to be "normal" and I had not reached 500 miles yet to see if it would improve. It never did and has only gotten worse. Last week after almost a year and 17,500 miles with no improvement, I was fed up. I called the dealer to make an an appointment. The dealer kept the car two days and reported that they reprogrammed the transmission. I picked the car up last saturday and after 15 minutes or less, the issues returned. I contacted the dealer again and the person did not return my phone call. I visited in person and was advised again that I should drive another 500 miles so the reprogram could take effect. The dealer commented that a number of customers have come back for premature transmission replacements, which did not leave me with a great feeling. This issue has proved to be potentially life-threatening on a number of occasions, such as coming to a stop at the end of an intersection, red light, or highway ramp before accelerating back up to speed and climbing any sort of hill. Jerking and grinding prevents the car from accelerating smoothly. While I am otherwise happy with the features of the car, this is a deal-breaker. With the number of miles that I drive, I am scared that this improper functioning will cause a collision if left unresolved.

Filed Jul 27, 2014 · Engine · 3,000 miles · NY

When turning a corner and attempting to accelerate the care shuddered and made loud noises. It progressed to shuddering every time I accelerated...climbing small grade, changing speed zones etc. This is an automatic car. I had it into shop where they cleaned clutches and the problem persisted and now there was shuddering when I attempted to back down a small drive way incline. The car continues to shudder and make noise. The service department tells me the car needs to learn my driving style....bs. This is embarrassing and frustrating not to mention that I feel very unsafe driving a car with transmission problems. I was told to drive it more, but I refuse to drive a brand new car with these issues.

Filed Jul 25, 2014 · Engine · 50,301 miles · NH

I was stopped in line at a light. When the light changed I pushed on the gas and the car would not move- it sounded like the engine was stuck in neutral. I shut the car off and restarted it and that's when the check engine light came on. I was almost rear-ended several times as the car would not move. I had it towed to the dealer only to be told that they didn't know what was wrong-after two days I was told it was due to an update that needed to be done to the engine software and that it was not covered under either the basic warranty or the extended warranty and I would have to pay for the repair. I had the same vehicle to the dealer for a sound in the engine on 6/30 and they couldn't find anything! I have a friend who had the same issue when his car was a month old and they covered the cost of his repair.

Filed Jul 23, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 9,850 miles · NY

As I was driving the car, at low RPM's the car would stutter and stall. It is more pronounced with the air conditioning on. Took it to the dealer and could find nothing wrong with it, I was told this is common. On my way home from the dealer the car stalled leaving a green traffic light and I was almost hit in the rear end. The car finally lite a check engine light 3 weeks later. Dealer changed an o2 sensor and 4 days later in july car went into "limp mode" in first gear as I was leaving a restaurant. The car hesitated and stalled in traffic, I was almost hit in the rear of the car again. The dealer claims that the an actuator controlling the radiator vents is bad, but this should no have caused the car to go into limp mode. Ford has a tsb for a wiring harness problem, the number is tsb 13-9-7 that explains the issues of stuttering and stalling, but unless 2 codes are read on the computer they refuse to fix it. The problem is well documented on fordfocusst.org website. Hundreds, if not thousands of cars have the same issue. I believe that one day someone, if not many people, will be seriously hurt due to this issue.

Filed Jul 21, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 36,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled several times and the engine light remained illuminated. Also, the contact mentioned that the vehicle shifted out of parked independently. The dealer advised it was normal for the vehicle to roll out of park on its own. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 36,000.

Filed Jul 16, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 9,000 miles · IN

As I was waiting a traffic light my engine revs dropped so low the engine quietly died. When I went to accelerate from the light I realized the car had stalled and had to restart the car. It only happened once more in the next month and a half, then happened three times yesterday. The last time the car stalled I was getting ready to make a left turn through a traffic light during the rush hour commute home. The car did start up again, but it struggled to turn back on and some dash lights flashed up me (I believe the cel flashed on.) I was stuck in the middle of an intersection during rush hour for approximately 5 seconds with a dead car.

Filed Jul 9, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 7,100 miles · CO

Engine started idling rough while down shifting, once the vehicle came to a stop the vehicle shuttered (rpms) and then stalled. This has happened quite a few times, but is intermittent. Engine started idling rough while traveling through a corner and down shifting from 3rd to 2nd, at that time the clutch was pushed in and the car stalled. I lost power steering and slightly traveled into the on coming lane of traffic at 25 MPH. The stalling while down shifting has happened quite a few times, but is intermittent. Engine idles rough while at stops or down shifting, but does not stall. This happens almost all the time, does not always stall, but is also intermittent. Hill assist seems to be intermittent as to when it wants to work or not work. After performing a tsb on my car the clutch stuck to the floor. After I pumped the clutch a few times it started acting normal.

Filed Jul 8, 2014 · Engine · 10,293 miles · PA

Ford focus st (manual transmission) stalls repeatedly when coasting to a stop. Once stalled while driving at 40 MPH which is potentially dangerous. Sometimes the idle drops very low (500 RPM) but doesn't stall. No check engine light (cel). Dealer said without cel there is no indication of a problem. From online research this appears to be a widespread problem with 2013 focus st.

Filed Jun 23, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 9,974 miles · OH

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.

Filed Jun 23, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 13,258 miles · MD

I purchased my vehicle in sept 2013 brand new with 23 miles on it. I have no medication done to my car, and for the past few months I've noticed a small miss every once and a while. This problem started getting worse at times my car would accelerate without me pushing the throttle. On 21 june 2014 the problem got much worse and started to stall when I am in neutral, and the throttle is all over the place. The car is currently at the ford dealership, this problem is all over the internet, with quite of few 2013 ford focuses effected this is a problem that need to be raised. It is a major safety concern that if left untreated could result in someone losing their life.

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Car hesitates at take off and take off when making turns.

Filed Jun 12, 2014 · Engine · 23,787 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The techcnician was unable to diagnose the failure and stated that the contact could drive the vehicle as long as the check engine sensor light was not flashing. Also, the contact stated while traveling approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The dealer was contacted and the vehicle was towed to the dealership for further inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the faiure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,787.

Filed Jun 5, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 8,000 miles · CT

Car is lagging and bogging consistently; turn acceleration in unpredictable, frequent transmission shuddering occurring, un-smooth shifting, I do not feel safe. Low gas mileage 20-24.

Filed May 22, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

1. The sputtering, hesitation when pressing down on the accelerator 2. After stopping the car, the extra "jolt" seems as if it could be a safety concern/issue 3.year later all this got worse and I had the car towed in to the dealership 2 times for a total of 38 days of "fixing" the problems of the transmission. 4.I've had my car back now for 3 days, the hesitation is still there, no sputtering noticed as of now.

Filed May 21, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 5,250 miles · KS

When driving at highway speed 65 with cruise control engaged the vehicle feels as if the engine is cutting out or engine braking is being applied the RPM's drop from 2.5 to 2.25 feels like the engine is pulsing.

Filed May 21, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 5,192 miles · KS

The vehicle stalls and shudders when shifting through lower gears. To avoid the issue you have to accelerate at a fairly high rate from a stop sign. Very dangerous when turning corners. Have taken into the dealer once scheduled for second trip this week. They say it is with in their tolerance boundaries.

Filed May 16, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 3,900 miles · WA

The vehicle will stall upon pressing the clutch in while in gear or neutral regardless of speed at random intervals. I'll notice that coming to a stop with the clutch in the car has a hard time finding an idle then ultimately dies. This mostly happens while the car has been running for awhile and the AC is on however it has happened with the AC off. This has happened multiple times including while down shifting into a lower gear while turning. The dealership was unable to reproduce this despite showing video proof of the issue. This is an overall safety concern when the car could shut off at any given moment while driving.

Filed Apr 28, 2014 · Engine · 24,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 49,400 miles · NV

I first noticed a problem with my transmission the first week I bought my '13 ford focus. I would hear a shuddering and gears grinding when I would accelerate and my transmission would slip when shifting gears. I took it to the dealer and asked them to check it out but was told that it was normal and nothing to worry about and sent me on my way without even taking a look under the hood. I informed them I was worried about getting into an accident with it and they said that would be impossible and it was of no concern. On friday, april 25th, 2014, after driving 40 minutes to work, I started my car up again and turned onto a main city road from a parking lot then onto a residential street. There, I noticed my transmission light had turned on and my car was having a difficult time shifting gears. The rpms skyrocketed and then plummeted. I was going about 20mph-25mph and my dash is reading 4rpms. I then turn onto another main road where my car started chugging along, it felt, while revving multiple times. I had no control over my own vehicle. About a mile or two away, I reached my destination. I parked and then started to drive again where my car then stopped and I had to declare it inoperable. The next day, I had to have the car towed. Come to find out, the transmission problems I complained about to the dealer were not normal and any day my car was going to quit on me. April 25th, 2014 happened to be that day. My car is just outside of the lemon law as I purchased it last january. Ford is hesitant on helping me and getting my car back and running. I was told there was no problem and nothing to worry about, therefore, I did not pursue the problem any further.

Filed Apr 19, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 150 miles · TN

The first incident occurred two days or so after purchasing the car. Heard grinding noise in the front of the car as if metal was dragging on asphalt. Took it to dealership and they stated it was normal. About two weeks later check engine light came on. Took it to dealership and they ran a test and said nothing was wrong and reset the computer. A week later, message comes on the screen in the car to immediately pull over due to high temperatures. Lifted the hood and steam was emanating from the coolant reservoir and the lid had come off due to the pressure. I had to call for a tow to the dealership. They ran another test and found that the radiator fan had failed and they had to replace it. More repeated trips to the dealership to address the grinding transmission but to no avail. In april 2014, I started to experience violent shuddering and jerking, along with the grinding, and again took it to the dealership. They told my husband nothing was wrong because they did not experience it when he came in. Took it back the next day, they ran a test and found that I was is fact right that something was wrong. The clutch was being leaked on by seals above it. They told me they had ordered the part and would call me when it came in. I was not told to leave it there. They said they would call me when the part came in. The car lurches forward when shifting and shudders horribly. I would not recommend this car to anyone and I do not feel safe driving it and nothing seems to be done about it.

Filed Apr 15, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 7,000 miles · NJ

On my 2013 ford focus st I have been experiencing a stalling issue while moving. Car will stall when clutch is pressed while slowing down. Ford has a tsb issued, but will not perform required work due to no code being present. The issue will come and go. Upon browsing internet this is a known issue and many people have been told ford will not perform the fix. So there are numerous ford focus st on the road having this exact problem. It is affecting the current year as well. Here is a link to a discussion on this topic http://www.focusst.org/forum/focus-st-maintenance/5514-your-car-randomly-stalling-idling-wierd-read.html as you can see it is pretty much more than 50% of cars sold seem like they will eventually have this issue. It's a matter of luck if it will throw a code. People have resorted to fixing it themselves. This is absurd. This issue needs to be made public since ford seems they are trying to save money by saying they need a code present. I brand new car should not be stalling while moving or any time you don't physically shut it off. It's creating a dangerous situation.

Filed Apr 10, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 18,000 miles · IL

Engine stalls and shuts off while coasting or coming to a stop with the clutch in.

Filed Apr 4, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 26,000 miles · CT

Upon startup, the car idles rough and the rpms drop until the ecu catches it and the rpms increase. The problem becomes more frequent as the car is driven. At times, the rpms will drop so far that the car will stall. The problem tends to get worse as the car heats up. It has stalled multiple times when come to a stop at an intersection or to park. For example, I went out to start the car after about 20 minutes of it sitting after 40 minutes of mixed commuting and the car could not keep an idle. It stalled on me 3 times and felt like it was going to shake itself to pieces. I finally got it started by holding down the throttle and I was able to move the car. It was 60-63 degrees out on april 3rd, 2014 in southeastern ct when this problem occurred. The problem also seems to get worse as the air temperature increases.

Filed Apr 3, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 15,267 miles · VA

I was driving on an interstate at highway speeds in a completely flat section of the road and had been approximately 20 minutes in my journey when I noticed my car started slightly shuddering. When slowing down for a merging vehicle, my vehicle went to over 5000 RPM (automatic transmission by the way) and my speed dropped, dangerously dropping my speed in a passing lane to 20 under the speed limit. While making multiple attempts on the gas to accelerate the speed, my RPM's kept going up and my acceleration kept declining with cars swerving until I could get into the righthand lane. I have never had an accident or any difficulty with my vehicle as I purchased it new. Further, I have noticed that even though I have an automatic transmission, when stopped at intersections or lights, if I let up off of the gas at all, my car rolls backwards much like a manual transmission would do, which now that I know the transmission does this, I am aware, however on uphill stops I find it difficult to not roll backwards in switching between the brake and acceleration if a car is closely behind me, stopped. I have taken my car to a ford dealership for it to be looked at, and the customer service rep at my local dealership (where I didn't buy the car) states that the transmission issues are common in ford focuses of this model year -- and ford is aware/the dealership is aware -- yet they "can't find anything actually wrong by guidelines" for the car. It's a safety hazard and needs to be dealt with immediately! I expect a new car with no accidents to run smoothly!

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