2013 Ford Focus: engine stalls while driving

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · WI

I purchased a 2013 Ford Focus from Boucher Ford of Menomonee Falls, WI in February, 2026. A few months later, Ford issued a recall on this car that requires the Powertrain Control Module to be reprogrammed to avoid issues like a collapsed fuel tank or stalling while driving, potentially causing an accident. I had been informed by a mechanic that this car was sold to me with a custom tune on the PCM. This tune was not disclosed to me when I purchased the car and due to the PCM being modified, the recall cannot be performed without damage to the PCM rendering the car undriveable. I tried working with Jeff Samp (General Manager) at the dealership but he told me they were not required by law to check for tunes when a car is traded in and that he could have someone "look at the car" but if they damage the PCM performing the recall, they will not be held responsible. I opened a case with Ford Motor Company and was informed that they would escalate to some kind of dealership oversight department and that it might take a couple weeks to get a response. I never received a response so I called Ford to inquire and was told that they are not sure why I was told that, that no such department exists, and that all they can do is call the dealership on my behalf and "ask" them to deal with it. Facts: 1. They sold me a car with a modified Powertrain Control Module which can affect many things, even falsely disabling check engine lights. 2. A FEDERAL RECALL for my own safety cannot be performed on this vehicle IN THE CONDITION THEY SOLD IT TO ME, putting my safety, my passengers' safety, and the safety of other motorists at risk. 3. Boucher Ford will not remedy this issue or even contact the previous owner as I requested to find out what kind of tune is on this vehicle so that I can get it removed and this safety recall performed. I want the PCM replaced with a new unit, with the new software that complies with this recall.

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

I am reporting a severe vehicle safety hazard and engine stalling incident on my 2013 Ford Focus caused by an un-remedied factory emissions safety defect (related to Ford Recall 26S40 / 18S32). Due to an incomplete factory software monitoring patch, the canister purge valve stuck open and allowed continuous, unchecked engine vacuum to pull straight out of the plastic fuel tank. This heavy vacuum physically collapsed and deformed the bottom of the plastic fuel tank inward by approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inches. This structural collapse compressed the internal fuel pump assembly and mechanical float arm, falsifying the dashboard fuel gauge and distance-to-empty calculations. On April 2nd, while driving on Interstate 95 at midnight, the vehicle displayed an inaccurate fuel level, ran completely dry, and suffered a sudden engine stall in high-speed traffic without warning. My family and I were trapped in a highly hazardous situation and were forced to physically push the disabled vehicle 3 miles down the highway in total darkness. We ultimately had to enlist the emergency intervention of the Florida State Patrol Road Rangers to dispatch a unit and supply fuel so we could safely clear the interstate. The vehicle has since thrown a hard diagnostic trouble code P0443, confirming a complete electrical circuit malfunction of the EVAP system. Ford's failure to successfully deploy a functional software monitor has caused severe structural damage to my fuel system and created an imminent, life-threatening safety risk to my family on public highways. I am requesting a federal record of this incident to compel a full vehicle inspection and complete fuel system component replacement by the manufacturer."

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

The evap canister purge valve has been a recurring problem for this vehicle. The canister was replaced in 2021, but continued having problems, as it pulled a vacuum on the fuel tank in upwards of 3/8 inch. (Documented by Murray Ford in 2023 and reassuredthere was no issue by them) the vehicle has displayed inaccurate fuel readings and caused our family to be disabled and then stranded in the night on highway 95. It put the safety of my family, and other motorists at risk The problem hasn't been duplicated because their "software fix" essentially ignored the problem altogether. There were no warnings. According to my vehicle it had at least 50 miles til empty. The fuel sending unit is displaying innacurqte fuel readings, and the fuel pump has displayed symptoms, characterized by surging, stalled when accelerating from a stop, and of course, completely shutting off, while on the highway. I've tried my best to trust and be patient with Ford and for them to do the right thing, but have been brushed off.

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · NJ

Our 2013 ford focus has had the shudder clutch replaced 3 times in 4 years. We paid $2500 for them to replace the clutch, forks, and adjust the tcm module. Within a year it went again. They replaced under our warranty from the first fix. Then a year later, it went again, warranty was out but ford sent a letter to replace for free. They did.. and now it’s broke again. It shudders and jerks so bad. My college daughter takes it to and from school and relies on it. I don’t understand how Ford gets away with this as it is an ongoing issue with this year make and model vehicle. It’s dangerous, will stall… and jerk. They charge to fix and all it is a bandaid for an ongoing inevitable failure again. On top of that all the electrical to the radio, speakers and such went as well. The vehicle has less than 98k miles on it. It is well taken care of. This transmission issue is Fords negligence. It’s dangerous, deadly; and I cannot believe they continue to charge for an issue they know about.

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Fuel system · 178,391 miles · WY

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, the RPM decreased, and the vehicle turned off independently. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the fuel line and fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V515000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 178,391.

Filed Feb 19, 2025 · Transmission · NY

I have the DPS6 Transmission from the Michigan plant. My Focus SE started to shudder, jerk, didn't want to shift,. Also, acted like the car was going to stall and when in reverse wouldn't back up. I also had problems with loss of power. I didn't feel safe when driving, what happens when I'm on the road if the car won't shift when in traffic? It's a hazard !! Had a new clutch, seals, gasket, cylinder put in (2023) and now( End of January 2025) it's started again along with shift forks as I was told by the dealership. Ford FIX THE PROBLEM your DPS6 Transmission should be REPLACED !! Are you waiting for deaths to happen ? You've known about this but haven't helped your customers.

Filed Dec 11, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 196,666 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and shut off at a red light. The contact stated that after ten attempts the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 196,666.

Filed Nov 19, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 154,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle rolled backward. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message "Transmission Overheating" was displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission clutch forks had become stuck, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jun 21, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · 200,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle shuddered and then stalled. The contact stated that the failure also recurred while reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure could be related to the TCM. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2024 · 163,009 miles · MD

[XXX], around 11am, I was driving and the driver door was wide opened. I tried to shut it but no way. I managed to find a parking where I parked. I called AAA but they couldn't do anything. While trying to find out what was going on, we came to cross the recall. I called FORD CS. She advised to tow Focus to the nearest dealership. Also, I asked that FORD assist me with a rental but she said that the dealership has to run their diagnosis and confirm it's a recall first even after I gave her the detail of what happened. I could be in a messy accident. All I asked is a car that can keep me going to my workplaces. I work day and night, week days and weekends. Focus was towed. On Monday, June 10th, we kept contact with the dealership. Michelle was our contact. She confirmed the recall and said the car doors would be fixed by Tuesday. I asked for a rental or loaner, she refused. I went back to chat with FORD CS agent. Nothing was resolved. So mad. On Thursday, [XXX], I left my day job going home. The gas yellow sign was showing on the board and I was on my way to get gas. I could still see 7 miles left before completion. I was driving in the middle lane on the highway [XXX] ). The engine stalled without warning and Focus won't restart. Another panicking situation for me in less than a week. I called AAA & they said Focus needed to be towed to the shop. Wow! At this very moment, Focus is at the repair shop. Yesterday, Friday, June 14th, the agent told me that they replaced the battery and that they found some safety issues like oil change ( this was done recently and due only in Nov. 24), .... At this point, I told them I'll pay for the battery and get Focus on Monday, Now, I was reading about the 3 recalls and came across the fuel system, gasoline: storage. I kind of realized that this might be the case on Thursday. Pls, take care of my Focus without endangering my life. I will be expecting your reply about steps to take. Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

Filed May 17, 2024 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shuddering, and the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was not included.