Electronic Stability Control Related Problems of the 2013 Ford Focus

Table 1 shows one common electronic stability control related problems of the 2013 Ford Focus.

Table 1. Electronic Stability Control related problems of Ford Focus

Problem Category Number of Problems
Electronic Stability Control problems
36

Electronic Stability Control problem #1

I just bought is car Wednesday the 09th 2020 and on Thursday the 17th I picked my car up from the garage after getting it inspected, I go back to work and leave around 730pm I went to drop my friend off at her house, her house is located on a hill, once I turned the corner and hit the gas, the car backfired and felt like it was going to stall, everytime I stop the car is hesitant to move everytime I try and take off. Also while I was on my way home I had to take a road with a hill and what a mistake I didn't think I was going to make it to the top that's when the check engine light came on.

Electronic Stability Control problem #2

I was driving down a city street and an engine light appeared and instantly power steering stopped while I was in motion. I had to slowly drive the car back to the house which was 10 mins away and park it which obviously was not easy considering the circumstances. Ford stated that there were no recalls on electrical or power steering for this model but I have seen that some other models have had electrical issues and its concerning. Luckily, I was the only person in the car and my children were not present. I am also thankful I was not on the interstate when this occurred as this could have been a potentially dangerous situation. This occurred yesterday, 8/26/2020 in indianapolis, in.

Electronic Stability Control problem #3

While driving a fully-charged 2013 Ford Focus bev, the "stop safely now" message appeared, resulting in the steering wheel locking as I slowed the car. Car had difficulty shifting to park once stopped.

Electronic Stability Control problem #4

Car jerks during acceleration, cpu was updated at Ford dealership but jerking is persistent, transmission overheating signal appeared, check engine signal appeared, car reverse gear faulty. All happened while car was in motion in a busy street. After car showed the transmission overheating signal it shut down and I was close to getting hit by another car from the rear end as it shut down simultaneously. Called towing service right after because car would no longer drive when on gear.

Electronic Stability Control problem #5

My Ford car engine light is on whenever it rains and my Ford car stalls and I have no idea what recall issues it hash latch door check look at at the sales service Ford dealership!2020.

Electronic Stability Control problem #6

While at a stop light on a busy street my car jerks and then gets quiet, when the light changes to green I hit on the gas pedal and the car does not move, no matter how hard I press, I turn on my emergency lights and after about 3 mins the car finally moves but while driving once again I hit on the gas pedal to increase speed and it does not work, I decide to turn around in a small parking lot and take it home and while doing that the car doesn't reverse, I get it back on the road and it jerks and jumps to the point where I just had to park it and call a ride. The week prior a mechanic told me I just needed coolant after the car jerked and stalled on the highway while I was going 70mph, and now every time I bring the car to a complete stop it doesn't move once it's time to accelerate, I've had it stall in heavy traffic where cars where bumper to bumper and I could not move. All of this after I had the ecu flashed to fix the codes, the entire engine and head gaskets replaced, the fuel pump system and transmission fixed by Ford. So I took it to a mechanic to get it diagnosed and they inform me of multiple problems such as a new thermostat and air bag deployment issues but the main problem is that I need a new transmission again, unfortunately the cars value is not worth what it will cost to fix the transmission again.

Electronic Stability Control problem #7

While driving the lights come on the dashboard and the car stops automatically and the car doesn't turn on for while,then after two hours it turns on and I drive it for another five days and that happens again almost an in crash or I was very lucky for a very bad accident and I called a tow truck to send my car home and since then is undrivable which is parked in my house.

Electronic Stability Control problem #8

With no cause or warning, the instrument panel notified me that "hill assist is unavailable". Also, when stationary, there appears to be no power steering when attempting to turn left. This problem stops when rolling forward or reverse. After moving, the problem does not reoccur (stop signs, stop lights, etc). It does, however, occur again when the ignition is turned off, then back on. Both of these problems began at the same time.

Electronic Stability Control problem #9

Wray Ford in bossier tested it, said it was a pcm software and that it will cost me 1600 dollars to fix it. I gave Ford the recall number. They told me that my car is over 150,000 miles and that I would have to pay out of pocket. Now this is my second recall on my car, the first recall was the latches, my doors wouldn't stay close, Ford replace all 4 of my doors, and bruce lee told me I had another recall that I needed to get fix but I had to bring it back. Now my car will not start. And Ford is trying to charge me for the recall.

Electronic Stability Control problem #10

Audio control module failure causing ear piercing noises at any random moment that totally disracts the driver. Attempt to file this safety concern was not accepted by ainsworth and lewis as it was not already on their listing. This was referred to as a cosmetic problem by lewis. It is my understanding this defect will not be taken seriously until several accidents are caused and many lives are lost due to this serious problem. No proactive activity within NHTSA whatsoever. If this is the way NHTSA conducts their operations, I strongly suggest a computerized application that will simply handle lewis and ainsworth's jobs. Taxpayers and concerned citizens are getting no value from these positions whatsoever.

Electronic Stability Control problem #11

I'm at the tail end of a buyback for multiple recall issues that seem to be unfixable. They had also replaced a week engine mount that is failing now they had to replace a safety recall for gas fuel. All of which in the past downtown Ford in sacramento did for free and now they are trying to charge me $1300 to fix the recalls and repairs that they had done without my knowledge. Since it was ordered to them by you guys. And now they are saying at future Ford of sacramento off of madison avenue that they will not fix it for free and that they are going to try and take it out of my settlement when theyare scam artists and are charging me way more than any part needs to be. And I'm also being lied to by Ford wrap who told me they were going to pay for the parts and they were also going to put me in a rental. All of which was a lie. I have lost hundreds of dollars in wages I've had a ton of pain and suffering from having to be lied to over and over again and thinking I am being helped when in fact all they're doing is trying to take my money and put me in a unsafe car that could've killed me or my loved ones multiple times because of their negligence and they are not being held liable.

Electronic Stability Control problem #12

I was driving away from my boyfriends house heading to the interstate 95 . As I was driving I noticed white smoke coming out of the dashboard, I the car around and headed back to my boyfriends house, I put the car in park and jumped out, my boyfriend came outside and he was able to put the fire out.

Electronic Stability Control problem #13

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.

Electronic Stability Control problem #14

Takata recall- I'm having a problem with my steering. One afternoon I started to car and noticed that my steering wheel was stuck. After a while I turned the car off and let it sit then started it again and the problem was gone. The next day I attempted to drive the car and couldn't because the steering wheel was hard to turn. The Ford dealership is telling me to pay an excessive amount of money for the issue. I just want to know what do I need to do from here.

Electronic Stability Control problem #15

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.

Electronic Stability Control problem #16

Ford Focus 2013 se - while driving (in motion), driver's side door unlatched and swung open, and would not close, horn stopped working, interior displays and lights flickered, when pulled over, car would not start. If we were on a highway it would have been tremendously dangerous. Later car did start, but door would not latch, radio was reset, hazards would turn on and off at random. Door latch and horn would not work after this event. Shortly prior to this issue, horn started working at random, wipers would not turn off. When inspected, advised battery was bad and had corroded negative wire to battery. One week after replaced, this event occurred. Clutch in vehicle also jitters when increasing speed from full stop, allegedly corrected at Ford dealership after recall (2 years ago). Per research this issue is being caused by a faulty clutch interfering with electrical system.

Electronic Stability Control problem #17

As I was waiting for light to turn green at a busy intersection my car stalls. It was acting as if I had put my car in park and accelerate the gas. On my dash board I notice the symbol as if my traction was on. I turned my car off and tries to restart it. It will not turn over. Not even making a sound. Mind you I am at a very busy intersection. This is so dangerous especially if this would have happened on the freeway.

Electronic Stability Control problem #18

Transmission failure. I've had the clutch strum replaced six times, most recently my car experienced a transmission electrical and actual failure without warning. I was unable to move on a highway bridge. It has been having shifting issues since I got it and makes a noise and stutters, usually between first and second gear but also in other instances. This has been an ongoing issue.

Electronic Stability Control problem #19

While driving home on a very busy freeway in dallas the steering default warning came on. Shortly thereafter numerous other warnings displayed on the dashboard, my car immediately lost acceleration and the engine default light came on causing me to completely stall. I almost caused a major accident being rush hour. I was towed to the dealership where they said I needed a new battery. Over $400 later, 4 days later, I picked car up and 5 hours later it did it again. Returned car to dealership and this time they reported an evap code. This has nothing to do with the steering and I knew this. I contacted a friend who is a master technician who went into the dealership with me and subsequently I was not charged the diagnostic code again. He discussed this issue and they said the steering was fine and until it happens again there was nothing they could identify to fix!! (however, the repairs the dealer wanted me to agree with now-the evap code?- were just under $2,000 and didn't address the steering code warning in any way. Fuel tank, lines & purge valve? all in need of repair 6 hours after car was fixed via a brand new battery) I am at 103,000 miles. I drove the car that night fine, the next day and then again it repeated the steering warning and shut down while in motion on a major freeway that evening. Four times later since 11/29/16 I have had this steering warning/subsequent results of almost crashing. This is thee most unsafe vehicle being driven on american roads today. Ford should recall this, fix this steering issue once and for all. I will never, ever buy or drive a Ford car again.

Electronic Stability Control problem #20

One Dec 24 2015 driving down the freeway my car had full loss of steering, the engine light came on, the pedals stopped working and I nearly crashed the car. After pulling off the freeway I turned the car off and it would not start back up. Moments later I could start the car, I ran a vehicle health report to prove to Ford that something had happened. I then drove my car which was stuck in 1st gear to my destination. The steering was very heavy, the pedals were not working well at all. After leaving it parked for 30 minutes I turned the car on and the check engine illuminated, but the problems had cleared. This feature is very deceiving, as some may assume the car is now safe. I took the car in for repair, and they simply reprogrammed the car. I continue to this day to have transmission issues, and have had the clutch only replaced one time dispite bringing it to them constantly for repair. In January of this year my cars clutch and transmission failed, the car seemed to make a loud acceleration noise and then become forced into 1st gear. This made steering heavy or hard, & the pedals not work with the usual weight on them. I drove my car to Ford like this, stuck in 1st to show them finally that the whole time I knew something was wrong. My various other complaints of this vehicle include regular acceleration between 1st and 2nd gear, there is the standard shudder. In addition, my visiting family became stuck in the back seat with indoor latches not working - the child locks were off. I feel as though I was sold a "dud" car & that the salesperson lied to me about the transmission. If I had known it was an "electronically controlled manual car" I would not have purchased it. Now I can't get my car appraised, no dealer is willing to buy this car form me. Kbb states my current value is at around $9000 and 12 months ago I paid $16000, close to $17000 including financing.

Electronic Stability Control problem #21

Fuel system/ gasoline: storage-campaign #18v735000 (01/19/2019)-fuel system/ gasoline: storage-campaign #19v515000-(01/29/2019)-latches/locks/linkages: door latch-campaign #16v643000-01/27/2017)-latches/locks/linkages: hatchback: lift gate lock campaign # 16v698000-(11/16/2016)-structure: body hatch back/ lift gate campaign # 16v691000 (11/16/2016)- electrical system: wiring campaign # 15v813000-(01/07/2016).

Electronic Stability Control problem #22

Car makes noise. Car sluggish when I give gasoline. Went to dealer about 5 times before dealer decided I had transmission problem. Dealer told me would only repair transmission. Waited for part. Went back to dealer to say car almost stalled. Was applying brakes at the time on highway. Out of concern for condition car was in, had car on cruise control to limit sudden application of gas or brake. Was on road for about 20 minutes on highway. I worried car would stall and cause accident. Dealer later said machine review of my car says it was drivable. Advised dealer if it almost stalls, it may stall. Dealer said: I will have to wait for part. It has been over 2 months, part not at dealer. Latest is that Ford corporation advised me part was sent 8 days ago. Dealer does not have part. Last 3 days dealer does not call back after I left messages to tell me status of part. Car is unsafe to drive, need to drive long distance, but I do not want to risk it. Waited for part since 12/6/2015. Dangerous highway incident was 1/1/2016.

Electronic Stability Control problem #23

The vehicle has stalled multiple times. It has happens when the clutch is depressed. The rpms drop down below 500 and sometimes the engine stalls. Sometimes the engine will just waiver at low rpms and regain idle. The car has also stalled at high speed on the freeway, with traffic backed up, I depressed the clutch, and the engine stalled.

Electronic Stability Control problem #24

My car stalled going down the road at approximately 35 mph upon attempting to accelerate the vehicle revved to the red limit, and would not go into gear. I was thankfully able to pull to the side of the road and get myself and my child to safety by rolling in neutral. Ford motor company has had thousands of complaints about the transmissions in these cars stalling or completely malfunctioning while driving yet there has not been a recall on them. My infant was in the car! had I been entering a highway or something the results would have been terrible. All the company will do is extend the warranty to 100,000 miles and then we as consumers are screwed. Basically they "fix" it until the warranty is up. This is not acceptable or safe in any way.

Electronic Stability Control problem #25

I own a 2013 Ford Focus hatchback that has transmission and clutch issues. It's been recalled once and replaced. But still has the same issue. When start to putting gas on the pedal the van stuffers and skips gears until it reaches 3rd gear. This is making it hard to drive and gain speed. It ultimately needs to be replaced again. But Ford won't replace again for another 2500$. It's a known issue that they know of but won't replace more than once. I also can't trade in my vehicle because it's worth 93% less than value. The car has other known recalls that needs to be fixed.

Electronic Stability Control problem #26

Car went from 60 mph to 40mph to 20mph to zero and stalled and died in less than ten seconds while driving on the interstate north of atlanta,GA on Nov 23,2014. Car came to complete halt when I tried to push the gas pedal and accelerate. I almost died. Car has been in the repair shop at Ford dealership for over 23 days now.

Electronic Stability Control problem #27

This vehicle has been 'fixed' multiple times. Shaking and rumbling when shifting in the transmission, lack of power when accelerating and rattling when around 50 mph.

Electronic Stability Control problem #28

I've had the transmission redone twice one at 58k the problem started at 31k and again at 86k two weeks later the same surging, jolting, loss of power is still happening. Ford motor CO. And dealers are horrible to deal with. Ford motor CO. Won't respond they take messages if you can actually talk to someone. There are thousands of these cars with this transmission which is crap. They need to discontinue use because the fix is not a fix. Someone needs to stop Ford from producing unsafe cars. Any time I drive this care the jolts start after second gear then it doesn' change gears correctly it's sluggish this happens on streets and highways or when slowing down and attempting to speed up it has very little power and I end up wasting a lot of gas so the mpg's aren't correct in rating. Vehicle health report in syn is a joke, it will tell you your breaks are ok and they aren't. It goes through a quart of oil every 6 k miles. Now it's hard to start I jiggle the key and it sometimes starts there's a loud clicking noise and all the lights and electronics flicker then it finally starts. Don't buy any Focus! I've submitted a previous complain not sure if this is even being read. . . I have all my service records. Don't have a scanner if you want to see them. Dealers initially told me several times I'm not "giving it enough gas" even though there was already a recall on the transmission and I had 30k on the care.

Electronic Stability Control problem #29

We had had this car in at least 6 times for issues with the transmission. The last visit was 2 weeks ago when the car would not start. There is also a warning light that is constantly on. They told us it has to do with a sensor by where the gas is put into the car but they don't seem to be able to fix the problem or turn off the warning light. The car still stutters and runs rough after many complaints. Mostly when first accelerating after a stop. Also clunks when turning.

Electronic Stability Control problem #30

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. . Read more...

Electronic Stability Control problem #31

My car shutters and hesitates when pulling off, rpms rev up and gas mi is not as advertised. It also makes noises that I thought were the door locks clicking when car is off, later to be told its the transmission is re-setting? besides that I have had 3 flat tires on the same side of the car, from rivet looking things that I think are falling out of the wheel well (at least 1 did!) this is my 1st new car and I've taken care of it! in fact I got it early 2013, and as of now it only has 15,600 miles on it! the last oil change was due at 16,000miles and I had that done @ November because that date was recommended. Everytime I have mentioned this to Ford they blow me off and say there is no recall, well bs I want, and deserve what I paid for, a new car, not a big headache!.

Electronic Stability Control problem #32

This is actually the 3rd time in a month this occurred. The "stop safely now" warning comes up. 1st time on 7/29, I was able to safely pull into a parking lot. The car would not restart, and the wrench symbol displayed. Turned off and tried again 5 minutes later, and the car worked fine. The next day, the car gave no notice as I moved to accelerate at a green light. A clunk, and no power, and the "stop safely" now warned occurred at the same time. I turned the hazard lights on, a pedestrian assisted me in pushing the car out of the traffic. It restarted 5 minutes later, I drove it straight to the Ford dealership. They replaced the computer did the software update. After waiting over 2 weeks for the car, the "stop safely now" occurred again 5 days after being released from the dealership. This time, I was able to safely pull over. I took it back to the dealership, and do not know how long it will to take to fix the issue. I no longer feel safe driving this car, knowing the power can be disabled anywhere at any time. I hope Ford takes these issues seriously.

Electronic Stability Control problem #33

My car like the rest of the complaints does not shift right. It jerks and shudders and makes a loud noise when it shifts. I took it to my Ford dealership and they will not fix it because it does not meet Fords guidelines to fix. They say it is in normal operating standards but I dont think a brand new car should be shuddering when shifts. Now it has an alert pop up saying hill start assist not available and it wont go off.

Electronic Stability Control problem #34

I was driving about 40 mph. Suddenly an error message popped up "service advancetrac". Then the car was disabled. The speed automatically reduced. The speed did not respond or increase at all when I stepped on the accelerator pedal. Luckily, I was able to pull over to safety. Then the car stopped completely. I turned off the car, then turned it on again. The error message "service advancetrac" popped up again. This time, the car automatically accelerated from 0 to 30 mph, then it ran constantly at 30 mph. This time, the speed did not respond at all when I stepped on the accelerator pedal. It was like the car was on cruise control, without you being able to turn off cruise control! extremely dangerous! I brought it to the dealership for service the 1st time. They replaced the accelerator assembly. About a week later, the same issue happened again. I brought it to the dealership for service the 2nd time. I even took a picture of the error message on the dashboard and shown it to the service adviser. They couldn't reproduce the issue, and told me there was nothing that they could do. Then it happened again right after I drove off the dealership. Then, I managed to drive back to the dealership with the error message still on and with the issue occurring. Service was able to collect some kind of code from that error message, but could not figure out what was wrong with my car, and told me they will contact Ford directly. It has been 3 days and I have not received a response at all. This morning, I turned on my car and drove for 2 minutes and the same issue occurred again! as for proof, I was able to record a 30 second video clip while the car was running on a constant speed of 30 mph without me stepping on the accelerator pedal. I do not feel safe driving this car anymore because this problem can occur randomly anytime in the middle of the road! not safe for driving!.

Electronic Stability Control problem #35

I was backing out of my driveway and was putting some gas on to make it through the deep snow to the center of the road where the snow was compacted. I would have made it to the center; however the traction control reduced the power to the drive wheels getting me stuck in the snow, blocking half of the lane. If this would have occurred in oncoming traffic I might have been hit. I had to get out of the vehicle which also put me at a higher risk of getting hit by a car, or slipping and falling, or getting frost bite. If I had the option of turning off the traction control I could have gotten myself out of the snow and continued on my way safely. Conversely, if I did not have the traction control on in the first place I would not have gotten stuck. This brought to mind a few critical questions: 1. What if this had happened in a more remote area and I had been stranded in freezing weather without help; and 2. What if this had happened in a more congested roadway and I would have gotten hit due to the random operation of the traction control without a way to disable the feature. Because of this incident I feel unsafe with the traction control on, so I have disabled it. To do so I had to pull the fuse, which also disabled the abs. I have driven for over half of my driving career without abs and traction control and I can honestly say that abs and traction control has never benefited me, even when I needed the features. A concerted investigation needs to be made to determine if forcing this feature on drivers is a better policy than allowing the driver¿s experience and training to be the controlling force when behind the wheel. I believe that there must be, in all cases, a way to turn off the traction control feature in a vehicle for the safety of the driver and their passengers.

Electronic Stability Control problem #36

The car has jerked, shuttered, and shook from almost the day I bought it, I have battled these issues from the very beginning. It won't accelerate for a few seconds when I push on the gas I have almost been in an accident because of it. The flashers come on when I unlock my door, my horn doesn't work, my driver window doesn't work, I have had the clutch replaced, the cluster was fried twice, and the control module has been replaced. Then driving on the freeway my car engine revved way up and the rpms went to 7000 and I lost power to accelerate my car. I was in the middle lane when I lost the power to my vehicle I put my flashers on and coasted to the side of the freeway. Thankfully the freeway wasn't busy. The reverse also went out on my car. The car is now in the shop for the 6th or 7th time for the same issues but it is never fixed.


Electronic Stability Control related problems in other Ford Focus model year vehicles:



Safety Ratings of Focus Cars
Fuel Economy of Focus Vehicles
Focus Service Bulletins
Focus Safety Recalls
Focus Defect Investigations