general problems of the 2013 Ford Focus - part 1

90 problems related to vehicle speed control have been reported for the 2013 Ford Focus. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2013 Ford Focus based on all problems reported for the 2013 Focus.

1 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2025

Erratic shifting and eratic slipping gears , first happened while on highway and then it wouldnt go in any gear besides reverse and would say transmission overheat wait 5 min . Caused another veihcal behind me to slam on there brakes and they ended up getting rear ended from the car behind them . . . . . All becouse of my cars tcm or transmission issues>!!!! also not too mention ` random unusual noises coming from clutch or shifter when not even start car yet _delayed start and delayed shifting . . I could go on and on this car is a nightmare.

2 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 05/09/2025

When I drive my car it takes time before it kicks in to drive correctly.

3 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2025

I have a current recall on my transmission I notify for it. I went up there to get the recall fixed. They plugged it up to the machine to see about my transmission, and they said it came back with a cold that was not associated with the recall for my transmission, but it did say something was wrong with my transmission, I looked into that popped up on the cold reader and it’s it. I gave them the number and they said that Ford will be unable to pay for it and they told me I would have to pay $175 in order to hook it up to the main machine to see what exactly the code is if it match the cold that will pay for me new transmission. I explained to them that if I have a recall on the car for my door, lash and my transmission , why would I have to pay for so he kept running around loops not trying to give me a correct response basically just making me trying to pay for them to hook up something that should be for free so my car is accelerating is not accelerating speed, it keeps on clicking is something to do with my transmission, which it has a recall on it before in orange will not fix it paid paid off so I need someone to help me solve this matter because Ford and orange is trying to make me pay for something that is a recall that should be fixed and free if someone call me back at [xxx] thank you information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

4 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2023

My car will intermittently lose power, such as in the middle of an intersection, or turning in front of another vehicle, which puts me and my children at risk. The transmission is throwing a code for overheating and malfunctioning, and there is an open customer satisfaction bulletin for the transmission control module, but Ford refuses to replace it because it’s not throwing “the correct code “ I have had the clutch replaced three times if not four in the time that I’ve had the vehicle and it’s more than frustrating. It’s dangerous along with losing power. It will intermittently catch the gear that is trying to shift into and cause the car to accelerate rapidly, the transmission, shutter control module and clutch have been an issue in this car, along with a class action lawsuit, and now Ford has had my vehicle for three weeks, and refuses to do the open service campaign for the tcm because of the code issue and it refuses to do the clutch because even though it was replaced three years ago, they state that the warranty is only for 12 months regardless of the fact that it was the fourth clutch that put in the car , I am working with someone at Ford warranty in hopes of getting them covered because I know they have done it in other cases, but I am more than frustrated with the service. I’ve received so far very unprofessional, which is unfortunate because overall I do love my car I would’ve kept it all this time if I didn’t I 10-year-old car should not have had to have the transmission clutch replaced three times or four times in 10 years and under 150,000 miles.

5 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/31/2021

When I drive in the rain my car will sputter and lose speed. The oil light and battery light turns on and it dies. I can get it to turn over but it immediately dies. I have had to get it towed twice. Still can't figure out the problem.

6 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/05/2021

I was driving on the freeway at the posted speed of 65 mph when the car engine rpm dropped to 2000 and then back up to 4000 the car immediately slowed to 50 mph causing traffic behind me to slam in their brakes. The car wouldn't shift to speed up causing me to pull over and creep to a gas station.

7 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/29/2021

I have had nothing but issues with this car since I got it 5 years ago. I was leaving to take my son to a dr appointment. I got about a mile down the road and the service engine now pops up. A loud pop sound came thru my speakers and the radio stopped working. Then I started losing rpms and power to my car it wouldn't go over 10mph. I was able to limp it back home very slowly. I'm not sure what's going on I've replaced the crankshaft/camshaft sensor and purge valve. I've had all the recalls fixed on it dealing with the transmission and clutch about 2 years ago. When Ford made this car they clearly wasn't thinking straight. This car is not safe and I'm so glad we made it back home safe my child was terrified. Nothing but a money pit and I don't have a lot of money to keep putting in a car that keeps having the same issues over and over.

8 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/13/2021

There are multiple issues going wrong with my car and I have 5 children and this makes me angry and scared to drive it 1. Vehicle completely shuts down if you go under 1/4 tank and not on red at all! no gas light or anything 2. The hesitation from stop to go is getting worse" mechanics tell me this is normal" for a Focus and now sometimes when accelerating on the highway it gets stuck in certain speeds and feels rougher 3. Now there is a chain like rattling noise upon idle that is annoying and embarrassing 4 the codes state oxygen sensor ,speed sensor,fuel valve issue, and power train and abs. . . It's 100. 00 per issue to diagnose. How is anyone able to afford this? I'm not a mechanic but everytime I take my car in they give it back saying there's no issue or I have to pay more fees to find the issue before anything can be replaced? this is crazy! I don't feel safe driving this car with my babies in it but with student loans and my kids school costs I can't seem to save if I'm paying all these fees to try to figure out what the issues are . The front windshield is horrible because it's hard to see out of even when I clean it w auto glass cleaner, which I have never experienced before and is very dangerous.

9 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 10/11/2020

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 NHTSA 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! !.

10 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/16/2020

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.

11 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/06/2020

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.

12 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2020

Tl-the contact owns a  2013f ord Focus. The contact stated while driving variety speed the vehicle transmission starts to slip. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to local dealer skalnek Ford located at 941 s lapeer rd, orion charter township, mi 48362 where it was diagnosed with needing to be replaced clutch. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of failure and a case was filed with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 77,100.

13 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 08/12/2019

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.

14 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 08/03/2019

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. .

15 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/13/2019

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.

16 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/03/2019

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.

17 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 06/09/2019

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.

18 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 05/17/2019

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.

19 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2019

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.

20 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 02/22/2019

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.

21 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/09/2019

Stalling.

22 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2019

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that during acceleration and takeoff, the vehicle shuddered and hopped forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a reset was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

23 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 12/31/2018

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.

24 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 12/05/2018

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.

25 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 06/04/2018

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.

26 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2018

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.

27 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2017

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.

28 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 10/22/2017

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.

29 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2017

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.

30 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2017

Tl- the contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the gears inadvertently shift to another gear with no warning. In addition, the vehicle had jerked and shifted to various rates of speeds when the failure happened. The vehicle was taken to a dealer sale Ford of kinston located at (1145 us-258, kinston, nc 28504 (252) 522-3673) where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. As.

31 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2017

Car cannot accelerate or decelerate properly. The car has had three clutches and two transmission control modules, and still exhibits the same dangerous characteristics. It hesitates on take off, will accelerate in the wrong direction (go forward in reverse and vice versa) . The rpms will randomly shoot up to 4 or 5k while driving, or you can loose speed without warning. I have had the power to the car fail while driving with no warning on a city street. It is especially bad on hills and at stop signs/lights. It shakes and shudders at low speeds. Has been to dealer almost a dozen times, all under "warranty" for a flawed transmission design.

32 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2017

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.

33 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2017

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.

34 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/16/2017

The Ford Focus hatchback that I purchased from auffenberg dealer group, 1708 new car drive, o�fallon , illinois on December 13, 2016 constantly jerks when I accelerate. The car does not accelerate properly, as if it is not getting enough gas. (strangely, I did not sense this while test driving the vehicle. During the test drive on December 13, 2016, I did mention to the sales person that I heard a sound coming from the car that sparked my concern but was told he heard nothing. There's something wrong with the reaction of the wheels on the car when acceleration is slowed. My greatest concern is the car acts as if it will stop in traffic. This can prove dangerous to me and other motorists. No one mentioned or discussed with me on December 13, 2016 these problems although I've since seen a paper lacking my signature concerning the same. The car indicate a danger while in motion to me and other motorists.

35 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 11/04/2016

I was literally leaving the Ford dealership for "shut down isssues and shuddering issues" when they supposedly couldn't "verify the problem" I was driving home on a five lane highway and my car completely lost power in the middle of an intersection going 70mph and was stuck in the middle of the freeway until a tow truck came and towed my car back to the dealership where it is currently at right now. This is my 5th attempt for them to fix it.


Other Vehicle Speed Control related problems of the 2013 Ford Focus


Focus Service Bulletins
Focus Safety Recalls
Focus Defect Investigations