2013 Ford Focus

On September 15, 2023, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) after receiving 98 consumer complaints alleging loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles. The RQ focused on the effectiveness of the remedies of Recall 18V-735 and 19V-515. In October 2018, Ford issued Recall 18V-735, which updated Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software in MY 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI engines built prior to April 13, 2017, and those with 2.0L GTDI engines built prior to February 2, 2018. The recall addressed vehicles experiencing a malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve (CPV) that can stick open and PCM software that does not adequately detect a stuck-open CPV condition. A CPV that is stuck open can cause excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system, potentially deforming the fuel tank, collapsing on itself. This deformation of the fuel tank can cause a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to illuminate, an inaccurate or erratic fuel gauge indication, drivability issues, and/or loss of motive power. In July 2019, Ford issued Recall 19V-515, which addressed certain MY 2012 and MY 2017 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI and MY 2013-2014 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines whose PCM software had been reprogrammed as a part of recall 18V-735. The updated software calibrations for these subject vehicles were not properly installed by Ford at the time of production. Approximately one year after this RQ was opened, on September 25, 2024, Ford initiated a customer satisfaction program (24N07) for MY 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with the 2.0L GDI and GTDI engines to—as ODI learned during this investigation—address a different issue with the CPV from the primary focus of the safety recalls (18V-735 and 19V-515).  Ford stated the CPV may not operate as intended in these vehicles.  A failed CPV on its own merit, may cause drivability concerns such as engine hesitation, running rough, or stalling at low speed, which will be accompanied by an illuminated MIL. This program provides a one-time replacement of the CPV for vehicles with 15 years of service or less (with no mileage restriction). This coverage will automatically transfer to subsequent owners. It is to be noted that the customer satisfaction program being taken by Ford to address this RQ investigation results in a much different and significantly less severe problem than the safety action taken to remedy 18V-735 and 19V-515.  ODI found no further issues with the combined scope and severity related to 18V-735 and 19V-515 therefore, ODI is closing this Recall Query. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl spring tab typically results in a ?door will not close? condition, however in certain somewhat rare circumstances, may result in the door coming open while driving. In response to ODI?s investigation, Ford has announced three field actions, as discussed below.On March 23, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V-177 (Ford 20S15), a regional recall campaign to address door latch failures in vehicles not previously recalled under Safety Recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 and 17V-210. The recall affects vehicles currently or ever registered in certain high ambient temperature states (see 20V-177 for affected states). As a remedy, Ford will replace all four door latches free of charge.On August 24, 2020, Ford issued a non-safety regional field action (Ford 20R01) to address door latch failures on the same model/MY vehicles not covered under 20V-177 (i.e., not currently/ever registered in affected states). According to Ford, spring tab failure rates for vehicles covered by this action are about half that of the 20V-177 vehicles. Under this action, dealers will replace all door latches, free of charge, if either; a) the vehicle exhibits a related latch concern, or b) if the vehicle owner expresses a concern about the latches in their vehicles. Details can be found under NHTSA TSB No. 10190990, a copy of which is available in this investigative file available at NHTSA.gov.On June 8, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V-331 (Ford 20S30) addressing vehicles previously remedied under NHTSA Recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 and 17V-210, where the repair may not have been properly completed, specifically not all of the door latches were replaced, or replaced correctly. This recall involves an inspection of the latches, with the option for a consumer self-inspection; owners could view the date codes on their latches (and confirm child safety locks are present on the rear doors) and then submit the information to Ford?s mobile app or website. A dealership inspection option was also available. Any vehicle found to have unreplaced defective latches requires the replacement of all door latches as directed by Ford.Regarding the 4,494 reports cited above, 1,485 involve scope-related failures (with 13% alleging door opening), and the remaining 3,009 reports involving remedy concerns (with 18% alleging door opening - note ODI was unable to verify the allegations of door opening). The three ODI injuries were all relatively minor. Ford?s reported injury incidences include one (unconfirmed) report of an ejection, three minor injuries with the others involving undisclosed injuries. Ford?s crashes involved two (unconfirmed) crashes alleging the incident door contacted another vehicle and three involving doors striking other property.The recalled vehicles include MY 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015 Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKC, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2012-2015 Ford Focus and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect.Ford's actions address ODI's concerns at this time. ODI will take further action if warranted by new information. The reference (OD

In January, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation based on consumers' allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2012-2013 Ford Focus vehicles (subject vehicles).ODI has received 464 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 200 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion.One consumer alleged an injury that occurred while driving when a door inadvertently opened and then closed on a child's arm.Another alleged that a door that inadvertently opened struck a parked vehicle.In response to ODI's information request, Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 500 unique reports related to the alleged problem on the subject vehicles.Ford reported no injury or accident claims.Ford also submitted 1,513 warranty claims related to door latch failures.Many customers indicated that the affected door could not be latched at all and some of them decided to restrain the door by other means in order to operate the vehicle.Some customers also reported door latch failures occurring on multiple doors and at different times.Additionally, Ford stated that MY 2014-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape, 2013-2015 Ford C-Max, 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect, 2015 Ford Mustang, and 2015 Lincoln MKC, all use the same door latch as the 2012-2013 Ford Focus.On September 6, 2016, Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (16V-643) to remedy the door latches in the MY 2012-2015 Ford Focus and other Ford models mentioned above (total of approximately 2 million vehicles).According to Ford, a component within the door latch may break preventing the door from latching.Ford dealers will replace all four door latches in the recalled vehicles with a new more robust latch design that is currently in production.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.

The vehicle suffered a major mechanical and electrical failure on July 28, 2026, and was immediately towed to an authorized dealership. After a multi-day delay awaiting a senior technician's analysis, the dealership issued a single service ticket grouping two distinct issues: a failed Canister Purge Valve (active Safety Recall 26S40) and localized wiring damage. The dealership fraudulently drafted the ticket to imply that external rodent damage caused the recall component failure. However, forensic photographic proof uploaded to the manufacturer database on August 13, 2026, reveals a classic consequential engineering failure: the wiring insulation is severely bubbled and thermally fused from extreme internal circuit resistance caused entirely by the defective recall component. An adjacent plastic snack wrapper remains completely pristine and untouched, disproving the rodent narrative. The vehicle has now been held in safety detention for 57 consecutive days. A corporate supervisor explicitly confirmed on a recorded line that the manufacturer has possessed these forensic photos since mid-August but left the safety file stagnant due to an internal database text-field error. Their software is failing to match the vehicle's engine string '2.0L I4 DI Ti-VCT' to the recall applicability screen 'GDI', creating a data-entry roadblock to deny a free safety remedy. I am requesting an immediate federal audit of the manufacturer's database alignment for Recall 26S40 and a manual technical override directive to initiate repairs. Manufacturer Master Case: CHX-09386351-T9Y5H1.

NHTSA ID

11766562

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

RE: FAULTY THROTTLE WIRING / LOCATION CAUSING CORROSION 2013 FORD FOCUS - RECALL NEEDED To Whom It May Concern: My 2013 Ford Focus SE Flex with VIN [XXX] lost power while traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] a couple times before completely dying. My code reader was getting fixed throttle codes 2112, 2111 and pending codes 122, 223. I switched out the throttle body AND accelerator pedal position sensor. This did NOT resolve the issue. I had the Focus towed to Downey Ford in [XXX] where they found a Technical Service Bulletin stating endless Focuses had this issue with corroded wiring, which appears to be caused by TSB 15-0036, which is regarding the wiring harness rubbing against a sharp part of the intake, which can cause shorts in the cables. This Ford Dealership repair cost me $845.80 + grief + an extended stay at my hospitable parents in [XXX]. This concern should be escalated to RECALL status as it leaves your loyal customers stranded on the roadside. My request is a full refund from Ford for $845.80 CAD. See Downey Ford Invoice # SO # XXX attached. Source: [XXX] [XXX]: Bear with me, this is going to be a bit long. TL;DR: Car will not accelerate, CEL/MTC states problem with "accelerator pedal position sensor". Wiring harness has been cut into by rubbing on intake. I want to splice it to fix it, but need advice due to length/resistance requirements. Two weeks ago, my wife was driving my 2013 Ford Focus SE Hatchback and right as she got off the freeway, it instantly lost power, a message appeared on the screen stating "Engine Fault - Repair Now", and it idled super rough. She restarted the engine and it was fine until she tried accelerating more than a tiny bit, at which point the same symptoms occurred again. She was able to limp the car home. Having misplaced my OBD2 scanner, I limped it over to the local auto parts store and they read the code as INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11763027

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11761674

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the transmission failed, and the vehicle lost motive power, and the vehicle was stuck in the middle of traffic. The contact referenced several satisfaction programs for the issue; however, the VIN was not included in the repair. The vehicle was towed back to the residence due to it not being able to operate. The contact stated there was an unknown warning light on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the transmission had overheated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was confirmed with transmission failure.

NHTSA ID

11761594

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

Issue happened in November 2016. The glass sunroof exploded while driving NE on I-44 just SW of Springfield MO. The reason I am reporting this now, is that I saw a news article about this happening often. Until I saw the news article I thought it was a one of event. We did not witness anything hitting the car/sunroof. I don't expect anything from this report. I just wanted report that a Ford Focus experienced this type of event.

NHTSA ID

11761046

Incident

Nov 22, 2016

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11758556

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11750254

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

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."

NHTSA ID

11750247

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

Harvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software Verification Harvest Program

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

This is a proactive investigation program by Ford Motor Company to inspect a limited number of affected vehicles that are customer-owned. Ford is voluntarily conducting this program to evaluate the software currently installed on one or more electronic modules in the affected vehicles.

Certain 2012 – 2018 Model Year Focus Vehicle Line One-Time Canister Purge Valve Replacement

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.