2013 Ford Focus Fuel system Problems

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

I had my purge valve replaced under 24N07 ford costumer satisfactory program and the faulty purge valve damaged my catalytic converter and caused my engine light to illuminate with P0420.

NHTSA ID

11742139

Incident

May 20, 2026

The vehicle began to experience issues where it was difficult to start and ran rough. Multiple times after turning off vehicle and attempting to restart later it would not restart. Had vehicle towed to dealership for repairs, they conducted a recall repair and test over multiple days. Picked up vehicle, drove approximately 7 miles. Went into store came back and vehicle would not start. Multiple other recalls are listed for this date range and motor that likely could be impacting my current vehicle. However, this VIN is not listed as a specific recall. Current situation places driver and passenger at risk as the vehicle does not run properly and does not restart

NHTSA ID

11731107

Incident

Nov 20, 2025

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 NHTSA 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.

NHTSA ID

11699842

Incident

Jun 15, 2025

Mileage

178,391 mi

There is an issue with the vehicle not receiving gasoline and the car has left me stranded

NHTSA ID

11628728

Incident

Nov 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove rough. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling rough. In addition, the fuel gauge was moving erratically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with canister purge valve failure. The contact was informed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); because the recall repair had already been performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11621624

Incident

Sep 23, 2024

Mileage

60,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with fuel tank and fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel tank and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,819.

NHTSA ID

11617706

Incident

Sep 17, 2024

Mileage

98,819 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11595730

Incident

Dec 21, 2023

Mileage

200,000 mi

I have had multiple instance of losing power with my car, I completed Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 and the known issue was not solved. I then went to a mechanic to have a diagnostic test performed due to the check engine light being on and they concluded that the issue was the Canister Purge Valve as well as possibly the Charcoal Canister due to the CPV malfunctioning. Other than losing power within my car the other associated problems, as confirmed by mechanic, are rough idling, difficulty starting, decreased fuel economy, and increased emissions.

NHTSA ID

11592965

Incident

Feb 13, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11592667

Incident

Mar 10, 2024

Mileage

115,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated. The canister purge valve had been replaced; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The canister purge valve was replaced. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact was then referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11566219

Incident

Jan 11, 2024

Mileage

160,000 mi

The canister purge valve has failed. Was not defective when recall #19S22 was performed. Car failed to start repeatedly and would not idle after refilling the tank from low (fuel light on) to approximately 75%. Eventually, the car did start and after keeping the RPMs at 2000 for a few minutes, the car is back to idling normally. Check engine light did not appear until 3 days after the stall at the gas station, which had a DTC P1450 code indicating inability for the car to bleed the fuel tank, suggesting the canister purge valve. Ford should offer the free replacement of the defective purge valve and inspection of the carbon canister and fuel tank even after the 19S22 recall was performed (which was just a software update and inspection at the time of service). The possibility of the car stalling not just at the gas station is a safety issue for others and the occupant because of the possibility of a sudden loss of power/becoming an obstruction/or abruptly stopping on the road.

NHTSA ID

11553936

Incident

Nov 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35-70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the steering wheel was vibrating while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the RPMs were high, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where DTC code: P1450 was retrieved, and the contact was informed that the fuel tank was deformed. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall was previously completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

NHTSA ID

11552724

Incident

Apr 30, 2023

Mileage

101,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the roadway and the vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the powertrain control module needed to be updated and that the carbon canister, fuel tank, and fuel delivery module needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). On another occasion while attempting to starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact added fuel and the vehicle started however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted a case was filed and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11535141

Incident

Jul 26, 2023

Mileage

110,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch pedal, transmission, canister purge valve, injectors, and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11533010

Incident

Jul 1, 2019

Mileage

80,000 mi

On 4/20/23 while driving home from work on the highway my car stalled and after pulling over would not start. The check engine ight had come one. On 4/21/23 I took my car to a mechanic who found the p0456 fault in the PCM which was tied to an active recall on my vehicle. The mechanic printed out the recall information and recommended replacing the cannister purge valve, fuel tank and fuel pump assembly. They suggested I take it to the local ford dealer to have the recall work done as it would be covered. On 4/27/23 I took my car to the dealership to have the recall work done. The dealer reprogrammed the PCM and replaced the vapor canister purge solenoid. On 5/15/23 while driving home from work on the highway my car stalled again and after pulling over would not start. The fuel tank has deformed, but less than the 1 inch ford is requiring to replace it and the distance to empty is still inaccurate. On 5/16 I dropped the car back off at the dealer. They looked at the car the next day and refused to address the outstanding issues.

NHTSA ID

11522544

Incident

May 15, 2023

There was a past recall for the purge valve canister and the fuel pump and I was never notified from Ford about the recall when it was open. Now they are asking me to pay out of pocket for these repairs the dealership is asking $1400 to repair. Ford shoild honor there recalls even if the recall is closed. Now that I have the problem with the fuel system it is affecting my fuel tank as well. I have been buying Ford cars for over 20 years. The least they can do is offer financial assistance. If this is affecting my fuel tank now my car can catch on fire. I can't drive my vehicle more than two miles before it starts to slow down. At the time of the recall my vehicle had 83,000 miles. it now has 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11520901

Incident

May 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle restarted after several attempts. However, the vehicle stalled while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop at the traffic light. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve was defective and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact was referred to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ID

11513927

Incident

Mar 20, 2023

Mileage

84,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that over time, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who performed a diagnostic test and determined that the failure was due to a defective purge valve. The mechanic linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and referred her to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that a software update was performed on the vehicle in relation to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11510433

Incident

Jan 31, 2023

Mileage

160,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would not immediately start-up with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was stalling while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Despite the repair, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a diagnostic test indicated that the purge valve was defective. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The contact stated that they assumed the dealer fixed the issue under the recall. Instead, after picking up the vehicle and driving away, the failure occurred. The contact tried to take it right back to the dealership but was told that a diagnostic test would have to be performed. The test results showed that the purge valve was faulty and needed replacement, the contact refused repair. The recall for this issue has been closed and cannot be reopened to repair the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11505851

Incident

Dec 1, 2022

Mileage

150,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then refilled the fuel tank, however, he noticed that there was a significant amount of pressure coming out of the fuel tank. The contact was able to continue driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel gauge frequently provided inaccurate reading and would indicate that there was approximately 100 miles left of fuel while the fuel tank was empty. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank had expanded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who provided the same diagnostic information. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the dealer had only reprogrammed the PCM. The dealer informed the contact that the fuel tank could not be replaced under the recall since the recall was marked as completed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as the fuel tank was in good condition at the time the recall repair was completed on the vehicle a year and half prior. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11503407

Incident

Jan 24, 2022

Mileage

120,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the fuel gauge indicated that there was fuel in the tank. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. No further assistance was performed. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11498130

Incident

Sep 19, 2019

Mileage

100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH with his daughter in the front passenger's side seat, the front passenger's side door opened inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and closed the door; however, the door failed to close securely. The contact stated that the door unintendedly opened for a second time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V643000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) due to the vehicle having a Salvage Title. Additionally, the dealer failed to honor the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). However, the contact stated that the vehicle still had the original parts impacted by the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11495384

Incident

Jul 29, 2022

Mileage

130,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The engine fault service light illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the powertrain control module (PCM) software needed to be updated, and the fuel delivery module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the NHTSA was responsible for including VIN in recalls and advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11491204

Incident

Oct 26, 2022

Mileage

130,000 mi