Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Focus?
Avoid — the powertrain
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
1 fatality report and 1 fire-related complaint on the powertrain
Engine: 101 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 25,000–107,000 mi
Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2013 Ford Focus? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 1049 owner reports
· tends to show around 52,640 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
steering — 273 owner reports
· tends to show around 75,195 mi · ~$700 to fix
electrical — 150 owner reports
· tends to show around 64,476 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 101 owner reports
· tends to show around 64,658 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
critical on this model
, showing up around 52,640 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2013 Focus· powertrain
The transmission has been repaired time and time with no fix. The recall fix was a failure as well. Took the transmission in for repair they stated that was normal for that transmission. Sometimes it jets off then other times it will not go. Ford should have replaced my car or…
The power steering stopped working while driving on a rural highway at 50 MPH and the steering became very stiff and difficult to maneuver the car. When I tried to drive the car to the dealership the next day the steering completely locked up and needed to be towed. The…
At approximately 2:30 am this morning 12/31/16, our Ford focus burst into flames while stationary in a parking lot. Thank god we and our 11 month old were not in the car at the time. We have had this car into the shop at least twice for transmission problems then our entire…
Lost power after stopping at a stop sign. Could not start the car again after shutting it off. After several attempts and some waiting, it restarted, got around the corner and died again. After having it towed to Ford and being told nothing was wrong with it, drove 2 hours away…
Had a problem with your 2013 Ford Focus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012
The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Yakima Products, Inc
Without proper contact of the rooftop rack clip to the door frame, there is insufficient clamping pressure and friction. The system may slide off the vehicle when loaded with accessories, possibly becoming a road hazard to other vehicles or causing injury to pedestrians.
Fix: Yakima will notify owners, and Yakima or a Yakima dealer will refund the purchase of the Q-Tower and Q-128 Clip system. There is no replacement system available for the 2012-2013 model year Ford Focus. The safety recall began on October 15, 2012. Only vehicles equipped with the vehicle rack system are affected. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not Ford. Owners may contact Yakima at 1-888-925-4621.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured September 15, 2011, through May 6, 2013; and model year 2013 Focus ST vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured February 16, 2012, through May 7, 2013
Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the headlamp assembly wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C04.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Ford Focus reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 2,103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Ford Focus has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2013 Ford Focus?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Ford Focus is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 1 fire-related complaint on the powertrain; Engine: 101 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 25,000–107,000 mi; Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Ford Focus?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 1,049 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 52,640 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Ford Focus a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 2,103 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 52,640 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Ford Focus?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 1,049 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 52,640 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 52,640 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Focus has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Ford Focus?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 2,103 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Focus.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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