FORD: THE CRUISE CONTROL, ON SOME VEHICLES, MAY BE INOPERATIVE DUE TO STEERING WHEEL WIRING HARNESS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B112B.07. MODELS 2012-2013 FOCUS, ESCAPE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford Focus cruise control problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Ford Focus have filed 39 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 31,000 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
39
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Focus | 18 |
| 2010 Focus | 32 |
| 2011 Focus | 4 |
| 2012 Focus | 53 |
| 2013 Focus (this page) | 39 |
| 2014 Focus | 65 |
| 2015 Focus | 23 |
| 2016 Focus | 14 |
| 2017 Focus | 12 |
2crashes
What stands out
Owners have filed 39 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 14 model years of Ford Focus in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
FORD: WHEN OTHER DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) ARE SET, VEHICLES WILL CONCURRENTLY SET A P060D (INTERNAL CONTROL MODULE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION PERFORMANCE) MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL). MODEL 2012-2014 FOCUS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Ford Focus accumulates serious, recurring complaints across powertrain operation. The most dangerous pattern involves sudden loss of power: the engine revs to 4000-5000 RPM but the car refuses to accelerate past 15-20 mph, sometimes locking into that speed as if cruise control is permanently engaged. Owners describe this happening randomly during normal driving, highway merges, and hill climbs—leaving them stranded in traffic lanes with no safe exit.
Transmission shudder and harsh jerking dominate early ownership experiences. Vehicles shake violently when accelerating from stops or uphill, with some owners reporting this persists unchanged after 4+ computer resets and multiple clutch repairs. One owner experienced transmission overheating warnings with lurching and burning smells; the problem recurred three times in 23 days despite two shop visits.
Stalling occurs without clear pattern—at traffic lights, on freeways, during turns, or when the clutch is depressed. One owner noted the fuel gauge became inoperable before stalling events. Dealerships routinely cannot reproduce these failures and offer no diagnosis.
Owner hesitation is systematic: cars take dangerously long to respond at traffic lights, causing other drivers to honk. Several owners report dangerous incidents: one vehicle accelerated instead of braking during parking, another crashed when losing power on an on-ramp.
Dealerships have applied TSBs, replaced accelerator assemblies, swapped transmission control modules, and performed software updates without resolving these issues. Ford appears aware—some dealers state the problems are "normal"—but recalls and extended warranty programs have expired or offer no permanent fix.
Same Ford Focus cruise control reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of power / acceleration limp-home mode
Vehicle suddenly loses ability to accelerate beyond 15-20 mph despite high engine RPMs (3500-5000+), often accompanied by warning lights and sometimes by a 'Service AdvanceTrac' message. Engine RPM increases sharply (4000-5000+) but vehicle speed does not respond. Occurs at various speeds and driving conditions.
When: Occurs randomly during driving, most commonly when accelerating from stops or on hills. Mileage ranges from 2,500 to 120,000 miles reported.
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to accelerate past 15-20 mph despite depressing accelerator; Engine RPM revs to 4000-5000+ without corresponding speed increase; Check Engine light or Service AdvanceTrac warning illuminates; Vehicle feels like it is stuck in cruise control and cannot be disabled; Sudden drastic speed reduction while driving at highway speeds
Codes mentioned: Service AdvanceTrac warning message, Check Engine light, Transmission-related codes, Fuel system codes (canister purge valve)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have performed throttle body replacement, accelerator assembly replacement, transmission recalibration, TCM (transmission control module) replacement, software updates, and technical service bulletin (TSB) calibrations. Many repairs do not resolve the issue permanently; problem often recurs within days or weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Ford issued a TSB for the limp-home condition. Some recalls involve transmission clutch and fuel system components. Extended warranty programs mentioned (expired at 60,000 miles or specific dates). Many dealerships state Ford is aware of the defect but cannot offer permanent fixes.
Transmission shudder, jerking, and harsh shifting
Vehicle shakes, shudders, or jerks harshly when accelerating from a stop or at low speeds, during gear changes, or while shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. Stuttering and lurching sensations reported; some describe violent lurching forward. Problem persists or worsens after multiple repair attempts.
When: Primarily when accelerating from a stop, low-speed acceleration, uphill acceleration, or during gear transitions. Some cases persist across 2+ years of ownership; earliest report at 6 miles, latest at 61,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shuddering or stuttering when accelerating from stop; Harsh jerking or lurching forward without warning; Rough shifting between gears, especially 1st to 2nd; Shaking or vibration during acceleration at any speed; Hard thumping or banging noise during aggressive downshifts
Codes mentioned: Transmission clutch shudder codes, Input shaft seal fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have addressed transmission clutch shudder via FSA warranty work, replaced entire TCM in at least one case, recalibrated computer multiple times (4+ recalibrations in one case, 9 warranty repairs in another without resolution). Parts commonly on back order. Motor mount replacement mentioned as a potential fix in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Transmission Clutch Shudder warranty / FSA programs exist. Some dealerships state this is 'normal' for the Focus model year. One dealership stated Ford knows about the defect and it is concealed. Multiple owners report Ford has refused further action or compensation.
Hesitation, sluggish response, and delayed acceleration
Engine hesitates to respond when accelerator is depressed; vehicle takes noticeably longer to accelerate. Often accompanied by a sputtering sensation or rough idle. Problem may be intermittent or persistent. Some cases describe hesitation severe enough to cause dangerous situations at traffic lights.
When: When accelerating from a complete stop, merging into traffic, or after refueling. Reported from day one of ownership in some cases; others develop gradually over months.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates to move when accelerator is depressed at traffic lights or stop signs; Sluggish acceleration; vehicle takes longer than normal to reach speed; Sputtering or rough feeling during acceleration; Hesitation most pronounced when starting from a complete stop; Dangerously slow response to accelerator input, causing honking from vehicles behind
Codes mentioned: Transmission control codes, Oxygen sensor codes, Fuel system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Computer resets performed multiple times without resolution. Dealerships unable to identify or fix root cause in many cases. One owner reported being charged $175 diagnostic fee to hook up to main machine despite active transmission recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response noted. One dealership stated hesitation is 'normal' for the Focus. Some owners mention active recalls but find dealerships unable or unwilling to repair under recall coverage.
Engine stalling (complete shutdown)
Engine shuts off completely while driving at various speeds, from complete stops to highway speeds. Often occurs when clutch is depressed or during low-RPM conditions. In some cases, engine stalls when applying brakes or during turns. Vehicle may restart after a delay or require a jump start.
When: Stalling occurs unpredictably during normal driving, at traffic lights, on hills, on freeways, and in stop-and-go traffic. Reported across entire mileage range (3,000 to 120,000 miles). Frequency can be multiple times within weeks or months.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off completely while driving; Stalling occurs when depressing clutch pedal; RPM drops below 500 or wavers at idle before stalling; Engine stalls at high speeds on freeway with traffic backed up; Vehicle stalls during turns or when slowing down; Multiple stalling events with warning lights (oil light, battery light, Check Engine light)
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, Engine Fault Service Now message, Transmission Failure warning, Oil light, Battery light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have been unable to reproduce stalling in many cases. One case involved canister purge valve replacement as part of fuel system recall. Some cases required vehicle towing. Fuel system diagnostics performed but root cause often unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) issued; however, repairs performed under this recall did not resolve stalling in multiple cases. Ford has refused action or compensation in several complaints. Some dealerships state parts are unavailable or that recall is closed.
Unintended acceleration and loss of braking response
Vehicle accelerates on its own or accelerates when driver intends to brake. In one case, vehicle accelerated to 30 mph and maintained that speed despite attempts to disable cruise control (no cruise was engaged). In another, vehicle accelerated while driver was applying brakes during parking.
When: Can occur without warning during normal driving; one case during parking maneuver, one case after restart from earlier limp-home condition.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates to fixed speed (30 mph) and maintains it without driver input; Unable to disable cruise control despite repeated attempts; Vehicle accelerates without driver depressing accelerator pedal; Vehicle accelerates when driver applies brakes; Accelerator pedal does not respond to driver inputs to slow the vehicle
Codes mentioned: Service AdvanceTrac message
Repairs/costs cited: One case involved accelerator assembly replacement, which did not resolve the issue. Dealership unable to reproduce problem in another case despite video evidence provided by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal response from Ford noted in these specific cases. Dealerships expressed inability to diagnose or repair.
Transmission overheating and limp-home mode during normal driving
Transmission overheating warning appears on dashboard while driving normally in traffic. Vehicle enters limp-home mode with severe lurching, hesitation, and loss of power. Strong burning smell reported. Problem recurs even after dealer repairs.
When: Occurs during stop-and-go traffic on hills. One customer experienced failure three times in 23 days despite two repair attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission overheating warning message on dashboard; Engine revs but vehicle lurches forward erratically; Severe shaking at stops; Strong burning smell from vehicle; Unable to safely exit traffic due to power loss and lurching
Codes mentioned: Transmission overheating warning message
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle spent 15 days in shop across 3 visits within 23 days. Specific repair details not documented in complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response documented. Customer states safety is threatened and does not want vehicle back.
Backward rolling on hills (automatic transmission)
Automatic transmission vehicle rolls backward on hills or inclines when stopped, similar to manual transmission behavior. Owner must keep foot on accelerator to prevent rollback when stopped on incline.
When: Occurs when vehicle is stopped on uphill grades, particularly at traffic lights or stop signs.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on hill when stopped; Automatic transmission behaves like manual transmission on inclines; Driver must keep accelerator depressed to prevent rollback; Difficult to transition from brake to acceleration on uphill stops when vehicle behind is close
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership stated transmission issues are common in this model year Focus but found nothing wrong 'by guidelines.' No repairs documented for this specific issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership aware of issue and states it is known among 2013 Focus transmissions but will not repair under warranty.
RPM surges and inability to maintain steady speed
Engine RPM jumps or surges unexpectedly, particularly at highway speeds or during cruise control operation. Vehicle may not maintain steady speed despite driver's input. In some cases, RPM goes very high (4500+) while vehicle speed remains low or static.
When: Occurs at highway speeds (55-80 mph), during cruise control operation, and during normal acceleration. Some cases intermittent, others more frequent.
Symptoms owners cite: RPM jumps suddenly to 4500-5000+ while driving; Vehicle speed does not increase despite high RPM; RPM surges even while cruise control is engaged; Loss of speed control; vehicle may decelerate despite high RPM; Shuddering or hesitation accompanying RPM surges
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light (in some cases), Transmission-related codes
Repairs/costs cited: TCM replacement performed in at least one case; problem worsened after repair. Dealerships often unable to replicate or diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford states 'this is normal for this car' with 'no real fix' in at least one case. Multiple owners note Ford and dealerships are aware but do not address.
Stalling when clutch is depressed
Engine stalls specifically when the clutch pedal is depressed while driving. RPM drops below 500 and engine shuts off. Occurs at various speeds including highway speeds.
When: When driver depresses clutch pedal; can happen at low speeds or highway speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls immediately upon clutch depression; RPM drops to near zero when clutch engaged; Engine may waiver at low RPM before stalling; Occurs even at high speeds on freeway
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented for this specific issue.
Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2013 Ford Focus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2013 Ford Focus?
It's a meaningful issue. 39 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 3,288 and 57,400 miles, with the median around 31,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,288; a quarter make it past 57,400. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Focus.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.