2013 Ford Focus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback Se/Titanium, 4dr Sedan S/Se/Titanium, Electric 4d Hatchback, St 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 160 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 28 city / 39 hwy
- EV range
- 76 mi · 4 h on 240 V
- Length
- 171.7–178.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,926–3,673 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 14 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2013 compact car (25.9 MPG).
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints1,759 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 117 for similar models — most often about the power train.
- 14 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Ford Focus is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,926 lb (4dr Hatchback Se/Titanium).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 39 highway), 24% better than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $700 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 76 miles and takes about 4 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 14 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1759 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2013
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Focus →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Wayne, Michigan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 Focus configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback Se/Titanium | 171.7 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 2,926 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan S/Se/Titanium | 178.3 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 104.3 in | 61 / 59.8 in | 2,954 lb | 60/40 |
| Electric 4d Hatchback | 172.4 in | 71.7 in | 58.3 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 59.4 in | 3,673 lb | 49/51 |
| St 4dr Hatchback | 172 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 104.3 in | 60.2 / 60.6 in | 3,252 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Electric EV | 107 kW AC PMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 76 mi · 32 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| Focus SFE FWD FFV FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +24% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +16% | $2,250 | 294 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +16% | $2,250 | 294 |
| Focus FWD FFV FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 30 | +16% | $2,250 | 292 |
| Focus FWD FFV FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 30 | +16% | $2,250 | 292 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | +12% | $2,300 | 304 |
| Focus FWD FFV FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | +12% | $2,300 | 304 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | 0% | $2,600 | 340 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Ford Focus.
Similar 2013 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Ford Focus (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2013 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (14)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister · Jun 9, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V369000 · 257,868 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
- Risk
- An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Jan 15, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V011000 · 116,672 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Jun 8, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V331000 · 2,147,323 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
- Risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister · Jul 5, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V515000 · 57,488 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
- Risk
- The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister · Oct 22, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V735000 · 1,282,596 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
- Risk
- The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
Equipment › Electrical · Sep 10, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V592000 · 49,197 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.
- Risk
- An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S24.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock · Sep 28, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V698000 · 64,038 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
- Risk
- With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Sep 6, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V643000 · 2,046,297 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
- Risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Electrical System › Wiring · Dec 2, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V813000 · 9,017 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
- Risk
- The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17-S1.
Electrical System › Wiring · Aug 11, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V495000 · 133,227 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
- Risk
- The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Oct 30, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V523000 · 2,456 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through August 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a powertrain control module software problem may result in a stall-like condition.
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the power control module, free of charge. The recall beganon November 22, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S09. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Oct 17, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V475000 · 23,000 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Risk
- Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C07.
Exterior Lighting · Aug 1, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V335000 · 6,308 vehicles
- Problem
- 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. Due to a wiring incompatability, the front side marker lamps may not function. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · Mar 7, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V085000 · 5,675 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.
- Risk
- 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.
Not every 2013 Ford Focus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Ford Focus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 14 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 811 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 263 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 251 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 39,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 76 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Focus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Focus years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 837 |
| 2017 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 907 |
| 2016 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 1,194 |
| 2015 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 1,034 |
| 2014 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 14 | 2,496 |
| 2012 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 3,147 |
| 2011 Focus | 29 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 73 |
| 2010 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 139 |
| 2009 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 85 |
| 2008 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 104 |
| 2007 Focus | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 105 |
| 2006 Focus | 26 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 49 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →