Is the 2013 Ford Focus Electric reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Focus Electric?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Focus Electric have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Ford Focus Electric

○ Not enough data

2013 Ford Focus Electric
RENDERED 2026-10-31T12:06:09.081Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 69
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 4
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2013: 69 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2012	33
2013	69
2014	55
2015	12
2016	5
2017	7

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

54% · 37 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The car automatically accelerated while parking perpendicular in a parking structure; driver had slowed/braked, to 5 miles or less, to park and taken her foot off the gas and pressed the brake.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-11

Driving at low speed in a parking lot, the car lost propulsion (Only) and displayed 'stop safely now'. This has occurred 3 times since (Total of 4) with 3 incidents also being at low, parking lot speeds.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-25

Electrical system

39% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus Electric. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start while the battery was fully charged. The message "Stop Safely Now" was displayed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-26

I bought this car at Honda in arlington off of 20 hwy in 2013 I took it back when I bought it that was pre used , and then it seem like they did not want it back and never want to fix it .

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-28

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and exterior lighting

Engine

23% · 16 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

22% · 15 reports

Steering

13% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing column.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2013-09-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-11-15 Electric powertrain propulsion failure
R

2013-10-30Electrical system, equipment13V475000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-11-22Power train13V523000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2016-01-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2016-10-29 Door Latch Failure
R

2019-01-18Equipment18V592000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-12-19Recall queryClosed 2022-02-07 Door Latch Failures
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Ford Focus Electric — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 37 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 27 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V475000 · Electrical system, equipment
Recall 13V523000 · Power train
Recall 18V592000 · Equipment

FAQ

Is the 2013 Ford Focus Electric reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Focus Electric?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Focus Electric have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.