2014 Ford Focus Electric Problems
Compared with other Ford Focus Electric years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Ford Focus Electric year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 43 of its 55 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: Sudden power loss, often after a Stop Safely Now message (39 complaints, median 7,736 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2012
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 55filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 9,500miles, 51 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 105 MPGecombined, Electric FWD · 110 city / 99 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 Ford Focus Electric (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 2014 Ford Focus Electric most often report a sudden loss of drive power, frequently after a Stop Safely Now warning appears, sometimes at highway speed and sometimes at low speed. Many also describe the car not starting or moving after the warning, and dealers often replaced high-voltage wiring or connectors. Steering stiffness or loss of power assist, and transmission jerking or hesitation, appear less often, and most stated mileage in these reports is low.
- Electrical system
Sudden power loss, often after a Stop Safely Now message
- 39 complaints (71%)
- median 7,736 mi at 1.6 yrs old (38 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2022
Owners describe the car suddenly losing drive power, often after a Stop Safely Now warning appears, and in some cases the car coasts to a stop or shuts off completely. Some complaints describe the car not restarting for several minutes, or only after it is switched off and back on. According to complaints, dealers sometimes could not replicate the problem or cleared the code, while others replaced wiring, repaired a high-voltage connection, or updated a control module. Most reports with stated mileage fall under about 20,000 miles, many under about 6,000, and some describe the power loss happening at highway speed, at stop signs or while braking.
Recall 13V5230003 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask the dealer whether the powertrain control module software recall applies to this VIN, and whether the Stop Safely Now bulletins have been checked on this car. Ask for a scan of stored codes and any repair records for the power loss.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving the vehicle when the stop safely now (ssn) flashed on the dash and the car started beeping. I slowed down and was able to get off the road. The car then died and was inoperable. I got out to look around the car and make sure there were no flat tires - everything seemed fine. After a few minutes - I was able to start the car and it worked as usual. …”
NHTSA complaint #10672577, filed 2015-01, 9,500 miles“I was backing out of my driveway in reverse when I received a stop safely now warning from the car. The car completely shut down power to the drivetrain and I was stalled in the middle of the road and unable to move. Luckily this was on a quiet street but if this happens on the freeway it could have been catastrophic.”
NHTSA complaint #10819108, filed 2016-01, 3,189 miles - Electrical system
Car will not start or move after the warning
- 24 complaints (44%)
- median 5,486 mi at 1.2 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2017
Owners describe the car not starting, or not moving, after a Stop Safely Now warning or while trying to restart. Some say the car started again after several minutes or later in the day, while others say it had to be towed to the dealer. Some dealers attributed a no-start to water in the connectors, and some owners say they were told the repair was not covered by warranty. Stated mileage runs from very low figures to about 30,000 miles, with most under about 20,000, and some describe the no-start happening in a garage or at a traffic light.
What to check: Before buying, ask the seller to start the car from cold and from warm, and confirm that it starts and drives normally each time. Ask for any battery energy control module fault code history and any tow or repair records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car was in the garage with fully charged. I tried to start car and I got message safe mode shutdown on the right screen and stop safely now on the left screen. Car lights start blinking and after a while whole car shutdown and disabled. Car is not responding remote key. Back door is locked and can't open. I tried to put back to charged and nothing changed at all. I called Ford road side assistance and taking car to service tomorrow.”
NHTSA complaint #10604902, filed 2014-06, 2,850 miles“I was stopped at a light in a traffic jam. Worried that I would run out electricity, I shut off the car. When I tried to proceed, the car would not move, and a warning of safely stop now illuminated on the dash. I tried restarting the car several times. The car would seem to start, but would not move forward -- as if the gear would not engage. After several minutes, and with a policeman leaning into the window barking suggestions, the car started and proceeded. Perhaps, when I stopped trying to start the car, the car wholly powered-off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10566093, filed 2014-02, 46 miles - Electrical system
Wiring harness or connector faults at the dealer
- 10 complaints (18%)
- median 7,500 mi at 1.8 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2017
Owners describe power loss or warning messages that dealers traced to high-voltage wiring, such as a harness, cable, or battery connection. Some report the wiring harness was replaced more than once, and in some cases the repair part was on backorder for an extended time. A complaint describes water entering the connectors, and the dealer stated the repair was not covered by the warranty. Stated mileage falls between about 2,000 and 13,500 miles, and some describe the harness or connector work as repeated after the first repair.
What to check: Ask whether any high-voltage harness, cable, or connector repairs are recorded in the service history, and whether the high-voltage connector corrosion bulletin was applied. Ask a technician to inspect the connectors for water intrusion and corrosion.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving down a major local road, the car completely lost driving power (accessories still worked) and a warning light on the dashboard came on saying stop safely now! . My wife was barely able to pull over and we were unable to get the car moving again, eventually towing it to the dealership. When we picked the car up they stated that a connection to the high voltage battery came loose and they've fixed it. Yesterday, when attempting to start the car, the same warning message came on and the car would not start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10713386, filed 2015-04, 2,250 miles“Second time this has happened. Back in january the car would not start from a parking lot. Dealership checked it out and replaced the harness. This time was going down the freeway and the car shut off and the pull over now message came on. Luckily for me the person behind me stayed with us while I pushed the car over to the side. This car has some issues and needs to be addressed. Its back at the dealership today to find out what is wrong. I am going to see if they dealership will take it back and get me something else. …”
NHTSA complaint #10714013, filed 2015-05, 5,500 miles - Steering
Steering sticks, locks, or loses power assist
- 10 complaints (18%)
- median 7,238 mi at 1.5 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2019
Owners describe the steering wheel sticking, feeling stiff, or not returning to center, so the car must be constantly adjusted to keep straight. In some complaints the steering rack was replaced, and in others the power steering stopped working while the car was moving along with the power loss warning. Some owners say the manufacturer had sent dealers notices about a recurring steering problem. Stated mileage ranges widely, from very low figures to about 60,000 miles, and several describe the steering fault as occurring while the car is moving.
What to check: On a test drive, turn the wheel from lock to lock and listen for noise, stiffness, or a steering warning. Ask the dealer for any steering rack or steering wheel repair records, and whether any steering or power assist bulletin or recall has been completed on this car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When I first bought the car I had issues with the steering wheel they took care of the problems so recently my steering wheel acting up again making noises and just yesterday it say steering loss safely stop so I check online there been recalls on steering issues luckily it happen when I park or I would of been in a serious crash”
NHTSA complaint #11104983, filed 2018-07, 31,000 miles“My steering locked up when I pulled away from my house, but I originally thought it was just the unusually cold morning. While the car was still driveable, it was extremely difficult, especially during turns. When I took my car in, I was told the entire rack and pinion steering had to be replaced, which costs around $2,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #11065006, filed 2018-01, 52,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission hesitation, jerking, or lurching
- 9 complaints (16%)
- median 20,000 mi at 1.8 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2018
Owners describe the car hesitating, shuddering, or jerking, particularly when pulling away, when regenerative braking engages, or when shifting into drive. Some say a transmission problem was diagnosed and a clutch assembly was replaced, and others say the car would not accelerate normally even after a clutch replacement. According to complaints, a dealer performed a transmission control module update, but the hesitation and jerking continued. Stated mileage ranges from about 1,000 to 74,000 miles, and several describe the hesitation or jerking when pulling away or braking.
What to check: On a test drive, accelerate gently from a stop and brake firmly to see whether the car hesitates, shudders, or kicks forward. Ask whether any transmission control module updates or clutch repairs are recorded in the service history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I leased 2014 Ford Focus Electric in early october 2014, now it has 1082 miles on odometer. This incident happened after about month after owning the car, my daughter reversed the car out of drive way into the road. I was with her on the passenger seat. On changing the gear to d it lost power. I also verified to make sure car was in drive mode (green arrow was on). No response on pressing accelerator. No other messages on the dash board. Turned off and turned on again after a few seconds, car worked fine.”
NHTSA complaint #10658760, filed 2014-11, 1,083 miles“I got a loan on the car last year of 2017 and the car had issues accelerating. I do not recall the date but my husband and was on the hill and I and it stated transmission default. I took the car to Ford and they replaced the clutch. For about 2mths it was fine. Then it wouldn't accelerate probably. The car then starts turning off in traffic and I almost was in a car accident. I then replaced the battery. Then I finally decided to take it to Ford and that's when they told me I needed my entire fuel system replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11099831, filed 2018-06, 61,000 miles
Buying note. A buyer considering this model year may want to check the VIN against the powertrain control module software recall and the Stop Safely Now and connector bulletins, and to include highway speeds on a test drive. Ask for service records of any high-voltage harness, connector, or power loss repairs, and confirm which software updates were recorded.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 53 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 55 consumer complaints for the 2014 Ford Focus Electric. 51 of the complaints include a mileage, and 94% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 9,500 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 24 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 2 Ford Focus Electric model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system29 53%
- Engine16 29%
- Fuel system11 20%
- Steering6 11%
- Vehicle speed control5 9.1%
- Brakes2 3.6%
- Other or unknown2 3.6%
- Wheels2 3.6%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I had yet another stop safely now warning in which the car completely lost power to the drivetrain while in motion. I had previously taken in the car for the recall in january and was told that would resolve the issue, but the problem has popped up again. This is a very dangerous thing to happen to have a car suddenly lose all power while driving in the middle of the road. Ford has clearly not fixed this problem yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10888834, filed 2016-07, 4,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Vehicle lost power suddenly with a warning stop safely now . Since the speed was low and there wasn't anybody behind me, I was able to marginally pull over from the road. Tried to power cycle several times and the error message went away. Started to roll and the message popped back again and regenerative braking stopped the car immediately. Tried 3 times and every time I started to move the error message will kick in and stall. The car is at the dealer and they are taking a look at it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10643392, filed 2014-10, 9,600 milesEngine: “I was traveling about 35 MPH when my car flashed a message stop safely now and the car had lost power to the wheels and I was now just coasting. I pulled the vehicle off to the side of the road. I was able to turn off the vehicle and get it started again. I was lucky that I was able to safely get my vehicle to a safe place had this been on a freeway I would have surely been in a serious accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10546011, filed 2013-09, 667 milesFuel system: “On tuesday, september 22, 2015, while my son was driving on the freeway at 65 MPH in the carpool lane, the car suddenly stalled on him and loss all power to the car. A message popped up on the dash in an orange triangle stated stop safely now . Since he was in the carpool lane, he did not have enough time to get the car off to the side. He was stranded in a busy carpool lane and almost got rear end from behind when the car suddenly cut off all power and came to a stop. This has put my son in a great danger situation!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10776444, filed 2015-09, 22,600 milesMileage when problems were reported
94% of the 51 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,000 and 19,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2014 Ford Focus Electric version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving); for electric versions it is the cost of electricity and the rating is in MPGe.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Electric FWD | Electric | single-speed | 110 | 99 | 105 MPGe | $700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 18V592000Sep 10, 2018Equipment › ElectricalCovers: Ford Focus Electric 2012–2015, Fusion Hybrid 2013–2015, C-MAX 2013–2015
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…
- 13V523000Oct 30, 2013Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Covers: Ford Focus Electric 2012–2014
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.
Recall details for the 2014 Ford Focus Electric → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE13031Electric powertrain propulsion failureClosed · Sep 6, 2013
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 24 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10174403Apr 24, 2020Electrical system. Some 2012-2016 Focus Electric vehicles built on 15-Sep-2011 and through 9-Dec-2015 may exhibit a Stop Safely Now message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) message center. This may be…
- 10169994Dec 12, 2019Latches, locks and linkages, Body and structure. Customer Satisfaction Program 19N09 Certain 2011-2014 Model Year Edge and MKX and 2013-2014 Model Year Explorer, Flex, and MKT Vehicles Left Front Door Latch Extended Coverage
- 10167225Oct 4, 2019Electrical system. Some 2012-2016 Focus Electric vehicles may abort the battery energy control module (BECM) on demand self-test but pass the network test. This is the result of a module software limitation and does…
- 10148720Oct 4, 2018Engine, Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment. Some 2011-2014 Fiesta and 2012-2014 Focus vehicles equipped with a DPS6 transmission may experience a fluid leak between the engine and transmission. Be aware that the engine oil and DPS6…
- 10144217Jul 20, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2013-2018 Fusion Energi, 2012-2018 Focus Electric and 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi vehicles equipped with a TCU built on or before 11-Oct-2017 may exhibit a discharged battery, inoperative remote…
- 10144195Jul 20, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2012-2018 Focus Electric, 2013-2017 C-Max Energi, and 2013-2018 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) may exhibit the high voltage (HV) battery failing to charge while connected…
- 10136582Feb 20, 2018Electrical system. Some 2012-2014 Focus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine may exhibit concerns of engine runs rough, crank no-start, loss of power, loss of engine RPM, and/or…
- 10095781Feb 9, 2017Electrical system. Some 2012-2017 focus electric/2013-2017 cmax energi/fusion energi/2015-2017 mkc/mkz/2016-2017 mkx and 2017 continental vehicles operating with a 3g tcu on or before 16-jan-2017 may not respond to…
- 10094770Dec 5, 2016Equipment. Certain 2015 model year mkc and mkz vehicles equipped with the reserve equipment group, and certain 2012-2016 focus electric, c-max energi, and fusion energi vehicles - embedded modem replacement.
- 10109047Sep 26, 2016Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2011-2016 Fiesta and 2012-2016 Focus vehicles equipped with a DPS6 transmission may exhibit intermittent concerns of loss of transmission engagement while driving, intermittent no start or a…
Other model years of the Ford Focus Electric
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 7 | 6,650 | 0 | — | 107 MPGe | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 5 | 10,000 | 1 | — | 105 MPGe | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 12 | 7,050 | 2 | — | 105 MPGe | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 55 | 9,500 | 2 | — | 105 MPGe | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 69 | 5,450 | 3 | — | 105 MPGe | 62 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 33 | 19,000 | 3 | — | 105 MPGe | 27 · Fewer | Falling |
All Ford Focus Electric model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Ford Focus Electric?
Owners of this 2014 Ford Focus Electric most often report a sudden loss of drive power, frequently after a Stop Safely Now warning appears, sometimes at highway speed and sometimes at low speed. The issues reported most often: Sudden power loss, often after a Stop Safely Now message; Car will not start or move after the warning; Wiring harness or connector faults at the dealer.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Ford Focus Electric have?
NHTSA recorded 55 consumer complaints for the 2014 Ford Focus Electric as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 Ford Focus Electric is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 29 complaints (53% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 21.
Has the 2014 Ford Focus Electric been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How efficient is the 2014 Ford Focus Electric according to the EPA?
The EPA rates the 2014 Ford Focus Electric (Focus Electric, Electric) at 105 MPGe combined, 110 city and 99 highway, with an estimated annual electricity cost of $700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other battery and motor versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2014 Ford Focus Electric reported?
Among the 51 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 9,500 miles and the middle half falls between 3,000 and 19,000 miles; 94% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.