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BrakesPart report

2013 Ford Focus Brakes Problems

Complaints
24about this part
Share
1%of 2,112 total for the year
Median mileage
39,394miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Ford Focus, 1% of the 2,112 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,394 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Passenger side tail light is out (brake light bulb fault warning light is on). After several bulb changes, the brake light either does not come on or it burns out very quickly. An on-line search revealed that this is a common problem and Ford has done nothing about this safety concern. I do not know when this problem first started because it may have been a long time before someone else noticed it and alerted me. The problem is present as soon as the key is turned on.”

NHTSA complaint #11209303, filed 2019-05, 30,000 miles

“I was driving down the highway when my vehicle started lagging and the RPM was going up to 60. Stop at red light the passenger side front wheel caught a fire. Brake caliber locked”

NHTSA complaint #11207512, filed 2019-05, 81,780 miles

“I purchased this car in august of 2017 in bastrop, texas at benny boyd used car sales. It broke 20 days later , where it went to bastrop Ford , unknown as to what recall they repaired but it returned to the shop about less than 2 months later with another recall issue , I have had the same issues several times , I now have the same issues again and have since november of 2018 I would like to return to my home state and or be able to get a new car but because this car has consumed and nearly diminished almost every part of my livelyhood and self worth , finances, debt , etc . …”

NHTSA complaint #11365412, filed 2020-10, 134,000 miles

“My Ford Focus shudders when accelerating and lurch forward without warning when I'm slowing down or accelerating. I have had it repaired once and need to go back again. How many times do I have to go without a car because the dealership once again has my car in for repairs due to a manufacturer transmission defect. Also, what premature internal wear is this all causing? Will I need to replace parts before they would normally need replacing or fixing?! I'm worried the car will breakdown or there will be a crash where someone gets seriously hurt. …”

NHTSA complaint #10673023, filed 2015-01, 38,000 miles

“As I was driving east on the long island expressway prior to exit 41s the cars notification lights kicked on several messages came up which included rear park assist, hill start assist as well as battery indicator, oil light, check engine light, etc. I attempted to push on the gas however nothing occurred I was coasting at 40 MPH I signaled to get over into the right lane, I applied the brake however it also locked up and would not brake, I was almost rear ended/side swiped by several vehicles as I was unable to keep up with traffic and brake accordingly. …”

NHTSA complaint #10747934, filed 2015-08, 52,456 miles

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2018213%
2017111%
2016131%
2015101%
2014321%
2013241%
2012612%
201154%
2010114%
200994%
2008135%
2007205%
2006147%
2005307%
20044010%
2003626%
2002728%
200119911%
200042412%
1999218%

Other parts of the 2013 Ford Focus

Transmission and drivetrain
1,102 complaints
Engine
344 complaints
Electrical system
276 complaints
Steering
273 complaints
Fuel system
263 complaints
Other or unknown
198 complaints
Vehicle speed control
112 complaints
Body and structure
84 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
53 complaints
Electronic stability control
36 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
29 complaints
Air bags
26 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Ford Focus

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology