2013 Ford Focus Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 263about this part
- Share
- 12%of 2,112 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 263 complaints about the fuel system of the 2013 Ford Focus, 12% of the 2,112 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had my transmission recall worked on and immediately after that my check engine light came on and every time after that anytime I get gas my car stalls and has issues starting. I have to sit and wait for 20 or 30 mins before my car will start. If I try to drive off I have to push down on the accelerator and shift into drive and if I stop the car will shut off.”
NHTSA complaint #11306527, filed 2020-02, 114,000 miles“When I accelerate from a stop the car shutters/jerks. Feels like strong tumble strips. Also almost like wheels are locking and trying to grip. I have been scared at I intersections as with hesitation the car doesn't have much power. Once it shifts (I have automatic) it's fine. Doesn't happen every time either.”
NHTSA complaint #11244722, filed 2019-08, 60,000 miles“The fuel gauge and miles till empty is always wrong so I constantly run out of gas while driving anywhere. When I put the fuel nozzle in my tank it makes a hissing noise (compressed air) or it sprays fuel out of the tank. I have a check engine light that won't go off.”
NHTSA complaint #11397899, filed 2021-02, 130,000 miles“My check engine light is on and the code that was read is p1450. The wheel locked on me on two separate occasions. I was unable to make a turn while going across traffic to get to the other side of the median and had to completely turn the car off and start it again for it to unlock.”
NHTSA complaint #11308398, filed 2020-02, 107,000 miles“Inaccurate distance to empty & inaccurate fuel gauge indicator. When I put gas in the car it won't start up at first, I have to recrank and reve up the engine. When I make turns or idle for too long, the battery light blinks and the car shudders, the battery is new. Also multiple diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) with illumination of check engine light.”
NHTSA complaint #10918810, filed 2016-10, 68,000 milesRelated recalls
- 26V369000Jun 9, 2026Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve…Covers: Ford Focus 2012–2018
- 19V515000Jul 5, 2019Ford 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…Covers: Ford Focus 2012–2014, 2017
- 18V735000Oct 22, 2018Ford 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…Covers: Ford Focus 2012–2018
Related service bulletins
- 10205010Mar 17, 20162.0L Ecoboost - Fuel odor
- 10075275Mar 17, 20162.0L ECOBOOST - FUEL ODOR ISSUE Some 2013-2016 Escape, 2015-2016 MKC vehicles built on or before 12/15/2015, 2013-2016 Fusion, MKZ, 2013-2015 Explorer, 2013-2014 Focus ST and…
- 10204987Feb 5, 201649 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - March 2016 Air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B141B and/or B141C
- 10204986Feb 5, 201649 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - January 2016
- 10057878Mar 13, 2015Ford 2012-2014 focus: certain vehicles may have incorrect fuel gauge indication lamp with diagnostic codes p0420, p1450, p0452,p0456, p0460 or p2196.
- 10205027Jan 21, 2015Inaccurate fuel gauge or distance to empty indication - built on or before 01/21/2015
- 10056146May 28, 2014Ford: an early shut off regarding a slow filling of fuel or filler fuel nozzle. Model 2012-2014 focus.
- 10054364Nov 19, 2013Ford: an inaccurate distance to empty or inaccurate fuel gauge indication, on some vehicles, and also there are multiple diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) with illumination of check…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 196 | 23% |
| 2017 | 177 | 20% |
| 2016 | 231 | 20% |
| 2015 | 172 | 17% |
| 2014 | 354 | 14% |
| 2013 | 263 | 12% |
| 2012 | 340 | 9% |
| 2011 | 4 | 4% |
| 2010 | 32 | 11% |
| 2009 | 17 | 7% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 17 | 4% |
| 2006 | 18 | 9% |
| 2005 | 27 | 6% |
| 2004 | 13 | 3% |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% |
| 2002 | 67 | 7% |
| 2001 | 318 | 18% |
| 2000 | 411 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2013 Ford Focus
1,102 complaintsEngine
344 complaintsElectrical system
276 complaintsSteering
273 complaintsOther or unknown
198 complaintsVehicle speed control
112 complaintsBody and structure
84 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
53 complaintsElectronic stability control
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
29 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsBrakes
24 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