Ford Focus Electric Best and Worst Years (2012–2017)
Avoid 2013 and 2014 Ford Focus Electric models, which carry Complaint Indexes of 100 and 80 and are led by transmission/powertrain and electrical system complaints. The 2016 and 2017 model years score 20 and 0 and are the best choices, with 2012 rated Caution.
- Model years
- 6
- 2012–2017
- NHTSA complaints
- 181
- Recall campaigns
- 4
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 2
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Focus Electric Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Ford Focus Electric problems and recalls by year
Focus Electric years to avoid: what went wrong
2013 Ford Focus Electric Index 100 · 69 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2013 Focus Electric has the highest Complaint Index (100) of any year and ranks worst overall. Transmission & Powertrain problems make up 54% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 4,800 miles; owners describe sudden loss of propulsion and a "stop safely now" warning at low speeds. Electrical System issues account for 39% of complaints at a median 5,020 miles. The year carries three recalls, including a powertrain control module software fix, though none are do-not-drive recalls.
2013 transmission & powertrain problems →2013 electrical system problems →2013 engine problems →
2014 Ford Focus Electric Index 80 · 55 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2014 Focus Electric has a Complaint Index of 80 and ranks second worst. Electrical System complaints dominate at 55% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 4,918 miles; owners report melted charging outlets and one fire. Transmission & Powertrain complaints follow at 38%, median 11,000 miles, including reports of losing forward gear engagement. The year has two recalls, one covering the powertrain control module software and one for convenience charge cords.
2014 electrical system problems →2014 transmission & powertrain problems →2014 engine problems →
Most common Ford Focus Electric problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System82 (45%)
- Transmission & Powertrain79 (44%)
- Engine55 (30%)
- Fuel System33 (18%)
- Steering24 (13%)
- Brakes17 (9%)
- Other8 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (2%)
- Airbags1 (1%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (1%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Ford Focus Electric should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2013 and 2014 Ford Focus Electric. The 2013 has a Complaint Index of 100 and the 2014 has an index of 80, both driven mainly by transmission/powertrain and electrical system complaints.
- What is the best year for the Ford Focus Electric?
- The 2016 and 2017 model years are rated Best, with Complaint Indexes of 20 and 0 respectively. The 2017 model year has zero recorded recalls.
- Is the 2012 Ford Focus Electric reliable?
- The 2012 Focus Electric is rated Caution, with a Complaint Index of 60 and Electrical System as its top problem area, out of 33 total complaints and 3 recalls.
- Does the Ford Focus Electric have any recalls?
- Across 2012-2017, NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Focus Electric, none of them do-not-drive recalls. The 2013 and 2014 model years each carry recalls for a powertrain control module software issue and convenience charge cords.
- What is the most common problem area for the Ford Focus Electric?
- Across all years, Electrical System complaints lead with 82 complaints (45% share), followed closely by Transmission & Powertrain issues at 79 complaints (44% share).