Is the 2013 Ford Focus Electric transmission reliable?

NHTSA lists 37 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2013 Focus Electric, 54% of all complaints filed for that year, which is the highest share among the model years compared (2012–2017).

Is there a recall for the 2013 Ford Focus Electric powertrain?

Yes. Recall 13V523000 covers 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles built between September 15, 2011 and August 23, 2013 for a powertrain control module software problem; Ford dealers reprogram the module free of charge.

At what mileage do 2013 Focus Electric powertrain problems occur?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 4,800 miles.

Did the 2013 Focus Electric powertrain issue cause any crashes?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury tied to this problem area for the 2013 model year, with no reported fires.

2013 Ford Focus Electric Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 37 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2013 Ford Focus Electric, 54% of its 69 total complaints, the highest share of any model year. A related recall (13V523000) covers a powertrain control module software problem, and median mileage at failure was 4,800.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 37; 54% of 69
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 4,800 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Vehicle suddenly loses propulsion at low speed, often in parking lots, while displaying a "stop safely now" warning.
Drive power cuts out abruptly at highway or steady cruising speed, sometimes leaving the car stalled in traffic.
Accelerator pedal becomes unresponsive after a warning chime, forcing the driver to coast to a stop.
After losing power the car will not restart for several minutes, even after attempts to cycle the parking brake or shifter.
One incident involved unintended movement while parking, resulting in a crash into a wall with airbag deployment.

When 2013 Ford Focus Electric transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 25, 2013, latest Jul 11, 2019.

37 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2013 to Jul 2019; peak Oct 2013 (13).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2013 Ford Focus Electric

NHTSA 13V523000Oct 30, 2013Transmission & Powertrain2,456 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
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.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
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 Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Focus Electric model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201214 (42%)
201337 (54%)
201421 (38%)
20154 (33%)
20161 (20%)
20172 (29%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Ford Focus Electric transmission reliable?: NHTSA lists 37 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2013 Focus Electric, 54% of all complaints filed for that year, which is the highest share among the model years compared (2012–2017).
Is there a recall for the 2013 Ford Focus Electric powertrain?: Yes. Recall 13V523000 covers 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles built between September 15, 2011 and August 23, 2013 for a powertrain control module software problem; Ford dealers reprogram the module free of charge.
At what mileage do 2013 Focus Electric powertrain problems occur?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 4,800 miles.
Did the 2013 Focus Electric powertrain issue cause any crashes?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury tied to this problem area for the 2013 model year, with no reported fires.