With extremely high new and used car prices, many carbuyers are looking for "older" vehicles as a way to save some significant dollars. And due to the overall popularity of the Ford Focus, the 2013 model has been getting a second look by many buyers. But, of course, now reliability becomes a key issue.
The 2013 Focus has been associated with several mechanical issues, with one of the most notable problems being related to its PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission. More on this and other potential mechanical problems below.
Following the total redesign in 2012, the Focus became an extremely popular choice in the small car segment. It was an impressive package offering sleek exterior styling, engaging road manners, and a surprisingly upscale cabin for the price. Being available in a hatchback body style added to its appeal.
So here, we'll cover this older Focus' track record for reliability, its potential mechanical issues to have checked before purchase, as well as its overall pros and cons.
Also, More On Ford Focus Reliability
If you'd like to compare different Focus models, or years, or engines, etc., be sure to read our comprehensive Ford Focus Reliability & Problems: Best Used Focus & Years Guide. It highlights the models, best years to buy or those to avoid, common problems, and helps you choose the right vehicle for you.
2013 Ford Focus Reliability
The 2013 Ford Focus offers sharp handling, impressive fuel economy, and a comfortable ride, but its overall reliability is below average due to one significant issue: the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the car's engines are generally dependable, transmission problems have affected enough vehicles to make transmission condition the single most important factor when shopping for a used 2013 Focus.
The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has an excellent reputation for durability and can often exceed 200,000 miles with routine maintenance. Regular oil changes, cooling system service, and basic maintenance are usually all that's required to keep the engine running reliably. Buyers choosing a manual transmission model generally experience far fewer long-term problems than those equipped with the automatic.
The six-speed manual transmission is reliable and inexpensive to maintain. However, the six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic has been the subject of numerous complaints involving shuddering, hesitation, rough shifting, and premature clutch wear. Many vehicles received software updates or clutch replacements under warranty, making documented repair history especially important.
Overall, the 2013 Focus can still be a good used compact car, but only if the transmission has been properly maintained or repaired. Manual transmission models are generally considered the safest choice for buyers seeking long-term reliability.
- Overall reliability: Below Average (automatic) / Above Average (manual)
- Expected lifespan: 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance
- Best choice: 2.0-liter four-cylinder with the six-speed manual transmission
- Watch for: PowerShift transmission problems, suspension wear, and complete service records
Bottom line: The 2013 Ford Focus has a durable engine and enjoyable driving dynamics, but the automatic transmission significantly affects its overall reliability. Buyers who choose a manual transmission model or a properly repaired automatic can still find an excellent value.
- Why it's a good choice: Excellent fuel economy, sporty handling, durable engine, and affordable purchase prices
- Biggest concern: PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Best version: 2.0-liter four-cylinder with the six-speed manual transmission
- Buy only if: The transmission operates smoothly, repair history is documented, and the vehicle passes a professional pre-purchase inspection
A carefully maintained 2013 Focus can provide many years of dependable transportation, but buyers should spend extra time evaluating the transmission before making a purchase.
Possibly Buying One? Knowledge Is Leverage
Before you negotiate, know how much dealers may move on price, the best way to get the lowest price, and what your trade-in is really worth. See my used car buying strategies, new car buying strategies, or trade-in value guide.
2013 Ford Focus Common Mechanical Problems
The 2013 Ford Focus has several well-known mechanical issues, but one stands out above all others: the PowerShift automatic transmission. Fortunately, the engine itself is generally very reliable, and many other problems are typical age-related wear items.
- PowerShift dual-clutch transmission problems: The six-speed automatic is known for shuddering, hesitation, rough shifting, slipping, delayed acceleration, and premature clutch wear. Many vehicles received software updates, clutch replacements, or transmission repairs under warranty. Verify all repairs before purchasing.
- Clutch actuator failures: Automatic transmission models may experience faulty clutch actuators or transmission control modules, causing warning lights, shifting problems, or failure to engage gears properly.
- Motor mount wear: Worn engine and transmission mounts can cause excessive vibration at idle and harshness during acceleration. Fortunately, replacement is generally straightforward.
- Suspension wear: Sway bar links, struts, control arm bushings, and rear suspension components commonly wear after 100,000 miles, leading to clunking noises and uneven tire wear.
- Steering system concerns: Some vehicles experience electric power steering faults that can trigger warning lights or cause intermittent loss of steering assist. Verify smooth steering operation throughout the test drive.
- Electrical problems: Door latch assemblies, window regulators, infotainment systems, and various sensors occasionally fail as the vehicle ages.
- Evaporative emissions system faults: Purge valves and related EVAP components may fail, causing rough idle, difficult refueling, or check-engine lights.
- Minor coolant and oil leaks: Thermostat housings, hoses, and engine seals can begin leaking with age, although major engine failures are uncommon.
The good news is that the 2.0-liter engine has an excellent reputation for durability. Buyers who avoid transmission problems, or choose a manual transmission model, often enjoy many years of reliable ownership.
Buyer Tip: If you're considering an automatic 2013 Focus, drive it in stop-and-go traffic as well as at highway speeds. Any shuddering, hesitation, or rough shifting should be considered a warning sign. Ask whether the transmission has received software updates or clutch replacements, and strongly consider a manual transmission model if long-term reliability is your top priority.
2013 Ford Focus Pros
Athletic handling: The 2013 Focus is a capable and nimble handler. In fact, it's quite European in its overall feel and performance on the road, tuned with a nice balance between sharp handling and a refined ride quality.
The electrically assisted steering is precise and responsive, while there is also brisk acceleration and very little body roll when cornering. It's clearly a car with an engaging and "fun-to-drive" personality.
Under the hood of all but the performance-oriented ST model is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a lively 160-horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Also available is the Titanium Handling package which adds an upgraded sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels.
In independent performance tests, an automatic Focus Titanium was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, on the faster side for this segment. And this time gets trimmed to 8.3 seconds with the manual transmission. (The ST does this same sprint even faster - see below.)
Refined drive: The Focus also offers a quiet and refined ride. Its very capable suspension balances the car's inherent athleticism with a smooth and solid-feeling highway performance as well. With the Focus's European roots, its overall driving performance is actually along the lines of an Audi or BMW.
ST model: The high-performance 2013 ST model is downright dynamic. Under its hood is a powerful 2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine (Ecoboost) that pumps out an impressive 252-horsepower and 70-pound-feet of torque. Outfitted with a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, this particularly athletic handling Focus can zoom to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds.
Good gas mileage: Even with its above-averagel handling prowess, the new Focus still offers very good fuel economy. The EPA estimates the gas mileage for an automatic at 28 mpg city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the manual comes in at 26 and 36, respectively. Opting for the optional Super Fuel Economy package boosts those numbers to 28 city and 40 highway.
Even the high-powered Focus ST gets a rating of 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, making it one of the best among suped up hatchbacks.
In terms of the Focus Electric, the EPA gives it an energy efficiency equivalent rating (MPGe) of 110 mpg city and 99 mpg highway, slightly besting the Nissan Leaf. However, it should be noted that actual results could be impacted by one's own environment and driving style.
Upscale interior: The cabin is attractively designed and well-built with best-in-class materials. The overall look and feel is much more expensive looking than one would expect in this price range.
High-tech goodies: There is a long list of available upscale and high-tech features not typically offered in this segment that set the Focus apart from the competition. Examples range from an automated parallel parking system to a rearview camera to the Sync voice controlled "infotainment" system to HD radio to the MyFord Touch configurable control screens.
The Focus Electric (BEV): The Focus Electric is 100% battery-powered and competes with the Nissan's Leaf. It's powered by a 107-kilowatt electric drive motor that produces 143-horsepower and is fueled by a 23kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
2013 Ford Focus Cons
Rear legroom: While the front seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long trips, the rear seats provide enough headroom but slightly lack the legroom provided by some of its larger rivals.
Automatic transmission hesitation: The 6-speed automatic transmission is technically a dual-clutch automated manual they call "Powershift". As such, it is different from a traditional automatic and can sometimes slightly roll back on inclines or hesitate when edging forward when parking.
It's kind of a momentary disengagement that feels like the car has been shifted into neutral for a second. This is a slight downside as, overall, this transmission is excellent and provides brisk acceleration and excellent fuel economy.
Complicated high-tech features: The Sync infotainment system, while impressively useful and convenient, takes some practice and getting used to. There is a learning curve on its user-friendliness and the control and gauge layout is a bit complicated.
The MyFord Touch system also provides some cool customization capabilities, but also takes some time to master as its virtual buttons can be hard to quickly identify and can also be easily pressed by accident.
Before You Buy: Knowledge Is Leverage
The price on the window is only part of the deal. Knowing how much you can negotiate, the method to use to get the lowest possible price, and what your trade-in is really worth can potentially save you thousands.
Get the Best Price on Your Next Car
Buying used? See my Used Car Price Negotiation Guide to learn how much you may be able to negotiate and the strategy I recommend for getting the lowest possible price.
Buying new? My New Car Price Negotiation Guide explains how much dealers may be willing to discount as well as the method used that gets the best possible deal.
Know What Your Trade-In Is Really Worth
Your trade-in can change the deal by thousands of dollars. Before accepting an offer, see my Fair Trade-In Value Guide to learn how dealers determine trade-in prices and how to recognize a fair offer.
Overall
The compact sedan/hatchback niche is crowded with worthy competitors. Yet at the time, the 2013 Focus stood out for it highly refined nature, fun-to-drive personality, excellent gas mileage and, perhaps most impressive of all, the looks, features and performance of a typically more expensive car.
Even so, it's always a good idea to check out other top rivals before making a final buying decision as they all have their own individual pros and cons. Those worth a look would likely include the Chevy Cruze, the Honda Civic ,the Hyundai Elantra, the Mazda 3 and the Volkswagen Jetta.
Relative Reliability:
If you'd like to see which are the most historically reliable cars, trucks, and SUVs from this time, be sure to read our Most Reliable Vehicles Guide: Best Used Models & Years. This comprehensive guide highlights the top-rated models, best years to buy or avoid, common problems, potential maintenance costs, and more, and may help you make the right choice to meet your needs.
Also, More On Ford Reliability
If you'd like to compare different Ford models, or years, be sure to read our Ford Reliability & Problems: Best Used Fords & Years Guide. It highlights the models, best years to buy, common problems, and helps you choose the right vehicle.