Ford Focus Electric Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 7, 2024 · 181 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 181 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file for the Ford Focus Electric, across 6 model years (2012–2017). The 2013 model year has the most complaints (69). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.

Ford Focus Electric
2012 Ford Focus Electric at the 2011 LA Auto Show. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: skinnylawyer (Rachel So), CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2013, with 69 complaints
2012: 332012332013: 692013692014: 552014552015: 122015122016: 5201652017: 720177

n = 181 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Ford Focus Electric years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Focus Electric year: 2012, 2013, 2014. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2013 Focus Electric: 69 complaints, 3 recalls
  2. 2014 Focus Electric: 55 complaints, 2 recalls
  3. 2012 Focus Electric: 33 complaints, 3 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2016 Focus Electric: 5 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2017 Focus Electric: 7 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2015 Focus Electric: 12 complaints, 2 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Ford Focus Electric problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Electrical System8160
Power Train7961
Engine4260
Fuel/propulsion System3350
Steering2440
Vehicle Speed Control1751
Electronic Stability Control (esc)940
Service Brakes941
Exterior Lighting331
Wheels211
Air Bags111
Engine and Engine Cooling110
Suspension110
Visibility/wiper110

All Ford Focus Electric model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2017 Focus Electric70—Electrical System
2016 Focus Electric51—Electrical System
2015 Focus Electric122—Electrical SystemFar fewer complaints than other years
2014 Focus Electric552—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years
2013 Focus Electric693—Power TrainFar more complaints than other years
2012 Focus Electric333—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years

More from Ford: all Ford models · Ford VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Ford Focus Electric years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2012 (33), 2013 (69), 2014 (55) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Focus Electric year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Ford Focus Electric?

Electrical System, with 81 complaints across 6 model years.

How many recalls does the Ford Focus Electric have?

4 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.