Ford Focus Electric Problems by Year
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 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
- 2013 Focus Electric: 69 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2014 Focus Electric: 55 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2012 Focus Electric: 33 complaints, 3 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2016 Focus Electric: 5 complaints, 1 recall
- 2017 Focus Electric: 7 complaints, 0 recalls
- 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 area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 81 | 6 | 0 |
| Power Train | 79 | 6 | 1 |
| Engine | 42 | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 33 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 24 | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 17 | 5 | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 9 | 4 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Wheels | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Ford Focus Electric model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Focus Electric | 7 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2016 Focus Electric | 5 | 1 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2015 Focus Electric | 12 | 2 | — | Electrical System | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2014 Focus Electric | 55 | 2 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2013 Focus Electric | 69 | 3 | — | Power Train | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2012 Focus Electric | 33 | 3 | — | Electrical System | Far 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.