2013 Ford Focus Fuel System, Gasoline Problems
Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, gasoline problems on the 2013 Ford Focus, 3% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 99,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “fuel tank” (28% of reports).
- 53fuel system, gasoline complaints
- 99,000median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 63%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Fuel tank: mentioned in 15 of 53 complaints (28%)
- Purge valve: mentioned in 8 of 53 complaints (15%)
- Gasoline included: mentioned in 7 of 53 complaints (13%)
- Depressing accelerator: mentioned in 6 of 53 complaints (11%)
At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems happen?
Based on 47 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
None of the 53 complaints report a crash, fire or injury.
Ford Focus fuel system, gasoline complaints by model year
| Model year | Fuel System, Gasoline complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Focus | 65 | 8% | 67,000 |
| 2017 Focus | 61 | 7% | 60,000 |
| 2016 Focus | 61 | 5% | 80,000 |
| 2015 Focus | 34 | 3% | 77,000 |
| 2014 Focus | 53 | 2% | 90,000 |
| 2013 Focus | 53 | 3% | 99,000 |
| 2012 Focus | 56 | 1% | 95,771 |
| 2011 Focus | 2 | 2% | 44,150 |
| 2010 Focus | 15 | 5% | 51,835 |
| 2009 Focus | 4 | 2% | 58,000 |
| 2008 Focus | 1 | 0% | 32,233 |
| 2007 Focus | 8 | 2% | 45,000 |
| 2006 Focus | 7 | 3% | 58,000 |
| 2005 Focus | 17 | 4% | 51,000 |
| 2004 Focus | 8 | 2% | 33,000 |
| 2003 Focus | 12 | 1% | 16,633 |
| 2002 Focus | 58 | 6% | 50,644 |
| 2001 Focus | 277 | 16% | 52,378 |
| 2000 Focus | 366 | 10% | 52,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:evaporative emissions:canister
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
Risk: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:evaporative emissions:canister
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
Risk: The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:evaporative emissions:canister
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
Risk: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, the RPM decreased, and the vehicle turned off independently. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that a dealer was…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove rough. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling rough. In addition, the fuel gauge was moving erratically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with canister…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an…

Frequently asked questions
Do all 2013 Ford Focuss have fuel system, gasoline problems?
No. NHTSA has 53 owner complaints about fuel system, gasoline for the 2013 Ford Focus (3% of the 2,112 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Ford Focus fuel system, gasoline?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list fuel system, gasoline. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems start?
The median reported mileage is 99,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about fuel system, gasoline problems on the 2013 Ford Focus?
The most frequent phrase is “fuel tank”, in 15 of 53 complaints, followed by “purge valve” (8).
Other 2013 Ford Focus problems
- Power Train problems (1,102)
- Engine problems (344)
- Electrical System problems (276)
- Steering problems (273)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (209)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (112)
- Structure problems (84)
- Latches/locks/linkages problems (53)
See all 2013 Ford Focus problems or fuel system, gasoline problems across all Focus years.