Below Average Reliability

2013 Ford Focus Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

3rd Generation (C346) · 2.0L Ti-VCT GDI I4 / 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (ST) · $5,000 - $8,500

Known Issues — 2013 Ford Focus

CRITICAL

PowerShift dual-clutch automatic (DPS6): shudder, hesitation, harsh or failed shifts and clutch wear

CRITICAL

Canister purge valve can fail and stall the engine without warning, with no restart

CRITICAL

Door latch component can break so a door does not latch, or looks latched when it is not

MODERATE

Electric power steering assist can drop out, leaving heavy steering

MODERATE

Focus ST (2.0L) engine harness splices to the MAP sensor can send bad signals, causing hesitation or a stall

What to Inspect

  • Drive from a stop and through low-speed stop-and-go on a warm transmission; shudder, lag or a jerk on take-off is the PowerShift fault
  • Check the VIN for the canister purge valve recall (18V735, 19V515, 26V369) and ask for proof the PCM update and valve repair were done
  • Confirm the door latch recalls were done, then check that every door latches with one firm push
  • Steer lock to lock at parking speed and at highway speed and watch for a steering warning light or a sudden heavy feel
  • On a Focus ST, confirm the MAP sensor wiring recall (14V495, 15V813) was completed

Maintenance costs to expect

ServiceIntervalCost
Oil changeevery 10,000 miles or 12 months$50-$80
Tire rotationevery 10,000 miles or 12 months$25-$50
Cabin air filterevery 20,000 miles$15-$30
Engine air filterevery 30,000 miles$20-$40
Spark plugsevery 100,000 miles$80-$150
Engine coolantat 100,000 miles or 72 months, then every 50,000 miles or 36 months$100-$180
Dual-clutch transmission fluid (PowerShift)every 150,000 miles$150-$300
Manual transmission fluidevery 150,000 miles$80-$150

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