Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 7 | −74% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2016 | 5 | −79% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2015 | 12 | −59% | 2 | Transmission | Good |
| 2014 | 55 | 4.1× | 2 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2013 | 69 | 5.0× | 3 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 2012 | 33 | 2.4× | 3 | Transmission | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Focus Electric year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Focus Electric problems
Latest Ford Focus Electric recalls
Equipment › Electrical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019.
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ford Focus Electric vehicles manufactured August 20, 2015, through April 13, 2016. The transmission's differential pinion gear shaft may overheat and fracture.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission differential assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through August 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a powertrain control module software problem may result in a stall-like condition.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the power control module, free of charge. The recall beganon November 22, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S09.
Equipment › Electrical › Anti-theft devices
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Focus Electric should you avoid?
2013, 2014 and 2012 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Focus Electric years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2013.
What is the best year for the Ford Focus Electric?
2016 has the fewest complaints compared with other Focus Electric years at the same age, followed by 2017 and 2015. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford Focus Electric problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (81), transmission & drivetrain (79) and engine & cooling (43). Electrical complaints peak in the 2014 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Focus Electric had?
4 recalls across 2012–2017. The model year with the most is 2012. See all Ford Focus Electric recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.