Recall 13V523 affects 2,456 2012-2014 Ford Focus Electric vehicles for powertrain control software that can cause power loss. Free repair at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 2,456 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles because a powertrain control module software problem can cause a stall-like loss of power while driving. An unexpected loss of power increases the risk of a crash, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The powertrain control module on the 2012-2014 Ford Focus Electric is the computer that manages how the electric drive system responds when you press the accelerator. It reads signals from the vehicle and tells the powertrain when to deliver drive power. The Focus Electric depends on that software command path to keep propulsion steady while the vehicle is moving.
In affected Focus Electric vehicles, the module software has a problem that can create a stall-like condition. The vehicle behaves as if it has stalled, even though it uses an electric powertrain rather than a gasoline engine. That loss of normal propulsion response leaves the driver with less control over speed until the vehicle is brought under control.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall information does not identify a light, sound, message, or driving feel that appears before the stall-like condition happens.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2012, 2013, and 2014 Focus Electric, all tied to the same automatic transmission control module component.
| 2012 Ford Focus Electric | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2013 Ford Focus Electric | automatic transmission |
| 2014 Ford Focus Electric | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 2,456 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected loss of power while driving can leave the Focus Electric without normal acceleration and increases the risk of a crash. If the vehicle loses power, steer to a safe place, stop, and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2014 Ford Focus Electric is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to ask whether the free powertrain control module software reprogramming is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 13V523 when you call the dealer or Ford customer service.
- Schedule the powertrain control module software reprogramming that fixes the stall-like loss-of-power condition.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the vehicle loses power while driving.
What happens at the repair
The documented Ford remedy is a power control module reprogramming. When the dealer repair is available, a Ford technician updates the module software so the affected Focus Electric no longer has the software condition tied to the stall-like behavior described in recall 13V523. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Ford's source remedy also lists its Customer Relationship Center for owners who need help coordinating recall service.
Timeline
| October 30, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 22, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V523?
Recall 13V523 covers 2,456 2012-2014 Ford Focus Electric vehicles with powertrain control module software that can cause a stall-like condition. Ford dealers reprogram the power control module for free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do if my 2012-2014 Ford Focus Electric is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Focus Electric is included in recall 13V523. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the power control module reprogramming under Ford campaign 13S09. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will reprogram the power control module free of charge. You can reference recall 13V523 or Ford campaign 13S09 when you call the dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected loss of power while driving, which increases crash risk. The recall concerns a software problem in the powertrain control module that can create a stall-like condition. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer software reprogramming.
What if I bought my Ford Focus Electric used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2012-2014 Focus Electric is included, then contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 13V523.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V523000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V523 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V523000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →