VehicleVerdict

2014 Ford Focus Electric problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 98 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Focus Electric year — the 2014 model ranks #2 of 6 Focus Electric years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 31 reports (32% of the total).

98

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

4

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other Focus Electric years?

Focus Electric NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted120 complaints2012: 53 complaints2013: 120 complaints2014: 98 complaints2015: 20 complaints2016: 9 complaints2017: 12 complaints
Focus Electric NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Focus Electric years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Ford Focus Electric problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3132%
Transmission2121%
Engine1616%
Fuel System1111%
Steering66%
Speed Control55%
Brakes22%
Other22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Lighting11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2014 Ford Focus Electric have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V592000Electrical SystemSeptember 10, 2018 · 49,197 units

Defect

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. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.

Consequence

An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.

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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S24.

13V523000TransmissionOctober 30, 2013 · 2,456 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2014 FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS CHARGED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE OUTLET HAD MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THERE MUST BE FAULTY WIRING AT THE RESIDENCE. AN ELECTRICIAN WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE WIRING WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 5, 2015 · fire

“STOP SAFELY NOW ERROR MESSAGE APPEARS WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR, OFTEN. THE ERROR DISABLES THE CAR. SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL WORK IMMEDIATELY AFTER RESTARTING AND SOMETIMES I JUST HAVE TO TRY AGAIN LATER IN THE DAY AFTER FINDING ALTERNATIVE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE TIME BEING. MOST OFTEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 20, 2014

“"STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AT ~18K MILES, 17 MONTHS INTO OWNERSHIP, WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESS WAY AT ~35 MPH. CAR POWERED OFF AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AT NEXT STOPLIGHT, WAS STRANDED BEFORE INTERSECTION. CAR DID POWER UP AGAIN AND WAS DRIVEABLE AFTER OPENING AND CLOSING DRIVER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 6, 2015

“"STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AT ~18K MILES, 17 MONTHS INTO OWNERSHIP, WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESS WAY AT ~35 MPH. CAR POWERED OFF AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AT NEXT STOPLIGHT, WAS STRANDED BEFORE INTERSECTION. CAR DID POWER UP AGAIN AND WAS DRIVEABLE AFTER OPENING AND CLOSING DRIVER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 6, 2015

“WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR I HAD ISSUES WITH THE STEERING WHEEL THEY TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEMS SO RECENTLY MY STEERING WHEEL ACTING UP AGAIN MAKING NOISES AND JUST YESTERDAY IT SAY STEERING LOSS SAFELY STOP SO I CHECK ONLINE THERE BEEN RECALLS ON STEERING ISSUES LUCKILY IT HAPPEN WHEN I PARK OR I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 30, 2018

2014 Ford Focus Electric — common questions

Is the 2014 Ford Focus Electric reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 98 complaints put the 2014 model at #2 of 6 Focus Electric years. It is one of the Focus Electric years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 Focus Electric problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (31 complaints), transmission (21 complaints), engine (16 complaints).

Does the 2014 Ford Focus Electric have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Ford Focus Electric. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Ford Focus Electric under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Focus Electric years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Focus Electric years to avoid are 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Focus Electric years belongs to 2016.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.