2013 Ford Focus Clutch Replacement Cost

A 2013 Ford Focus clutch replacement can cost from $700 to over $1,000, depending on the type of transmission you’re rocking. Here’s how to save on costs.
Written by Kara Vanderbeek
Reviewed by Shannon Martin
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Replacing the clutch on a 2013 Ford Focus can cost between $700 and $1,000 for a manual transmission and up to $4,000 for a dual clutch automatic transmission
While the Ford Focus is no longer sold in the United States, this affordable sedan remains a fan-favorite among three-pedal drivers. With responsive handling and a lively engine, the Focus was one of the few American-made vehicles with a manual transmission.
Unfortunately, the transmission didn’t come without its problems, particularly with 2011-2017 models. So if you drive a 2013 Focus, it’s more than likely that if you haven’t already, you’ll need to replace the clutch sometime soon. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Ford Focus clutch replacements and how to recognize the signs of clutch failure. 
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How much does it cost to replace a clutch in a 2013 Ford Focus? 

The complete cost to replace the clutch in a 2013 Ford Focus will depend on the cost of labor in your area and the shop where you have the clutch replacement service completed. 
If you choose to have the labor completed at a Ford dealership, you’ll pay a higher price for the work of a certified Ford technician. On the other hand, having the service completed at an independent auto repair shop will come with a lower price tag, but the technicians may not be as familiar with your vehicle as those who work at Ford. 
On average, replacement costs sit between $700 and $1,000, with the price for replacement parts making up a small portion of that cost. For example, the cost for an OEM
Focus clutch kit (part number 7L596)
runs from about $234 to $260. Other
OEM Ford Focus clutch kits
, including those manufactured by LuK® from CARiD, are also affordable. 

What is a clutch? 

So what exactly is a clutch, and why is it so important?
Crucial to the operation of both manual and automatic vehicles, the clutch allows drivers to switch gears by transferring power from the engine to the gearbox. The flywheel connects to the engine while the clutch plate connects to the transmission, and friction between the two drives the system. When you press down on the clutch pedal, the clutch disengages the clutch friction disc from the flywheel, which then disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing you to shift gears.
This simple system is how three-pedal driving is made possible, but no system is perfect, and the wear and tear of consistent friction can result in system breakdowns over time. In such cases, the clutch may fail to operate properly. 
Common clutch problems include: 

What are the symptoms of a 2013 Ford Focus clutch problem? 

A failed clutch can present in a variety of ways. In general, the most common signs include a slipping, shuddering, or difficult to use clutch. 
If you notice that your clutch feels “spongy”, or if you need to press down harder than usual to engage the clutch, your clutch is probably beginning to fail. Similarly,
if your clutch pedal sticks or won’t come back up from the floor
, it’s probably time for a clutch replacement. 
Other symptoms of clutch trouble to watch out for include:
  • Burning smells
  • A grinding sound when changing gears
  • Slipping gears
  • Hesitation or revving when changing gears
If you’ve recognized any of the signs above, it’s a good idea to take your Focus to a repair shop or Ford dealership to ensure a professional can diagnose and treat the problem.

Is it safe to drive with a bad clutch? 

No, it’s not. A failing clutch isn’t something to mess around with and it certainly isn’t wise to take your chances on the road. While your clutch may continue to operate for a few hours, it could break at any moment and leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation.
To avoid losing control of your vehicle on the road, you should get your clutch checked out at the first sign of trouble.

How long should a 2013 Ford Focus clutch last? 

In general, your clutch can last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, but if you’re lucky, your clutch may outlive the predicted lifespan.
Unfortunately, the transmission used in the 2012-2016 Ford Focus models has a notorious record of issues. The DPS6 dual-clutch PowerShift transmission, which was intended to improve fuel economy, is “dry” instead of bathed in hydraulic fluid, making the clutch jerky, rough, and prone to issues. These problems were so prominent that the transmission resulted in a class action lawsuit and federal probe!
If you drive a 2012-2018 Ford Focus with an automatic dual clutch transmission (DCT), watch out for any problems. Unfortunately, if you run into problems, replacing a dual clutch can run as high as $4,000 or more.

2013 Ford Focus clutch recalls

Owners of the 2013 Ford Focus should be aware that the PowerShift transmission in 2011-2017 Ford Focuses caused such significant issues that Ford issued a recall. If you notify Ford of any transmission problems, Ford will replace the PowerShift transmission for free. 
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