2012 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 3,801 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 108 involved a crash and 15 involved a fire. 88 people were injured and 5 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, evaporative emissions, canisterJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJun 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJul 5, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.
Campaign 19V515000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageOct 22, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
Campaign 18V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchSep 6, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingAug 1, 2013
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured September 15, 2011, through May 6, 2013; and model year 2013 Focus ST vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured February 16, 2012, through May 7, 2013. Due to a wiring incompatability, the front side marker lamps may not function. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the headlamp assembly wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C04.
Campaign 13V335000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentOct 2, 2012
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Yakima Products, Inc. for use on model year 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus vehicles. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not by Ford. Certain combined Q-Tower and Q128 Clip rooftop rack systems, part numbers 8000124 and 8000728, do not fully contact the door frame.
Without proper contact of the rooftop rack clip to the door frame, there is insufficient clamping pressure and friction. The system may slide off the vehicle when loaded with accessories, possibly becoming a road hazard to other vehicles or causing injury to pedestrians.
Yakima will notify owners, and Yakima or a Yakima dealer will refund the purchase of the Q-Tower and Q-128 Clip system. There is no replacement system available for the 2012-2013 model year Ford Focus. The safety recall began on October 15, 2012. Only vehicles equipped with the vehicle rack system are affected. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not Ford. Owners may contact Yakima at 1-888-925-4621.
Campaign 12E035000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, switch/wiringApr 5, 2012
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 FOCUS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 18, 2011. A SEAL IN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR MAY BE MISSING.
WATER OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE CONNECTOR, RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR, REDUCING VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND AS NECESSARY, CLEAN AND PROPERLY SEAL THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR CONNECTOR. ANY INOPERATIVE WIPER MOTORS WILL BE REPLACED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 12V149000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
504 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 27, 2013
ON 1/23/2013 AT APPOX AT 10:15 AM I WAS DRIVING TO WORK! I WAS DRIVING WEST BOUND 10 FWY! I WAS GOING ABOUT 75 MPH IN THE FAST LANE. WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR SPEED DROPS TO 30 MPH IN A MATTER OF SECONDS, I RIGHT AWAY TURN ON MY HAZARDS! BUT DO TO THE FACT THAT I WAS` IN THE FAST LANE IT WAS VERY HARD TO GET OVER SAFETY AS THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO TURN OFF. I WAS VERY SCARED AND AFRAID FOR MY LIFE I HONESTLY THOUGHT THAT I WAS GOING TO GET HIT AND END UP IN THE HOSPITAL.THE THOUGHT OF NOT MAKING IT DID CROSS MY MIND. I TRIED PUSHING THE GAS PETAL TO REGAIN SPEED AS THE CAR DID NOT ALLOW ME TO DO SO. THE RPM CAGE WAS GOING FROM 0 TO 7 WITH IN SECONDS. I BEGIN TO ATTEMPT TO GET THE CAR OVER TO MY RIGHT SHOULDER TOWARDS SAFETY. ALL I CAN SEE THROW MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND HEAR WAS ALL THE CARS THAT STARTED HONKING AT ME, FLIPPING ME OFF, BARELY MESSING ME AS ALL THE CARS HAD TO SWERVING AROUND ME. I BEGIN TO SHAKE AS IT WAS A VERY SCARY FEELING BEING INSIDE THE CAR WHILE ALL YOU CAN DO IS SEE WHICH CAR WILL ME THE ONE THAT'S ACTUALLY GOING TO HIT MY CAR AND THE CHAIN REACTION THAT IT COULD HAVE CAUSED. AS I GET OVER THE FOUR LANE TRYING TO NOT GET HIT BY THE SPEEDING CARS, THE CAR TURNS OFF AND I AM NOW STUCK IN BETWEEN THE 10 FWY GOING WEST BOUND AND THE INTERCHANGE TO THE 57 FWY GOING NORTH AND SOUTH BOUND. NOW BEING STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THESE TWO BUSY FWY'S I FELT MY LIFE WAS IN EXTREME DANGER AS MY MIND DIDN'T LET ME CONCENTRATE BECAUSE ALL I MY MIND COULD PAY ATTENTION TO, WAS THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AS I SEEN THE CARS AGAIN SWERVING FROM HITTING ME AND ALL I CAN HEAR AGAIN IS THE CARS HONKING AT ME. I GET ON THE MY CELL PHONE AND CALL [XXX] FOR HELP !!!!(HUSBAND) WE CALLED FORD ROADSIDE SERVICE!!!! AND THE TOW COMPANY WAS THERE WITH IN 20 MINS !!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Engine, Jan 22, 2013
HAVE A 2012 FOCUS SE. PURCHASED IN MAY OF 2010. SINCE JULY OF 2010, I HAVE BEEN TAKING IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE COMPLAINING THAT THE CAR WAS SURGING, SHUDDERING, AND WHEN I HIT THE GAS PEDAL, IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR STALLS, GETS NO GAS, OR HAS TROUBLE GETTING INTO GEAR. OF COURSE, THERE ARE NO KNOWN ISSUES UNTIL A RECALL. FINALLY, THE PROBLEM CAN BE ADDRESSED. I TAKE IT IN, THEY "FIX IT" IT STILL SHUDDERS, AND FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL OUT IN THE INTERSECTION. NEXT THING, MY CAR OVERHEATS AND DIES AT 11PM ON THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE. I TAKE TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY, WELL THE CLUTCH IS BAD AND THE COOLING SYSTEM IS BAD. GREAT 2012 CAR AND TWO ITEMS HAVE ALREADY WENT OUT. THEY CHANGE THE CLUTCH AND COOLING SYSTEM, NOW WHEN I BACK UP, IT GRINDS AND BOGS DOWN. I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 2 YEARS IN MAY, 39,000 MILES ON IT, AND IT'S BEEN IN THE SHOP A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES. THEY HAVE CHANGED THE CLUTCH AND THE COOLING SYSTEM. WAS TOLD THE CLUTCH NEEDED "SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES TO BREAK IN" GAVE IT ABOUT 500, STILL GRINDS WHEN I BACK UP, MORE SO ON AN INCLINE. ALTHOUGH NOW, IT'S DECIDED IT WANTS TO STUTTER WHEN IT STARTS. SO IT'S BACK IN THE SHOP FOR THE 4TH TIME, AND I'M YET AGAIN IN A RENTAL CAR. I HAVE A CUSTOMER SERVICE GUY THROUGH FORD, HE'S USELESS... I CAN'T EVEN GET HIM TO RETURN A PHONE CALL. WHAT IS THE POINT OF HIM BEING THERE IF HE'S NOT GOING TO DO HIS JOB. I DON'T FEEL THAT I'M GETTING ANY RESOLUTIONS FROM THE LOCAL DEALERSHIPS I HAVE DEALT WITH, OR FROM YOUR CUSTOMER CARE MANAGER. I WANT A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. I HAVE WORKED WITH FORD OVER 2 YEARS AND THE VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. OF COURSE THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THIS IS AN ISOLATED ISSUE. PLEASE GO TO EDMUNDS,COM AND YOU WILL SEE THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE... THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 5, 2013
VEHICLE RATTLING NOISE WHEN RUNNING, CALLED FORD AND TOOK TO DEALER AND ADVISED NOTHING WRONG AND NOISE IS NORMAL. RATTLING NOISE CONTINUED AND TODAY BURNING SMELL FROM VENTS. AFRAID TO DRIVE AND TOOK WIFE'S CAR TO WORK. *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 10, 2012
I ORDERED THE CAR FROM FORD IN 2011 AS SOON AS THEY ALLOWED ORDERS. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 27,800MILES ON THE CAR. I HAVE YET TO GET THE FUEL ECONOMY THAT FORD STATED. I DO BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY EVERYDAY AND MY COMBINED FUEL HAS NOT GONE OVER 27 MILES PER GALLON SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. I HAVE EVEN HAD IT RUN OUT OF GAS ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN THE CAR WAS REGISTERING 30 AND 34 MILES TO EMPTY. *TR
Engine, Nov 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER ATTEMPTING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THERE WERE SEVERAL SECONDS OF HESITATION BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER. AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE BACK THE HESITATION CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NORMAL AND THERE WAS NO OTHER REMEDY FOR THE HESITATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ALSO STATED THE FAILURE WAS NORMAL AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 31, 2012
WHEN IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE LUNGES WHENEVER YOU GO BACK AND FORTH FROM THE ACCELERATOR TO THE BRAKE, NEARLY CAUSING SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 3, 2012
I BOUGHT MY 2012 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK IN JULY OF 2011. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY I NOTICED PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEMS INCLUDED THE CAR ROLLING BACKWARDS ON HILLS, SPUTTERING WHEN STOPPED (LIKE AT A RED LIGHT), JUMPING UPON ACCELERATION, & BRIEFLY LOSING ACCELERATION WHILE THE RPM??S REVVED. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP & THEY TOLD ME THAT THE BACKWARDS ROLLING, REVVING & JUMPING OF THE ENGINE WAS A TRAIT OF THE CAR. I TOLD THEM IT WAS DANGEROUS DEPENDING ON WHERE I WAS WHEN THESE THINGS HAPPENED (FOR EXAMPLE, AT AN INTERSECTION OR IN STOP & GO TRAFFIC WITH A CAR IN FRONT OF ME). THEY ASSURED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. ON OCTOBER 17, 2011, THE CAR BROKE DOWN. I PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT & PUSHED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR, AT FIRST THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE, BUT ONCE IT GOT TO ABOUT 15/20 MPH, THE RPM??S BEGAN TO REV & THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE SO I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR & THE CAR STOPPED REVVING. IF I HAD BEEN ON A HIGHWAY, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY REPROGRAMMED THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE & TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THE CAR WOULD THEN DRIVE, BUT THE ROLLING BACKWARDS ON HILLS, SPUTTERING WHEN STOPPED, JUMPING UPON ACCELERATION, & BRIEFLY LOSING ACCELERATION WHILE THE RPM??S REVVED STILL CONTINUED & AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE DEALERSHIP COULD STILL NOT FIX THESE ISSUES. I THEN RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD REFERENCING A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 12B37 DATED MAY 2012. IT ACKNOWLEDGED THESE ISSUES SO I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. ALTHOUGH THEY REPROGRAMMED THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE, TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AGAIN AS WELL AS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, THE CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. THESE PROBLEMS COULD POTENTIAL CAUSE A WRECK, INJURING MYSELF OR OTHERS AROUND ME. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 28, 2012, crash
MY BOYFRIEND AND I BOUGHT A 2012 FORD FOCUS SE HATCHBACK ON SEPTEMBER FIRST. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS MY BOYFRIEND NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RIGHT BUT HE THOUGHT THIS WAS HAPPENING JUST BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NEW. THEN, WHEN DRIVING TO WORK I NOTICED THAT WHEN I STOPPED ON ANY INCLINE STREET BETWEEN TAKING THE FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND PLACING IT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR ROLLED BACK QUITE QUICKLY TO THE POINT THAT I ALMOST HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. DAYS LATER, I STARTED TO FEEL THAT THE STEERING REQUIRED BOTH HANDS AT ALL TIMES. IT WAS CONSTANTLY WANDERING AND SHAKY SPECIALLY DURING TURNS. TO TOP IT OFF ON SEPTEMBER 27TH SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED. I WAS IN THE DRIVE WAY, I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AND THE CAR TOOK OFF AT A LURCH. THE CAR ACCELERATED SO RAPIDLY EVEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR FAILED TO SLOW DOWN HITTING TWO CARS AND TEARING DOWN A FENCE. I COULD FINALLY STOP THE CAR WHEN I QUICKLY SHIFTED TO PARK. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW FORD SELLS THIS CAR WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS RISKING PEOPLE'S LIVES. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. HOW MANY FATALITIES ARE THEY WAITING FOR? ARE THEY GOING TO DO SOMETHING EVER ABOUT THESE MALFUNCTIONS? THIS IS RIDICULOUS IF I HAVE KNOWN ALL THESE ISSUES WITH THIS CAR, I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT IT FOR SURE. *TR
Power train, Engine, Sep 11, 2012
3 SEPARATE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED IN MY 2012 FORD FOCUS ALL RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON AUGUST 25, 2012 WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 MPH, I SUDDENLY LOST POWER BETWEEN THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR ITSELF. THE RPM'S CONTINUED TO CLIMB BUT THE CAR WAS NO LONGER MOVING. TOOK TO FORD DEALER TO BE SERVICED AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE NEXT INCIDENT OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2012 - NOT NECESSARILY A SAFETY CONCERN BUT CONTRIBUTES TO OVERALL PROBLEM - PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, PLACED CAR IN REVERSE, IT DID NOT MOVE. TOOK TO FORD DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS "REPROGRAMMED". THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2012, I PULLED OUT INTO 35 MPH TRAFFIC, MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR, GOING 10 MPH AND "REVVING" BUT NOT ACCELERATING FAST ENOUGH TO STAY AHEAD OF TRAFFIC. HAD CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALER WHERE IT IS AT THIS TIME. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 5, 2012
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
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2012
ON 8/27/2012 I DROVE OFF THE CAR LOT WITH 7 MILES ON MY NEW CAR. I NOTICED A LITTLE BIT OF ROUGH SHIFTING AS THE DAY PASSED. ON 8/28 THE CAR STARTED BUCKING AND JERKING DURING ACCELERATION. THERE WAS LITTLE POWER ON INCLINES. THE PROBLEM PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE THROUGH THE DAY. I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO DROP OFF FOR SERVICE THE NEXT DAY. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE ON 8/29 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR HAD 187 MILES ON IT. ON 8/30 I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS FIXED AND I PICKED UP MY CAR. WITHIN A FEW MILES THE PROBLEM WAS BACK, BUT WORSE THIS TIME. I HAD SOME SLIGHT NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHEN THE CAR WAS BUCKING AND JERKING. IT ALMOST STALLED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ON MY WAY BACK TO THE DEALER. IT WAS STRUGGLING. THE CAR IS BACK IN SERVICE WITH 220 MILES ON IT. NOW THEY WANT TO KEEP IT FOR AT LEAST 3-4 DAYS. 8/31 I WAS ASKED TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH THE MECHANIC TO SEE IF PROBLEM WOULD REOCCUR. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A KICK WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR DROVE OK, ALTHOUGH WE ONLY DROVE AROUND A BLOCK TOGETHER. SALES MANAGER SAYS THAT IF THE MECHANIC CAN'T FIND ANY FURTHER PROBLEM, THEN I HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR BACK INTO MY POSSESSION SINCE IT'S MY CAR. HE SAYS THAT SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN AND I HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT AND LET THE MECHANICS DO THEIR JOB. I'VE HAD THE CAR IN MY POSSESSION UNDER 30 HOURS SINCE I PURCHASED IT ON 8/27. THE CAR ALSO HAS AN ISSUE WITH ROLLING BACK ON AN INCLINE. *TR
Power train, Engine, Aug 29, 2012
RECALL DONE --NOT FIXED ABC CONTROL SYSTEM. STILL ROLLS BACK AT INCLINE. ACCIDENT PARKING LOT STOPPED SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK (THOUGHT) OPEN DOOR STEPPED OUT CAR STARTED ROLLING BACK JUMPED BACK IN NOT TO GET RUN OVER TO HIT BRAKE PEDAL. FRONT DOOR OPEN HIT PARKED TRUCK (ACCIDENT) DESTROYED MY DRIVERS DOOR WITH MAJOR DAMAGE TO DOOR AND SOME DAMAGED TO PARKED TRUCK. HAD FRIEND IN THE PASSENGER SIT AND SAW WHAT HAPPENED. VIN# [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR *JS
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Jul 17, 2012
THE TRUNK LID IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT THE VEHICLE SHUDDERS AT ACCELERATION MAJOR SUSPENSION WORK REQUIRED DO TO ENGINEERING AND PRODUCTION ENGINE SHUDDERS AND CLUNKS WHEN SHUTTING OFF ROUGH IDLE AND ENGINE MISSES. PROBLEMS ARE INCONSISTENT . *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 11, 2012
WHEN ACCELERATING CAR JUMPS OR HOPS VIOLENTLY. ENGINE MAKES GRINDING/CHATTERING NOISE WHEN CHANGING GEARS. EXPERIENCE ROLL BACK WHEN ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. POWER SHIFT 6 SPEED IS NOT SAFE. HAVE TROUBLE CROSSING LANES OF TRAFFIC FOR THE JUMPING/LAUNCH JUDDER PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Engine, Jul 10, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY EVEN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM UNDER REFERENCE NUMBER 123B7 (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) AND AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WITH THE GEAR IN PARK. IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN STATIONARY, A BLOCK WAS PLACED AGAINST THE TWO REAR TIRES. ALSO, A STRONG ANTIFREEZE ODOR EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND AN OIL LEAK WAS VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,917. UPDATED 08/23/12*LJ UPDATED 09/24/2012 *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 18, 2012
WAS TOLD THIS CAR HAD "AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION". AFTER A FEW HUNDRED MILES ON IT, I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED SPORADICALLY AND WITH NO PREDICTION. ENGINE SHUDDERED, CAR LOST POWER AND WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE KEY HERE IS NO PREDICTION AS TO HOW THE CAR WILL REACT WHEN UNDER ACCELERATION. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD "THIS ISN'T AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - IT'S A COMPUTER- CONTROLLED MANUAL THAT HAS TO LEARN HOW YOU DRIVE". DEALER UPLOADED A COMPUTER UPDATE FROM FORD. THE NEXT HUNDRED MILES OF DRIVING ALMOST CAUSED NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS DUE TO LACK OF ACCELERATION AND UNEVEN PERFORMANCE. 6/4/2012 I TRIED TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AND CAR REFUSED TO SPEED UP. I ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT, BUT NUMEROUS DRIVERS SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES AND/OR SWERVED AND AVERTED MULTIPLE COLLISIONS. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER 6/5/2012 AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. WAS TOLD BY HEAD TECH "IT JUST HAS TO GET USED TO HOW YOU DRIVE". I TOLD HIM THERE WERE THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE DRIVING THIS FOCUS. HE SAID WE CAN'T, BECAUSE THAT WOULD JUST END UP TOTALLY "CONFUSING" THE COMPUTER. AS THE CAR IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, IT IS STILL AT THE DEALER. MILES ON VEHICLE ARE UNDER 800.
Power train, Engine, Jun 9, 2012
THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY FOCUS. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP THE FOCUS'S AUTOMATIC DSG TRANSMISSION (IN D) WILL QUICKLY SHIFT TO A HIGHER GEAR IN AN EFFORT TO MINIMIZE FUEL CONSUMPTION. DURING A STOPPED TURN AT A INTERSECTION THIS LEADS TO A UNSAFE CONDITION WHERE COMMANDED ACCELERATION TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS TO HAPPEN. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS LIKE THIS: THE CAR ACCELERATES AT A STOP SIGN OR PARKING LOT. THE CAR ACCELERATES TO 10-15 MILES PER HOUR. THE DRIVER LETS OFF THE GAS DURING THE "TURN" PART. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS TO SECOND OR A HIGHER GEAR. THE DRIVER THEN COMMANDS A LARGE ACCELERATION - SAY DUE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC - AND NOTHING WILL HAPPEN FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS IS BECAUSE THE DSG TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO SHIFT SEQUENTIALLY INTO FIRST AND THIS TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS. ALSO IT APPEARS THAT THE POWERTRAIN IS DISCONNECTED WHILE THIS SHIFTING TAKES PLACE. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY SELECTS FIRST THE ACCELERATION CAN BE SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES AND I BELIEVE IT IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION. IT CAN BE AVOIDED BY MANUALLY SELECTING FIRST - THEN SHIFTING TO D WHEN THE TURN IS COMPLETE. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, May 16, 2012
2012 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, DRIVE SHAFT AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD, HESITATE AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR FAST ENOUGH WHEN CHANGING LANES. THE RIGHT PASSENGER POWER WINDOW WAS SLOWER THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE, THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT OPEN PROPERLY. UPDATED 05/25/12
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 30, 2012
I BOUGHT A 2012 FORD FOCUS SEDAN A COUPLE WEEKS AGO THE NEXT DAY I NOTICED SLOW JERKY SHUTTERING ACCERLERATION WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP THEN TRYING TO ACCLERATE. I DID NOT THINK OF ANYTHING WAS WRONG UNTIL I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE FINDING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS THIS IS A PROBLEM AND NOW THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CURRENTLY HAVE IT. NEXT THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING SOUNDS AN EXAMPLE WOULD BE METAL TO METAL ON THE BRAKES IS THE SOUND AND LAST LOOSE MIRROR WHEN LIFTING THE TAB DOWN TO LOOK AT MY DAUGHTER IN THE BACK SEAT THE WHOLE MIRROR GOES DOWN ISTEAD OF SLIGHTLY MOVING. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2012
JUST A FEW DAYS AFTER WE BOUGHT THIS CAR, I WAS COMING HOME AT NIGHT AND THE CAR FELT LIKE IT RAN OUT OF GAS!! THERE WAS A FULL TANK AND NO POWER. I PUSHED ON THE GAS AND NOTHING! THEN ZOOM IT SPED UP... WHAT THE HECK? HOW SCARY! I AM PISSED! I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID UNLESS I COULD GIVE THEM THE CODE (WHAT CODE) THERE IS NOT MUCH THEY COULD DO TO HELP. THANK GOD I WASN'T ON THE FREEWAY OR IN TRAFFIC. I REALLY LIKED THE GUY WHO SOLD US THIS CAR, I WILL BE CONTACTING HIM AS WELL. THEN JUST A FEW DAYS AGO WHEN I BACKED UP I BARELY TOUCHED THE GAS AND I ZIPPED HARD! THIS IS A ISSUE! WHAT THE HECK! THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE TO ACCELERATE AND THEN WOULD SUDDENLY SURGE FORWARD WITHIN SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,900 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,300. UPDATED 04/25/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE RPM'S TO 4,000 AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL. A FEW DAYS LATER, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE SAME OCCURRENCE HAPPENED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE IDLED AT 600 RPM WHEN BRAKING, THEN INCREASED TO 1400, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 05/02/12
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 9, 2012
MY FORD FOCUS SEL 2012 HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING SHUDDERING FEELINGS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP. IT FEELS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS ABOUT TO STALL AND THEN IT KICKS BACK UP AND JOLTS MY CARS BACK AND FORTH FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE RESUMING NORMAL SPEED AFTER 10 MPH. THESE SEVERAL SECONDS ARE VITAL WHEN YOU ARE DEALING WITH FAST TRAFFIC IN CALIFORNIA OR ANYWHERE ELSE FOR THAT MATTER. THIS CREATED A DELAY IN THE ACCELERATION TIME, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE CONTACT SEVERAL FORD OFFICIALS ABOUT THIS AND THEY KEEP SAYING THAT IT IS NORMAL AND THAT THERE IS A BREAK IN PERIOD. WHY WAS I NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR? THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND FORD IS JUST EXCUSING IT UNTIL MY WARRANTY PERIOD IS UP. TWO OF MY FRIENDS BOUGHT THE SAME CAR AND IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE PROPER ACTION FROM FORD TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE PROFESSIONALLY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 29, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN STOPPED AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2012
SHUDDERING ON TAKE OFF FROM COMPLETE STOP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 7, 2012, crash
I WAS DRIVING AROUND 10MPH AND GETTING INTO A TURNING LANE WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR HIT THE MEDIAN WHICH WAS NO HIGHER THEN A CURB. AFTER HITTING THE MEDIAN THE ENGINE MOUNTS BROKE OFF AND PART OF THE ENGINE FELL OFF THE CAR. THE IMPACT CAUSED NO SEEABLE DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR NEITHER DID THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY. THERE IS NO REASON WHY HITTING A CURB AT 10MPH WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO POP OUT. *TR