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: power train
1,459 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 3, 2016
TCM PROBLEMS WIFE PULLED OUT TO A RESIDENTIAL INTERSECTION AND THE CAR STALLED, LUCKILY NO CARS WE'RE COMING AT THE TIME SHE CALLED ME AND WAS SCARED SHE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO IT TOOK ME I'M OUT 30 MINUTES TO GET TO HER MEANWHILE CARS WERE BACKING UP AND GOING AROUND HER WE PULLED IT INTO MY MOTHER-IN-LAW'S DRIVEWAY WHICH WAS NEAR AND ASK MY BROTHER-IN-LAW THAT IS A MECHANIC TO CHECK IT OUT AND HE INDICATED THAT IT WAS THE TCM THAT WAS OUT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY TRANSMISSION ABOUT SIX MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT IT NEW IT FINALLY WENT OUT. I USE THIS CAR TO GO TO WORK I AM A STATE CIRCUIT RIDER AND PUT A LOT OF MILEAGE ON MY CAR ILEARN TO DEAL WITH THE SLUGGISH TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF THE DEALERS INDICATED THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT JUST TO REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION THAT WAS DONE AND THAT WAS THE ONLY THING THAT FOR DONE FOR MY VEHICLE. AFTER FORD INDICATED RECALL I HAD TOO MANY MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE TO QUALIFY IT WAS JUST BARELY OVER 50,000 MILES THE FIRST TIME. SECOND LETTER INDICATED FOR ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO BE CHECKED BUT THE DEALER MECHANIC SAID THAT THEY HAD TO PHYSICALLY HEAR OR FEEL THE SHUDDERING OF THE TRANSMISSION BEFORE THEY COULD PROGRAM IT AGAIN THIS WENT ON UNTIL I HAD NO WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WITH SOMETIMES DO THE SHUTTERING OR SKIPPING OF THE TRANSMISSION NOT ALL THE TIME THAT'S WHY THE DEALER SAID THAT HE COULD NOT DO IT UNTIL IT WAS DOING IT FOR HIM. SO I LEARNED TO IGNORE THE SHUDDERING AND SKIPPING OF THE TRANSMISSION AND ADAPTED TO DRIVING WITH IT BUTT WHEN MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR AND IT FINALLY DIED ON HER THAT IS TOO MUCH TO DEAL WITH.
Power train, Jul 1, 2016
WE PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW IN AUGUST OF 2012 AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. JERKING, STUTTERING, ETC. CLUTCH HAS BEEN REPLACED BY FORD AT LEAST THREE TIMES UNDER WARRANTY TO ONLY FAIL AGAIN. FORD HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 100,000 DUE TO THEIR KNOWN FAULTY DESIGN BUT HAS YET TO FIX THE PROBLEM. OWNERS WILL BE LEFT WITH A CAR THAT IS UNSAFE, EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN AND / OR UNUSABLE ONCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS ON THE HIGHWAY AND IS CITY DRIVING. CURRENTLY THE CAR WILL NOT GO ABOVE 30 MILES AND HOUR AND NO SUPPORT FROM LOCAL FORD DEALER OR FORD CORPORATE ON GETTING RENTAL CAR UNTIL THEY CAN FINALLY FIT US IN 4 DAYS FROM NOW. MIND YOU THIS CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AND IS A KNOWN DEFECT THEY'VE YET TO FIX. WHY AFTER FIVE YEARS OF KNOWN PROBLEMS HAS THIS CAR NOT BEEN RECALLED? HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE IN ACCIDENTS BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE? LISTED TODAY'S DATE AS DATE OF DATE OF INCIDENT ALTHOUGH THIS IS JUST THE LASTEST IN A LONG LINE OF HEADACHES AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WE'VE EXPERIENCED SINCE BUYING THIS CAR.
Power train, Jun 22, 2016
I HAVE HAD MY FORD FOCUS SINCE 2012. BOUGHT NEW. NOTICED ROLL BACK AT STOP SIGNS AND DEFINITELY ON HILLS. HAD IT LOOKED AT, WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED AND AS GOOD AS IT IS GOING TO GET. STILL ROLLS BACK. ONE NIGHT PUT CAR IN REVERSE. IT DIDN'T MOVE. SHUT IT OFF THREE TIMES, IT FINALLY RESET. TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS. SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING. HAVE NOTICED A LITTLE JERKING HERE AND THERE. ONE DAY, JUNE 2016, DROVE THE CAR TO DOWNTOWN MADISON, PARKED IN A RAMP. ALL WAS FINE. GOT BACK IN AND STARTED IT UP TO BELLS AND WHISTLES TELLING US THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED AND TO HAVE IT SERVICED IMMEDIATELY. CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. HAD THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE REPLACED. TWO WEEKS LATER, 350 MILES FROM HOME, AFTER PASSING A SEMI, PULLED BACK INTO THE RIGHT LANE AND 10 MINUTES DOWN THE ROAD, CAR REFUSED TO ACCELERATE. IT WOULD REV UP TO 4500 RPM'S BUT NOT MOVE. ALL THE WAY HOME. GOING UP HILL, SAME THING. GET ON A STRAIGHT AWAY AND IT MOVED FINE, BUT TO START OFF AND STOP LIGHTS AND INTERSECTIONS, IT WOULD START SLOWLY. BUT RPM'S WOULD REV EVERY TIME. DEALERSHIP JUST CALLED. THE WORK THEY DID IS "FINE", NOW RUNNING A DIAGNOSTIC ON THE POWERTRAIN. ALREADY 100 DOLLARS IN. NOT A HAPPY CAMPER AT THIS MOMENT.
Power train, Jun 16, 2016
EVER SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW, THE VEHICLE HAS SHUDDERED AND HAD TRANSMISSION ISSUES. FOR DIS REFUSING TO FIX THE ISSUE. I WAS LEFT STRANDED ON THE ROAD BECAUSE THE TCM HAD TO BE REPLACED. PCM AND TCM HAVE BEEN REPROGRAMMED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE CLUTCH HAS BEEN REPLACED IN IT 3 OR 4 TIMES AS WELL. FORD KEEPS SAYING THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND HOW IT SHOULD OPERATE THE SHUDDER AND JERKIGN HAPPENS MOSTLY WHEN TAKING OFF FROMA STOP LIKE AT A STOP LIGHT
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 14, 2016
FORD FOCUS SE 2012 [XXX] PURCHASED 08/25/2011. SINCE NEW, THE VEHICLE SHUDDER AND SHAKE BECAUSE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. IT WAS AGAIN ON THE DEALER IN MAY 2016 FOR 2 WEEKS, AFTER HAVING TO WAIT 20 DAYS FOR THE PARTS TO ARRIVE, AT PINES FORD IN PEMBROKE PINES, FL. DURING THIS REPAIR ALSO, ONE OF THE ENGINE MOUNTS WAS FOUND BROKE AND THE DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT AND THE LABOR, $ 250 DOLLARS TOTAL. REALLY? FOR AN ENGINE MOUNT? THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE ADVISOR REFERRED TO THE ENGINE MOUNT AS A "TEAR AND WEAR" PART. REALLY? THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I HAVE TO REPLACE AN ENGINE MOUNT ON A VEHICLE 65K MILES OLD. WHAT ABOUT ALL THE SHUDDERING AND SHAKING TO THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION COMPONENT? SINCE NEW, THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER IN MORE THAN 8 OCCASIONS. IN TWO OF THIS OCCASIONS, IT TOOK AT LEAST 2 WEEKS TO GET THE CAR BACK. THE TCM HAS BEEN REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED SEVERAL TIMES, THE CLUTCH AND OR TRANSMISSION IN MORE THAN 2 OCCASIONS. THE DEALER SERVICE ADVISOR HAS ALWAYS TRIED TO CONVINCE US THAT THE SHUDDERING AND SHAKING IS "NORMAL" AS HE CALLED. IN TWO OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE STALL AND REFUSE TO COME BACK TO LIFE UNTIL 30 MINUTES PASSED. DURING LAST MONTH REPAIR ALSO A CASE WAS OPEN WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON 4/28/2016 [XXX] WAS CLOSED BY [XXX] WITHOUT OUR CONSENT. CASE IS STILL OPEN AND VALID. CAR IS A LEMON, PLAIN AND SIMPLE. 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Power train, Jun 10, 2016
WE HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT SUSPENSION REPAIRED 3 TIMES IN THE FIRST 5,000 MILES. THERE WAS A MAJOR KNOCKING SOUND AND YOU COULD FEEL MOVEMENT IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE CAR WAS TRANSISTIONING OVER A SPEED BUMP OR INTO A DRIVEWAY. RIGHT AFTER THIS WAS FIXED, AFTER THE THIRD REPLACEMENT OF THE SAME PARTS, THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPAIRED 4 TIMES, 3 TIMES THE CLUTCH PACK FAILED WHICH HAPPENED REGULARLY EVERY 10,000-12,500 MILES. THE CAR WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY DURING START OF MOVING AND THEN THE CLUTCH WOULD SLIP WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED. THE CLUTCH PACK WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES. THE LAST TIME THE TRANSMISSION JUST FAILED TO SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR, FORWARD OR REVERSE, THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING IN A PARKING LOT. WE ARE AFRAID THIS WILL HAPPEN DRIVING ON THE STREET, THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, GETTING ON OR DRIVING ON A FREEWAY. THE DEALER LOOKED AT IT, THEY SAID THE ONBOARD COMPUTER SHOWED A FAILURE CODE, THEY RESET THE CODE AND THEN STATED THERE WAS NO PORBLEM. WHEN ASKED WHY THE PART THAT THE FAILURE CODE SAID WAS BAD WAS NOT REPLACED THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM AND JUST DRIVE THE CAR. IF IT FAILS AGAIN HAVE THE CAR TOWED IN AND THEY WILL CHECK AGAIN.
Power train, Jun 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 5, 2016
IN 2012 I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM FUTURE FORD IN SACRAMENTO CALIFORNIA. OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS, THE CAR HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, PCM MODULE, TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, CLUTCH, STARTER, STEERING WHEEL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I TOOK THE CAR TO TWO FORD DEALERSHIPS FOR REPAIRS. THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS CANNOT REPAIR THE CAR. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY MANY TIMES AND THEY REFUSE TO REFUND MY MONEY AND RECALL THE VEHICLE THE CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND A RISK TO MY LIFE AND SAFETY. UPDATED 07/19/16*LJ *CN
Power train, Engine, May 24, 2016
THE CAR HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS HAD 3 OIL LEAKS (1 OIL PAN & 2 HEAD GASKET); I HAVE ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE CLUTCH REPLACED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME WAS DUE TO SHUDDERING AND THE SECOND TIME WAS DUE TO A TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION CODE. THE TWO CLUTCHES WERE REPLACED 10,000 MILES APART.
Power train, May 2, 2016
NEW 2012 FORD FOCUS B/C I DIDN'T WANT USED CAR REPAIRS. AT 57.2K MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MAKES NOISES, AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT ON ITS OWN SOMETIMES TO A CRAWL, ROLL BACKWARDS & LURCH FORWARD WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHTS/STOP SIGNS, NO POWER UP HILLS. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COST $1,000-$1,500 DOLLARS BUT IT DRIVES LIKE A CLUTCH. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME FORD EXTENDED THE TRANSMISSION WARRANTY TO 7 YRS OR 100K MILES B/C OF THIS. HE GAVE ME A COPY FROM HOTLINE ARCHIVE 1) FIRST PERFORM THE TRANSMISSION ADAPTIVE RELEARNS USING THE FACTORY OR EQUIVALENT SCAN TOOL 2) IF THESE CODES ARE P2831 AND/OR P2832 RETURN IMMEDIATELY, IT IS LIKELY THERE IS AN INTERNAL CLUTCH ISSUE. NOTE, THERE IS A COMMON CONCERN OF INTERNAL SEALS LEAKING FLUID ONTO THE CLUTCH FORD HAS INCREASED THE WARRANTY ON THE INTERNAL SEALS TO 7YRS OR 100KMILES. POTENTIAL CAUSES: INTERNAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 2) TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE ADAPTIVE RELEARN - CONFIRMED FIX SUMMARY: 3) REPLACE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PRIOR TO CONTACTING MY MECHANIC I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY WERE VAGUE ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. MY RESEARCHED IDENTIFIED OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME THING. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE PARTS ARE BACKORDERED 3 MONTHS NATIONWIDE BUT IT'S OK TO DRIVE THE CAR INCLUDING ON THE FREEWAY & IT WON'T HURT THE TRANSMISSION ANYMORE THAN WHAT IT IS. LATER I THOUGHT WHAT HAPPENS IF IT DAMAGES OTHER NON-TRANSMISSION PARTS NOT COVERED UNDER THE TRANSMISSION WARRANTY - WILL THAT COST ME OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES - ACTUATORS/SYNCHROS/ENGINE MOUNTS, ETC. FORD SHOULD HAVE TOLD US ABOUT THIS NEW EUROPEAN DUAL CLUTCH/AUTO TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY BEFORE THEY SOLD THE CAR. I THINK THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AT THE MANUFACTURING STAGE & STILL SOLD THE CARS. THE 2012 FORD FOCUS SHOULD FALL UNDER THE LEMON ACT. THIS IS WRONG FROM A CONSUMER & SAFETY STAND POINT - DRIVER, PASSENGERS, OTHER VEHICLES.
Power train, Electrical system, May 2, 2016
FORD FOCUS RECALL. CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 10MPH IN TRAFFIC BUT ELECTRICAL STAYED ON. LUCKILY IT WAS TRAFFIC AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE ROADSIDE. HAPPENED FIRST IN NOVEMBER 2015, DEALER SAID IT WAS BATTERY DYING. HAPPENED AGAIN APRIL 27 2016. NOW THEY'RE SAYING IT'S TRANSMISSION ELECTRICAL ISSUES.
Power train, Apr 27, 2016
SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN 2012 IT HAS NOT OPERATED PROPERLY. I UNDERSTAND IT IS A HYBRID TRANSMISSION AND FEELS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CAR SHUDDERS AND JERKS FORWARD WHEN YOU STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR. WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE IS NO PROBLEM. YET THERE HAVE BEEN ABOUT THREE RECALL OR TRANSMISSION UPDATES. THE LAST RECALL WAS SERVICED IN JANUARY 2016. SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND RECENTLY THE CAR'S ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO VALLEY ISLE FORD BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE. THERE RESPONSE AFTER RESETTING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS THAT THE CAR DROVE FINE. I WENT TO PICK THE CAR UP AND I BARELY MADE IT HOME. THE CAR AGAIN NEEDS TO TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THIS MODEL NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AS IT WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO BE FIXED.
Power train, Apr 26, 2016
POWERTRAIN IS SLIPPING, CAR LUNGES FORWARD WHEN PRESSES ON BRAKE, ROLLS WHEN GEAR, AND THE POWERTRAIN LIGHT TURNS ON. THIS IS THE SECOND/THIRD TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.
Power train, Apr 19, 2016
I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR INTO TWO SEPARATE FORD DEALERSHIPS (ELDER FORD AND BILL CURRIE FORD, BOTH LOCATED IN TAMPA, FL) FOR SERVICE DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION AUDIBLY GRINDING AND THE CAR LITERALLY SHAKING ON TAKE OFF. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE CAR IS GOING TO DIE AT ANY MOMENT. EACH TIME I HAVE TAKEN IT IN, I WAS TOLD IT JUST NEEDED TO BE "RE-PROGRAMMED". THEY WOULD DO THAT THEN SEND ME ON MY WAY ONLY FOR ME TO RETURN A MONTH OR TWO LATER WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THIS PAST TIME, THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AGAIN ONLY FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL ONCE MORE. WHILE DRIVING HOME, MY CAR INEXPLICABLY STOPPED RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ON A BUSY STREET. THE DASHBOARD SHOWED A TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION AND TO GET IT SERVICED IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE CALLED FORD'S CORPORATE OFFICE AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME TO SPEAK WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER WHO JUST REFERS ME BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. WHAT IF THE CAR HAD STOPPED THE WAY IT DID WHILE I WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY? THIS IS NOT A SAFE VEHICLE AND FORD DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE. I HAVE COPIES OF THE DOCUMENTATION FROM EACH TIME THE CAR WAS SERVICED FOR THIS ISSUE. I AM WRITING BECAUSE I AM AT MY WITS END AND I HAVE GIVEN FORD MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO GET THIS CORRECTED AND THEY KEEP TRYING TO PUT A BAND-AID ON IT. I HAVE DONE MY OWN RESEARCH AND THIS PROBLEM IS A VERY COMMON ONE AMONG THIS PARTICULAR MODEL OF VEHICLE. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT AWARENESS IS BROUGHT TO THIS SO THAT HOPEFULLY SOMETHING CAN BE DONE BEFORE SOMETHING TRAGIC HAPPENS.
Power train, Apr 16, 2016
CLUTCH IN TRANS. SKIPPING. THIS HAS AND STILL HAPPENING TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE,.BEEN IN FORD DEALER ( PARK FORD ) WESLEY CHAPEL FL. SEVERAL TIMES, STILL REACTING THE SAME.VERY AGGRAVATING .SOONER OR LATER IT'S GOING TO JAM,CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Apr 9, 2016
SOMETIMES UPON CRANKING THE CAR AND TRYING TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR IT COMES UP "TRANSMISSION NOT READY" AND WILL NOT ENGAGE. UPON TAKEOFF, IT JERKS AND SHUDDERS EVERY TIME. GOING UP ANY KIND OF INCLINE, IT GRINDS AND SHAKES OR SHUDDERS. IT NEVER TAKES OFF SMOOTHLY AND I AM AFRAID THAT I AM GOING TO GET STRANDED ANY TIME DUE TO THIS. HOWEVER, TECHNICIANS TELL ME ALL THIS IS NORMAL - IT IS NOT!!!!! I AM TOLD THIS IS DUE TO A NEW TYPE OF ENGINE - HOWEVER IT DOES APPEAR TO BE VERY FAULTY. THIS HAPPENS ON A DAILY BASIS - WHETHER I AM ON THE HIGHWAY, A TWO LANE ROAD OR IN A PARKING LOT. THIS HAS HAPPENED LOTS OF TIMES AND I HAVE RECORDS WHERE I HAVE TAKEN THIS TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AROUND SIX TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED IT.
Power train, Apr 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THERE WAS A HESITATION BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR FAILED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Engine, Apr 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER A MANUFACTURER RECALL; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. UPDATED 05/20/16*LJ *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DOORS ON THE VEHICLE LOCKED AND UNLOCKED AUTOMATICALLY AND THE TCM LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR A SYSTEM UPDATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,817.
Power train, Apr 4, 2016
CAR HESITATES WHEN AT LOW SPEED; TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE WHEN GOING UPHILL ESPECIALLY WHEN STOP START ON A HILL. GEARS SLIP WHILE DRIVING; I HAVE OWNED AND DRIVEN MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AS WELL AS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS THAT CAN SWITCH TO MANUAL BUT NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS. TODAY MY CAR WOULD NOT START: ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON JUST FINE- DEFINITELY NOT THE BATTERY. ERROR MESSAGE ON THE DASH SAID "PARKING ASSIST MALFUNCTION" - THIS ENDED UP TO BE..... THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WAY THESE TRANSMISSIONS WERE MADE.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 1, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS LATER, THE ENGINE STALLED AND DID NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FIVE TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Mar 31, 2016
THE TRANSMISSION JERKS AND WILL NOT SHIFT TO GEARS
Power train, Mar 28, 2016
I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN JULY OF 2014 WITH ABOUT 23,000 MILES. SHORTLY AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE, I EXPERIENCED THE TRANSMISSION MAKING GRINDING SOUNDS AND SHUDDERING DURING ACCELERATION. GENERALLY AFTER THE VEHICLE IS WARMED UP AND BEEN ON A DRIVE. A REPROGRAM WAS DONE AND I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM A FEW WEEKS LATER. AT THIS POINT, WITH ABOUT 30,000 MILES, A NEW CLUTCH AND PLATES WERE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE PERFORMED FINE FOR ABOUT 5,000 MORE MILES. THE SHUDDERING AND GRINDING NOISES HAVE RETURNED. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED TWICE SINCE THE NEW CLUTCH. I CURRENTLY HAVE ABOUT 45,000 MILES. FORD WILL ONLY REPROGRAM OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE IF THE SHUDDER IS OUTSIDE OF A CERTAIN RANGE AND ATTEMPTS HOW TO EXPLAIN THIS IS NORMAL. I AM STILL UNDER FACTORY POWER TRAIN WARRANTY BUT IT IS LIKE AN ACT OF CONGRESS TO GET THE ISSUE RESOLVED. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM AND I HAVE BEEN TO THE VARIOUS DEALERSHIPS AT LEAST 5 TIMES FOR HELP. THE TRANSMISSION WILL SOMETIMES JERK AND STRUGGLE TO ACCELERATE. REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY AND OTHERS. I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE FROM ABOUT SEPTEMBER 2014 TO THE PRESENT DAY.
Power train, Mar 24, 2016
SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF DUAL CLUTCH TECHNOLOGY, BEGINNING WITH 2012 FORD FOCUS MODELS, THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS DOCUMENTED CASES OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. AT LEAST TWO RECALLS WERE TO ADDRESS THE SLUGGISH SHIFTING. IN MY CASE THE TRANSMISSION HAS NEVER FUNCTIONED ADEQUATELY, HOWEVER I NEVER EXPERIENCED TOTAL FAILURE. ON MARCH 15TH, IN HEAVY INTERSTATE TRAFFIC, THE TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT PROPEL FORWARD, EVEN IN DRIVE. I TURNED THE VEHICLES IGNITION TO OFF THEN ON. THAT RESET THE SYSTEM AND I DROVE HOME. NOW JUST YESTERDAY, MARCH 23RD, THE SAME THING OCCURRED, HOWEVER THIS TIME I HAD TO TOW THE CAR TO A FORD SERVICE SHOP. IN THESE EVENTS THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THE DASHBOARD INDICATORS FLASH. THE CAR THEN IDLES AND SHAKES FAILING TO PROPEL FORWARD. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AND I AM READING THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS MODEL YEAR. SERIOUS INJURIES CAN OCCUR WITH THIS TYPE OF FAILURE WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC CONGESTED AREAS. FORD HAS NOT ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED THE ISSUE AND NO RESOLUTION EXISTS AT THIS POINT. A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IS IN PROCESS AGAINST FORD DUE TO THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER WHICH SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AGGRESSIVELY AND PROMPTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON AN INTERSTATE EXPRESSWAY. NOTE THE RECALLS FOR THEIR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Power train, Mar 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND "PULL OVER FOR SIX MINUTES" WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND MULTIPLE OTHER PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.