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, Feb 7, 2016
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN JUNE 9TH 2012, AFTER A WEEK OF DRIVING I NOTICED A VIBRATION WHEN THE CAR WAS SHIFTING FROM A DEAD STOP TO SECOND OR EVEN SOMETIMES INTO THIRD GEAR AND REPORTED THIS TO BILL KNIGHT FORD. SERVICE MANAGER WENT WITH MYSELF AND WIFE FOR A TEST DRIVE AND SAID THIS WAS NORMAL AND IF IT PERSISTED BRING IT BACK AND THEY WOULD TRY AND RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. WE TOOK THIS BACK TIME AND TIME AGAIN AND WAS TOLD FORD WAS WORKING ON THIS PROBLEM, FINALLY I INSISTED THAT THIS PROBLEM BE REPAIRED. I TOOK MY CAR IN AND BILL KNIGHT REPLACED THE CLUTCH AND THIS RESOLVED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A MONTH, WHEN THE PROBLEM CAME BACK IT WAS MUCH WORSE AND IT EFFECTED MY GAS MILEAGE AND THE VIBRATION TURNED INTO A HEAVY SHUTTER AT TIMES. MY WIFE STARTED GETTING HEADACHES AND WITH HER HAVING SURGERY ON HER NECK I STARTED WONDERING IF THE FORD FOCUS WAS GIVING HER THE PROBLEM. I SUGGESTED THIS TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR AND HE JUST DID NOT EVEN WRITE THIS DOWN. MY WIFE HAS HAD 2 EPIDURAL SINCE THE FIRST REPAIR AND I HAVE TALKED WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND SALES MANAGER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THE SALES MANAGER WANTS ME TO TRADE THE CAR IN BUT I THINK THIS CAR SHOULD BE REPAIRED WITH A NEW WARRANTY ON THE DRIVE TRAIN OR I BE GIVEN A NEW CAR TO REPLACE THE DEFECTED ONE. FORD SHOULD ALSO PAY FOR ANY AND ALL OF MY WIFE'S MEDICAL BILLS INCLUDING PAIN AND SUFFERING, AND MY LOST TIME FROM WORK WHILE SHE WAS INCAPACITATED. I REALLY THINK BILL KNIGHT FORD SHOULD BE PUT ON NOTICE FOR SELLING CARS THAT THEY HAD PRIOR KNOWLEDGE THAT WERE DEFECTIVE.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 5, 2016, crash
I HAVE BEEN HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES WITH MY 2012 FORD FOCUS. WE PURCHASED THE CAR BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT IT HAD 4 MILES ON IT WHEN PURCHASED. NOT EVEN A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE WE STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE GEARS NOT WANTING TO SHIFT PROPERLY. WE SENT CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. IT WAS FIXED FOR A WHILE UP UNTIL RECENTLY AND WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET IT FIXED SINCE. I GOT INTO A WRECK BECAUSE MY CAR BOGGED OUT AT A REDLIGHT CAUSING ME TO GET STUCK UNDER A REDLIGHT AND BEING HIT WHILE OCCUPYING THE ROAD. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT DEALERSHIP EVER SINCE. THEY CALLED US ABOUT ONE WEEK AFTER THE WRECK TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION MODULE HAD BEEN FIXED AND THEY DROVE IT AND EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT FINE. SO MY HUSBAND GOES AND GETS THE CAR AND IT BREAKS DOWN ON HIM NOT FAR FROM LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP. THE CAR JUST COMPLETELY QUIT SHIFTING AND BOGGED OUT AND RPM SHOT UP WAY HIGH. HE HAD TO LEAVE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SO HERE GOES TRIP 3 BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS FOR THE SAME THING THAT HAS SUPPOSED TO HAD BEEN FIXED. WHY HAS THE GOVERNMENT ISSUED A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION FOR THESE CARS. THEY ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.
Power train, Feb 4, 2016
THE VEHICLE HAS HAD ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION FOR THE PAST COUPLE YEARS. THEY STARTED AROUND 28,000 MILES. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES FOR REPAIRS, INCLUDING FIXING INTERNAL COMPONENTS AND REPLACING SEALS. TODAY I TOOK IT AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED AND THERE IS A 3 MONTH WAIT FOR THE NECESSARY PARTS. THE VEHICLE JERKS AND SPUTTERS WHEN ACCELERATING AND HAS DIFFICULTY SHIFTING IN LOW GEARS IN PARTICULAR. THIS CREATES AN UNPLEASANT AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DRIVING EXPERIENCE FOR ALL INVOLVED. AFTER RESEARCHING TODAY I UNDERSTAND THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL FOR YEARS AND THERE HAS STILL NOT BEEN A RECALL, ALTHOUGH THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. I FIND IT ABSURD THAT MY REPEATED TRIPS TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR HAVE ONLY PROVIDED FOR TEMPORARY, COSMETIC IMPROVEMENTS WHILE LEAVING THE KNOWN DEFECT IN PLACE AND THAT NOW THAT THEY ARE ACTIVELY ACKNOWLEDGING THE LARGER PROBLEM THERE IS A 3 MONTH WAIT TO HAVE THE PROPER REPAIR PERFORMED.
Power train, Feb 3, 2016
SINCE PURCHASED NEW, EVERY 15K-20K TRANSMISSION FAILURE. 5X CHANGES, NOW AT 85K SAME ISSUE, TRANSMISSION JERKS HARD, DOESN'T SHIFT. IN ADDITION, EVEN WITH THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, THEY ARE CLAIMING PART OF THE CLUTCH SYSTEM IS NOT ACTUALLY COVERED ONLY A PORTION OF IT.
Power train, Feb 3, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED AND THE RPMS INCREASED RAPIDLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE TRANSMISSION RESPONDED NORMALLY. IN ADDITION, WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED HESITATION AND LUNGED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. AFTER THE SIXTH VISIT TO THE DEALER, THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE REQUIRED PART TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL TWO MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,800.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Feb 2, 2016
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY VEHICLE HAS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING AT IDLE SPEEDS, THE CAR SHAKES. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE I WAS TURNING IN AN INTERSECTION AND STALLED. IT THEN LURCHED FORWARD AND CONTINUED TO FUNCTION IN A LURCHING AND JERKY MANNER. JUST YESTERDAY, I COULD NOT SLOW THE CAR WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH, DESPITE PRESSING THE BRAKES, DUE TO THE ERRATIC BEHAVIOR OF THE TRANSMISSION. THIS LURCHING, JERKING, ERRATIC BEHAVIOR IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND COULD POTENTIALLY BE DEADLY. I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION WORKED ON A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES. EACH TIME, THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD BE FIXED. THIS IS HIGHLY IRRESPONSIBLE FOR FORD TO IGNORE THIS ISSUE AND CONTINUE TO PUT CUSTOMERS IN HARMS WAY. THIS IS AN INAPPROPRIATE WAY TO HANDLE A LIFE-THREATENING ISSUE.
Power train, Feb 2, 2016
HAPPENING INTERMITTENTLY AFTER A COMPLETE STOP, HIGHWAY CITY AND RESIDENTIAL ROADWAYS THE TRANSMISSION EXHIBITS WHAT APPEARS TO BE SLIPPAGE CAUSING A DELAY OF THE VEHICLE TO MOVE AND ACCELERATE IN A MANNER THAT I WOULD CONSIDER TO BE SAFE. THIS BEHAVIOR GOES BACK TO 06/2012 AT THAT TIME MY TRANSMISSION CLUTCHES WERE REPLACED AND NOW AGAIN THE SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON 02/01/2016 I MADE THE DEALERSHIP REP AWARE AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE LOOKED INTO. AFTER PICKING UP MY VEHICLE I WAS TOLD THAT THE "TRANSMISSION WAS OPERATING NORMALLY AT THIS TIME" I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT FORD HAS AN ACCEPTABLE AMOUNT OF SLIPPAGE CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE AND MY VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED "NORMAL" I AGAIN EXPLAINED THAT THIS DEFECT OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY SO A TECH WAS NOT LIKELY TO ENCOUNTER IT IN A TEST DRIVE. I DO CONSIDER THIS BEHAVIOR A SAFETY CONCERN AND THIS IS THE REASON THAT I AM FILING THIS REPORT.
Power train, Feb 1, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS HOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A FAULTY SEAL IN THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A HILL, IT DRIFTED IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE FOR THE SAME FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,324. UPDATED 04/26/16*LJ UPDATED 09/06/16 *LJ *JS
Power train, Jan 29, 2016
POWER-SHIFT 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION. ERRATIC CLUTCH CHANGES, GRINDING, HESITATION, UNWANTED GEAR CHANGES IS HEAVY TRAFFIC LOWER GAS MILEAGE. AFTER 3 SOFTWARE UPDATES (JANUARY 2013, DECEMBER 2014, AUGUST 2014, NOV 2015), AND A PARTS CLUTCH REPLACEMENT (DECEMBER 2014), THE CAR STILL DOES NOT RUN PROPERLY. CAR WORKED FINE FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN WENT BACK TO THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD ADMITS THAT THE FOCUS CLUTCH ASSEMBLY IS DEFECTIVE AND ON 12 NOVEMBER, 2015, FORD AGREED TO REPLACE IT. HOWEVER, I AM IN THE 10TH WEEK OF WAITING, AND STILL NO CLUTCH. I MUST USE MY VEHICLE AND IT IS GETTING WORSE EVERY WEEK. FORD SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL, ONLY A SOFTWARE UPDATE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE INTERNET IS FILLED WITH OTHER FOCUS OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. EVEN THE MECHANICS AT MY FORD DEALER FEEL THE CARS ARE GETTING MORE DANGEROUS AS THEY AGE. MY WIFE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR AND I HAVE BEGUN TO USE THE MANUAL SHIFT OPTION INSTEAD OF THE DRIVE OPTION.
Power train, Jan 29, 2016
MY CAR HAS BEEN SHUTTERING AND JERKING AND SHAKING DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEARS AND THE CAR DROPPED AND WILL ACCELERATE BY ITS SELF . THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2014
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 27, 2016
I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE 16-18 TIMES FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE SYNC AND THE TRANSMISSION SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. I HAVE HAD BOTH THE SYNC MODULE AND THE TRANSMISSION MODULE RESET REPEATEDLY AND FINALLY REPLACED. I HAVE HAD THE CLUTCH REPLACED TWICE IN TWO YEARS. THE WORSE INCIDENT AND THE REASON FOR THE SECOND CLUTCH WAS BECAUSE THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 45 MILES AN HOUR DOWN A VERY BUSY TWO LANE CITY ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART THE CAR AND GOT ABOUT 3 MILES FROM HOME AND IT FAILED AGAIN. I WAS LITERALLY IN THE TURNING LANE FOR MY SUBDIVISION AND IT FAILED AGAIN. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED FROM MY HOUSE. I WAS LUCKY I WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. FORD REFUSED TO BUY BACK MY CAR WHEN I REQUESTED IT. I HAVE COPIES OF MY SERVICE RECORDS AS DOES CHEROKEE LINCOLN FORD OF ALPHARETTA, GA.
Power train, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 26, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO HESITATE IN A JERKING MOTION AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER WAITING TEN MINUTES, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER'S CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM WHERE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO EXHIBIT HESITATION AFTER THE REMEDY WAS PERFORMED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE REAR EXTERIOR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK UNTIL AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 04/08/16*LJ THE CONSUMER ON A REGULAR BASIS, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING, PASSENGER HAD A DIFFICULT TIME EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR LOCKS WERE DIFFICULT TO UNLOCK. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PRESS THE DOOR LOCK REPEATEDLY BEFORE THEY WOULD UNLOCK. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT TIMES AT INTERSECTIONS. UPDATED 04/14/16
Power train, Engine, Jan 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. DAYS AFTER THE FAILURE, THE KEY WAS INSERTED IN THE IGNITION AND THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 84,000. UPDATED 04/20/16*LJ *CN
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RANDOM FAILURE IN WHICH THE VARIOUS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MORE THAN FIVE TIMES, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION TO THE DEALER FOR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Power train, Jan 19, 2016
CLUTCH SLIPPING; 60200 MILES ON THE CAR. CLUTCH IS SLIPPING AS WAS CONFIRMED BY MY MECHANIC. THE CLUTCH HAS TO REPLACED AND FORD WILL NOT FIX IT. NO REASON THE CLUTCH SHOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED THIS SOON. I HAVE HAD OTHER MANUAL VEHICLES WHERE THE CLUTCH LASTED 150K OR EVEN 190K MILES. CLEARLY A FAULTY DESIGN AND OR PRODUCT. BUYER BEWARE
Power train, Jan 18, 2016
TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS AND SLIPS WHEN HOT OR WHEN GOING UP STEEP HILLS. TRANSMISSION WILL NOT DOWNSHIFT WHEN PRESSING HARDER ON GAS PEDAL.
Power train, Jan 18, 2016
SINCE SEPTEMBER 2014, THE TRANSMISSION HAS SHUDDLERS, AND SHAKES VIOLENLY, WHILE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES, DEACCELERATES OR EVEN IN REVERSE. THE TRANSMISSION IS EXTREMELY LOUD WHILE THE VEHICLE IS EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE AS WELL. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO FOUR DIFFERENT FORD DEALERS AT FIVE DIFFERENT FOR THIS ISSUE AND YET THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT REPAIRED. SINCE SEPTEMBER 2014 TO PRESENT THE VEHICLE ISSUES HAS WORSEN BY INCREASED EXCESSIVE NOISE LEVELS AND THE DRIVABILITY AS WELL.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 18, 2016
TRANSMISSION IS ERRATIC, YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT MIGHT DO. IT HAS A SHUTTERING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHEN GOING 20-40 MILES PER HOUR. DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT OPEN AND HAVE 'INFORMATION' LIGHT IS ON FOR LOW PRESSURE ON TIRES AND AREN'T CURRENTLY LOW. BRAKES ARE MAKING A GROWLING NOISE WHEN COMING TO A STOP.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 15, 2016
I PURCHASED MY CAR IN JUNE 2012. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH THREE TIMES DUE TO ISSUES. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE ROOF LINER REINSTALLED AS IT HAD COME LOOSE. NOW, ONLY A MONTH AFTER THE $700 REPAIR FOR THE ROOF, I AM NOW TOLD TO PAY $950 TO REPAIR MY BRAKE BOOSTER WHICH AS BROKEN AND MESSED UP THE PRIMARY SHAFT. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT AND IS ONLY 3.5 YEARS OLD, YET SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART NOW THAT IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I ASKED IF I HAD DONE ANYTHING TO CAUSE THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO FAIL, AND WAS TOLD "NO, IT IS JUST A MECHANICAL FAILURE," THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO WAY THAT THE MECHANICS COULD HAVE SEEN THE ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH IT MYSTERIOUSLY STARTED LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AFTER I HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR OVER A WEEK. AFTER GETTING THE ROOF LINER AND CLUTCH REINSTALLED I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD ALSO UPDATED ALL OF THE SOFTWARE IN MY CAR. A LITTLE OVER A WEEK LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. I THOUGHT IT WAS A SOFTWARE GLITCH AS THE LIGHT TURNED OFF WHEN I STARTED DRIVING AGAIN. IT HAPPENED ONCE MORE ABOUT A WEEK OR SO LATER, BUT IT WAS AT THE SAME STOPLIGHT, SO I THOUGHT IT MAY BE THE PARTICULAR ANGLE OF THE CAR AT THAT LIGHT OR SOMETHING, BUT RESOLVED TO TAKE IT IN IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I WAS GONE FOR 2 WEEKS FOR CHRISTMAS BREAK, THEN WHEN I CAME BACK THE LOW BRAKE FLUID LIGHT CAME ON EVERY TIME I WAS STOPPED FOR MORE THAN 30 SECONDS. I STOPPED DRIVING MY CAR UNTIL I COULD GET IT INTO THE SHOP. SO, WITH LESS THAN A MONTH OF DRIVING MY CAR SINCE IT WAS LAST IN THE SHOP, APPARENTLY $950 IN DAMAGE WAS DONE THAT, WHILE NOT MY FAULT "COULD NOT HAVE BEEN AVOIDED" AND IS SOMETHING I HAVE TO PAY FOR IF I WANT MY CAR TO BE SAFE TO DRIVE.
Power train, Jan 14, 2016
I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN MY VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 30 DAYS NOW WAITING TO HAVE IT'S 3RD TRANSMISSION SINCE BIRTH. IT HAS HAD TWO REPROGRAMS OF THE MODULE AS WELL. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. IT SHUDDERS AND SHIFTS TERRIBLY. IT SEEMS TO WANT TO START IN THIRD OR FOURTH GEAR MANY TIMES, EXPOSING ME TO DANGER WHEN PULLING OUT INTO THE HIGHWAY. THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE BOUGHT BACK. I HAD THE TRANS REPLACED IN OCT OF 14 AND IT MADE IT A WHOLE 14 MONTHS BEFORE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE REGIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING BUT "EXPEDITE" PARTS THAT ARE ALREADY ON BACKORDER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER AT OUR DEALERSHIP SAYS ARE FAULTY ANYWAY. FORD CAN'T SEEM TO MAKE THIS WORK AND I AM PAYING THE PRICE. THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT ISSUES ON THIS MAKE OF CAR BY MULTIPLE OWNERS. IT'S TIME THEY WERE FORCED TO BUT THESE PIECES OF JUNK BACK.
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 13, 2016
FOCUS HAS BEEN UNDER MANY RECALLS AND AT FORD FOR REPAIR MULTIPLE TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION. EVERY 6 MONTHS ISSUES OCCUR CAUSING ME TO TAKE BACK INTO FORD. LAST COUPLE WEEKS I NOTICED INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN I TAKE FOOT OFF ACCELORATOR, RPMS CONTINUE TO INCREASE, AND CAR DOES NOT SLOW DOWN, CAUSING ME TO PUMP BREAKS MULTIPLE TIMES TO BE ABLE TO STOP. YESTERDAY DURING A SNOW STORM, I AGAIN TOOK FOOR OFF ACCELERATOR, THIS TIME THE CAR AGAIN WOULD STILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITHOUT MY CONTROL, CAUSING ME TO SPIN OUT, NOT ONCE BUT THREE TIMES. I DID NOT GET HIT BY OTHER CARS AS EVERYONE WAS GOING SLOW, BUT I DID HAVE TO CALL INTO WORK AS MY CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS NOW A SAFETY CONCERN FOR MY FOCUS, AND MYSELF, AND MY PAYCHECK. SOMETHING HAS TO GIVE AS FORD, HAS OFFERED NOTHING BUT TO KEEP BRINGING IT BACK WHEN ISSUES OCCUR. THIS IS NOT APPROPRIATE CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND I FEEL THERE IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR MY VEHICLE.
Power train, Jan 11, 2016
I CAN SPEND THE REMAINDER OF MY DAY REGURGITATING ALL THE ISSUES THOSE THAT HAVE PROCEEDED ME HAVE DETAILED OR SAY THIS. I PURCHASED THE 2012 FORD FOCUS TITANIUM (WITH EVERYTHING) IT'S A GREAT CAR ON THE INSIDE AND THE ENGINE FOR A 4 CYLINDER KICKS @$$ SINCE 2012 IT HAS HAD MAJOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT (NOT JUST SOFTWARE UPDATES X3) 4 TIMES.... THAT'S RIGHT 4 MAJOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES, 1 NEW TRANSMISSION AND SEVERAL REBUILDS. THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE WILL ENSURE I NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN...!!!! FINAL STRAW CHRISTMAS 2015 DRIVING DOWN THE STREET LOOKING AT THE LIGHTS ENJOYING THE COLD WEATHER, HOLIDAYS, ETC. CAR SLAMS (I MEAN LITERALLY WE WERE THROWN FORWARD AND OUR SEAT-BELTS LOCKED IN PLACE) AND THE AWESOME SYNC SCREEN DISPLAYED "SEEK IMMEDIATE TRANSMISSION REPAIR"... FAMILY AND I SPENT THE REMAINDER OF THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY IN A RENTAL. ONLY TO BE TOLD "GLAD THAT DID NOT HAPPEN TO YA ON THE HIGHWAY HUH, IT WAS ONLY THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED" IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD BEEN AT SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY!!! WTF?
Power train, Jan 7, 2016
I PURCHASED A 2012 FOCUS IN 2012 IN DALLAS WITH 7,000 MILES ON IT. SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING THE TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS UPON LEAVING A RED LIGHT. I TOOK IT BACK AND FORD TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL FOR THAT MODEL UNTIL THEY CAME UP WITH A NEW TRANSMISSION PROGRAMMING. IT WAS VERY ALARMING. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO FORD 4 TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE THAT SEEMED TO BE GETTING WORSE. THEN IN MARCH 2015 THEY CAME UP WITH THE COMPUTER REPROGRAMMING FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I TOOK IT ANOTHER 3 TIMES FOR THEM TO FINALLY DECIDE TO REPROGRAM IT ON MY CAR ALTHOUGH IT WAS A RECALL. FINALLY, WHEN WE THOUGHT THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM, THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING THE WEEK THAT THEY PERFORMED THE UPDATE. NOW THEY ARE QUOTING US WITH $2,200 FOR A NEW CLUTCH TO BE PUT IN A FAULTY TRANSMISSION BY DESIGN. THERE ARE SEVERAL CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS OUT THERE FOR THAT TRANSMISSION. THEY ALSO TOLD US IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THEY SUPPOSEDLY SENT A "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM" FOR THE CLUTCH IN AUGUST 2014 TO FIX THE ISSUE THAT NOW HIT US DUE TO THEIR FAULTY TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, THIS LETTER WAS NEVER SENT TO US. WE HAVE RECEIVED EVERY SINGLE LETTER FROM THEM BUT THAT ONE AND NOW THE CAR IS OVER THE 100,000 MILE LIMIT OF THAT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. WE WOULD THINK THAT UPON OUR 7 VISITS FOR THAT ISSUE THAT SOMEONE IN SERVICE WOULD HAVE MENTIONED THAT THEY CAN FIX IT FOR FREE. FORD HAS BEEN IN COMPLETE DENIAL OF THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE AND WILL NOT FIX THE SAFETY ISSUE THAT THEY CREATED ALTHOUGH THEY HAD THE CHANCE TO AT MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE CAR IS NO LONGER OPERABLE PAST FIRST GEAR AND 15MPH. 7 VISITS IN WHICH THEY IGNORED THE DANGER THAT WE WERE PRESENTING THEM...WHILE THEY PERFECTLY KNEW A RECALL WAS AVAILABLE FOR IT.
Power train, Jan 7, 2016
I PURCHASED A 2012 FORD FOCUS SEL LAST YEAR. I HAVE HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE. WHEN TAKING OFF (SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR), THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A SHUDDERING NOISE, THE VEHICLE FAILS TO ACCELERATE, AND THE CAR BOUNCES AS IT STRUGGLES TO SHIFT GEARS. I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN TO FORD SINCE NUMEROUS CONSUMER WEBSITES HAVE CUSTOMERS WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. SOON AFTER PURCHASE, I HAD IT BACK IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I HAD A TECHNICIAN DRIVE AROUND WITH ME. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL AND THAT THE CLUTCH PLATE JUST GETS DIRTY BY TOO "GINGERLY" ACCELERATING. HE WALKED ME THROUGH HOW TO POWER BRAKE (HOLDING DOWN THE BRAKE, FLOORING THE GAS PEDAL, AND THEN RELEASING THE BRAKE TO QUICKLY ACCELERATE THROUGH THE FIRST 3 GEARS). THIS APPEARED TO HELP FOR A DAY OR TWO, BUT I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THE SOLUTION FOR A $12,000 CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED. I RECENTLY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE CLAIMING THAT THE TCM SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION WARRANTY WOULD BE EXTENDED. I HAD THIS UPGRADE COMPLETED WITH NO IMPROVEMENT TO THE SITUATION. THE TECHNICIAN THAT I SPOKE WITH SAID THE UPGRADE WILL PROBABLY NOT HELP THE SHUTTERING. HE SUGGESTED AGAIN THAT I GIVE IT MORE GAS WHEN ACCELERATING. HE SAID SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEING SIMILAR TO A STICK SHIFT STALLING WHEN NOT ENOUGH GAS IS APPLIED. THIS DOES NOT WORK. I GIVE IT MORE GAS TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE ALSO RECENTLY SEEN WHERE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD FOR SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM CUSTOMERS. MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER FREQUENTLY DRIVES THIS VEHICLE AND I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS PROMPT ATTENTION. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL FORD CUSTOMER FOR MANY YEAR. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT RESOLUTION YOU HAVE FOR MY COMPLAINT.
Power train, Jan 6, 2016
POWTER TRAIN TCM MODULE; REPLACED ON 8/4/15 WITH 49427 MILES. VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. ALONG WITH HESITATION WHILE DRIVING IN RESIDENTIAL AREA. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE TCM WAS FOUND DEFECTIVE. MODULE WAS REPLACED AND PROGRAMMED TO LATEST "STANDARDS" .ON 1/4/2015 POWER TRAIN TCM MODULE REPLACED WITH 55488 MILES. CAR WORKED FINE THE DAY PRIOR THEN WOULD NOT START THE FOLLOWING MORNING IN GARAGE. REMOVED BATTERY AND HAD IT TESTED AT AUTO STORE AND IT TESTED GOOD. VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMPED TO START. THEN WARNING CAME ON DASH SHOWED TRANSMISSION FAILURE HAVE SERVICE. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND FOUND THAT TCM MODULE WAS BAD. SERVICE DEPT ALSO STATED THAT THE BATTERY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO BAD CELL. THE BATTERY WAS TESTED EARLIER IN THE WEEK AND FOUND TO BE PROPERLY CHARGED. OK'D THE BATTERY REPLACEMENT THEN WAS NOTIFIED THE STARTER WAS NOW BAD. SERVICE ATTENDANT DID NOT DIRECTLY ADMIT TO THE TCM MODULE CAUSING THESE OTHER ISSUES BUT ADVISED TO KEEP ALL RECEIPTS DUE TO CLASS ACTION AGAINST FORD. ATTENDANT ALSO STATED THAT SOME VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE TCM REPLACED 3-5 TIMES. WARRANTY HAS ONLY BEEN EXTENDED TO 100,00 MILES