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, Aug 28, 2023
The transmission shakes and shutters went to dealer and asked about the issue and they stated it was known issue and I should just accelerate very quickly which would clean the clutches. It did work temporarily. in August 2023 while driving the car it refused to down shift while climbing a hill. AFter stopping by the side of the road, the car would not start on the first try. After trying again car did start however it would not go into reverse. It would move forward however driving in heavy traffic the car would not shift out of second causing very high rpms. Limped it into the dealership where they stated it was the clutch and shifting forks. One month later I got the car back and on the way home it once again would not shift while climbing a hill and the check engine light came on. The next morning when I went out to start it once again it would not start. Once it did I could not shift it into revers and once again only second gear was available.
Power train, Aug 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered an Extended Warranty on the TCM but offered no assistance with repairing the transmission. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Power train, Aug 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly shift gear with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch assembly and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Power train, Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle started shaking, and the gear shifter failed to shift into reverse(R). The service engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Power train, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the service transmission and check engine warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the failure was most likely related to the transmission. The contact later received a Customer Satisfaction letter related to the transmission control module (TCM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained in the dealer possession for a week. The contact was informed that the transmission might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 10, 2023
August 3, 2023, vehicle bucking from 1RPM to 2 RPM. No engine lights came on. At every stop and go vehicle hesitated. I was driving a relative to a post operation doctor visit. Went to dealer following day. They could not inspect the car. Gave appointment for 5 days later. Recall letter I received is for the TCM/PCM-Transmission/Power Control Module. Dealer says they have vehicles waiting 2 and 3 years for this part. If this is my issue they cannot provide me with a time frame for getting the issue corrected. When I drove to the dealer the engine light did come on and it continues to be on. Car can leave me stranded or vehicle may jerk forward even with the brake applied are some of the different issues that can happen.
Power train, Aug 8, 2023
TCM and clutch system. I originally purchased this vehicle in 2014, and from the moment I purchased this vehicle until now, I have taken this vehicle to Ford dealership numerous times for the same two reasons, the TCM and clutch system. The vehicle is currently at 79K miles. When at a complete stop and I go to accelerate the whole system shutters and vibrates violently and now the most recent, the transmission stays stuck on 2nd gear and when trying to shift the next gear, it shifts violently hard to 3rd gear or just skips 3rd gear altogether, and there's moments where it just won't go past 2nd gear. I accelerate slowly and all of a sudden the car will just take off on me. I had a new clutch system installed in February of 2022 and I already need a new clutch system in August of 2023. In this time frame I have only put in 6,000 miles. The repairs in February of 2022 were not covered under warranty and so this work cost me $3,000. Here I am 1 year and 5 months later and I'm being told I need this whole new system again and it will be a $4,000 job with Ford dealership. How does Ford even allow this to happen? We have another vehicle in the household that is a 2007 Toyota Corolla with 140,000 MI and runs brand new. The work with my Ford Focus is never ending! I also think it is unfair knowing that people still own these vehicles and they know these issues and how dangerous they are and they are doing nothing to help the consumer. The fact that I would have to dish out another $4,000 to keep this car for a repair I just did 1 year and 5 months ago is selfish and insane! I don't know who else to reach out to about this as I have already reached out to Ford and nothing can be done.
Power train, Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle downshifted abruptly and decelerated to 25 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The messages "Pull over" and "Transmission Hot" were displayed. The contact stated that he was able to veer to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to shift into park (P). The contact turned the vehicle off and waited 30 minutes. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer, who diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure persisted. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission had seized between park (P) and reverse (R). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Power train, Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle with the vehicle idling, the “Transmission Overheated – Pull Over” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch actuator inside the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle remained. The contact was then informed that the vehicle failed to start, and the battery was replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 169,654.
Power train, Engine, Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle seemed to shift into neutral and failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the service engine message was displayed. The contact pulled over to allow the engine to cool down. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission failure caused the clutch to fail. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Engine, Jul 19, 2023
Hello, This is what happened to my 2012 Ford Focus SE. First I noticed that after putting gas the car doesn't start I have to try it 1 or 2 times more. Second when the vehicle stops on the traffic light sometimes it gets difficult to get out because is not taking the change correctly, so I have to press the clutch so hard. Because of the car doesn't show up any lights or signal that told me that the car is having a problem I took it to the dealership, and they did diagnostic, and the issues are confirmed.
Power train, Jun 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission downshifted to second gear. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift to reverse(R) as needed. The contact removed and replaced the TCM, and the vehicle operated as needed for an hour; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle had a faulty clutch actuator. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that because the codes that illuminated were not the same as those in Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module) the vehicle could not be repaired under the warranty. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure was mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Engine, Jun 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH and stalled in the middle of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle only restarted after cooling down for 15-30 minutes. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact continued driving; however, the vehicle would not exceed 35 MPH. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times, and on some occasions, the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with the assistance a Police Officer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the dual clutch, slave cylinder, motor mount, purge valve and other unknown parts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Power train, Jun 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that she received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact was then informed that the recall was completed and retained the vehicle however, the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 minutes away from the dealer at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound while on an incline. The contact then stated that she allowed the vehicle to drift back into the street while shifted into drive(D). The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal and shifted into reverse(R) and the “Pull Over - Transmission Overheated” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM (Transmission Control Module) failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was currently at the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,511.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 24, 2023
I'm wondering since there are so many complaints, even I am one of then, why isn't anything getting done. I'm paying out of pocket. Ford don't want to fix my car, 2012 ford focus sel. It's b.s. it's costing me alot of money. And I don't get reimbursed for nothing. I'm highly mad. I should sue ford company for not doing [XXX]. Thanks INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, Jun 23, 2023
Driving down the road and all of a sudden the transmission starts jumping out of gear and back in gear, then light comes on stating transmission is overheating. Shut car off to cool transmission and car will not start back, after around an hour car cranks back up, but continues to jumping in and out of gear and light stating transmission is overheating stop for 5 minutes and relays clicking under the hood around the motor/ transmission.
Power train, Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection, a message illuminated to “Stop Driving Immediately” was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Transmission Control Module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that it was difficult to shift into drive(D) or park(P). Additionally, the vehicle was hesitating while shifting into gear. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 Transmission Control Module (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,400.
Power train, Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and shifting gear, the transmission delayed while shifting to the next gear with the "Transmission Failure" message displayed. The contact stopped on the side of the road and shut off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Power train, May 13, 2023
I was driving about 45mph when the car tried to downshift then upshift and it stalled in the middle of the road. The transmission light came on right as it stalled along with the traction control light. Which the traction control light it made me swerve into oncoming traffic almost causing an accident. So I got it to the opposite side of the road and went to put it in park and it lunged forward while crooked at the same time almost hitting a passing car. Over a year ago I had called a dealership about the TCM because every great while the car would shudder but nothing severe and was told the 10 yr 150000 mile recal didn't fit my car even though it was still within the 10 yr part but had 180000 on it. I ended up having the car towed to my mechanic since once I restarted it after a half hour wait before it would turn over tellingmy.no key was detected I turned the car around and went about a quarter of a mile down the road and it stalled on me and wouldn't go into park and I rolled down a hill towards kids getting dropped off by the bus after school let out. I ended up being able to turn it without power steering working into an abandoned house driveway. About 100 feet from a kid. Ford wants 400 to even diagnose it if I can get it towed there. The car should have been fixed under warranty last year but ford always finds a way out of fixing their vehicles. I have a 2012 ford focus se.
Power train, May 1, 2023
Shuddering and vibration while driving. Engine light turn on.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2023
While stopped and preparing to turn left at yield light, my check engine light suddenly came on followed by several alerts and dings. Not understanding what was occurring in that exact moment, I had an opportunity to safely make the left turn, and intended to address the issue once off the main road. Within moments of releasing the brake my car began violently revving and jolted forward into the intersection, in response I quickly threw on my hazard lights while trying to maintain control of the situation. Following this moment, my car suddenly had zero acceleration or vehicle control- just loud revving and bells and whistles. This left me briefly stranded in the middle of the intersection with oncoming traffic approaching quickly. I threw the car into park, and then back into drive- it never stopped revving, but it finally gave me enough control to lurch the vehicle out of intersection and barely into the entrance of a subdivision. It was utterly terrifying, and as result caused me to have a massive panic attack. Mind you, This car is barely over 100k in miles, and I just purchased it last summer from a used car dealership- so I took to the internet to search the issue while waiting for AAA to arrive. To my unknowing amazement, this car was slated with 2 major safety recalls- one being related to the transmission. I do not understand how this vehicle was allowed to be sold to me with such issues, or without disclosure about the possible recalls. With that aside, I was utterly distraught when my research concluded that Ford KNEW about these issues before they hit the market- they’re also allowed to keep them on the road with sorry assed “band-aid” repairs for the faulty equipment- still knowing full and well that this issue is Guaranteed to happen again! So now, I knowingly have to continue payments on a death trap- that I currently cannot drive. I am losing income I couldn’t afford to lose, and I’m terrified of my car. This is not ok…I’m not ok.
Power train, Apr 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train) however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer and Gordie Boucher Ford of Thiensville (121 N Main St, Thiensville, WI 53092) were made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty, and she was responsible to pay out of pocket for the diagnostic test and repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 93,490.
Power train, Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a stationary position, the vehicle shuddered while accelerating and would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the powertrain engagement clutch was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired for the vehicle. The contact stated that the dry clutch packs were previously replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.
Power train, Engine, Apr 9, 2023
VEHICLE SHUDDERING
Power train, Apr 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond upon shifting into reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating, the clutch vibrated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the TCM needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer retrieved diagnostic trouble codes: P087A-00 (Clutch Position Sensor) and P287A-00 (Stuck Clutch). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.