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, Dec 23, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. WENT FROM 40MPH TO 0. WHEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT AGAIN IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 30 MPH. THE NEXT DAY IT DROVE WITH HESITATION AND JERKING. THEN APPEARED TO RUN SOMEWHAT NORMAL FOR A SHORT TIME (10 MINUTES) AFTER THAT STARTED TO JERK SO VIOLENTLY THAT IF A CAR WAS IN FRONT OF ME I WOULD HAVE HIT IT. AFTER READING UP ON THE FORD FOCUS, THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE CONSISTENT. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. THIS VEHICLE POSES A DANGER TO NOT ONLY THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS BUT TO ALL THE OTHER DRIVERS AND VEHICLES ON THE ROAD WITH IT. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT ON THE FREEWAY. *TR
Power train, Seat belts, Dec 19, 2014
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER OF 2012 AND WAS NEVER FOREWARNED ABOUT THE ISSUES THEY HAD. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FIXED NUMEROUS TIMES BUT CONTINUES TO CLIP, SHUDDER, JERK, AND SHAKE. I HAD TO GO TO DURHAM A YEAR AND A HALF AGO AND WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A BAD ACCIDENT WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACK ON AN INCLINE WHILE IN DRIVE. I HAVE COME CLOSE TO MANY ACCIDENTS THOUGH DUE TO THIS CAR, MOSTLY BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION HANGS UP SO BAD. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY PULL INTO EITHER A PARKING LOT OR THE CENTER TURN LANE WHEN I AM IN HEAVY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION STOPS PULLING. I NORMALLY HAVE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND SIT THERE FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE IT RESETS ITSELF AND I CAN GO ON MY WAY.RECENTLY I WAS IN THE MOUNTAINS AND THE RPMS KEPT HANGING UP AT 4,000 RPM GOING UP AND DOWN THE PASS. I HAD TO KEEP HITTING THE BRAKES AND HITTING THE GAS IN ORDER TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. WITH SEMI TRUCKS BEHIND YOU THIS IS VERY DISCONCERTING. I ALSO WAS STUCK IN HEAVY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS TRYING TO QUIT. LAST YEAR THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE AND I COULD NOT GET IT TO UNLATCH, THIS PAST SUMMER THE AC WAS NOT BLOWING OUT OF THE VENTS, HAD TO TAKE MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THE SHOP TO GET IT DIAGNOSED, AND EVENTUALLY FIXED BOTH BLEND DOOR ACTUATORS. THE CHROME PLATING STARTED PEELING OFF ON THE STEERING WHEEL THIS PAST YEAR AT ONLY 40,000 MILES AND ALMOST CUT MY HAND MULTIPLE TIMES. IT TOOK THEM TWO TRIES TO FIX THAT. MY GAS MILEAGE IS NOT EVEN WHAT IS ADVERTISED FOR THESE VEHICLES. IN TOWN I GET 22 TO 25 AND ON THE HIGHWAY I GET 26 TO 29 MPG. THIS CAR IS RIDICULOUS! FORD WILL NOT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUES THAT IT HAS, INSTEAD THE TRANSMISSION IS WITHIN NORMAL OPERATING PARAMETERS, THE REST OF IT WELL AS THE CUSTOMER SERVICE LADY STATED TO ME "ALL CARS HAVE ISSUES". *TR
Power train, Dec 18, 2014
FAULTY POWERSHIFT TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE GEARS PROPERLY CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL, SHAKE VIOLENTLY, GRIND GEARS, DROP FIRST AND SECOND GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING, NO REVERSE. *TR
Power train, Dec 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 9, 2014
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM. UNEXPECTED LOSS OF TRANSMISSION SHIFTING WHILE DRIVING. PROBLEMS WITH SHUDDERING, VIBRATION BETWEEN GEARS AND HESITATION WITH THE TRANSMISSION. ROLLS BACKWARD ON INCLINES LIKE IT IS A STANDARD BUT IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. FORD PERFORMED A REFLASH, RELEARN, AND A PINPOINT TEST. TEST FAILED AND FORD REMOVED THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACED THE CLUTCH AND SEALS ON 11/05/14 PER RECALL14M01. FORD CLAIMED THAT THERE WERE NO OTHER PROBLEMS FOUND WITH THE TRANSMISSION. ON 12/08/2014 THE SHUDDER WAS BACK AND THE CAR BOGGED DOWN TO 30MPH IN A 55MPH HWY. THE SITUATION WAS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND OPENED A CASE AT 3:50 PM WITH [XXX], [XXX] AT 1-800-392-3673. FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT WAS NOT FIXED THE FIRST TIME. THE FORD DEALERSHIP IS MAINTAINING FRAUDULENT BUSINESS PRACTICES BY CHARGING $1025.00 TO FIX THE TCM (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) THAT REMAINS DYSFUNTIONAL AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ON THE ROAD. [XXX] AND [XXX] WITH THE FORD SULLIVAN DEALERSHIP CLAIM THAT THE RECALL IS SEPARATE FROM THIS RELATED TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THIS WAS MY FIRST AND LAST NEW FORD PRODUCT. ALL THE WAY AROUND THE TRANSMISSION IN THIS AND MANY OTHER FORD FOCUSES IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR CONSUMERS AND NHTSA. MANY DEATHS WILL HAPPEN DUE TO FORDS UNWILLINGNESS TO ADDRESS THESE FAULTY TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Dec 8, 2014
LETTER REGARDING PROBLEMS WITH 2012 FORD FOCUS AND INSUFFICIENT CUSTOMER RESOLUTION OF THOSE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED MULTIPLE TIMED, WITH ONLY SHORT TERM IMPROVEMENT. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, FORD DESIGNED THE TRANSMISSION TO PERFORM AS THE OLD STYLE CLUTCH TYPE TRANSMISSION. FORD WAS ABLE TO IMPROVE THE MPG BY DESIGNING THE TRANSMISSION IN THAT MANNER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE AHEAD WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE MOVING UPWARD WITH SUCH QUICKNESS, THAT HE QUICKLY HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. SECONDLY, WHEN GOING UP A HILL FROM A STOP OR LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE CHATTERED AND SURGED. *JB
Power train, Dec 5, 2014
THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT CONTINUES TO ROLL BACK WHILE IN DRIVE AND STOPPED ON ANY SIMPLE INCLINE. BROUGHT IT TO DEALERS AND THEY CONTINUE TO SAY THAT THIS IS NORMAL. THIS IS DANGEROUS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Dec 2, 2014
I BOUGHT MY CAR AT 38,000 MILES AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP. WITHIN 5K MILES, I WAS EXPERIENCING CHATTERING ON TAKE OFF, AND AT LOW SPEEDS (MOSTLY RUSH HOUR) & VERY HARD SHIFTS. I TOOK IT IN, THEY REPROGRAMMED THE CLUTCH, AND SENT ME ON MY WAY WITH MUCH LESS CHATTERING AND ALMOST NO HARD SHIFTS, STILL HORRIBLE IN RUSH HOUR. IN SEPTEMBER, IT STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. I TOOK IT BACK, THEY FIXED IT AGAIN. SENT ME ON MY WAY WITH (AGAIN) SOME IMPROVEMENT, BUT NO SYMPTOMS GONE. I TOOK IT BACK IN OCTOBER, THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE IT WITH ME, HE SAID THE ITEMS I WAS EXPERIENCING WERE ALL "NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS." HE ACTUALLY TOLD ME: "DRIVE IT HARDER, IT WILL PERFORM BETTER." I WAS ALWAYS TAUGHT THAT YOU DON'T RAG ON YOUR CAR AND IT LASTS LONGER. DUMB ADVICE THAT IRRITATED ME. SUNDAY, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY ROAD (LUCKY IT WAS ON A SUNDAY WITH NO SCHOOL TRAFFIC), AND MY CAR SUDDENLY ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY CAR STOPS MOVING FORWARD. AFTER THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING, I WAS ABLE TO GET IT INTO A PARKING LOT. I PUT IT INTO PARK, THEN DRIVE, PARK, REVERSE, NOTHING. AT THIS TIME, I TURNED IT OFF AND IT WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS MY TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THERE IS LESS THAT 52K MILES ON MY CAR. I'VE HAD THE CAR 8 MONTHS. *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 1, 2014
I HAVE RECENTLY HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WHERE MY DASH LIGHTS TURN OFF, HEAD LIGHTS TURN OFF, RADIO TURN OFF, AND A MESSAGE COMES ON THE DASHBOARD SAYING "HILL START ASSIST UNAVAILABLE". THE RADIO TURNS BACK ON AFTER ABOUT 20 SECONDS. THE DANGEROUS PART IS WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER SHUTS OFF AND I CANNOT TELL HOW FAST I AM GOING. I HAVE CONTACT THE DEALER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE ON THIS AND THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I ALREADY HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION WHERE I HAD A FULL REPLACEMENT AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO TAKE ANY ACTION REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE FOR ANYONE TO DRIVE UNTIL THEY FIGURE THIS OUT. I DONT KNOW WHO ELSE TO CONTACT REGARDING THIS ISSUE SINCE I HAVE GONE TO FORD, THE DEALERS, AS WELL AS INDEPENDENT SHOPS AND THEY ALL CLAIM THEY CANT FIND A PROBLEM. *JS
Power train, Nov 30, 2014
IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHEN I START THE CAR AND GO INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE I CANNOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT TAKES A MINUTE AND THEN I CAN TURN THE WHEEL. I STOPPED AT WAYNE AKERS FORD AND THEY SAID IT MIGHT BE THE ELECTRONICS FOR MY POWER STEERING. THEY WERE SURPRISED IT IS HAPPENING SO SOON. THEY SAID TO BRING IT BACK FOR SERVICE ON A WEEKDAY WHEN MORE STAFFING. *TR
Power train, Nov 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL AND SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
Power train, Nov 25, 2014
THIS CAR HAS BEEN HORRIBLE SINCE THE 1ST WEEK I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR. THE CAR SHUDDERS AS I GO IN REVERSE, OR IF I PRESS DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR FROM A STOP. I'VE BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE FORD REPAIR PLACE MORE TIMES THEN I COULD COUNT. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE WHOLE CLUTCH ASSEMBLE WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. IN FACT IT HAS ACTUALLY GOT WORSE, AND NOW I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN MY VEHICLE. I WILL GO TO ACCELERATE ACROSS AN INTERSECTION AN IT WILL SHUDDER, DOES NOT MOVE, AND MAKES GRINDING NOISES. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY WANT TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AGAIN. HOWEVER THEY COULD NOT PROMISE ME THAT THIS WOULD RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I ONLY HAVE 18,000 MILES ON THIS CAR AND I ABSOLUTELY HATE IT! ON TOP OF ALL OF THIS THEY CAN NOT EVEN GET ME IN TO REPAIR IT BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY FOCUS' THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THEY ARE BOMBARDED AND MY APPOINTMENT WILL BE SOME TIME IN 1/15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 24, 2014
THE CAR GOES INTO NEAUTRAL WITH NO WARNING LOOSE ALL POWER AND THREE MONTHS LATER IT DOES NOT GO INTO REVERSE AND LOST GEARS WE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET SOMEONE GOING TO GET HURT THIS CAR NEEDS A RECALL ON TRANSMISSION BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT BAD THERE IS SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Nov 20, 2014
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED FROM FORD/NISSAN DEALER. TRANSMISSION MAKES GRINDING NOISE CONSTANTLY. DEALER SAYS THIS IS "NORMAL AND WITHIN SPECS" WHICH IS HARD TO BELIEVE. I CAN PROBABLY LIVE WITH THE NOISE FACTOR BUT CAR SHIFTING IS ALSO ERRATIC AND JERKY. WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC AND SPEEDING UP CAR WILL "BOG DOWN" BEFORE UPSHIFTING TO FASTER GEAR AND THEN MAKES HIGH REVVING SOUND. PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE TO REPLACE OUR FAMILIES SECOND VEHICLE AND WAS ALSO TO BE USED BY MY DAUGHTER. DON'T FEEL SAFE HAVING HER DRIVE THIS. DRIVING SAFELY IN TODAYS WORLD IS ALREADY A CHALLENGE BUT WHEN YOU HAVE TO ALSO ADJUST YOUR DRIVING AND SITUATIONAL THINKING TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS VEHICLES ABNORMALITIES, IT MAKES THIS FORD FOCUS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS VEHICLE AND VERY HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS DESIGNED TO PERFORM THIS WAY AND THAT FORD HAS NO FIX OR REVISION TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Nov 20, 2014
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING INCREASING HESITATING AND SHUDDERING FROM MY TRANSMISSION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. AT TIMES, I HAVE EXPERIENCED HIGH ENGINE REVS WITH VERY LITTLE POWER TO THE WHEELS. I CAN NO LONGER RELY ON THE TRANSMISSION TO DELIVER THE ENGINE POWER TO THE WHEELS WHEN I NEED IT. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I'VE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THIS PRESENTS A VERY REAL SAFETY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER. I WENT TO MY DEALERSHIP IN RESPONSE TO THE LETTER FROM FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE ON NATIONAL BACK-ORDER. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND WOULD NEED TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE UNTIL PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. AT THIS POINT, I HAVE PARKED THE CAR AND HAVE MADE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL I CAN GET IT SERVICED. FORD MUST OWN UP TO THE FACT THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND ISSUE A FACTORY RECALL. *TR
Power train, Nov 20, 2014
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER. THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, BUT THERE IS NO POWER TO THE DRIVETRAIN. THERE IS NO REVVING ? JUST A LOSS OF POWER. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, IT WAS ALONG A BACK ROAD. THERE WAS NO WARNING, THE CAR JUST STARTED SLOWING DOWN. MY DAUGHTER BRAKED AND CAME TO A STOP ? THANKFULLY AS THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC. SHE PUT THE CAR IN PARK, THEN BACK INTO DRIVE. THE CAR WENT INTO REVERSE. SHE PUT IT BACK IN PARK THEN TRIED DRIVE AGAIN AND THIS TIME IT DID GO BACK INTO DRIVE. SHE WAS THEN ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD UNDER POWER. THE VEHICLE WORKED FINE FOR THE NEXT WEEK. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED WAS IN THE EVENING. AGAIN, THE CAR JUST STARTED TO LOSE POWER. IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 45 MPH AND SHE HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE STOPPED AND A FRIEND?S DAD CAME TO HELP. HE GOT IT MOVING FORWARD FOR ABOUT 1.5 MILES; THEN THE ?CHECK ENGINE? LIGHT CAME ON AND THE D ON THE DASHBOARD FLASHED RED. THEN THE CAR STOPPED COMPLETELY. HE PUT IT IN PARK AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. HE WAITED A FEW SECONDS AND TRIED TO TURN THE CAR ON. IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER, THERE WAS NOTHING. SINCE THIS WAS AT NIGHT, WE HAD TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE WHERE IT WAS. THE NEXT MORNING, WHILE WAITING FOR THE TOW TRUCK, I DECIDED TO TRY AND START IT. IT DID START. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WAS OFF AND THERE WAS NO OTHER WARNINGS FLASHING. IT WAS LIKE IT CLEARED ITSELF. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE CAR MOVED FORWARD AS IF NOTHING WAS WRONG. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN CASE THIS PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE OTHER TRANSMISSION ISSUES. I EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD TRY TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICIAN SINCE THE ?CHECK ENGINE? LIGHT WAS NO LONGER LIT, AND ALTHOUGH THEY PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER, THE CODES THAT WERE THERE LED THEM NOWHERE. THEY CLEARED THE CODES AND TRIED FOR ANOTHER DAY TO NO AVAIL. *TR
Steering, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2014
CAR IS SHUDDERING, VIBRATING, ROLLING BACKWARDS ON INCLINES, STUTTERING BAD GAS MILEAGE AT LOW SPEEDS BETWEEN 0 AND 20 MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN 4 TIMES TO THE DEALER BEGINNING ON 5/3/12 THROUGH 11/14/13 IT HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED 3 TIMES AND A NEW TRANSMISSION REPLACED IT WHICH HAS SOLVED THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY BUT STARTS HAPPENING AGAIN. WHEN DRIVING IN OR PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC BECAUSE THE CAR EITHER HESITATES SO BAD OR JUST WONT MOVE FOR A FEW SECONDS. NEEDLESS TO SAY THERE HAVE BEEN MANY CLOSE CALLS. THE DEALER HAS BEEN PROACTIVE IN WORKING WITH ME HOWEVER THIS IS NOT A DEALER ISSUE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS ISSUES. *TR
Power train, Engine, Nov 18, 2014
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I AM A VERY UNHAPPY CUSTOMER WITH A CAR THAT I HAD PURCHASED FROM YOUR COMPANY. THE CAR IS NOT RELIABLE WHAT SO EVER AND I CAN'T TRUST IT WITH ANYTHING! I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED THE NEWER MODEL FOCUS AND WHEN I FINALLY HAVE THE MONEY TO AFFORD ONE I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS MANY ISSUES WITH A CAR AND THIS IS ONE OF THE NEWEST CARS I HAVE YET BOUGHT. I HAVE MISSED 8 DAYS OF WORK THIS YEAR JUST BECAUSE THE CAR HAS ITS OWN GAMES TO PLAY.THE CAR HAS ALMOST COST ME MY LIFE A FEW TIMES DUE TO THE JERKING ON THE ENGINE THAT YOU GUYS FEEL IS NORMAL. WHEN I GO TO MAKE A TURN THE CAR JERKS SO MUCH SOMETIMES THAT IT'S JUST MAKES IT BEFORE I GET SMASHED. THIS CAR IS HORRIBLE AND I THINK THAT IT IS SO WRONG THAT THERE IS SO MUCH WRONG WITH THIS CAR YET YOU STILL KEEP IT ON THE MARKET. ONE DAY THIS CAR IS NOT GOING TO GO WHEN I PUSH THE GAS AND I WILL GET SERIOUSLY INJURED. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO SERVICE MANY TIMES ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY SIMPLY SAY? ?WELL JUST PUSH THE GAS A LITTLE HARDER? I'M SORRY MAYBE THE CAR SHOULD SIMPLY GO CONSIDERING ITS MAIN FUNCTION IS TO DRIVE!!! THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DISAPPOINTING, NONFUNCTIONAL, AND DEPRECIATIVE VEHICLE I HAVE EVER BOUGHT IN MY LIFE. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN IF SOMETHING CANNOT BE DONE. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH, INSTEAD OF ME SAVING FOR COLLEGE I NOW GET TO SAVE UP TO BUY ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE I WAS WRONG ABOUT THIS CAR BEING DEPENDABLE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE HARDSHIP YOUR POOR MANUFACTURING HAS CAUSED ME AND MY WALLET. I REALLY SO HOPE SOMEONE CAN BE OF ASSISTANCE AND CORRECT THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IF NOT YOU WILL SURELY BE LOSING A CUSTOMER ALONG WITH ME POSTING THIS TO SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE MONTHS TO COME IF SOMETHING IS NOT RESOLVED. I FIGURED IF YOU GUYS DON'T CARE ENOUGH ABOUT MY WELL BEING THEN THE WORLD MUST KNOW. *TR
Power train, Nov 11, 2014
WHEN DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION JUMPS AND SPUTTERS BEEN IN FORD AUTO CENTERS MANY TIMES AND WHEN I CALL ALL I AM TOLD US THIS IS NORMAL. *TR
Power train, Nov 10, 2014
I IN JUNE 2012 I TOOK THE CAR IN TO COMPLAIN THAT IT WAS STALLING, JERKING AND SHUDDERING. IT APPEARED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED UNTIL SEVERAL MONTHS LATER WHEN IT BEGAN TO STALL, JERK AND SHUDDER AGAIN. I HAVE SINCE TAKEN THE CAR IN 2013 AND 2014 COMPLAINING THAT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACT THE SAME WAY. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD IN MAY 2012 ADVISING THAT WE MAY EXPERIENCE ROUGH OR JERKY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AND THAT THEY HAD A "FIX." I AGAIN RECEIVED A LETTER IN AUGUST 2014 ADVISING THAT THEY ARE AWARE THAT IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE POWERSHIFT 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH SHUDDER DURING LIGHT ACCELERATION AND IT MAY BE CAUSED BY FLUID CONTAMINATION OF THE CLUTCH DUE TO LEAKING TRANSMISSION SEALS. THE LETTER STATES THAT IF THE VEHICLE'S CLUTCH, TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT SEALS, OR TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE CALIBRATION REQUIRE SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT THEY WILL SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP I WAS ADVISED THAT IT MAY BE A SIMPLE UPDATE TO THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE A YEAR AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR AND I FEEL VERY UNSAFE, AS IT TRIES TO STALL WHEN PARKED AT A LIGHT OR WHEN I'M DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, SUCH AS WHEN I AM MOVING THROUGH A FOUR WAY STOP SIGN. I FEEL THAT ONE DAY I MAY HAVE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR WILL NOT TAKE OFF AND THE CAR BEHIND ME WILL REAR END ME; OR, WORSE, IT MAY ACCELERATE TOO QUICKLY CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME OR A BARRIER. *TR
Power train, Nov 10, 2014
VEHICLE SHUDDERS/JERKS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP AT SLOW TO MODERATE SPEED. THIS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. IT CONTINUES TO OCCUR AFTER MULTIPLE REPAIRS. *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 5, 2014
ISSUE 1: THE VEHICLE IS ON ITS THIRD CLUTCH IN THE 2 YEARS SINCE PURCHASE AND CONTINUES TO HAVE TRANSMISSION ISSUES. WHEN APPLYING GAS IT STUTTERS, LURCHES, OR RESPONDS AS IF NOT TAKING GAS. THIS WEEK: THREE TIMES TURNING FROM STOP SIGN LEFT, RIGHT FROM STOP SIGN, AND RIGHT FROM PARKING LOT. APPLY GAS TO ACCELERATE AND VEHICLES STUTTERS, PAUSES, AND STALLS FOR A MOMENT. TWO OF THE THREE, PARTICULARLY ONE CAME CLOSE TO RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS ALSO OCCURRED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY TURNING RIGHT AT A STOP SIGN ON OCT 27. IT HAS OCCURRED DOZENS OF TIMES PRIOR TO THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR EVENTS AND NOW IS STARTING TO RECUR, WITH MORE NG A STALLING/LURCHING THAN A STUTTERING. FORD IS FULLY AWARE OF THESE ISSUES. I AM TAKING IT IN FOR REPAIRS AGAIN BUT FEEL IT IS UNSAFE AND WANT THE CAR RETURNED. ISSUE 2: THE VEHICLE ACHIEVES FAR BELOW THE ADVERTISED MPG. THEY ADVERTISE 27 AND IT GAINS 22.5 AT BEST. CURRENTLY LESS THAN 22. FORD IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND STATES THAT THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING. I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING FOR 18 MONTHS OR MORE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 30, 2014
IN MAY OF 2012 MY CAR HAD THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY REPLACED AFTER BEING IN THE SHOP FOR 6 WEEKS. THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD STICK ON AND NOT SHUT OFF. THE POWER WINDOWS AND AIR CONDITIONER BOTH DECIDED NOT WORK AT THE SAME TIME. I HAVE HAD THE STRUTS REPLACES BEFORE 10,000 MILES. THE GAS MILEAGE GOES FROM 14 MPG TO 33MPG RANDOMLY. THE CAR LIKES TO ROLL BACK AND NOT GO INTO GEAR WHEN DRIVING. I REPLACE TIRES EVERY 6 MONTHS BECAUSE THE CAR EATS MY TIRES UP. MY FAVORITE PROBLEM IS LOOSING POWER WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE KEPT ALL PAPERS REGARDING THE CAR IN THE SHOP. MY FIRST YEAR OF OWNING THE FOCUS FORD PAID FOR MY RENTAL CAR TO BE DRIVEN 17,000 MILES DUE TO MY CAR BEING IN THE SHOP. I HAVE ASKED FOR HELP WITH THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS WITH FORD TO BE TOLD I NEED TO LEARN TO DRIVE. I AM DRIVING A CAR KNOW THAT COMPLETELY LOOSES POWER ALL THE TIME AND THE TRANSMISSION STICKS. I HAVE HAD TO WAIT 3 WEEKS FOR AN APPOINTMENT ON NOV 3 TO GET THESE ISSUES LOOKED AT. MY CAR IS FAR FROM SAFE AND I HAVE EXPRESSED TO FORD I FEEL THIS CAR IS GOING TO KILL ME. I SPENT 30,000 MILES DRIVING THIS CAR WHEN IN FACT I SHOULDN'T HAD. THE DEALERSHIP CAN NEVER FIND A PROBLEM ON MY CAR. THE GAS ALSO CAN ONLY PUT 10 CENTS OF GAS AT A TIME IN OR GAS LIKES TO POUR OUT FROM THE BOTTOM. SOMETIMES THE GAS KNOZZLE CAN'T FIT IN THE GAS TANK BECAUSE IT CLOSES UP. ONCE AGAIN FORD COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. I CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD CUSTOMER CARE EACH TIME THERE IS A PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 30, 2014
I OWN A 2012 FORD FOCUS SEL THAT HAS HAD MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION ISSUES ALONG WITH AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM RELATING TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND A BATTERY FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD ISSUES ACCELERATING THROUGH 1ST GEAR WHICH WAS EVIDENT BY EXTREME SHUDDERING AND SHAKING OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAD PUT ME INTO DANGEROUS SITUATIONS NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN TRYING TO MERGE ONTO FREEWAYS AS THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO GET UP TO SPEED IN TIME. MY TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT 9,562 MILES IN SEPT. 2013. THE SHUTTERING AND ACCELERATION PROBLEMS RECURRED AT 21,904 MILES IN SEPT. 2014 AND FORD RAN A SYSTEM UPDATE TO 'FIX' THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AT THIS TIME. THE ACCELERATION ISSUES CONTINUED FOR THE NEXT MONTH AND THE CLUTCH WAS FINALLY REPLACED IN OCT. 2014. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER THE BATTERY WAS DEAD 3 SUNDAYS IN A ROW AND WAS ALSO REPLACED. FORD HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REASSURE ME THAT THESE TRANSMISSION ISSUES WILL NOT BE ON-GOING. I CONTINUOUSLY READ OTHERS ACCOUNTS ONLINE STATING THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES I AM HAVING, AND IN MANY CASES THEIR DEALERSHIPS ARE IGNORING THE ISSUES AND MAKING EXCUSES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. *TR
Power train, Oct 28, 2014
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE ENGINE TEMPERATURE CLIMBED DRASTICALLY AND IMMEDIATELY. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, COOLANT LEVEL IN ENGINE WAS DANGEROUSLY LOW. 2 WEEKS LATER, COOLANT LEVEL LOW AGAIN. NO VISIBLE LEAKS IN SYSTEM. *TR