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, Oct 28, 2013
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SPUTTERS, JERKS, AND FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS DONE SEVERAL UPDATES TO THE SOFTWARE AND IT HAS NOT IMPROVED. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THIS IS NORMAL, IT'S NOT! IT HAS TROUBLE GETTING INTO TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF THE SPUTTERING AND JERKING. IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS TRANSMISSION. THIS BOARD HAS PLENTY OF THE SAME COMPLAINT. HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL IT TAKE GETTING KILLED BEFORE THERE IS A RECALL? WHEN WILL THEY INVEST THIS MATTER, HOPEFULLY BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET KILLED. THE TOUCHSCREEN ALSO DOES ODD THINGS ALSO, BUT IT'S NOT DANGEROUS. ONE TIME THE VOLUME ON THE RADIO WAS ON FULL VOLUME AND I COULDN'T TURN IT DOWN. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES IT STILL CAME ON FULL VOLUME, IT FINALLY STOPPED THE NEXT DAY. TWICE THE TOUCHSCREEN DIDN'T WORK AT ALL FOR TWO DAYS. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TOUCHSCREEN AND IT STILL DOES ODD THING, SUCH AS TURNS ON RANDOM RADIO STATIONS. THEY NEED A MAJOR RECALL ON THIS CAR. *TR
Power train, Oct 25, 2013
THIS IS AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF STREET. THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED INDICATED I SHOULD "STOP THE VEHICLE NOW". AFTER ABOUT TWO MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO START THE SYSTEM AGAIN AND DRIVE AWAY. *TR
Power train, Oct 24, 2013
WHEN ACCLERATING FROM A STOP OR A SLOW SPEED CAR SHUTTERS AND VIBRATES. WAS RETURNED TO FORD FOR REPROGRAMMING. THAT DID HELP ROLLBACK ON HILLS BUT NOT TRANSMISSION SHUTTER. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 21, 2013
"STOP SAFELY NOW" MESSAGE APPEARED WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 30MPH AND SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOPLIGHT. CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHILE MESSAGE WAS LIT. THE CAR HAD 88% CHARGE, AND WAS CHARGING 5MIN PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. TRYING TO RESTART THE CAR WAS UNSUCCESSFULLY AT FIRST, BUT I TURNED THE CAR OFF, OPENED A DOOR, CLOSED IT, THEN IT RESTARTED AFTER THAT. I WAS STUCK FOR ABOUT 3 OR 4 MINUTES. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 20, 2013
THIS CAR HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THE DUAL CLUTCH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IT WILL SHUDDER WHEN CHANGING GEARS, ROLLBACK, COME CLOSE TO STALLING. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO BE "REPROGRAMMED" BACK IN JUNE OF 2012 IT DROVE OKAY WITH ONLY MINOR HICCUPS WITH TRANSMISSION UNTIL OCTOBER 20, 2013. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 22,000 MILES ON IT AND THE CAR IS NOW NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND IT WAS LIKE I WAS STILL IN NEUTRAL, ONCE IT DID GET GOING THEN IT DID NOT SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR PROPERLY. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I WILL BE TAKING BACK TO DEALERSHIP ONCE AGAIN TO REPROGRAM HOPEFULLY AT NO CHARGE. THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND NEEDS TO BE ON A MANDATORY RECALL. *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 19, 2013
STARTING UP FROM WAITING AT A SIGNAL LIGHT THE SYSTEM FLASHED "STOP SAFELY NOW". (I HAD JUST TOUCHED THE DISPLAY SCREEN TO VIEW THE BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE - NORMAL.) PROCEEDING THROUGH A LEFT TURN AND WHEN GETTING TO THE CURB THE SYSTEM SHUT DOWN PROVIDING NO MOTIVE POWER. AT THAT POINT A COMPLETE TURN OFF OF THE CAR WAS ATTEMPTED WHICH DID NOT HAPPEN, THE DASH DISPLAY WAS STILL ACTIVE. REPEATED ATTEMPTS FINALLY COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN THE SYSTEM, WHICH WAS THEN STARTED NORMALLY. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 17, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY BRIDGE, THE FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC STALLED. THE DASHBOARD SHOWS A SIGN "STOP SAFELY NOW" AND THEN A PICTURE OF A YELLOW WRENCH. I HAD TO STOP AT THE HIGHWAY'S SHOULDER. VERY VERY DANGEROUS. VERY UNSAFE. I TRIED TO START THE CAR. IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER 45 MINUTES, WHEN ALL THE ELECTRICAL LIGHT INDICATORS ON THE DASHBOARD SHOWED BLACK, I PUSHED THE START BUTTON AGAIN, AND IT STARTED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I HEARD IN THE ONLINE FORUM THAT "CAR STALLED SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING" WAS COMMON RECENTLY. FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS URGENTLY. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2013
THE VEHICLE HAS A NASTY SHUDDER WHEN YOU FIRST ACCELERATE. I TOOK THE CAR TO FORD AND THEY REPLACED THE CLUTCH AND SOME SEALS IN THE TRANS. NOW, AT 44,000 MILES THE SHUDDER IS BACK. *TR
Power train, Oct 10, 2013
VEHICLE HAS A CONSTANT SHUDDERING AND POWER LOSS WHEN APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR. IT HAS A TENDENCY TO FEEL AS IF IT WILL STALL OUT. WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED WHEN TRYING TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC BC OF POOR THROTTLE RESPONSE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND FORD REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. SEARCH THE INTERNET AND IT IS OBVIOUS. THIS VEHICLE IS A HAZARD TO DRIVE. *TR
Power train, Oct 9, 2013
FORD HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. IT JERKS AND HESITATES. SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC WHEN THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY JERK AND HESITATE. THIS TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND REPLACED. SOMEONE IS EVENTUALLY GOING TO DIE BECAUSE OF THIS DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. EVERY TIME WE TAKE IT IN THEY "REPROGRAM" AND NOW ARE REPLACING THE CLUTCH. I HAVE DRIVEN OTHERS AS RENTALS AND THEY ALL HESITATE TO SOME DEGREE. CLEARLY THERE ARE ISSUES AND FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT. THE CARS ARE NOT EVEN BEING ACCEPTED FOR TRADE INS BY MANY DEALERS (TOYOTA AND HONDA DEALERS LOCALLY WOULD NOT TAKE THE CARE ON TRADE IN). *TR
Power train, Oct 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD NOISE WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED ESPECIALLY WHEN IT ENGAGED IN THIRD GEAR. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD ABNORMALLY INCREASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,701. UPDATED 11/12/13*CN
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 4, 2013
DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR, THE CAR CHIMED A WARNING AND FLASHED "STOP SAFELY NOW" ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR LOST SPEED AND I COASTED TO A STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART MY CAR. THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING WITH CHIME REPEATED EACH TIME I TRIED TO RESTART. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK, HOWEVER, AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 7 TIMES PREVIOUSLY (VERY SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES). I'VE HAD THE CAR SERVICED MULTIPLE TIMES, TELLING THE DEALER OF THIS ISSUE, BUT DESPITE SOFTWARE UPGRADES, A REPLACED 12 VOLT BATTERY, IT'S STILL HAPPENING. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND I SERIOUSLY QUESTION FORD'S ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT AS WELL AS MY SANITY FOR DRIVING THE CAR WITH THIS BEHAVIOR. *TR
Power train, Oct 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE INDEPENDENTLY BEFORE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 2, 2013
I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS 2012 FORD FOCUS FOR APPROX. 6 WEEKS. IT HAS BEEN HESITATING, SPUTTERING, AND JERKING UPON ACCELERATION AND WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS SINCE THE FIRST DAY I OWNED IT. AT FIRST IT WAS INTERMITTENT BUT NOW IT HAPPENS MOST ALL THE TIME. WHEN I STOP AND TAKE OFF IT FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL OUT. WHEN ON AN INTERSTATE RAMP I FEEL I CANNOT GET UP TO A HIGHER SPEED FAST ENOUGH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO DROP THE ENGINE, REPLACE THE SEALS (THERE IS LEAKING AROUND THE SEALS) AND REPLACE THE CLUTCH. AND, THE SEALS ARE ON BACK-ORDER FOR 2 TO 3 WEEKS! THEY SAY IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE AND TO LET THEM KNOW IF IT WORSENS (HOW CAN IT GET WORSE). THEY MAY SAY IT IS SAFE, BUT I SURE DO NOT FEEL SAFE OR COMFORTABLE DRIVING THIS CAR. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER FOCUS OWNERS ON THIS SAME ISSUE. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE CARS AND LISTEN TO CONSUMERS. THIS IS A DEFECT THAT NEEDS FORD'S OWNERSHIP. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH FORD AND HAVE A CASE NUMBER. THANK YOU. *TR
Power train, Sep 30, 2013
THE CAR WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT LOW SPEED, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WILL SHIFT INTO A LOWER GEAR ALLOWING THE MOTOR TO REV SLIGHTLY, THEN AS IT ENGAGES THE LOWER GEAR THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE ABRUPTLY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO MOVE YOUR FOOT FROM THE GAS TO THE BRAKE. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN ABOUT A 20 MIN. SPAN. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE I WAS TRYING TO PARK, CAUSING THE CAR TO CLIMB ONTO A RAILROAD TIE BEING USED AS A STOP AT THE END OF THE PARKING SPOT. *TR
Power train, Sep 26, 2013
THERE WAS AN INCREASING VARIATION IN SPEEDS AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE FOR MERGING ONTO MAJOR HIGHWAY. THOUGHT THE FLOOR MAT WAS STUCK UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT IT WAS NOT. PROBLEM CONTINUED AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND DIFFERENT SPEEDS. *JS WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE ON 9/20/13, I DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE REP. HE TOLD ME FIRST THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE ALERT FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD REQUIRE 3 HOURS FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO BE RE-PROGRAMMED. I AGREED TO WAIT WHILE THE WORK WAS DONE. HE RETURNED SHORTLY TO INFORM ME THAT THERE WAS A MORE RECENT SERVICE ALERT FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO RETURN AT ANOTHER TIME AND LEAVE THE CAR FOR AT LEAST THREE DAYS BECAUSE IT WAS LIKELY THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REMOVED AND RE-BUILT! AND A RENTAL CAR FOR THAT PERIOD WOULD BE AT MY EXPENSE SINCE THIS IS NOT AN "OFFICIAL RECALL".THIS DESPITE MY HAVING ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN FROM FORD. I LEFT THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP ON 9/25/13 AND GOT A RENTAL CAR AT MY OWN EXPENSE. LATER THAT DAY, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE SERVICE DEPT. INFORMING ME THAT NOT ONLY WOULD THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND REPAIRED BUT THE CLUTCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. IT WOULD TAKE "AT LEAST 2 ADDITIONAL DAYS" FOR THESE REPAIRS", "IF WE GET THE PARTS IN" . I AM NOW WAITING TO SEE HOW LONG IT WILL BE BEFORE I GET MY CAR BACK, WHILE I PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR IN THE MEANTIME.
Power train, Sep 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL AWAY WHEN PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,500....UPDATED 11-14-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED SHE STARTED HEARING A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP OR IN A PARKING LOT. AROUND THAT TIME, SHE ALSO STARTED TO REALIZE THE VEHICLE WAS ROLLING BACKWARDS ON AN INCLINE, WHEN SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THEN STARTED TO ACCELERATE. IT CONTINUE TO HAPPEN ON AND OFF WHENEVER SHE WAS ON AN INCLINE. ALSO, WHEN THE CONSUMER PROCEEDED FROM A STOP LIGHT, OR STOP SIGN, IT FELT AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE WASN'T GOING INTO TO GEAR. WHEN IT DID, THERE WAS A STUTTER AND THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE , AS IF IT WERE GOING TO STALL. WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN SHE PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T GO INTO GEAR. THE DEALER UPDATED THE PCM AND TWICE AND REPLACED A STRUT BEARING.
Power train, Sep 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DOWNSHIFTED AS IT VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE DID REGAIN SPEED AS THE CONTACT COASTED ALONG THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
Power train, Sep 18, 2013
METALIC GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN ACCELERATING AT SLOW SPEEDS. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AT APPROXIMATELY 1500 RPM AND BETWEEN 10-25 MPH, GRIDING NOISE IS HEARD FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN STOPS. AS CAR PROCEEDS INTO NEXT GEAR, IF RPM DROPS TO 1500 AND SPEED AGAIN BETWEEN 10-25 MPH, GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO SERAPHIN FORD IN VERNON, THEY CLAIM TO HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR WITHOUT HEARING THE NOISE. A SEPARATE DATE, I TOOK THE CAR TO SERAPHIN FORD, DROVE A MECHANIC IN THE CAR, BUT THE NOISE WAS FAINT AND MECHANIC COULD NOT HEAR IT. SOMETIMES THE SOUND IS FAINT, OTHER TIMES SOUND IS LOUD. NO RHYME OR REASON. I HAVE READ MUCH ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS EXACT ISSUE WITH 2012-2013 FOCUS POWER TRAINS. I AM CONVINCED THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT FORD IS NOT ADDRESSING. ALSO, POWER TRAIN LAGS AND FLUTTERS OFTEN. I HAVE LEARNED TO DRIVE VERY "GENTLY" TO PREVENT LAG/SHUTTER/SURGE WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE NOTICED WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IF I ATTEMPT TO ADJUST THE SPEED USING THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (TO ADVANCE SPEED), THE ENGINE TAKES OFF, RPM CLIMBS VERY HIGH AND THE ENGINE ROARS. I HAVE TO COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN CRUISE CONTROL AND START OVER AGAIN. IT CAN BE SCARY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO HAVE THE ENGINE RACE LIKE THAT.
Power train, Sep 17, 2013
CAR HAS SERIOUS LAG ISSUES YOU GIVE IT GAS AND THE TRANSMISSION JUST DOESN'T GO. REALLY BAD WHEN YOU HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY IN A HURRY. THEY HAVE WORKED ON IT AND SAY IT'S FINE. UNFORTUNATELY I AM A WOMAN AND TEND TO BE BRUSHED OFF. I DO KNOW THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. *TR
Power train, Sep 16, 2013
I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 1/8 OF MILE THIS MORNING AND I STOPPED AT A BLINKER LIGHT. WHEN I PROCEEDED TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN, THE VEHICLE LUNGED, CLUNKED AND THE GEARS DISENGAGED. NONE OF THE GEARS WORKED. I COULD NOT MOVE FORWARD, BACKWARD OR EVEN PUT THE VEHICLE INTO "PARK" BECAUSE IT WOULD ROLL BACKWARD DOWN A SLIGHT INCLINE. I HAD TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL. THERE WAS NOT A WARNING LIGHT, ENGINE MESSAGE OR ANYTHING. THE VEHICLE QUIT WORKING AND WOULD NOT MOVE IN ANY OF THE GEARS. I HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE BACKWARD TO A SAFE LOCATION, OUT OF TRAFFIC. AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR AND WAITING AND RESTARTING THE PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED. IT WAS TOWED AND IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP AWAITING REPAIR. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE "DRIFT BACK" THAT OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE EXPERIENCED AND I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS RELATED, BUT THIS IS STILL A RELATIVELY NEW CAR THAT SHOULD NOT BE EXPERIENCING THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 16, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COASTING DOWNHILL AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED AND WAS CLOSE TO STALLING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO PREVENT THE STALLING BUT THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. *UPDATED 09-18-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED TOTALED.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 16, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING ALL OF A SUDDEN A DISPLAY STATING "STOP SAFELY NOW" CAME ON. I PULLED OVER AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO ANY FURTHER. I HAD TO COMPLETELY TURN IT OFF, OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR, AND RESTART IT TO MAKE IT GO AGAIN. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES NOW IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS. *TR
Power train, Sep 14, 2013
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN AUGUST OF 2012. IT HAD 10 MILES ON IT. THE DAY AFTER I BOUGHT IT I NOTICED SOME HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION AFTER STOPPING AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. IT WASN'T TOO BAD, BUT AS TIME WENT BY IT BEGAN TO GET WORSE. AFTER A COUPLE MONTHS, IT STALLED ON ME WHEN I SLOWED AND ANOTHER TIME I WAS ALMOST HIT BY ANOTHER CAR AS MINE STALLED AGAIN IN A BUSY INTERSECTION. IT WAS DUE AN OIL CHANGE SO WHEN I MADE THE APPOINTMENT, I ALSO MENTIONED THE STALLING AND HESITATION. WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF, THE TECHNICIAN CLAIMED HE COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. OF COURSE HE WAS NOT DRIVING IN THE SAME CONDITION I DRIVE IN EVERYDAY. I WAS ADVISED TO DRIVE IT UNTIL THE NEXT OIL CHANGE AS THE 'COMPUTER' HAD TO ADJUST TO HOW I DRIVE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT DID NOT ADJUST TO HOW I DRIVE. I DROVE IT AND THE HESITATION CONTINUED, IT ALSO BEGAN TO CHOKE OUT IN REVERSE. WHEN I RETURNED FOR THE NEXT OIL CHANGE, STILL COMPLAINING, I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD HAVE TO 'RETEACH' THE COMPUTER. THEY KEPT IT A COUPLE DAYS BEFORE I GOT IT BACK. IT RAN SO-SO FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND BEGAN AGAIN. I FILED A COMPLAINT ON THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SITE (WHICH IS A JOKE) AND WAS CONTACTED BY A DISTRICT REP. ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE TO RETURN THE CAR FOR 'UPDATES' AND A 'RELEARN'. THIS TIME THEY KEPT IT A WEEK. WHEN I GOT IT BACK, I DID NOT DRIVE IT MUCH AS I WAS OFF (TEACHER - OFF SUMMERS). WHEN I RETURNED TO WORK IN AUGUST, AND STARTED DRIVING IT EVERY DAY, IT WAS EVEN WORSE THEN IT WAS BEFORE. NOW IT WON'T CLIMB A HILL (AND I LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS!), IT SHUDDERS, RATTLES, LOSES POWERS GOING UP HILLS AND STALLS IN TRAFFIC.THIS TIME THEY KEPT IT 2 WEEKS. I DROVE IT ONE DAY AND IT STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN. WHEN I CALLED BACK I WAS TOLD I HAD TO WAIT 2 WEEKS TO DROP IT OFF (2 CARS AHEAD OF ME WITH SAME PROBLEM) AND THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT AGAIN. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE DONE ALL THEY CAN DO. *TR
Power train, Engine, Sep 12, 2013
THE FORD FOCUS 2012 IS A TRUE LEMON! IT RUNS ROUGH JERKING MOVEMENTS ESP IN LOW GEAR. IT HAS LACK OF ACCELERATION. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES ONLY TO BE TOLD ITS ALL NORMAL FOR THE 2012. HOWEVER I FEEL ITS NOT NORMAL! MY LAST VISIT I WAS HANDED A SHEET FILLED WITH '' NORMAL'' THINGS TO EXPECT! THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO ALLOW ME TO TRADE IT BACK IN. I WROTE TO THE FORD MOTOR CO AND I ONLY GOT A VERY NICE LADY WHO JUST KEPT SAYING OH I AM SO SORRY. THEY ALONG WITH THE WILLIS FORD DEALER IN SMYRNA DE ACTED LIKE IT WAS JUST ME WITH THIS COMPLAINT. AFTER VIEWING THE PAGES AND PAGES OF COMPLAINTS MOST LIKE MYSELF I CAN SEE I AM FAR FROM ALONG. WHAT CAN BE DONE ? SO FAR I SEE NOTHING BEING DONE ABOUT THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR