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, Electrical system, Oct 2, 2012
CAR LUNGES WHEN ACCELERATING OR ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THRU AUTOMATIC OR SPORT MODE OF THE TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION ALSO TEMPORARILY PAUSES DURING SHIFTING ROUTINE AT ALL SPEEDS, MOSTLY AT LOW SPEEDS. IT IS LIKE THE CPU IS OVERRIDING WHAT THE DRIVER IS PROMPTING THRU TOUCHING OF THE GAS PEDAL OR BRAKE PEDAL. WE'VE HAD IT IN TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIPS SERVICE DEPARTMENT COMPLAINING ABOUT THESE CONDITIONS, THEY INSIST THE CAR IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. IF SO, FORD IS IN DENIAL AND MOST CERTAINLY APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. I DESCRIBE THESE CONCERNS AS IF I WAS HAVING TO LEARN HOW TO DRIVE, ALL OVER AGAIN. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS BE EVERYONE'S NUMBER CONCERN. DITTO, THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE EITHER. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE FROM FORD TO ADMIT AND RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM, AN INJURY ACCIDENT? I HOPE NOT. THEN, TOP THAT OFF, WE BOUGHT THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE FOR TOWING PURPOSES. THE FACTORY REQUIRES THE CPU AND ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MUST BE DISCONNECTED TO TOW. UNFORTUNATELY, EACH TIME THE CPU IS TURNED BACK ON (RECONNECT THE NEGATIVE WIRE AT BATTERY), THE CPU THINKS IT IS NEW, THUS, THE LUNGING, SPORADIC SHIFTING STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN. HELP... FORD WON'T LISTEN. THANK YOU *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 28, 2012, crash
MY BOYFRIEND AND I BOUGHT A 2012 FORD FOCUS SE HATCHBACK ON SEPTEMBER FIRST. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS MY BOYFRIEND NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RIGHT BUT HE THOUGHT THIS WAS HAPPENING JUST BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NEW. THEN, WHEN DRIVING TO WORK I NOTICED THAT WHEN I STOPPED ON ANY INCLINE STREET BETWEEN TAKING THE FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND PLACING IT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR ROLLED BACK QUITE QUICKLY TO THE POINT THAT I ALMOST HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. DAYS LATER, I STARTED TO FEEL THAT THE STEERING REQUIRED BOTH HANDS AT ALL TIMES. IT WAS CONSTANTLY WANDERING AND SHAKY SPECIALLY DURING TURNS. TO TOP IT OFF ON SEPTEMBER 27TH SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED. I WAS IN THE DRIVE WAY, I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AND THE CAR TOOK OFF AT A LURCH. THE CAR ACCELERATED SO RAPIDLY EVEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR FAILED TO SLOW DOWN HITTING TWO CARS AND TEARING DOWN A FENCE. I COULD FINALLY STOP THE CAR WHEN I QUICKLY SHIFTED TO PARK. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW FORD SELLS THIS CAR WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS RISKING PEOPLE'S LIVES. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. HOW MANY FATALITIES ARE THEY WAITING FOR? ARE THEY GOING TO DO SOMETHING EVER ABOUT THESE MALFUNCTIONS? THIS IS RIDICULOUS IF I HAVE KNOWN ALL THESE ISSUES WITH THIS CAR, I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT IT FOR SURE. *TR
Power train, Sep 27, 2012
AFTER FEELING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS EXCESSIVELY LURCHY, I CAME TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A BUSY ROAD. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I SAT REVVING MY ENGINE AND WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR TO MOVE. I PUT CAR IN PARK AND THEN BACK IN DRIVE WITH THE SAME RESULTS. I TRIED THE S MODE WITH MANUAL SHIFTING AND CAR STILL DID NOT MOVE. I EVENTUALLY TURNED THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF AND BACK ON AND THIS SEEMED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I FOUND THE SITUATION VERY DANGEROUS . APPARENTLY FROM WHAT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE CLUTCH WAS NOT ENGAGING. IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CAR. *TR
Power train, Engine, Sep 11, 2012
3 SEPARATE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED IN MY 2012 FORD FOCUS ALL RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON AUGUST 25, 2012 WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 MPH, I SUDDENLY LOST POWER BETWEEN THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR ITSELF. THE RPM'S CONTINUED TO CLIMB BUT THE CAR WAS NO LONGER MOVING. TOOK TO FORD DEALER TO BE SERVICED AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE NEXT INCIDENT OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2012 - NOT NECESSARILY A SAFETY CONCERN BUT CONTRIBUTES TO OVERALL PROBLEM - PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, PLACED CAR IN REVERSE, IT DID NOT MOVE. TOOK TO FORD DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS "REPROGRAMMED". THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2012, I PULLED OUT INTO 35 MPH TRAFFIC, MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR, GOING 10 MPH AND "REVVING" BUT NOT ACCELERATING FAST ENOUGH TO STAY AHEAD OF TRAFFIC. HAD CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALER WHERE IT IS AT THIS TIME. *TR
Steering, Power train, Sep 11, 2012
THE ROLLING BACK PROBLEM CAME FIRST. WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED ON ANY INCLINE, BETWEEN TAKING YOUR FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE AND PLACING IT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR ROLLS BACK QUITE QUICKLY, AND I HAVE ALMOST HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. THE STEERING PROBLEMS CAME A LITTLE LATER. THE STEERING REQUIRES BOTH HANDS AT ALL TIMES, AND EVEN THEN IT IS QUITE SHAKY. I FEEL CAR SICK WHEN I AM THE PASSENGER BECAUSE THERE IS SO MUCH SIDE TO SIDE MOVEMENT. DURING TURNS, THE ENGINE FEELS LIKE IT IS CUTTING OUT, IT LOSES SO MUCH POWER, AND I HAVE TO PUSH THE ACCELERATOR EXTREMELY HARD JUST TO GET ENOUGH POWER TO FINISH THE TURN. THE SCARIEST OF ALL OF THE PROBLEMS HAPPENS AT HIGHER SPEEDS. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES. WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY (60-70MPH) AND I BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN, THE STEERING GETS OUT OF CONTROL AND GOES BACK AND FORTH SO RAPIDLY, I HOLD ON FOR DEAR LIFE TRYING TO KEEP IT IN THE LANE, AND THE BRAKING IS NOT AS EFFICIENT AS IT SHOULD BE WHEN THIS HAPPENS, AND I HAVE NEARLY ESCAPED HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN I HAVE BEEN IN THIS SITUATION, I HAVE STARTED TO BRAKE RIGHT WHEN I SEE THE BRAKE LIGHTS AHEAD, AND I HAVE HAD AMPLE SPACE TO STOP GRADUALLY AND SAFELY IF I WERE DRIVING A NORMAL CAR, BUT IN THIS CAR, IT IS OUT OF CONTROL AND THE BRAKES WON'T WORK WELL WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON DRY ROADS. THIS CAR TERRIFIES ME AND THE RAIN AND ICE HAVEN'T EVEN HIT YET. AFTER I EXPERIENCED THESE PROBLEMS, I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE HOW MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THEM TOO. THE SHOP HAD MY CAR FOR 13 DAYS AND THEY CALLED ME AND SAID THAT IT IS "PERFECT" AND THEY DIDN'T FIX ANYTHING AND TO COME PICK IT UP. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN JUNE, IT IS NOW SEPTEMBER, IT HAD 1074 MILES WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP. I LEFT IT THERE FOR NOW, I AM TERRIFIED OF THIS CAR AND UNFORTUNATELY I OWN IT. *TR ..UPDATED 09-26-12 *BF UPDATED 10/01/2012 *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 5, 2012
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
Power train, Sep 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALY JERK FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY THE RENTAL VEHICLE COMPANY OR THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,954.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2012
ON 8/27/2012 I DROVE OFF THE CAR LOT WITH 7 MILES ON MY NEW CAR. I NOTICED A LITTLE BIT OF ROUGH SHIFTING AS THE DAY PASSED. ON 8/28 THE CAR STARTED BUCKING AND JERKING DURING ACCELERATION. THERE WAS LITTLE POWER ON INCLINES. THE PROBLEM PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE THROUGH THE DAY. I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO DROP OFF FOR SERVICE THE NEXT DAY. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE ON 8/29 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR HAD 187 MILES ON IT. ON 8/30 I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS FIXED AND I PICKED UP MY CAR. WITHIN A FEW MILES THE PROBLEM WAS BACK, BUT WORSE THIS TIME. I HAD SOME SLIGHT NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHEN THE CAR WAS BUCKING AND JERKING. IT ALMOST STALLED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ON MY WAY BACK TO THE DEALER. IT WAS STRUGGLING. THE CAR IS BACK IN SERVICE WITH 220 MILES ON IT. NOW THEY WANT TO KEEP IT FOR AT LEAST 3-4 DAYS. 8/31 I WAS ASKED TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH THE MECHANIC TO SEE IF PROBLEM WOULD REOCCUR. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A KICK WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR DROVE OK, ALTHOUGH WE ONLY DROVE AROUND A BLOCK TOGETHER. SALES MANAGER SAYS THAT IF THE MECHANIC CAN'T FIND ANY FURTHER PROBLEM, THEN I HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR BACK INTO MY POSSESSION SINCE IT'S MY CAR. HE SAYS THAT SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN AND I HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT AND LET THE MECHANICS DO THEIR JOB. I'VE HAD THE CAR IN MY POSSESSION UNDER 30 HOURS SINCE I PURCHASED IT ON 8/27. THE CAR ALSO HAS AN ISSUE WITH ROLLING BACK ON AN INCLINE. *TR
Power train, Aug 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE HE SHIFTED TO DRIVE AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND LUNGE FORWARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO 2ND GEAR IT HESITATED AND MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND INDEPENDENTLY REVERTED BACK TO 1ST GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS BEHAVIOR WAS NORMAL AND PROVIDED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTING THE DEALERS NOT TO REPAIR THOSE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 29, 2012
RECALL DONE --NOT FIXED ABC CONTROL SYSTEM. STILL ROLLS BACK AT INCLINE. ACCIDENT PARKING LOT STOPPED SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK (THOUGHT) OPEN DOOR STEPPED OUT CAR STARTED ROLLING BACK JUMPED BACK IN NOT TO GET RUN OVER TO HIT BRAKE PEDAL. FRONT DOOR OPEN HIT PARKED TRUCK (ACCIDENT) DESTROYED MY DRIVERS DOOR WITH MAJOR DAMAGE TO DOOR AND SOME DAMAGED TO PARKED TRUCK. HAD FRIEND IN THE PASSENGER SIT AND SAW WHAT HAPPENED. VIN# [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR *JS
Power train, Aug 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN REPROGRAMMED THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,493 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 9/25/12 *CN UPDATED 10/03/2012 *JS
Power train, Aug 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND MAKE A LOT OF NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A PART IN THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Aug 15, 2012
MY VEHICLE ATTEMPTS TO STALL WHEN STOPPING OR WHEN, FROM A STANDING POSITION, ATTEMPTS TO STALL AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS SHUT OFF WHEN THE LOW FUEL LIGHT TURNS ON AND I MEAN IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WILL FAIL TO TURN ON IN THE MORNINGS AT TIMES. IT WILL TAKE A FEW TURNS OF THE KEY AND THEN IT WILL START. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Aug 4, 2012
VEHICLE ROLLS BACK AFTER I BEGIN TO ACCELERATE WHEN I AM STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. I DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE THAT HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM LISTED. VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 4700 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT IN AND THEY CLAIMED THAT THEY FIXED IT BUT IT COULD TAKE UP TO 6 MONTHS FOR THE "ADJUSTMENT" TO TAKE PLACE. THIS DID NOT SOUND REASONABLE TO ME BUT THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING FURTHER. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO HESITATE IN A JERKING MOTION AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME. IN ADDITION, ON A SEPARATE OCCASSION THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE FAILURES OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER EIGHT TIMES FOR THE SAME MALFUNCTION. A DIAGNOSIS WAS PERFORMED IN WHICH A TROUBLE CODE WAS NOT DETECTED. THE COMPUTER SYSTEM, ABS, AND DRIVE TRAIN WERE REPROGRAMMED MORE THAN ONE TIME. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 350.
Power train, Jul 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A GRINDING NOISE AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED ERRATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON MANY OCCASIONS, BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED AND THE GRINDING NOISE WAS NORMAL. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES COVERING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,364. UPDATED 08/16/12*LJ
Power train, Jul 30, 2012
I AM AN OWNER OF 2012 FORD FOCUS. MY CAR ROLLS BACK EVERY TIME I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE ON A HILL. IT ROLLS SO FAST! IT'S REALLY UNSAFE AND SCARY; ESPECIALLY I HAVE MY 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER RIDING AT THE BACK SEAT. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP LAST MONTH BUT THE ISSUE WAS NEVER SOLVED. THE SERVICE MAN TOLD ME THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE CAR WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO ROLL BACK WHEN YOU'RE UP THE HILL. I NEVER HAD THIS KIND OF ISSUE WITH MY OTHER CARS BEFORE. I HOPE FORD WILL DO A RECALL FOR ALL 2012 FOCUS. *TR
Power train, Jul 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN OF THE SPEED BEING DRIVEN WHEN APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP SIGNAL. WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM REGARDING THE UNINTENDED ROLLING ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
Power train, Jul 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD WHENEVER HE REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED IN DRIVE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ONCE ROLLED BACKWARD AS MUCH AS FIFTY FEET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND AN UNKNOWN RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED THAT ADDRESSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
Power train, Jul 19, 2012
PURCHASED A NEW 2012 FORD FOCUS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN APRIL, 2012. IMMEDIATELY EXPERIENCED LOW SPEED TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEMS AND ALSO DISCOVERED COMPLETE FREE ROLL BACKWARD, UNENDING, UNTIL HITTING LEVEL GROUND AND/OR HITTING AN OBJECT WHILE ROLLING BACKWARDS ON AN INCLINE, EVEN WHILE IN GEAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY AND DRIVER LIABILITY ISSUE . DEALERSHIP HAS RE-PROGRAMMED TRANSMISSION ON A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WITHOUT SUCCESS. DEALERSHIP HAD ME TEST DRIVE ANOTHER 2012 FOCUS THINKING IT WOULD NOT DEMONSTRATE THE SAME SAFETY PROBLEM...AND TO THEIR SURPRISE..THE TEST DRIVE VEHICLE THEY GAVE ME ALSO PERFORMED THE SAME WAY ON THE FREE ROLLBACK WHILE IN GEAR. I BELIEVE THE FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM HERE IS THAT FORD HAS DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN THE 2012 FOCUS LINE A STANDARD/MANUAL TRANSMISSION (POORLY SHIFTED BY SOFTWARE AND DYSFUNCTIONAL ON THE FREE ROLL BACK ISSUE) AND IS MARKETING IT TO ALL CONSUMERS AS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. SERVICE DEPARTMENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT TRULY IS A STANDARD/MANUAL DESIGN. THE WINDOW STICKER AND SALES PROCESS MISREPRESENTS TO THE CONSUMER THAT IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THIS MAY CONSTITUTE CONSUMER FRAUD ON A NATIONAL LEVEL LEADING TO EITHER CLASS ACTION LITIGATION, TOTAL RECALL AND/OR INDIVIDUAL CASES OF LITIGATION. I AM CONSIDERING ALL OF THE ABOVE AS THE PROBLEM REMAINS AND HAS NOT BEEN RECTIFIED. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Jul 17, 2012
THE TRUNK LID IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT THE VEHICLE SHUDDERS AT ACCELERATION MAJOR SUSPENSION WORK REQUIRED DO TO ENGINEERING AND PRODUCTION ENGINE SHUDDERS AND CLUNKS WHEN SHUTTING OFF ROUGH IDLE AND ENGINE MISSES. PROBLEMS ARE INCONSISTENT . *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2012
THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY FOCUS. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP THE FOCUS'S AUTOMATIC DSG TRANSMISSION (IN D) WILL QUICKLY SHIFT TO A HIGHER GEAR IN AN EFFORT TO MINIMIZE FUEL CONSUMPTION. DURING A STOPPED TURN AT A INTERSECTION THIS LEADS TO A UNSAFE CONDITION WHERE COMMANDED ACCELERATION TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS TO HAPPEN. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS LIKE THIS: THE CAR ACCELERATES AT A STOP SIGN OR PARKING LOT. THE CAR ACCELERATES TO 10-15 MILES PER HOUR. THE DRIVER LETS OFF THE GAS DURING THE "TURN" PART. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS TO SECOND OR A HIGHER GEAR. THE DRIVER THEN COMMANDS A LARGE ACCELERATION - SAY DUE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC - AND NOTHING WILL HAPPEN FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS IS BECAUSE THE DSG TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO SHIFT SEQUENTIALLY INTO FIRST AND THIS TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS. ALSO IT APPEARS THAT THE POWERTRAIN IS DISCONNECTED WHILE THIS SHIFTING TAKES PLACE. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY SELECTS FIRST THE ACCELERATION CAN BE SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES AND I BELIEVE IT IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION. IT CAN BE AVOIDED BY MANUALLY SELECTING FIRST - THEN SHIFTING TO D WHEN THE TURN IS COMPLETE. THE CAR JERKS,SHUTTER.JUMPS, MISSHIFTS, RATTLES. THE CAR HAS BEEN BACK 3 TIMES AND REPROGRAM 2 TIME TBS,ABS.PCM. THIS CAR IS JUNK AND NEED BE FIXED. *TR
Power train, Jul 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR FROM A STOPPED POSITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND NEARLY CAUSED CRASHES WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 4,800.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 11, 2012
WHEN ACCELERATING CAR JUMPS OR HOPS VIOLENTLY. ENGINE MAKES GRINDING/CHATTERING NOISE WHEN CHANGING GEARS. EXPERIENCE ROLL BACK WHEN ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. POWER SHIFT 6 SPEED IS NOT SAFE. HAVE TROUBLE CROSSING LANES OF TRAFFIC FOR THE JUMPING/LAUNCH JUDDER PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jul 11, 2012
SINCE DAY ONE OF THE PURCHASE OF MY (MARCH ) 2012 FORD FOCUS THE STEERING "FEELS" LIKE IT IS CONSTANTLY WANDERING, AFTER AN HOUR DRIVE TIME, YOUR ARM IS GIVE OUT FROM THE STRESS. MY CAR ALSO SEEMS TO HAVE A FLUTTER IN THE TRANSMISSION OR ENGINE DURING TAKE OFF. THE CAR WILL ALSO ROLL BACK WHILE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE. THE DEALER CHECKED STEERING THE 4TH DAY AFTER PURCHASE AND ASSURED ME THE STEERING WAS FINE, THAT IT WAS NEW & TIGHT. I DID RECIEVE A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION TO UPGRADE OR MODIFY SOME TYPE OF CHIP. I CANNOT TELL ANY IMPROVMENT SINCE THE UPGRADE. MY WIFE & SON HATE TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE THEY ARE AFRAID OF THE STEERING AND ROLLING BACK....BY THE WAY IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION---I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS ON ANY VEHICLE THAT I HAVE OWNED IN THE PAST. *TR