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, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Engine, Jul 10, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY EVEN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM UNDER REFERENCE NUMBER 123B7 (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) AND AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WITH THE GEAR IN PARK. IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN STATIONARY, A BLOCK WAS PLACED AGAINST THE TWO REAR TIRES. ALSO, A STRONG ANTIFREEZE ODOR EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND AN OIL LEAK WAS VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,917. UPDATED 08/23/12*LJ UPDATED 09/24/2012 *JS
Power train, Jul 2, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 5 MPH DUE TO TRAFFIC AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY 2012 FORD FOCUS SHUT DOWN WITH NO WARNING IT SORT OF SCARED ME BECAUSE DIDN'T KNOW WHY? I SAID OK MAYBE JUST A COINSIDENCE BUT TO MY SURPRISE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON FREEWAY SINCE THATS MY DAILY ROUTE WAS GOING 45MPH AND AGAIN TURNED OFF I TOOK TO GET SERVICED SINCE I DRIVE FROM RIVERSIDE TO BURBANK EVERYDAY THOUGHT MAYBE NEEDS TO GET SERVICED AND MENTIONED TO FELLOW A FORD BUT SAID WELL IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN BRING IT IN AND WILL CHECK IT OUT SO I SAID OK WELL HOPEFULLY NOT BUT IT HAPPEND FOR 3RD TIME AND I WAS GOING 70 MPH AND ALMOST GOT IN AN ACCIDENT THANK GOD NO ONE WAS NEXT TO ME HAD TO STOP BECAUSE IT TURNED OFF COMPLETELTY BUT THIS TIME SAID TRANSMISSION ON SCREEN SO I TOOK IT TO FORD AND I EXPLAINED EVERYTHING TO THEM BECAUSE I'M SCARED I'M NOT GONNA MAKE IT HOME TO MY FAMILY AGAIN BECAUSE GOING AT 70 MPH ON FREEWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR SHUTS DOWN IMAGINE HOW SCARED I WAS..... THE PEOPLE AT FORD CHECKED IT OUT AND TOOK IT FOR A DRIVE ON FREEWAY AND SAID IT WAS FINE NOTHING CAME UP BUT HELLO IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERYDAY THEY EXPLAINED THEY CHECKED OTHER FORD STORES TO SEE IF THEY HAVE HEARD OF SUCH PROBLEM AND SUPPOSEDLY IT HASN'T BUT I'M READING SOME OF THESE COMPLAINTS AND I SEE SOME ARE RELATED SO I NEED TO FIND OUT WHT TO DO BECAUSE I HONESTLY DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. JUST THINKING WHEN AM I GOING TO CRASH OR DIE. NOT FAIR THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO SEE THE PROBLEM SO WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN FOR THEM TO DO SOMETHING FOR ME TO DIE.... I DON'T EVEN LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE..... *JS
Power train, Jun 28, 2012
I BOUGHT THE 2012 FORD FOCUS SEL ON MAY 5TH 2012. THE CAR HAS HAD BOTH FRONT STRUTS REPLACED, AT 69 MILES!! THE CAR JERKS AND REFUSES TO GO WHEN YOU GIVE IT GAS AFTER BEING COMPLETELY STOPPED, I WAS ALMOST HIT PULLING OUT ONTO A BUSY ROAD BECAUSE THE CARE WOULD NOT GO!!!! THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IN THIS CAR, HOWEVER GREY DANIELS FORD IN BRANDON MISSISSIPPI WILL NOT DO THAT, SO I HAVE DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AND A HALF SINCE BUYING ON MAY 5TH, THE REST OF THE TIME IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP. FORD SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THESE VEHICLES CORRECTLY. STOP PUTTING A BANDAID ON THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT ALREADY!!!! I GUESS THEY'LL WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE GETS KILLED BECAUSE OF THEIR NEGLECT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEMS.....BUT THEN WHO KNOWS THAT MIGHT NOT EVEN GET THEIR ATTENTION. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE, THAT I CAN GUARANTEE!!! *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Jun 25, 2012
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I STARTED IT UP AND BACKED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. I SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND BEGAN MOVING FORWARD. AFTER GOING APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET THE "I" SIGN ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE MESSAGE "STEERING MALFUNCTION, NEEDS SERVICE" CAME ON, ALONG WITH THE ALARM JINGLE. I TRIED TO STEER THE CAR OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVE LANE AND MANAGED TO GET IT OVER TO THE SIDE, BUT THE STEERING WAS PRACTICALLY FROZEN. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND LOOKED FOR ANY OBVIOUS SIGNS OF TROUBLE, BUT COULD FIND NONE. AFTER READING THROUGH THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND CHECKING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, I RESTARTED THE CAR (ABOUT 20 MINUTES AFTER I SHUT IT OFF) AND NO WARNING SIGN CAME ON. I TEST DROVE IT IN THE PARKING LOT FOR A MINUTE TO SEE IF THE STEERING WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY AND THEN DROVE HOME AND EXPERIENCED NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD AUTOWAY DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS STEMMING FROM AN ABS "CORRUPTED" PROGRAM. THEY TOLD ME THE EPAS GETS IT POWER THROUGH THE ABS. THEY REBOOTED THE ABS PROGRAM AND I'VE HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. *TR
Power train, Jun 25, 2012
NEW CAR ...... THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE 5/31/12 .......... FROM A STOPPED POSITION AND ACCELERATING TO GO FORWARD THE CAR WOULD JERK FORWARD, HESITATE AS IF STALLING ....... LAST TIME IT STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION .............. TOLD BY FORD TECH THIS IS DO TO THE TRANSMISSION BEING CONTROLLED BY COMPUTER CHIPS ............ CAR IS GOING IN FOR SERVICE TODAY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 18, 2012
WAS TOLD THIS CAR HAD "AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION". AFTER A FEW HUNDRED MILES ON IT, I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED SPORADICALLY AND WITH NO PREDICTION. ENGINE SHUDDERED, CAR LOST POWER AND WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE KEY HERE IS NO PREDICTION AS TO HOW THE CAR WILL REACT WHEN UNDER ACCELERATION. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD "THIS ISN'T AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - IT'S A COMPUTER- CONTROLLED MANUAL THAT HAS TO LEARN HOW YOU DRIVE". DEALER UPLOADED A COMPUTER UPDATE FROM FORD. THE NEXT HUNDRED MILES OF DRIVING ALMOST CAUSED NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS DUE TO LACK OF ACCELERATION AND UNEVEN PERFORMANCE. 6/4/2012 I TRIED TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AND CAR REFUSED TO SPEED UP. I ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT, BUT NUMEROUS DRIVERS SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES AND/OR SWERVED AND AVERTED MULTIPLE COLLISIONS. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER 6/5/2012 AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. WAS TOLD BY HEAD TECH "IT JUST HAS TO GET USED TO HOW YOU DRIVE". I TOLD HIM THERE WERE THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE DRIVING THIS FOCUS. HE SAID WE CAN'T, BECAUSE THAT WOULD JUST END UP TOTALLY "CONFUSING" THE COMPUTER. AS THE CAR IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, IT IS STILL AT THE DEALER. MILES ON VEHICLE ARE UNDER 800.
Power train, Jun 17, 2012
POOR SHIFT QUALITY 6 SPEED DUAL CLUTCH AUTOMATIC. *TR
Power train, Jun 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO ACCELERATE AS THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AS THE VEHICLE FINALLY ACCELERATED, IT JERKED FORWARD VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR AN UPDATE TO THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER THE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
Power train, Engine, Jun 9, 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. *JS
Power train, Jun 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPROGRAMMED THE PCM, TCM AND ABS ON MAY 21, 2012. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN ROUGHLY WITH A JERKING MOTION FOLLOWING THE REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARD WHEN STOPPED ON AN INCLINE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,549. UPDATED 07/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER ON JUNE 5, 2012 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. UPDATED 07/09/12 THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXTENDED THE WARRANTY. *JS
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, May 29, 2012
I JUST BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2012 FORD FOCUS AND I NOTICED SHUDDER OR VIBRATION WHEN STARTING TO DRIVE. I LOOKED AT THE INTERNET AND FOUND A THIS A COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG FORD FOCUS OWNERS. PLEASE HELP US IN COMPELING FORD TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. *TR
Power train, May 25, 2012
TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ERRATICALLY. WILL NOT DOWN SHIFT WHEN NEEDED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR. CAR WILL ALSO ROLL BACK WHEN YOU STOP IF ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. THERE IS A VOLUNTARY RECALL BY FORD FOR THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE REMEDIES DO NOT WORK. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THESE REMEDIES PERFORMED ON MY CAR OVER A YEAR AGO. THE PROBLEMS STILL EXIST. I EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS REGARDING THESE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS OVER A YEAR AGO BUT FORD HAS TAKEN THE STANCE AS TO IGNORE THEM. FORD HAD PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF THESE PROBLEMS AND OTHER PROBLEMS ON THESE CARS BEFORE THEY WERE EVEN INTRODUCED TO THE PUBLIC. FORD CHOSE TO PUT SALES BEFORE CONSUMER SAFETY. THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE FOR THE NHTSA FOR THEM TO MAKE THIS A INVOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL, PEOPLE GETTING KILLED? I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR NEITHER SHOULD ANYONE ELSE WHO OWNS THIS CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, May 16, 2012
2012 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, DRIVE SHAFT AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD, HESITATE AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR FAST ENOUGH WHEN CHANGING LANES. THE RIGHT PASSENGER POWER WINDOW WAS SLOWER THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE, THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT OPEN PROPERLY. UPDATED 05/25/12
Power train, May 3, 2012
MY CAR HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION THAT FORD INSTALLED IN THE 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CAR SHUDDERS AND HESITATES ON TAKE OFF TO THE POINT OF IT STALLING. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP SIX TIMES NOW. AT THIS POINT FORD IS INSTALLING NEW CLUTCHES AND I WILL HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 1,000 MILES UNTIL THESE NEW CLUTCHES BRAKES IN TO SEE IF THE ISSUE PERSISTS. I HAVE READ IN FORUMS AND ARTICLES THAT IM NOT THE ONLY PERSON HAVING THESE ISSUES. PLEASE HELP IN ANY WAY YOU CAN. *TR
Power train, May 2, 2012, crash
WHILE IN DRIVE, THE AUTO TRANSMISSION ALLOWED THE CAR TO ROLL BACKWARD AND HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME THEN LUNGED FORWARD AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE HILL WAS FAIRLY STEEP AS IT WAS AN OFF RAMP FROM FREEWAY AT STOP LIGHT. CAR HAS BEEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT I AM TOLD IT IS A NORMAL CONDITION. *JS
Power train, Apr 9, 2012
ON THE DRIVE HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THE DAY WE PURCHASED THIS CAR, WE WERE STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT AND IT FELT AS THOUGH THE ROAD HAD SOME UNEVEN SURFACES. TURNS OUT THAT IT WAS FROM THE CAR, THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHUTTERING AS WE CAME TO A STOP. I WAS CONCERNED BUT WE WERE LATE AND COULD NOT GO BACK TO THE DEALER. WELL THE CAR DID IT MANY TIMES AFTER THAT, SOMETIMES ON ACCELERATION AND OTHER TIMES WHILE COMING TO A STOP. IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR AS I ENTERED MY DRIVEWAY (IT HAS A SLIGHT INCLINE) AND IT WOULD SHUTTER ALL THE WAY UP. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY RAN AN UPDATE FROM FORD. THIS HELPED SOME, BUT IT IS STILL SHIFTING FUNNY AND MAKING A FUNNY NOISE WHILE SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND. IT SHIFTS WAY TOO SOON AND IS GENERALLY IN THE WRONG GEAR. IF YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC THERE IS A HUGE DELAY. THE CAR SEEMS TO WAIT WAY TOO LONG BEFORE GOING DOWN INTO A GEAR THAT WILL ALLOW THIS TO NOT BE UNSAFE! I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR WAS GIVEN A 2012 FOCUS AS A LOANER, THE LOANER IS PERFECT! IT EXHIBITS NONE OF THE PROBLEMS MY CAR DOES. THIS TELLS ME THIS IS NOT A NORMAL ISSUE. THE CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALER, BUT I AM SURE THE SONG AND DANCE ABOUT MY CAR IS NORMAL AND MY ISSUES ARE NORMAL ARE COMING. I AM NOT GOING TO ACCEPT THIS EXPLANATION! I NOW KNOW HOW THIS CAR SHOULD DRIVE AND MINE IS NOT DRIVING NORMAL. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE DEALING WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM.THAT MEANS IT IS NOT JUST MY CAR. I WANT FORD TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE AND FIX IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 30, 2012
I BOUGHT A 2012 FORD FOCUS SEDAN A COUPLE WEEKS AGO THE NEXT DAY I NOTICED SLOW JERKY SHUTTERING ACCERLERATION WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP THEN TRYING TO ACCLERATE. I DID NOT THINK OF ANYTHING WAS WRONG UNTIL I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE FINDING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS THIS IS A PROBLEM AND NOW THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CURRENTLY HAVE IT. NEXT THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING SOUNDS AN EXAMPLE WOULD BE METAL TO METAL ON THE BRAKES IS THE SOUND AND LAST LOOSE MIRROR WHEN LIFTING THE TAB DOWN TO LOOK AT MY DAUGHTER IN THE BACK SEAT THE WHOLE MIRROR GOES DOWN ISTEAD OF SLIGHTLY MOVING. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 9, 2012
MY FORD FOCUS SEL 2012 HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING SHUDDERING FEELINGS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP. IT FEELS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS ABOUT TO STALL AND THEN IT KICKS BACK UP AND JOLTS MY CARS BACK AND FORTH FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE RESUMING NORMAL SPEED AFTER 10 MPH. THESE SEVERAL SECONDS ARE VITAL WHEN YOU ARE DEALING WITH FAST TRAFFIC IN CALIFORNIA OR ANYWHERE ELSE FOR THAT MATTER. THIS CREATED A DELAY IN THE ACCELERATION TIME, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE CONTACT SEVERAL FORD OFFICIALS ABOUT THIS AND THEY KEEP SAYING THAT IT IS NORMAL AND THAT THERE IS A BREAK IN PERIOD. WHY WAS I NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR? THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND FORD IS JUST EXCUSING IT UNTIL MY WARRANTY PERIOD IS UP. TWO OF MY FRIENDS BOUGHT THE SAME CAR AND IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE PROPER ACTION FROM FORD TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE PROFESSIONALLY. *TR
Power train, Mar 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS 5,800 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STOPPED ON A HILL AND HAVING TO RELEASE THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE ROLLS BACK WARDS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NATURAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO DO THAT. THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY OTHER ASSISTANCE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Feb 24, 2012
I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL POTENTIALLY FATAL OCCURRENCES RELATED TO LEFT FOOT BRAKING AND THE BRAKE OVER THROTTLE OVERRIDE SOFTWARE INSTALLED IN MY 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHEN BRAKING WITH THE LEFT FOOT AND IN A TURN WHILE FEATHERING THE THROTTLE WITH THE RIGHT FOOT, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO REV WITHOUT GOING INTO ANY GEAR. THIS CONDITION HAS OCCURRED NO LESS THAN 22 TIMES. THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN BUT THE NEXT WAS A LEFT HAND TURN. ALTHOUGH THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED CROSSING ONE LANE OF TRAFFIC, I WOULD NOT LIKE THIS CONDITION TO OCCUR CROSSING 2 OR 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND BECOMING A FATALITY. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON IN THE WORLD WHO BRAKES USING THE LEFT FOOT. NOW THAT I KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THIS ISSUE, I CAN DUPLICATE IT EVEN BRAKING AT ANY SPEED AND IN A STRAIGHT LINE. CAR HAS BEEN TO FORD AND HAD FLASHES OF THE COMPUTER INSTALLED WITH NO CHANGE. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM THROUGH EMAILS FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER AT MY DEALERSHIP. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A SERIOUS AND POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT. THIS FIX FOR THE SO CALLED TOYOTA FLOOR MAT PROBLEM HAS CREATED AN EVEN MORE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE CAUSED BY OF ALL THINGS BRAKING WITH THE LEFT FOOT. AT THE LEAST , I SHOULD HAVE THE OPTION TO OVERRIDE THE BRAKE OVER THROTTLE PORTION OF THE SOFTWARE BY TURNING IT OFF. *TR
Power train, Feb 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD WHILE CHANGING GEARS. ALSO, WHILE THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE WITH THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, THE VHEICLE ACCELERATED IN REVERSE INSTEAD. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND DIAGNOSED A LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Seat belts, Feb 18, 2012
WHILE STOPPED BEHIND RED LIGHT ALL SCREEN SYSTEM, SYNC SYSTEM, RADIO INCLUDING SOUND SYSTEM WENT BLACK. DID NOT START OVER TILL NEXT DAY IN THE MORNING AND AS SOON AS START THE CAR ERRORS AFTER ERROR CAME UP FOR NAV SYSTEM, PHONE CONNECTION. HAD TO RESET EVERY THING. THESE ERRORS ARE COMING UP EVERY DAY. THERE WILL BE RISK OF LOSING OTHER SYSTEM INCLUDING AIR BAG, POWER STEERING, BREAK AND OTHER IMPORTANT SYSTEM WHILE THIS SYSTEM GOING OFF. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER AND SERVICE TRAINED SPECIALIST TOLD ME THAT IS MY PHONE PROBLEM!!! AFTER LONG DRIVE WHEN TRYING TO TAKE OFF CAR IS SHAKING, THERE IS BIG SAFETY ISSUE WITH SEAT BELT. WHILE DRIVING, IF FOR ANY REASON UNLOCK THE SEAT BELT THERE WILL BE NO WARNING LIGHT OR WARNING SOUND THAT SEAT BELT IS OFF. IF CAR IS RUNNING AND LEAVE THE CAR WHEN YOU ARE BACK AND START DRIVING THERE WILL BE NO WARNING LIGHT AND SOUND THAT SEAT BELT IS NOT IN USE AND CAN DRIVE ALL YOU WANT. AFTER LONG DRIVE WHILE TRYING TO TAKE OFF CAR IS SHAKING. *TR
Power train, Feb 12, 2012
FAILURE CAUSED CAR TO DROP SPEED AND POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHICH ULTIMATELY CAUSED A SAFETY ISSUE WITH FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. FORD CODE P0850:62-28-IPC. *TR
Power train, Seat belts, Feb 4, 2012
I BOUGHT THIS CAR FORD FOCUS SE 2012 IN JULY 2011 AND THE DAY AFTER THAT I FELT AND HEARD WEIRD NOISES AND VIBRATION WHEN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CHANGED GEARS. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS OPERATING WITHIN FORD SPECIFICATION SO IT WAS NORMAL AND AFTER A FEW MILES IT WILL DESAPEAR. IT CONTINUE GETTING WORSE. AT 2500 MILES I WENT TO THE DEALER AGAIN BUT THEY SAID AGAIN THAT THE CAR WAS OPERATING WITHIN FORD SPECIFICATION. AT 6500 MILES THE WEIRD NOISES AND VIBRATION WERE STILL THERE AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON SUDDENLY AND THE GEARS DIDN'T SHIFT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE COMPUTER DIDN'T RECORD ANY ERROR OR PROBLEM AND THAT THE CAR WAS OPERATING WITHIN FORD SPECIFICATIONS. AFTER SOME DELAY THEY CHANGED THE DUAL CLUTCH IN THE TRANSMISSION BUT IT WAS WORSE. AT THAT TIME THE CAR HAD THE SAME WEIRD NOISES AND VIBRATIONS AND SHAKES A LOT WHILE IDLING. I APPLIED LEMON LAW AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TESTED THE CAR AND SAW AND FELT THE PROBLEM. I WENT TO THE ARBITRATION IN BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND THEY TESTED THE CAR TOO AND SAW AND FELT THE PROBLEM. THE PERSON FROM FORD DIDN'T GO TO THE ARBITRATION, THEY WERE ON THE PHONE. I WON THE CASE AND THIS NEXT MONDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2012 I HAVE TO GO TO THE DEALER TO RECEIVE MY MONEY BACK AND RETURN THE CAR. I LIVE IN FLORIDA AND I APPLIED LEMON LAW IN THIS CAR. THIS FORD FOCUS SE 2012 IS A LEMON CAR. ABOUT THE SEAT BELT PROBLEM, WHEN I'M DRIVING, IF I UNBUCKLE THE SEAT BELT, THE WARNING LIGHT DOESN'T LIGHT ON UNTIL ABOUT 1 MILE LATER. ALSO AFTER I FIRST START THE CAR, IF I WAIT FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WITH THE SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED, THE WARNING LIGHT TURN OF AND IF I DRIVE THE CAR WITH THE SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED, WARNING LIGHT DOESN'T LIGHT ON FOR ABOUT 1 MILE. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM TOO. GBYA :) *KB
Power train, Dec 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND BEGAN JERKING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE ELECTRONIC COMPUTER FOR THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,500.