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: steering
933 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Jun 19, 2017
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 70 MPH AND THE STEERING ASSISTANCE MALFUNCTION MESSAGE SUDDENLY SHOWED UP ON THE DISPLAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY TIGHT TO TURN. RESTARTING THE CAR DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE.
Steering, Jun 16, 2017
MY CAR WAS PARKED. WHEN I TRIED STARTING IT UP. THE WHEEL LOCKED AND I RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT STATED "STEERING ASSIST FAULT, SERVICE REQUIRED". I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR MANY TIME AND THE MESSAGE CONTINUED TO APPEAR,
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 15, 2017
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AND WON'T TURN THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN I JUST START THE CAR. I CAN PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND ALL THE LIGHTS, RADIO, AND CHIME WORKS, BUT THE CAR WON'T START. I HAD IT CHECKED WHEN I GOT IT STARTED AND THE BATTERY WAS FINE AND THE ALTENATOR WAS FINE AND SO WAS MY STARTER. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS PLEASE HELP.
Steering, Jun 7, 2017
THERE WAS A POWER STEERING FAILURE WHEN BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPOT. DEALER INDICATED THAT THERE IS A POWER STEERING ISSUE THAT COULD IMPACT SAFETY (STRANDING THE VEHICLE IN PARKING LOTS OR LOSS OF CONTROL AT SPEED).
Steering, Jun 7, 2017
THERE WAS A POWER STEERING FAILURE WHEN BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPOT. DEALER INDICATED THAT THERE IS A POWER STEERING ISSUE THAT COULD IMPACT SAFETY (STRANDING THE VEHICLE IN PARKING LOTS OR LOSS OF CONTROL AT SPEED).
Steering, Jun 7, 2017
THERE WAS A POWER STEERING FAILURE WHEN BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPOT. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL, RESULTING IN BLOCKED TRAFFIC, AND DISRUPTION TO OTHER DRIVERS IN THE PARKING LOT. MANAGED TO DRIVE CAR (IN STRAIGHT LINE, BACK TO EARLIER PARKING SPACE). DEALER INDICATED THAT THERE IS A POWER STEERING ISSUE THAT COULD IMPACT SAFETY (STRANDING THE VEHICLE IN PARKING LOTS OR LOSS OF CONTROL AT SPEED).
Steering, Jun 3, 2017
CAR GIVES A CODE THAT STEERING ASSIST HAS FAILED WHEN STARTING CAR. SOMETIMES WOULD RESET IF KEY TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON. THIS STARTED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY BUT FORD'S TECHS CLAIMED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM, DESPITE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THE PROBLEM. CAR WILL START, BUT WON'T STEER. PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO ATTENTION OF FORD DEALER WHEN CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THEY HAVE IGNORED THE PROBLEM.
Steering, Jun 3, 2017
ELECTICAL POWER STERRING MALFUNCTION. POWER STERRING FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WAS ABLE TO STOP. BUT COULDN'T TURN STERRING WHEEL.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START AND THE KEY WAS NOT RECOGNIZED IN THE IGNITION. ALSO, THE 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT APPROPRIATELY AND THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON DUE TO THE FAILURE. THERE WAS ALSO A SUDDEN LOSS OF EPS AND THE STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER (DAVE KNAPP FORD LINCOLN, 500 WAGNER AVE, GREENVILLE, OH 45331, (800) 717-3673) WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V643000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) AND TWO MANUFACTURER SERVICE CAMPAIGNS (TRANSMISSION CLUTCH SHUDDER/TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT SEAL - 14M01, TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE EXTENDED COVERAGE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 08/03/17*LJ
Steering, May 18, 2017
POWER STEERING FAILURE AT 83,320 MI. IT FAILED WHILE STARTING THE CAR. THE POWER STEERING FAILURE LIGHT/WARNING CAME ON.
Steering, May 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER ASSIST INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING RACK FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE STEERING RACK WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Steering, May 16, 2017
ON APRIL 22 , 2017 WHILE MY DAUGHTER AND HER 5 YEARS OLD CHILD WAS DRIVING FROM A CHEERLEADER MEET IN MARYLAND TO STERLING VIRGINIA, SHE STOPPED TO RETRIEVED A SNACK PACK OUT OF THE TRUNK, WHEN SHE GOT BACK IN AND STARTED THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE STEERING SEIZED UP AND THE LIGHT CAME ON SHE WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE BACK TO STERLING VA GOONS DEALERSHIP . THE VEHICLE AS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 25 DAYS; FORD MOTOR CO OFFERED AN X-PIN TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE WHICH THEY TRIED TO INTIMIDATE MY DAUGHTER INTO BUYING. THE VEHICLE IS IN MY NAME AND I HAVE SINCE RETIRED AND LIVE IN FL . THE VEHICLE IS AT KOONS FORD VERY ARROGANT BUNCH AND TODAY I RECEIVED A CALL THAT THEY WANTED THEIR LOANER BACK AND THAT FOR ME TO MAKE A DECISION RIGHT AWAY AND AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENTS FOR REPAIR HE DID NOT OFFER ANY COUPONS OR BREAKDOWN OF THE SAME. I TOLD HIM TO CALL ME BACK AND THAT'S WHERE IT IS NOW. FORD KNOW VERY WELL THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM AND ARE PLAYING GAMES WITH PEOPLE LIVES. PLEASE ADDRESS MY NAME IS [XXX] THANKS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, May 12, 2017
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE MANEUVERED. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEABLE. HOWEVER, THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING REOCCURRENCE. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED IT SEEMS TO BE RESOLVED AND DRIVEABLE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MECHANIC, NO ISSUES COULD BE DIAGNOSED AT THAT TIME. OWNER CALLED TO CHECK FOR ANY OPEN RECALLS UNDER VEHICLE VIN SEARCH, BUT NO RECALLS APPLY TO THIS ONGOING STEERING PROBLEM.
Steering, May 11, 2017
WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY POWER STEERING FAILED. COULD NOT REGAIN POWER STEERING UNTIL VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED
Steering, Apr 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000. UPDATED 07/12/17*LJ *CN
Steering, Apr 26, 2017
POWER STEERING WENT OUT
Steering, Power train, Apr 25, 2017
1 THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING AND HARD TO STEER 2. THE TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS AFTER GETTING IT REPAIRED FOR THE THIRD TIME
Steering, Apr 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING FROM THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE R AND R STEERING RACK AND STEERING SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,703. ..UPDATED 06/08/17 *BF
Steering, Power train, Apr 12, 2017
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON. STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP AND THE CAR STARTED BEEPING AND PRESENTED THE WARNING "SYSTEM CHECK STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED." THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND NOT IN MOTION. IN ORDER TO STOP THE ABOVE ISSUE, I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND THEN THE STEERING WOULD UNLOCK.
Steering, Apr 11, 2017
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. DROVE TO WORK FINE, 8 HOURS LATER CAME OUT TO GO HOME AND THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT WORK. TURNED OFF THE CAR AND ALL ELECTRONICS IN HOPES IT WAS JUST A BOOT ERROR WITH NO SUCCESS. THE ERROR WAS "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE." HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED DUE TO IT NOT BEING HIGHWAY SAFE. RECALLS FOR POWER STEERING ON OTHER MODELS AFTER FAILURE.
Steering, Apr 7, 2017
POWER STEERING WOULD RANDOMLY GO OUT WHEN STARTING THE CAR. AT FIRST, TURNING CAR OFF AND RESTARTING WOULD CLEAR ERROR AND STEERING WOULD BE FINE. ONE DAY, CAR TURNED ON AND ERROR WOULDN'T CLEAR. NO POWER STEERING AT ALL. TOOK INTO DEALER TO REPAIR. REPAIR WILL COST OF $1900. NOT SURE WHY IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. AND WITH THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS I'VE READ ONLINE FOR 2012 FORD FOCUS POWER STEERING ISSUES, I'M REALLY SURPRISED THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL. VERY UNSAFE!!
Steering, Apr 7, 2017
2012 FORD FUSION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER STEERING FAILURE AFTER POWER STEERING MODULE RECALL NOTICE 15V-340 REPROGRAMMING/REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A STATUS UPDATE. UPDATED 04/07/2017*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE SOFTWARE WAS REPROGRAMMED BUT, THE POWER STEERING FAILED 6 MONTHS LATER. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. 05/24/2017 *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED. UPDATED 08/4/2017*JS *JS
Steering, Apr 6, 2017
AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND STARTING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING PLACE, THE AUDIBLE NOTIFICATION CAME ON AND THE DASH BOARD DISPLAYED A MESSAGE SAYING "STEERING ASSIST FAULT". AFTER THAT THE STEERING FELT LIKE THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING AT ALL
Steering, Apr 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY FOR UP TO FIVE SECONDS. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE TURNING, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE POWER STEERING FAILURE AND SERVICE POWER STEERING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Apr 1, 2017
POWER STEERING GOES OUT VERY HARD TO STEER, YELLOW TROUBLE LIGHT SOME TIMES COMES ON. VERY SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS. HAPPENS WHEN STARTING FROM STOP POSITION.