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, Mar 26, 2013
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND HAD MY HAND ON THE STEERING WHEEL . I MOVED MY HAND AND THE CHROME ON MY STEERING WHEEL CUT AND TOOK OFF A CHUCK OF MY PINKY FINGER . MY SKIN WAS STRUCK ON THE CHROME ON MY STEERING WHEEL , I HAD TO PUT PRESSURE ON MY FINGER TO STOP IT FROM BLEEDING ALL OVER THE DRIVER SEAT . I PULLED OVER TO GET MY FIRST AID KITS TO GET A GAUGES ON IT. *TR
Steering, Air bags, Structure, Mar 21, 2013
THE CHROME TRIM ON MY STEERING WHEEL HAS BEGUN TO CRACK AND FLAKE OFF. I DID NOT NOTICE AT FIRST AND HAD MY FINGER RUN ALONG IT. THE TRIM IS CRACKED MEDAL AND IS VERY SHARP. I HAVE NOT YET CUT MYSELF ENOUGH TO DRAW BLOOD BUT HAVE STUCK, STABBED, AND CAUGHT MY FINGER ON IT EMBEDDING A PIECE OF CHROME TRIM IN MY FINGER LIKE A SLIVER. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE DOCUMENTED ON MULTIPLE FOCUS FORUMS, AND BY OTHER 2012+ FORD FOCUS OWNERS. THIS SEEMS TO ONLY BE AN ISSUE THAT IS ON 2012+ SE SPORT PACKAGES. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING, IT MAKES DRIVING THE CAR DIFFICULT BECAUSE IN MY CASE IT IS RIGHT ABOVE MY STEERING WHEEL MOUNTED RADIO BUTTONS AND CATCHES MY HAND EASILY. FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT THIS IN MY CASE AND ACTUALLY BLAMING ME FOR IT, BUT IN OTHER CASES HAS BOTH REPLACED OTHER OWNERS PIECES AND IN SOME CASES LIKE MINE DONE NOTHING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS MANY PEOPLE IN THE FORUMS HAVE STATED THEY CUT THEMSELVES GOOD ENOUGH TO BLEED. ONE EVEN SAID HIS WIFE NOW REFUSES TO DRIVE THE CAR. FORD REFUSES TO FIX THIS BECAUSE IT WOULD REQUIRE THEM TO WARRANTY AN AIRBAG SINCE THEY DECIDED TO MAKE THE AIRBAG AND TRIM ONE PIECE. BECAUSE OF THIS MYSELF AND OTHERS WILL CONTINUE TO CUT OUR FINGERS, HOPEFULLY NOT VERY SERIOUSLY. THANK YOU FOR READING THIS. *TR
Steering, Structure, Mar 21, 2013
CHROME PEELING AWAY FROM PLASTIC LEAVING SHARP EDGES WHERE FINGERS ARE ON STEERING WHEEL PEELING IS BI LATERAL ON THE TOP PART OF THE AREA WHERE THE CONTROLS ARE FOR THE SYNC AND VEHICLE DATA CONTROLS. RUNNING HAND ACROSS THIS SECTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL CAN RESULT IN JERKING THE HAND AWAY BECAUSE OF THE SHARP EDGE. *TR
Steering, Nov 28, 2012
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE STEERING APPEARS TO LOCK WHEN MAKING A LANE CHANGE OR WHEN FOLLOWING A CURVE IN THE ROAD. ADDITIONAL EFFORT WILL FREE THE STEERING BUT THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO DART IN THE DIRECTION OF THE TURN. IT TAKES SEVERAL STEERING ADJUSTMENTS TO BRING THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. THE STEERING GEAR HAS BEEN REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. *TR
Steering, Nov 27, 2012
THE VEHICLE HAS HAD STRANGE STEERING ISSUES AS FOLLOWS. 60MPH LIGHT RAIN, ROAD BARELY WET - VEHICLE STARTS MOVING AROUND LIKE IN A 100MPH CROSS WIND, EXCEPT THERE IS NO WIND. TRACTION CONTROL COMES ON, VEHICLE NEARLY LOOSES CONTROL. THIS WAS ON STRAIGHT ROAD. NEXT 5 MPH DRY, IN PARKING LOT, STEERING LOSS, WARNING OF POWER ASSIST STEERING FAILURE. STOP CAR. TURNED OFF AND BACK ON, ALL OK.NEXT 30MPH, 1 MINUTE AFTER START UP, DRIVING ON ROAD, STEERING LOSS, WARNING OF POWER ASSIST STEERING FAILURE. I WAS GETTING READY TO MAKE A TURN. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.NEX 60 MPH DRY ROAD, NO WIND, VEHICLE STARTS MOVING ALL AROUND LIKE ITS AGAIN IN A 100MPH CROSSWIND. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES.NEXT SEARCH OF GOOGLE SHOWS THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND HAS BEEN REPORTED BY SEVERAL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD THAT RIVALS STUCK ACCELERATORS *TR
Steering, Nov 6, 2012
THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE ERROR MESSAGE "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. DURING THIS INCIDENT, I WAS DRIVING THE CAR THROUGH A PARKING LOT AT APPROX 10MPH WHEN THE STEERING MALFUNCTION OCCURRED. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS APPROX 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS BUT I HAD JUST STARTED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE SAME SYMPTOMS OCCURRED. IN BOTH CASES, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN BOTH CASES, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE SHUT OFF THEN RESTARTED TO GET THE STEERING WORKING AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO A FORD DEALER FOR SERVICE AND OPENED A CASE WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON THIS MALFUNCTION, BUT AFTER BEING AT THE DEALERSHIP OVER A WEEK, THEY SAY THEY CANNOT FIND ANY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Oct 4, 2012
AFTER GETTING MY CAR BACK FROM DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION THE CAR WOULD WONDER FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND THE STEERING FELT UNSTABLE. *TR
Steering, Oct 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED HE NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE STEERING DEFAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300.
Steering, Air bags, Structure, Tires, Sep 17, 2012, crash
IN JUNE 2012, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND HER FRONT PASSENGER TIRE EXPLODED. THIS WAS THE 3RD SET OF NEW TIRES WE HAD PLACED ON THIS VEHICLE (BY 30,000 MILES - AVERAGING 10,000 MILES PER SET OF TIRES). THEN IN JULY 2012, SHE WAS DRIVING HOME AND STARTED TO SKID. SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO RECOVER FROM THE SKID AND HIT A TREE HEAD-ON. THE FRONT OF HER CAR WAS DESTROYED. THE TREE CENTERED HER CAR AND THE FRONT END LOOKED LIKE A VOLKSWAGEN BUG. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE HAD THIS VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END. EACH TIME THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS COULD FEEL THE CAR SWAY WHEN RIDING IT IN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY ($17,000 CHECK SENT TO FORD) AND WE STILL OWE $1700 THAT WE HAVE AGREED TO PAY TO FORD TO KEEP FROM RUINING OUR CREDIT. THANK GOD SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT THAT ACTUALLY WORKED - OTHERWISE WE WOULD HAVE HAD TO PLAN OUR DAUGHTERS FUNERAL. WE PURCHASED THIS CAR BECAUSE IT WAS ADVERTISED AS BEING A VERY SAFE CAR WITH THE INTERIOR WRAPPED IN AIR BAGS. WRAPPING THE INTERIOR WITH AIR BAGS DOES NOT HELP IF THEY DO NOT WORK. I HAVE BEEN BUYING FORD AUTOMOBILES FOR 30 YEARS BUT, RIGHT NOW I AM WONDERING HOW SAFE MY FORD F-150 IS. WE ARE NOW CONSIDERING HIRING AN ATTORNEY. *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
Steering, Sep 8, 2012
NEW 2012 FOCUS JAN. 18-2012. AFTER 9258 MILES STEERING LOCKED WHILE ENTERING BUSY INTERSECTION. GREAT DIFFICULTLY STEERING CAR OFF ROAD. INCIDENT HAPPENED TWICE THAT DAY (8-6) AND AGAIN 8-7, FOURTH TIME 8-18. WARNING LIGHT "STEERING ASSIST FAULT.". DEALER UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THEREFORE NOTHING CORRECTED. DEALER OFFERED NO RECOURSE. I FELT CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. AFTER FRUSTRATING CONVERSIONS WITH DEALER REP, A FRIEND DROVE THE CAR TO NEARBY CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED A 2012 SONIC. THIS DECISION TO PURCHASE ANOTHER CAR WAS VERY COSTLY. MY SAFETY ON THE HIGHWAY NECESSITATED THE DECISION. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. AT TIMES I FELT REP'S REMARKS WERE DEMEANING. *TR
Steering, Jul 29, 2012
I HAD AN EARLIER COMPLAINT ON MY FIRST FOCUS PURCHASED IN MARCH 2012...INCIDENT DATE JUNE 27 2012...I LOST POWER STEERING ON 3 OCCASIONS...SERVICE WAS NOT ABLE TO FIX IT SO THEY EXCHANGED MY CAR FOR AN IDENTICAL ONE ON JULY 25, 2012...THE SECOND DAY I DROVE THE NEW FOCUS, SOMETHING STRANGE HAPPENED WITH THE STEERING WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAY...I WAS GOING ABOUT 60 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD AND THE CAR STARTED TO WANDER TO THE RIGHT AND IT ALSO DID IT TO THE LEFT...THE STEERING IS VERY TIGHT AND WAS DIFFICULT TO GET THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT...I'VE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY THAT IS JUST HOW IT DRIVES..IF THIS TRUE, I'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE EXPRESSWAY...THIS WANDERING WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND TIRING TO FIGHT THE WHEEL....2 NEW CARS IN 4 MONTHS TIME BOTH WITH STEERING PROBLEMS MAKES ME THINK THERE ARE SOME KINKS WITH THE NEW ELECTRIC STEERING ON FORDS....THIS WILL BE MY FIRST AND LAST EXPERIENCE WITH FORDS. *JS
Steering, Jul 27, 2012
GOT THE CAR ON WEDNESDAY JULY 25TH AFTER A WEEK LONG WAIT FOR KEY....LONG STORY.....THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED 2 HOURS AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR. SITTING IN A DRIVE THRU. "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT, MAINTENANCE REQUIRED". TURNED CAR OFF AND ON PROBLEM WENT AWAY. NEXT DAY SITTING IN TRAFFIC, THE PROBLEM RETURNED CALLED FOR SERVICE AND TAKING THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. WISH I WOULD HAVE LOOKED THIS UP PRIOR TO PURCHASE! *TR
Steering, Jul 15, 2012
WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP, DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED. THE CAR WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT: SERVICE REQUIRED." THE CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND STARTING IT AGAIN, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THEY DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. TWO WEEKS LATER ON JULY 14, AT 1717 MILES, AS I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES PER HOUR, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN AND THE SAME ERROR MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. THE CAR WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND STARTING IT AGAIN, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED. AGAIN, THE CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES. *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
Steering, Jun 28, 2012
AS I WAS TURNING OUT OF A STORE INTO TRAFFIC, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT....POWER ASSIST FAULT CAME UP ON COMPUTER SCREEN....STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TURN....ONCE I GOT OFF THE ROAD I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN AND THE STEERING RETURNED....I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT PER SSM 21987 CODE. ONE WEEK LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN, TWICE WITHIN 6 MILES....FIRST TIME I WAS BACKING UP AND THE SECOND TIME I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MILES PER HOUR....IT APPEARS THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME AND IN ANY GEAR....I CALLED DEALERSHIP AND IMMEDIATELY HAD IT TOWED TO THEIR SHOP...PRESENT MILEAGE 2076 MILES....I'LL SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY THIS TIME....I FEAR THIS COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF IT CONTINUES. *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
Steering, Jun 12, 2012
WHENEVER I DRIVE THE CAR AROUND 60 MILES SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES STIFF AND STARTS TO WANDER. IT BECOMES REALLY HARD TO BALANCE THE WHEELS. I NOTICED THIS ON MY BRAND NEW FORD FOCUS SE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON MAY 25TH 2012, WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A TOLLWAY AT 60 TO 70 MILES SPEED PER HOUR. I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON MAY 24TH 2012. THIS CAR IS NOT GOOD FOR DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS ESPECIALLY FOR DRIVING AROUND THE SPEED 60 MILES PER HOUR. NOW I AM REALLY SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR ON HIGHWAYS. SO FAR, THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS. GOING FORWARD IF SOMETHING HAPPENS, I WOULD BLAME FORD AND SUE THE COMPANY. FORD MUST FIX THIS ISSUE OR RECALL THIS MODEL. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2012
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING NEW FORD FOCUS SE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR. FAILURE OF STEERING WAS ACCOMPANIED BY "STEERING ASSIST FAULT - SERVICE REQUIRED" MESSAGE IN DASH AND WARNING CHIME. ON RESTART OF CAR, STEERING RETURNS TO NORMAL OPERATION AND FAULT MESSAGE NO LONGER DISPLAYS. THIS HAS OCCURRED ONCE AFTER PURCHASE OF CAR. I SEE THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS BUT NO SOLUTIONS. WILL THERE BE A RECALL ISSUED BEFORE THIS HAPPENS TO SOMEONE AT SPEED AND CAUSES A WRECK RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH? *TR
Steering, Feb 16, 2012
AFTER MAKING RIGHT TURN OUT OF DRIVEWAY, TRAVELED STRAIGHT FOR APPROXIMATELY 300-400 YARDS AND POWER STEERING FAILED. WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. HAD TO STOP AT STOP SIGN...COULD NOT STEER CAR - VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER WITHOUT ASSIST. I MANAGED TO TURN IT AROUND, GOT BACK TO MY DRIVEWAY. POWER STEERING DID NOT RETURN. CALLED FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE - TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING THE CAR TO GET IT ON TRUCK...POWER ASSIST RETURNED. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE, RESEARCHED WITH FORD TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND FOUND "NO CAUSE." THEY CALLED IT A FLUKE AND RETURNED CAR TO ME. SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED IN SAME FASHION ON FEB. 14, 2012. AFTER RETURNING TO MY DRIVEWAY THE SECOND TIME, THE POWER ASSIST RETURNED TO FUNCTION. DEALER IS NOT SURE THAT BRINGING THE CAR IN WILL HELP THEM FIND OR FIX THE PROBLEM. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT STATED IN EMAIL THAT "IT COULD VERY WELL BE A FLUKE" AND IS NOT OFFERING ANY FURTHER SOLUTIONS. I NEED HELP IN GETTING THIS FIXED. *TR
Steering, Feb 16, 2012
THE FORD FOCUS 2012 HAS PROBLEM STARTING AT 556 MILES - THE ENGINE WOULD NOT EVEN TURN OVER. THE WARNING LIGHT "STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRE" COME ON, AND THE FRONT POWER WINDOWS DO NOT WORK TOO. HOPE THE DEALER WOULD FIX THIS SOON. *TR
Steering, Jan 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING FUNCTION FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NO LONGER FELT SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,106 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 4,160.
Steering, Dec 31, 2011
WHILE DRIVING STEERING FAULT SERVICE IMMEDIATELY AND AN EXCLAMATION MARK APPEARED ON THE DASHBORAD. AT THE SAME TIME THE CAR WOULD BARELY STEER AND I HAD A VERY HARD TIME GETTING IT OFF THE ROAD. I CALLED FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. *KB
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Dec 5, 2011
WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY THE STEERING SYSTEM FAILED, I ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND INTO A WOODED AREA. THE SYSTEM GAVE AN INDICATOR LIGHT OF STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE AND ALSO THE BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT ENGAGE. I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Nov 15, 2011
POWER STEERING FAILED, WITH DASHBOARD WARNING MESSAGES. *TR