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: other or unspecified
359 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 12, 2015
I HAVE A FORD FOCUS 2012 IT HAS POWER LOCK ON THE DOORS. 3 DOORS LOCK WITH THE REMOTE JUST FINE THE DOOR BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT WONT EVEN CLOSE. IT OPENS WHEN I TURN CORNERS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUES ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN, THIS CAR HAS HAD TWO RECALL FIXES ONE WITH CAR ROLLING BACK EVEN THOUGH IT IS AN AUTOMATIC AND A TRANSMISSION FAILURE ALL DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I FEEL THAT THE THIS IS ANOTHER ONE GIVEN THAT MY PASSENGER LEFT REAR DOOR CANT EVEN BE MANUALLY LOCKED ITS ONLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED ELECTRICALLY, THERE IS NOTHING BLOCKING THE DOOR TO MAKE IT NOT CLOSE ONLY THE LOCK ITSELF.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2015
DRIVER WINDOW WORKED ONLY INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN CEASED ALTOGETHER. HAD THE SWITCH REPLACED. NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW IS EXHIBITING THE SAME EARLY SYMPTOMS. IT TOOK ONLY ONE WEEK FOR THE FIRST WINDOW TO FAIL, SO IT PROBABLY WON'T BE LONG BEFORE WE HAVE TO REPLACE THE SECOND.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 9, 2015
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS SHIFTING ODD. THERE WAS NO POWER IN THE LOW GEARS. SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND WAS VERY HARSH. WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO FORD THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW CLUTCH. I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 30000 MILES ON IT AND WAS SURPRISED BY THIS. IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN IN SEPTEMBER OF 2014 I STARTED HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. DURING THAT TIME I HAD PUT ON 40000 OR SO. BROUGHT IT BACK TO FORD AND THEY SAID IT WAS A PART THAT WAS "RECALLED". I HAD THE SEALS AND EVERYTHING ELSE REPLACED UNDER THE 14M01 RECALL. THIS INCLUDED A NEW CLUTCH AGAIN. NOW IT IS MAY 2015, I HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR ABOUT 20000 OR SO FROM THE LAST TIME I HAD ANY WORK DONE AND ALL OF THE SYMPTOMS OF MY LAST TO REPAIRS ARE BACK. I NEED ANOTHER NEW CLUTCH (THIS WILL BE THE 4TH IN THE CAR). CONSIDERING ALL OF MY DRIVING IS ON THE HIGHWAY THIS NOT GOOD. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 8, 2015
THE FOCUS HAS A MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH. IT OFTEN BREAKS AND OFTEN LEAVES ME STRANDED. IT WILL STOP ACCELERATING OR GET STUCK WHEN ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I'VE ALMOST HAD A FEW ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF IT. I HAVE ALSO BEEN STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE OF IT LATE AT NIGHT. FORD HAS FIXED IT FOUR TIMES NOW WITH NO RESOLUTION. THEY SAY ITS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT THEY CAN PATCH BUT NOT EXACTLY FIX.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 5, 2015
I HAVE BEEN TO MY FORD DEALERSHIP 10 TIMES LAST YEAR AND 4 TIMES ALREADY THIS YEAR. I HAVE MULTIPLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT CAME ON AND EACH TIME THEY REPLACE A PART ON MY CAR. I HAD MY CAR LAST WEEK FOR SERVICE AND NOW IT'S BACK THIS WEEK AGAIN FOR SERVICE. I HAVE ALL MY REPAIR RECEIPTS AND I AM COMPLETELY SADDEN THAT FORD CANNOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME AS I CALLED THE FORD COOPERATE OFFICE AND HAVE THEIR SPECIALIST LOOKED AT MY CASE AND I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. MY CAR SHUTS OFF ON ME SO MANY TIMES WHILE DRIVING WITH ME 1 YEAR OLD SON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THEY WILL FIX IT TODAY AND NEXT WEEK I AM BACK IN THE SHOP. THEY HAVE MY CAR MORE TIMES IN THE SHOP THAN I HAVE ON THE ROAD. I AM EXTREMELY TIRED! I TOLD THEM TO TEST DRIVE MY CAR EACH TIME THEY "SUPPOSEDLY FIXED" MY ISSUE AND THE PROBLEM REMAINS THE SAME. I HAVE SPOKEN TO [XXX] AT THE COOPERATE OFFICE IN FLORIDA ( 1866-631-3788) EX [XXX] AND HE HAS NEVER SOLVED MY PROBLEMS OR RETURN ANY OF MY CALLS. --AT PRESENT WRITING THIS ISSUE I AM SCHEDULED FOR ANOTHER "REPAIR". ANOTHER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SITUATION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Apr 27, 2015
WHILE TOWING THIS CAR BEHIND MY MOTORCOACH FOUR-TIRES DOWN, PER FORD MANUAL AND CURRENT RV SAFETY PRACTICES, THE FOCUS' PASSENGER-SIDE REAR TIRE HAD A BLOW OUT. THE TIRE CAME COMPLETELY OFF OF THE RIM. ALL FOUR FOCUS TIRES WERE CHECKED TWO DAYS BEFORE AND PRESSURES WERE AT SPEC. WITH NO SIGN OF LEAKS OR APPARENT DAMAGE. THE TIRES ARE MICHELIN DEFENDER TIRES WITH ABOUT 14,500 MILES ON THEM AND PURCHASED IN APRIL OF 2014. THIS BLOW OUT WAS A COMPLETE SURPRISE, FOR THE TIRES WERE IN APPARENTLY VERY GOOD CONDITION, I DID NOT RUN OVER ANY ROAD DEBRIS AND I WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE BLOWN OUT TIRE AND WILL PROVIDE THEM UPON REQUEST. THANK YOU. *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 7, 2015, fire
CAR LOST POWER AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON I-95. UNDERNEATH PARTS AND LOWER BODY PANELS CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE PAUL CLARK FORD DEALERSHIP IN YULEE, FL. WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THE ENGINE HAD EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THERE WAS A HOLE A LITTLE SMALLER THAN A BASKETBALL BLOWN OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE CRANKCASE WITH THE OIL PUMP AND PIECES OF THE ENGINE LAYING ON THE SHIELD COVERING THE OIL PAN. THE CAR HAD JUST BEEN FULLY SERVICED WITH IT'S ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, RECOMMENDED SERVICE ROUTINE, ETC BY SAME DEALER. EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS UNDER FULL WARRANTY, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AS OF YET. FORD IS CONDUCTING AN INTERNAL REVIEW AND SAID IT COULD TAKE UP TO 90 DAYS BEFORE A DETERMINATION IS MADE. THEY ALSO HAVE NOT OFFERED A LOANER VEHICLE OR A RENTAL CAR TO THE OWNER WHILE THIS PROCESS IS TAKING PLACE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Feb 25, 2015
I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY CAR INTO THE FORD DEALER 5 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS AND ROUGHLY 15 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR FOR THE SAME ISSUE, IT IS UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN I AM DRIVING AT OR AROUND 35 MPH MY TRANSMISSION WILL MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND I WILL LOSE ALL POWER AND THE CAR WILL NEED TO BE RESTARTED. I HAVE PAID RIDICULOUS AMOUNTS IN REPAIRS AND RENTALS. I AM TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH IS UNDER WARRANTY UNTIL 100,000 MILES. I AM STILL BEING CHARGED. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, I LOSE ALL POWER AND HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS, AND WHEN ENTERING THE ON RAMP TO THE HIGHWAY. THE TECHS HAVE TOLD ME "IT IS SUPPOSED TO DRIVE LIKE THIS" BUT I SERIOUSLY DOUBT THAT. FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT MY CAR HAS A BAD CLUTCH AND THAT THE CLUTCH IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER AND IT COULD BE UP TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE IT IS REPAIRED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO JUST KEEP DRIVING IT, WHEN I ASKED IF IT WAS SAFE THEY SAID "PROBABLY NOT, BUT IT IS MORE OF A PERSONAL PROBLEM OF MINE". THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM, AND I HAVE ZERO CONFIDENCE THAT IT WILL EVER BE RESOLVED. FORD HAS HAD ME REPLACE EVERYTHING THAT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY IN THE PAST 15 MONTHS AND THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM PERSISTS, NOW I AM BEING TOLD THAT IT IS THE CLUTCH IN MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHICH IS UNDER WARRANTY BUT "IT IS NOT A HIGH PRIORITY FOR THE DEALER" SO ILL HAVE TO WAIT IT OUT AND KEEP RENTING CARS TO KEEP MY JOB AND STAY MOBILE. BASICALLY FORD WANTS ME TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL I TOTAL IT DUE TO THEIR FAULTY TRANSMISSION AND BUY ANOTHER CAR, OR TOTAL IT AND DIE AND NOT BOTHER THEM ANY MORE, BUT HEY THEY ALREADY HAVE MY MONEY. THIS IS WHY PEOPLE DON'T BUY AMERICAN THEY WAY THEY SHOULD, THE CARS DON'T RUN PROPERLY AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR THESE COMPANIES IS ATROCIOUS AND UNSYMPATHETIC TO THE NEEDS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. *JS
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2014
SHUTTERS/ GRINDING NOISE/ TUGS AND JOLTS AT LOW SPEEDS AND UP HILLS. WHEN IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC MESSAGE ON DASH, OVERHEATING TRANSMISSION PULL OVER WAIT 8 MINUTES. *TR