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
3,801 reports, newest first.
Power train, Aug 15, 2015
WHILE AT A DEAD STOP MY CAR FAILED TO RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR, TWO TIMES. THE ENGINE WOULD REV AND NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN EXCEPT THAT THE "P-R-N-D-L" INDICATOR ON THE DASH WOULD FLASH. EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE STALLED AND COULDN'T BE RESTARTED FOR 10 MINUTES. THIS IS A SIGN OF OF A FAULTY TCM (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE). 2011 & 2102 FORD FIESTAS AND 2012 FOCUS ARE PRONE TO THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. FORD REPLACED THE TCM UNDER THE EMMISSIONS WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. I HAVE SEEN POSTS ON THE WEB WHERE THIS FAILURE HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING.
Power train, Aug 14, 2015
WHILE DIRVING OUR 2012 FORD FOCUSE WHICH WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD START TO SLIP AND CHATTER. IT TOOK LONGER TO ACCERALATE TO SPEED. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP ON 19AUG2012 AND THEY CALIBRATED THE TRANSMISSION. WE DROVE THE CAR UNTIL IT STARTED AGAIN TWO MONTHS LATER. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP ON THE 22 NOV 2013 TO A DIFFERENT CERTIFIED FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE A SEAL ON THE CLUTCH WHICH WAS ALLOWING FLUID TO DRIP ON CLUTCH PLATE AND ALLOW TO SLIP WILL DRIVING. DROVE THE CAR AND IT WAS WORKING BETTER. BUT OVER TIME THE CAR STARTED AGAIN AND THEN GOT WORSE. TOOK THE CAR BAKE IN BECAUSE ON THE 9AUG2015 I WAS DRIVING 60 MPH AND THE CAR STARTED TO SLIP AGAIN THEN IT OVER HEATED AND HAD A MALFUNCTION. I HAD LOST ALL MY GEARS ON A HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH. THEY REPLACED SOME PARTS AND WHEN 2 DAYS OF GETTING IT BACK IT IS STARTING TO SLIP AGAIN. I AM CALLING DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING. THIS IS NOT A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE UNLESS THEY FIX THEIR TRANSMISSION.
Steering, Aug 14, 2015
ON AUGUST 4, 2015 I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND WHEN I WENT TO TURN AT THE RED LIGHT, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THEN I HEARD A BEEPING SOUND. I LOOKED DOWN AT MY DASHBOARD AND A MESSAGED APPEARED. I WAS UNABLE TO READ THE MESSAGE RIGHT THEN BECAUSE I WAS HAVING TO JERK MY STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE CAR TO MAKE THE LEFT TURN AND NOT RUN UP ON THE CURVE. TRAFFIC WAS COMING SO I COULDN'T JUST STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. ONCE I GOT TO THE PARKING AREA I READ THE MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD AND IT DISPLAYED, "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT." AS OF TODAY AUG 14, 2015 I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE AND I AM VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I HAVE CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC BECAUSE THEY SAID THAT THERE'S NO RECALL ON THESES VEHICLES. I REFUSE TO PAY FOR ANY SERVICE BECAUSE MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE FORD COMPANY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR. WHEN I CALLED FORD TO REPORT THE ISSUE AND TO SEE IF THERE'S A RECALLED, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS THE FIRST THAT THEY HAVE HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BUT WHEN I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE, I FOUND PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2012 FORD FOCUS. CAN SOMEONE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BEFORE THERE'S A FATAL ACCIDENT. I WILL BE WILLING TO ALLOW SOMEONE TO COME DRIVE MY VEHICLE, SEE THE MESSAGE THAT APPEARS ON MY DASHBOARD STILL AND INVESTIGATE THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO SAVE MY LIFE AND SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE. FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE, WELL, MY VEHICLE IS MORE THAN AVAILABLE FOR SOMEONE TO DUPLICATE IT BECAUSE IT IS TOTALLY A LOCKED STEERING WHEEL SITTING IN MY PARKING LOT. I HAD TO HAVE MY MALE FRIEND TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE 2 MILES HOME BECAUSE IT SCARED ME SO BAD THAT I COULDN'T DRIVE IT ON TOP OF A TORN ROTATOR CUFF AND NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US HAVING THIS PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2015
THE DRIVERS DOOR LATCH FAILED SO THAT THE DOOR WILL NOT STAY CLOSED. I WAS LUCKY THAT IT OCCURRED IN A PARKING LOT RATHER THAN WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, Aug 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT REGAIN STEERING CAPABILITIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,362.
Power train, Aug 11, 2015
WHEN STARTING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE CAR JERKS, SHUTTERS AND THE GEARS GRIND & DESPITE HAVING THIS VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE OVER 12 DOCUMENTED TIMES, NOTHING HAS EVER BEEN DONE. JUST AS RECENTLY AS 8/4/15 THE TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AGAIN, REPLACING THE CLUTCH, AND IT DROVE GREAT FOR JUST UNDER 5 DAYS AND THEN I SIMPLY STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND WHEN I WENT TO PULL OUT THE VEHICLE JERKED AND BUCKED, NEARLY STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THEN FOR THE 50 MILE DRIVE HOME, THE VEHICLE WOULD GRIND THROUGH THE LOWER GEARS, MAKING DRIVING VERY DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE IS NOW BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP WITH NO RESOLUTION IN SIGHT, FORD SHOULD JUST RECALL THIS VEHICLE BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED AND WHY ARE WE ALL TO SUFFER BECAUSE FORD IS NO LONGER THE COMPANY THEY USED TO BE, I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE AND I AM TRYING TO GET OUT FROM UNDER THIS VEHICLE, BUT WILL DO SO AT A LOSS.
Steering, Aug 10, 2015
ELECTRONIC POWER ASSIST FAILED AND I HAVE NO POWER STEERING
Steering, Aug 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN ABLE TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,520.
Power train, Aug 10, 2015
2012 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS COMPLAINT ON ANOTHER VEHICLE IN ARTEMIS. *SMD THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED AN INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER. WHILE DRIVING, IT SEEMED THE ENGINE WAS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, IT WAS REPLACED WITH THE SAME PART NUMBER AS THE ORIGINAL. *JB
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 9, 2015
PURCHASED A 2012 FORD FOCUS IN DECEMBER OF 2014. THE TRANSMISSION HAS HAD SHIFTING ISSUES ALMOST THE ENTIRE TIME THAT I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE. IN MAY, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN STUTTERING AT LOW SPEEDS. WHEN REACHING SPEED ON AN INTERSTATE ON-RAMP, THE VEHICLE SHOWED THE MESSAGE "VEHICLE NOT IN PARK" AND SHUT OFF AS I WAS PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. A DAY LATER WHEN DRIVING IT, IT STUTTERED AGAIN AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT, ALONG WITH A DEFECTIVE PART NOTICE TO THE DEALER FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CLUTCH SYSTEM, WHICH THE DEALER SAID WAS THE ISSUE AND SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED IT UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER ALSO RESET THE "AUTOLEARN" FEATURE IN THE TRANSMISSION. FOR A FEW DAYS IT WORKED FINE, THEN THE STUTTERING AND SHIFTING ISSUES BEGAN AGAIN. ON AUGUST 8TH, 2015 THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE STORE, AND WORKED AS IT USUALLY DID, WITH MINOR STUTTERING AND GRINDING THAT APPEARS TO CHARACTERIZE THE FORD TRANSMISSION. IT WAS PARKED FOR ROUGHLY 30 MINUTES WHILE IN THE STORE, UPON STARTING AND PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT TURN OR GAIN ENOUGH POWER TO PROPEL THE CAR OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. AS IT ROLLED BACK, IT WAS SHIFTED INTO THE DRIVE POSITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PROPEL UNTIL IT WENT TO SHIFT AND THE CAR "MISSED" THE GEAR AND STUTTERED LOSING ALL MOMENTUM. THIS CONTINUED FROM EVERY START/STOP. STOPPED AT ANOTHER STORE, WHEN CAME BACK OUT THE CAR WOULD NOT START ON THE FIRST CRANK, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. THE POWER ISSUES TO THE TRANSMISSION ON TAKE OFF AND THE MISSING GEARS CONTINUED ALL THE WAY TO MY HOME.
Steering, Aug 8, 2015
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING STARTED TO ACT WEIRD. IT WOULD GIVE A LOT AND GO TIGHT THEN GIVE AGAIN. A LOT OF PLAY IN THE WHEEL, WHEN IT WAS PERFECTLY FINE BEFORE. THEN AFTER 30 SECONDS OR SO OF THIS, THE INFORMATION LIGHT POPPED UP AND SAID "STEERING FAULT STOP SAFELY". I PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD AND STOPPED. THEN IT TURNED RED, LOCKED THE STEERING WHEEL AND SAID "STEERING LOSS STOP SAFETY". NOW THE CAR IS STUCK AND I AM ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD CALLING A TOW TRUCK. IT WENT TO THE MECHANIC WHO DID SOMETHING TO GET THE CAR TO WORK AGAIN, AND 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CAR AGAIN THIS CYCLE REPEATED ITSELF. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME 3 TIMES AS OF THE WRITING OF THIS MESSAGE. I AM SCARED TO GET BACK IN THE CAR AT THIS POINT AS I HAVE A NEWBORN AND DON'T WANT TO RISK IT. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I HAVE TO DRIVE IN ORDER TO GET TO WORK.
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2015
THE CAR SEEMS TO HESITATE AT ACCELERATION FROM PARKED POSITION. I NOTICED A SLIGHT "SKIPPING" OR JUMPING WHILE DRIVING OFF OF THE LOT. SINCE THEN, I HAVE NOTICED THE SAME WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALER (USED CAR DEALER IN ALABAMA) TOLD ME "ITS A GOOD DEAL, GOOD CAR"!!!
Electrical system, Aug 7, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS HAD TO BE MADE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2015
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY. SHE HAD OPENED AND CLOSED THE SUNROOF ABOUT AN HOUR BEFORE THE INCIDENT. THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING/BANGING NOISE AND THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. GLASS SHARDS COVERED THE INSIDE OF THE CAR, SOME OF THEM WERE SHARP. WHEN SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE THE GLASS WAS BENT OUT AND NOT DOWN. THERE WAS NO KNOWN IMPACT OF ANY OBJECT WITH THE SUNROOF, IT APPEARS TO HAVE EXPLODED DUE TO A DEFECT.
Power train, Aug 4, 2015
I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ON A BLINKING YELLOW ARROW. SEEING A COMING BREAK IN TRAFFIC, WHERE IT WOULD BE SAFE TO EXECUTE THE TURN, I BEGAN INCHING FORWARD. WHEN THE CAR PASSED, ALLOWING ME TO SAFELY TURN, I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND. FOR SEVERAL SECONDS, MY CAR SAT IN THE INTERSECTION WITH TRAFFIC ONCOMING, WITHOUT MOVING FORWARD. THE TYPE OF HESITATION HAS HAPPENED TO ME A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES BETWEEN APRIL OF 2014 AND AUGUST OF 2015. IN ADDITION, THE CAR HANDLES ROUGHLY IN LOW GEAR, MAKING GRINDING NOISES, STUTTERING IN CHANGING GEARS BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND, AND SOMETIMES SHAKING THE CAR. THE TRANSMISSION ON THE CAR HAS A SERVICE NOTICE. I DID TAKE THE CAR IN IN DECEMBER 2014 FOR THE RECALL, WHERE IT WAS TESTED AND A NEW SEAL WAS INSTALLED. I DROVE THE CAR FOR 8 MONTHS BEFORE EXPERIENCING THE 3RD HESITATION TO RESPOND. HOWEVER, THE GRINDING NOISES, STUTTERING, ETC. NEVER DID IMPROVE. I BELIEVE THESE CARS IS UNSAFE NOT ONLY FOR THE OWNER-OPERATORS, BUT ALSO OTHER MOTORISTS ON THE ROAD WHO HAVE NO WAY OF ANTICIPATING THAT A CAR PULLING INTO TRAFFIC MAY INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE DRIVER PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. UPDATED 9/28/15 *LN
Steering, Aug 4, 2015
IN LESS THAN A WEEK, THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2012 FORD FOCUS HAS FAILED THREE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED ON TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015, AT 7:45 A.M. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT TWO MINUTES WHEN THE FOLLOWING ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED ON MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER: "STEERING ASSIST FAULT/SERVICE REQUIRED." I WAS JUST ABOUT TO TAKE THE RAMP ONTO THE HIGHWAY, BUT MY GUT TOLD ME TO PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT OF THE ROAD (I HAD A CHILD WITH ME AND DID NOT WANT TO TAKE ANY RISKS). JUST AS I WAS DOING SO, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, AND I COULD NOT ROTATE IT. AS I PULLED UP NEXT TO THE CURB, I PLACED MY CAR IN PARK AND TURNED ON MY HAZARDS. I WAITED A FEW MOMENTS, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL STILL WOULD NOT BUDGE. I TURNED MY CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL STILL WOULDN'T MOVE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AGAIN AND WAITED ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES. UPON STARTING THE CAR THIS TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS BACK TO NORMAL. I LEFT MY HAZARDS ON AND MADE RIGHT TURNS ALL THE WAY HOME (IN CASE IT WENT OUT AGAIN). THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 AT 4:50 P.M. AND MONDAY, AUGUST 3 AT 5:05 P.M. BOTH TIMES I TURNED OFF MY CAR, WAITED ABOUT 5 MINUTES, AND THEN STARTED IT AGAIN. THE POWER STEERING WOULD THEN BE WORKING. THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING AND I WORRY ABOUT MY SAFETY BECAUSE I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY TO AND FROM WORK. WHILE THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE SIDE ROADS, THERE IS NOW A CONSTANT FEAR OF THIS HAPPENING WHILE I'M ON THE HIGHWAY. I'VE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS ON ONLINE FORUMS ABOUT THIS EXACT PROBLEM, SO I WOULD LIKE TO ALSO FILE MINE. IT IS ALSO FRUSTRATING BECAUSE I HAVE HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, SUCH AS WITH THE MOONROOF, AC, AND COMPASS. I FEEL LIKE FORD SOLD ME A LEMON. I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP AS CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED ONLY A YEAR AND A HALF AGO, SO I SHOULDNT HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS WITH IT.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 1, 2015
AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA, MY CAR SLIPPED FROM ACTIVE GEARS (I BELIEVE 2ND GEAR) AND RIGHT INTO NEUTRAL. I COULDN'T ACCELATE AND DRIVE WITH TRAFFFIC, WHILE TRAVELLING UP HILL MY CAR DECELLERATED QUICKLY. IN TRYING TO GET TO THE SHOULDER, I NARROWLY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT. AFTER FINALLY REACHING THE SHOULDER I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK (IT STARTED TO ROLL DOWNHILL) AND THEN APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE. 10 SECONDS LATER MY CAR WAS RUNNING FINE AGAIN. THAT FOLLOWING MONDAY I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE SERVICED. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS EXACT ISSUE HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME WAS THE WEEK PRIOR TO.
Structure, Jul 31, 2015
ON MAY 18, 2015, WHEN I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY WORK PARKING LOT AND TURNING ONTO THE MAIN STREET, THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR FLEW OPEN FOR NO REASON. I PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO CLOSE THE DOOR, BUT IT WOULD NOT LATCH CLOSED AT ALL. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND ENDED UP "SEAT-BELTING" THE DOOR SHUT. I FEEL THIS IS AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, I HAD A PAY $100 DEDUCTIBLE FOR THIS TO BE FIXED, BUT AGAIN, I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND DESERVES DUE INVESTIGATION. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR THE CAR DOOR TO COME OPEN WHEN I WAS DRIVING. AS I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT ON JULY 31, 2015, MY BACK PASSENGER DOOR DID THE SAME THING, EXCEPT MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE BACKSEAT!! (TRACKING ISSUE #: 10745475) I SINCERELY HOPE CONSUMER AFFAIRS LOOKS INTO WHY FORD FOCUS 2012 CAR DOORS ARE NOT LATCHING CLOSED! *TR
Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2015
WE BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS ONE OF OUR KIDS ALMOST FELL OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE WE DIDN'T REALIZE THE DOOR DID NOT CATCH! THE REAR LEFT DOOR WILL NOT STAYED CLOSED. THE MECHANISM IS NOT CATCHING AT ALL AND THE DOOR IS A SAFETY ISSUE. A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO, THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR DID THE SAME THING. WE ENDED UP TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT COST $100 TO REPAIR, BUT WE DON'T FEEL THIS IS RIGHT.
Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2015
ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE CAR JUST DIED. I LOST ALL POWER(POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES). WE PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO JUMP THE BATTERY THINKING IT WAS THIS. I REMEMBERED A LETTER I RECEIVED FROM FORD REGARDING A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE(TCM). THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND VIA A DIAGNOSTIC TEST IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TCM WAS DEFECTIVE. AFTER A WEEK AT THE FORD DEALER THE TCM WAS REPLACED FREE AND THE WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED. THE MAJOR CONCERN THAT I HAVE IS IF I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN DIRE CONSEQUENCES - THE CAR JUST DIED AND WE WOULD HAVE BEEN SITTING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH TRAFFIC FLYING BY US. THERE NEEDS TO BE A MANDATORY RECALL FOR THIS SITUATION BEFORE PEOPLE DIE.
Steering, Jul 31, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE WARNING CHIME SOUNDED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. MA 10/16/15 *CN
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 31, 2015
FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS I OCCASIONALLY GET THE "STEERING ASSIST FAULT" MESSAGE WHILE DRIVING AND POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING. USUALLY, WHEN I RESTART THE CAR IT RESETS AND WORKS AGAIN. TODAY I GOT THE MESSAGE WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, RESTARTED THE CARS A FEW TIMES AND IT DID NOT RESET. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS, DESPITE MY REPORTING IT TO THEM LAST FALL AS WELL. UPDATE 9/15/15*CW UPDATE: I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR, AND THE STEERING GEAR WAS REPLACED. SO FAR, AT 49,800 MILES, THE PROBLEM HAS NOT HAPPENED SINCE THE REPAIR. THE REPAIR QUALIFIED TO BE COVERED BY MY EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN, AND I PAID 4100 DEDUCTIBLE FOR THE WORK. THE REPAIR WAS DONE AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. UPDATED 09/29/15*JB.... UPDATED 09/30/15*BF UPDATED 11/10/15.*JB
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2015
MY TRANSMISSION DOESN'T WORK RIGHT AND NEVER HAS, FROM THE MINUTE I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. IT JERKS, VERY HARD AT TIMES, IT SHUDDERS, AND WORST OF ALL, IT HESITATES, SO WHEN YOU PULL OUT AT TIMES YOU PRAY IT KICKS IN BEFORE YOU END UP GETTING HIT AND KILLED. I TOLD MY SON AFTER LESS THAN SIX MONTHS OF OWNING THIS CAR THAT IF I GET KILLED BECAUSE OF IT, I WANT HIM TO SUE FORD. THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT BECAUSE THEY DON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS! THEY DON'T CARE IF CONSUMERS GET HURT OR KILLED, OBVIOUSLY. IT LOOKS GOOD AND RIDES GOOD, BUT IS A LEMON BECAUSE OF THE TRANS. THEY MAINTAIN THAT IT ONLY MAKES IT MISERABLE TO DRIVE, BUT THEY DOUBT YOU'LL GET KILLED, SO REFUSE TO HELP. THESE ARE SOME SORT OF TRANSMISSIONS THAT WERE CONVERTED FROM MANUAL TO AUTOMATIC AND NOT VERY WELL, AT THAT. I'VE BEEN TO THREE DEALERS AND THEY WON'T HELP, SAYING THEIR HANDS ARE TIED BECAUSE CORPORATE DOESN'T FEEL IT'S GOING TO KILL ANYONE. I THOUGHT I WOULD BUY A FORD, BEING FROM SE MI. TALK ABOUT MISGUIDED LOYALTY! JUST BECAUSE NOBODY'S BEEN KILLED YET DOESN'T MEAN IT WON'T HAPPEN. IT DOESN'T WORK, PLAIN & SIMPLE. AND IF IT'S THIS POOR NOW, WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN ANOTHER YEAR OR TWO? I AM BEYOND DISGUSTED AND COMPLETELY FRUSTRATED WITH THIS UNCARING COMPANY WHO SELLS YOU JUNK FOR TOP DOLLAR AND THEN REFUSES TO HELP YOU WITH A PROBLEM THAT IS TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY THEIR FAULT!
Power train, Jul 30, 2015
7/28/15 WHILE ON HIGHWAY AND DRIVING IN FAST LANE, CAR LOSES ABILITY TO ACCELERATE CREATING VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. CAN NOT ACCELERATE IN ORDER TO MOVE INTO SAFER LANE. MANAGES TO GET OFF RODA AND DRIVE SLOWLY TO REPAIR SHOP. CAR SHUDDERS AND NEARLY STALLS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON BUT NOT BLINKING. REPAIR SHOP GETS TRANSMISSION CODE P090C. CAR IS TOWED FOLLOWING MORNING AND REPAIR SHOP CHECKS AGAIN AND FINDS SAME CODE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. 7/30/15 CUSTOMER SPEAKS TO SERVICE DEPT MANAGER NAMED JOHN EXPLAINING ALL OF THE ABOVE. AGREES CAR IS UNSAFE AND WHEN ASKED IF HE WOULD LET HIS DAUGHTER DRIVE IT, HE REPLIES NO. STILL WON'T REPAIR CAR BASED ON CODE PROVIDED BUT AGREES THAT IS THE LIKELY CAUSE. CUSTOMER OFFERS TO PAY FOR REPAIR EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE IS UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY BASED ON LETTER SENT OUT BY FORD AND HE REFUSES SAYING HE DOESN'T WANT TO GUESS AND OFFERS TO KEEP CAR BUT STILL CAN'T RECREATE PROBLEM. IMPLIES THAT CODE WAS CLEARED AND HISTORY ERASED BY "SOMEONE". CUSTOMER SAYS MAYBE THAT SOMEONE JUST MIGHT BE THE DEALER'S OWN MECHANIC TRYING TO AVOID REPAIR SINCE THEY HAVE SO MANY CARS WITH TRANSMISSION ISSUES. CUSTOMER EXPLAINS THAT DEALER THEORY ON ERASURE OF CODES IS SUSPECT SINCE REPAIR SHOP RETAINED CODE INFO, AND TOWED CAR. ASKED WHY WOULD THEY DO THAT IF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WASN'T ON AND WHY WOULD THE REPAIR SHOP ERASE IT. MORE LIKELY LAZY TECH AT DEALER DID IT. DEALER STILL WANTS TO PLAY WAIT AND SEE. IT COULD TAKE THOUSANDS OF MILES BEFORE ISSUE REAPPEARS AND DEALER HAS NO REPLY AS TO WHAT CUSTOMER IS TO DO. CUSTOMER ESCALATES ISSUE TO FORD CORPORATE AND AS OF NOW STILL NO REPAIR, CAR AT DEALER AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE.