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, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 24, 2014
THE CAR GOES INTO NEAUTRAL WITH NO WARNING LOOSE ALL POWER AND THREE MONTHS LATER IT DOES NOT GO INTO REVERSE AND LOST GEARS WE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET SOMEONE GOING TO GET HURT THIS CAR NEEDS A RECALL ON TRANSMISSION BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT BAD THERE IS SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Nov 20, 2014
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED FROM FORD/NISSAN DEALER. TRANSMISSION MAKES GRINDING NOISE CONSTANTLY. DEALER SAYS THIS IS "NORMAL AND WITHIN SPECS" WHICH IS HARD TO BELIEVE. I CAN PROBABLY LIVE WITH THE NOISE FACTOR BUT CAR SHIFTING IS ALSO ERRATIC AND JERKY. WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC AND SPEEDING UP CAR WILL "BOG DOWN" BEFORE UPSHIFTING TO FASTER GEAR AND THEN MAKES HIGH REVVING SOUND. PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE TO REPLACE OUR FAMILIES SECOND VEHICLE AND WAS ALSO TO BE USED BY MY DAUGHTER. DON'T FEEL SAFE HAVING HER DRIVE THIS. DRIVING SAFELY IN TODAYS WORLD IS ALREADY A CHALLENGE BUT WHEN YOU HAVE TO ALSO ADJUST YOUR DRIVING AND SITUATIONAL THINKING TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS VEHICLES ABNORMALITIES, IT MAKES THIS FORD FOCUS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS VEHICLE AND VERY HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS DESIGNED TO PERFORM THIS WAY AND THAT FORD HAS NO FIX OR REVISION TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Nov 20, 2014
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING INCREASING HESITATING AND SHUDDERING FROM MY TRANSMISSION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. AT TIMES, I HAVE EXPERIENCED HIGH ENGINE REVS WITH VERY LITTLE POWER TO THE WHEELS. I CAN NO LONGER RELY ON THE TRANSMISSION TO DELIVER THE ENGINE POWER TO THE WHEELS WHEN I NEED IT. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I'VE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THIS PRESENTS A VERY REAL SAFETY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER. I WENT TO MY DEALERSHIP IN RESPONSE TO THE LETTER FROM FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE ON NATIONAL BACK-ORDER. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND WOULD NEED TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE UNTIL PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. AT THIS POINT, I HAVE PARKED THE CAR AND HAVE MADE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL I CAN GET IT SERVICED. FORD MUST OWN UP TO THE FACT THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND ISSUE A FACTORY RECALL. *TR
Power train, Nov 20, 2014
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER. THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, BUT THERE IS NO POWER TO THE DRIVETRAIN. THERE IS NO REVVING ? JUST A LOSS OF POWER. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, IT WAS ALONG A BACK ROAD. THERE WAS NO WARNING, THE CAR JUST STARTED SLOWING DOWN. MY DAUGHTER BRAKED AND CAME TO A STOP ? THANKFULLY AS THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC. SHE PUT THE CAR IN PARK, THEN BACK INTO DRIVE. THE CAR WENT INTO REVERSE. SHE PUT IT BACK IN PARK THEN TRIED DRIVE AGAIN AND THIS TIME IT DID GO BACK INTO DRIVE. SHE WAS THEN ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD UNDER POWER. THE VEHICLE WORKED FINE FOR THE NEXT WEEK. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED WAS IN THE EVENING. AGAIN, THE CAR JUST STARTED TO LOSE POWER. IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 45 MPH AND SHE HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE STOPPED AND A FRIEND?S DAD CAME TO HELP. HE GOT IT MOVING FORWARD FOR ABOUT 1.5 MILES; THEN THE ?CHECK ENGINE? LIGHT CAME ON AND THE D ON THE DASHBOARD FLASHED RED. THEN THE CAR STOPPED COMPLETELY. HE PUT IT IN PARK AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. HE WAITED A FEW SECONDS AND TRIED TO TURN THE CAR ON. IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER, THERE WAS NOTHING. SINCE THIS WAS AT NIGHT, WE HAD TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE WHERE IT WAS. THE NEXT MORNING, WHILE WAITING FOR THE TOW TRUCK, I DECIDED TO TRY AND START IT. IT DID START. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WAS OFF AND THERE WAS NO OTHER WARNINGS FLASHING. IT WAS LIKE IT CLEARED ITSELF. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE CAR MOVED FORWARD AS IF NOTHING WAS WRONG. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN CASE THIS PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE OTHER TRANSMISSION ISSUES. I EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD TRY TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICIAN SINCE THE ?CHECK ENGINE? LIGHT WAS NO LONGER LIT, AND ALTHOUGH THEY PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER, THE CODES THAT WERE THERE LED THEM NOWHERE. THEY CLEARED THE CODES AND TRIED FOR ANOTHER DAY TO NO AVAIL. *TR
Steering, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2014
CAR IS SHUDDERING, VIBRATING, ROLLING BACKWARDS ON INCLINES, STUTTERING BAD GAS MILEAGE AT LOW SPEEDS BETWEEN 0 AND 20 MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN 4 TIMES TO THE DEALER BEGINNING ON 5/3/12 THROUGH 11/14/13 IT HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED 3 TIMES AND A NEW TRANSMISSION REPLACED IT WHICH HAS SOLVED THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY BUT STARTS HAPPENING AGAIN. WHEN DRIVING IN OR PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC BECAUSE THE CAR EITHER HESITATES SO BAD OR JUST WONT MOVE FOR A FEW SECONDS. NEEDLESS TO SAY THERE HAVE BEEN MANY CLOSE CALLS. THE DEALER HAS BEEN PROACTIVE IN WORKING WITH ME HOWEVER THIS IS NOT A DEALER ISSUE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS ISSUES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 19, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON A VERY BUSY EXPRESSWAY AND MY CAR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. I WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND. THE CAR NOW HAS NO POWER. IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO. I RECEIVED A "COURTESY FIX" NOTICE FROM FORD FOR THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED. THE PROBLEM THAT I HAD IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAULTY TRANSMISSION IN THESE CARS. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT MY CAR COULD NOT BE REPAIRED FOR AT LEAST 3 WEEKS AS THE PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER. I COMMUTE 90+ MILES PER DAY AND I CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR AND FEEL SAFE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Engine, Nov 18, 2014
MY 2012 FORD FOCUS SEL DIES WHEN A 'ENGINE MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW' MESSAGE APPEARS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. BOTH TIMES, THE MESSAGE APPEARED, AND ABOUT 30 SECOND LATER, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY DIES. THE SECOND TIME THIS OCCURRED IT HAPPENED AS I WAS PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM AN INTERSECTION. ON BOTH OCCURRENCES THIS HAS FORTUNATELY HAPPENED AT LOW SPEEDS HOWEVER I AM CONCERNED IT WILL HAPPEN AT GREATER SPEEDS WITH A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, BRAKES, AND POSSIBLY AIRBAGS. I HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED BY THE DEALERSHIP TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WAIT FOR THE SITUATION TO WORSEN. *TR
Power train, Engine, Nov 18, 2014
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I AM A VERY UNHAPPY CUSTOMER WITH A CAR THAT I HAD PURCHASED FROM YOUR COMPANY. THE CAR IS NOT RELIABLE WHAT SO EVER AND I CAN'T TRUST IT WITH ANYTHING! I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED THE NEWER MODEL FOCUS AND WHEN I FINALLY HAVE THE MONEY TO AFFORD ONE I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS MANY ISSUES WITH A CAR AND THIS IS ONE OF THE NEWEST CARS I HAVE YET BOUGHT. I HAVE MISSED 8 DAYS OF WORK THIS YEAR JUST BECAUSE THE CAR HAS ITS OWN GAMES TO PLAY.THE CAR HAS ALMOST COST ME MY LIFE A FEW TIMES DUE TO THE JERKING ON THE ENGINE THAT YOU GUYS FEEL IS NORMAL. WHEN I GO TO MAKE A TURN THE CAR JERKS SO MUCH SOMETIMES THAT IT'S JUST MAKES IT BEFORE I GET SMASHED. THIS CAR IS HORRIBLE AND I THINK THAT IT IS SO WRONG THAT THERE IS SO MUCH WRONG WITH THIS CAR YET YOU STILL KEEP IT ON THE MARKET. ONE DAY THIS CAR IS NOT GOING TO GO WHEN I PUSH THE GAS AND I WILL GET SERIOUSLY INJURED. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO SERVICE MANY TIMES ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY SIMPLY SAY? ?WELL JUST PUSH THE GAS A LITTLE HARDER? I'M SORRY MAYBE THE CAR SHOULD SIMPLY GO CONSIDERING ITS MAIN FUNCTION IS TO DRIVE!!! THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DISAPPOINTING, NONFUNCTIONAL, AND DEPRECIATIVE VEHICLE I HAVE EVER BOUGHT IN MY LIFE. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN IF SOMETHING CANNOT BE DONE. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH, INSTEAD OF ME SAVING FOR COLLEGE I NOW GET TO SAVE UP TO BUY ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE I WAS WRONG ABOUT THIS CAR BEING DEPENDABLE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE HARDSHIP YOUR POOR MANUFACTURING HAS CAUSED ME AND MY WALLET. I REALLY SO HOPE SOMEONE CAN BE OF ASSISTANCE AND CORRECT THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IF NOT YOU WILL SURELY BE LOSING A CUSTOMER ALONG WITH ME POSTING THIS TO SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE MONTHS TO COME IF SOMETHING IS NOT RESOLVED. I FIGURED IF YOU GUYS DON'T CARE ENOUGH ABOUT MY WELL BEING THEN THE WORLD MUST KNOW. *TR
Air bags, Nov 17, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BRUISED SHOULDER, BACK, AND INTERNAL INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Nov 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND EXCESSIVE FORCE ON THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 12/22/14*LJ
Air bags, Nov 13, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 13, 2014
2012 FORD FOCUS DANGEROUSLY STALL WHILE DRIVING AS WELL AS MERGING INTO TRAFFIC OR ON AN INCLINE *CW THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. *JB
Steering, Nov 12, 2014
WHEN CAR STARTS POWER STEERING (ELECTRONIC) DOES NOT WORK FOR AN UNDETERMINED LENGTH ON TIME FROM A FEW SECONDS TO ONE HOUR. STOP AND RESTART CAR AND POWER STEERING WORKS. *TR
Power train, Nov 11, 2014
WHEN DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION JUMPS AND SPUTTERS BEEN IN FORD AUTO CENTERS MANY TIMES AND WHEN I CALL ALL I AM TOLD US THIS IS NORMAL. *TR
Steering, Nov 10, 2014
I SEE YOU ARE INVESTIGATING POWER STEERING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUSION. I HAVE A 2012 FORD FOCUS AND THE POWER STEERING IS OUT. I WOULD LEAVE THE CAR PARKED AND RUNNING DURING THE SUMMER, IF I WAS ON MY CELL PHONE. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST LIGHT WOULD COME ON, WHILE IN PARK AND IF I TRIED TO MOVE THE CAR, THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND. I COULD TURN THE CAR OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN BACK ON AND THE PROBLEM WOULD SEEMS TO FIX ITSELF. I DON'T RECALL HOW MANY TIMES IT HAPPENED, 5-7 TIMES PROBABLY.THE FINAL TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAS AGAIN PARKED AND THIS TIME TURNING THE CAR OFF DID NOT CORRECT IT. THAT WAS APPROXIMATELY OCTOBER 15, 2014 WITH ABOUT 38,000 MILES. UNLIKE SOME OF THE OTHER COMMENTS I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET, I NEVER HAD THE POWER STEERING GO OUT ON ME WHILE DRIVING. I WILL BE GOING TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED TOMORROW AT MAC HAIK FORD IN GEORGETOWN, TX WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN JANUARY OF 2013. I JUST HAD TO LEARN TO DRIVE WITHOUT POWER STEERING AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Nov 10, 2014
I IN JUNE 2012 I TOOK THE CAR IN TO COMPLAIN THAT IT WAS STALLING, JERKING AND SHUDDERING. IT APPEARED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED UNTIL SEVERAL MONTHS LATER WHEN IT BEGAN TO STALL, JERK AND SHUDDER AGAIN. I HAVE SINCE TAKEN THE CAR IN 2013 AND 2014 COMPLAINING THAT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACT THE SAME WAY. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD IN MAY 2012 ADVISING THAT WE MAY EXPERIENCE ROUGH OR JERKY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AND THAT THEY HAD A "FIX." I AGAIN RECEIVED A LETTER IN AUGUST 2014 ADVISING THAT THEY ARE AWARE THAT IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE POWERSHIFT 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH SHUDDER DURING LIGHT ACCELERATION AND IT MAY BE CAUSED BY FLUID CONTAMINATION OF THE CLUTCH DUE TO LEAKING TRANSMISSION SEALS. THE LETTER STATES THAT IF THE VEHICLE'S CLUTCH, TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT SEALS, OR TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE CALIBRATION REQUIRE SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT THEY WILL SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP I WAS ADVISED THAT IT MAY BE A SIMPLE UPDATE TO THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE A YEAR AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR AND I FEEL VERY UNSAFE, AS IT TRIES TO STALL WHEN PARKED AT A LIGHT OR WHEN I'M DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, SUCH AS WHEN I AM MOVING THROUGH A FOUR WAY STOP SIGN. I FEEL THAT ONE DAY I MAY HAVE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR WILL NOT TAKE OFF AND THE CAR BEHIND ME WILL REAR END ME; OR, WORSE, IT MAY ACCELERATE TOO QUICKLY CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME OR A BARRIER. *TR
Power train, Nov 10, 2014
VEHICLE SHUDDERS/JERKS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP AT SLOW TO MODERATE SPEED. THIS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. IT CONTINUES TO OCCUR AFTER MULTIPLE REPAIRS. *TR
Steering, Nov 8, 2014
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR GOING INTO A TURN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL. ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AND YOU STOP THE CAR STALLS. YOU CAN START THE CAR GO TO WHERE YOU WANT TO GO AND WHEN YOU GET BACK IN THE CAR IT DOESN'T START. *TR
Steering, Nov 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER INTERMITTENTLY AND EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS NEEDED IN ORDER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,800.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 7, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING AND THE CAR BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. WHEN I RETURNED HOME AND RESTARTED THE CAR, THE POWER STEERING WORKED NORMALLY AGAIN. IT IS BEING CHECKED BY THE DEALERSHIP TODAY. ON THE PHONE, THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM IF IT WASN'T STILL HAPPENING. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2014
LEAK FROM RADIATOR FOUND AFTER CAR COOLED DOWN. DEALER STATED THEY NEVER SAW THIS OR HEARD OF IT. THE PRESSURE TEST WAS NEGATIVE, HELD PRESSURE AT 22PSI, I WAS TOLD. FILLED RESERVOIR WITH FLUID AND DYE AND TOLD TO DRIVE AND RETURN NEXT DAY. SAID THE DYE SHOWED LEAK ON LEFT SIDE ON RADIATOR ALONG THE TUBE. TOLD THAT EVERYTHING WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. SAID FAILURE IS NOT COMMON. VEHICLE HAD ALL RECOMMENDED SERVICE COMPLETED AT THE DEALER. *TR
Air bags, Nov 6, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND MINOR BRUISES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND FRACTURED SPINE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 5, 2014
ISSUE 1: THE VEHICLE IS ON ITS THIRD CLUTCH IN THE 2 YEARS SINCE PURCHASE AND CONTINUES TO HAVE TRANSMISSION ISSUES. WHEN APPLYING GAS IT STUTTERS, LURCHES, OR RESPONDS AS IF NOT TAKING GAS. THIS WEEK: THREE TIMES TURNING FROM STOP SIGN LEFT, RIGHT FROM STOP SIGN, AND RIGHT FROM PARKING LOT. APPLY GAS TO ACCELERATE AND VEHICLES STUTTERS, PAUSES, AND STALLS FOR A MOMENT. TWO OF THE THREE, PARTICULARLY ONE CAME CLOSE TO RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS ALSO OCCURRED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY TURNING RIGHT AT A STOP SIGN ON OCT 27. IT HAS OCCURRED DOZENS OF TIMES PRIOR TO THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR EVENTS AND NOW IS STARTING TO RECUR, WITH MORE NG A STALLING/LURCHING THAN A STUTTERING. FORD IS FULLY AWARE OF THESE ISSUES. I AM TAKING IT IN FOR REPAIRS AGAIN BUT FEEL IT IS UNSAFE AND WANT THE CAR RETURNED. ISSUE 2: THE VEHICLE ACHIEVES FAR BELOW THE ADVERTISED MPG. THEY ADVERTISE 27 AND IT GAINS 22.5 AT BEST. CURRENTLY LESS THAN 22. FORD IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND STATES THAT THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING. I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING FOR 18 MONTHS OR MORE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 30, 2014
IN MAY OF 2012 MY CAR HAD THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY REPLACED AFTER BEING IN THE SHOP FOR 6 WEEKS. THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD STICK ON AND NOT SHUT OFF. THE POWER WINDOWS AND AIR CONDITIONER BOTH DECIDED NOT WORK AT THE SAME TIME. I HAVE HAD THE STRUTS REPLACES BEFORE 10,000 MILES. THE GAS MILEAGE GOES FROM 14 MPG TO 33MPG RANDOMLY. THE CAR LIKES TO ROLL BACK AND NOT GO INTO GEAR WHEN DRIVING. I REPLACE TIRES EVERY 6 MONTHS BECAUSE THE CAR EATS MY TIRES UP. MY FAVORITE PROBLEM IS LOOSING POWER WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE KEPT ALL PAPERS REGARDING THE CAR IN THE SHOP. MY FIRST YEAR OF OWNING THE FOCUS FORD PAID FOR MY RENTAL CAR TO BE DRIVEN 17,000 MILES DUE TO MY CAR BEING IN THE SHOP. I HAVE ASKED FOR HELP WITH THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS WITH FORD TO BE TOLD I NEED TO LEARN TO DRIVE. I AM DRIVING A CAR KNOW THAT COMPLETELY LOOSES POWER ALL THE TIME AND THE TRANSMISSION STICKS. I HAVE HAD TO WAIT 3 WEEKS FOR AN APPOINTMENT ON NOV 3 TO GET THESE ISSUES LOOKED AT. MY CAR IS FAR FROM SAFE AND I HAVE EXPRESSED TO FORD I FEEL THIS CAR IS GOING TO KILL ME. I SPENT 30,000 MILES DRIVING THIS CAR WHEN IN FACT I SHOULDN'T HAD. THE DEALERSHIP CAN NEVER FIND A PROBLEM ON MY CAR. THE GAS ALSO CAN ONLY PUT 10 CENTS OF GAS AT A TIME IN OR GAS LIKES TO POUR OUT FROM THE BOTTOM. SOMETIMES THE GAS KNOZZLE CAN'T FIT IN THE GAS TANK BECAUSE IT CLOSES UP. ONCE AGAIN FORD COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. I CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD CUSTOMER CARE EACH TIME THERE IS A PROBLEM. *TR