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, Oct 30, 2014
I OWN A 2012 FORD FOCUS SEL THAT HAS HAD MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION ISSUES ALONG WITH AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM RELATING TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND A BATTERY FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD ISSUES ACCELERATING THROUGH 1ST GEAR WHICH WAS EVIDENT BY EXTREME SHUDDERING AND SHAKING OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAD PUT ME INTO DANGEROUS SITUATIONS NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN TRYING TO MERGE ONTO FREEWAYS AS THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO GET UP TO SPEED IN TIME. MY TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT 9,562 MILES IN SEPT. 2013. THE SHUTTERING AND ACCELERATION PROBLEMS RECURRED AT 21,904 MILES IN SEPT. 2014 AND FORD RAN A SYSTEM UPDATE TO 'FIX' THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AT THIS TIME. THE ACCELERATION ISSUES CONTINUED FOR THE NEXT MONTH AND THE CLUTCH WAS FINALLY REPLACED IN OCT. 2014. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER THE BATTERY WAS DEAD 3 SUNDAYS IN A ROW AND WAS ALSO REPLACED. FORD HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REASSURE ME THAT THESE TRANSMISSION ISSUES WILL NOT BE ON-GOING. I CONTINUOUSLY READ OTHERS ACCOUNTS ONLINE STATING THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES I AM HAVING, AND IN MANY CASES THEIR DEALERSHIPS ARE IGNORING THE ISSUES AND MAKING EXCUSES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. *TR
Equipment, Visibility/wiper, Oct 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. IMMEDIATELY AFTER TURNING ON THE VEHICLE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. ALSO, WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED, AN UNUSUAL YELLOW SUBSTANCE CAME OUT OF THE VENT. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
Power train, Oct 28, 2014
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE ENGINE TEMPERATURE CLIMBED DRASTICALLY AND IMMEDIATELY. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, COOLANT LEVEL IN ENGINE WAS DANGEROUSLY LOW. 2 WEEKS LATER, COOLANT LEVEL LOW AGAIN. NO VISIBLE LEAKS IN SYSTEM. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 27, 2014
WHILE MERGING ONTO THE FREEWAY MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE RPMS SHOT UP BUT CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. FINALLY AFTER ALMOST BEING HIT BY OTHER CARS IT SHOT OFF LIKE A ROCKET. AFTER MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF JERKING AND NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE RANDOMLY I TOOK IT TO FORD AND THE CLUTCH WAS REPLACED IN APRIL 2014. NOT LONG AFTER, IT STARTED DOING THE SAME THING EXCEPT WORSE. I TOOK IT BACK TO FORD AND WAS TOLD THE TRANNY TEST RESULTS CAME BACK NORMAL AND THAT A MOTOR MOUNT WAS MISSING OR LOOSE. THEY KEPT IT FOR 3 DAYS TO FIX THE MOTOR MOUNT. THE CAR IS NOW WORSE AND TODAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR HAD VERY LITTLE POWER. GOING TO TAKE IT BACK TO FORD AND HOPEFULLY THEY WILL FIX IT THIS TIME. MY GAS MILEAGE IS ONLY 20.1 MPG. ANOTHER PROBLEM WAS THAT MY ENTIRE SYNC SYSTEM WENT OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED IN AUGUST 2014, COSTING ME $1093.00. IT STARTED MESSING UP BY HAVING A VERY LOUD POPPING/CRACKLING NOISE THAT WOULD START RANDOMLY EVEN WHEN CAR WAS OFF. IT WAS VERY SCARY WHEN IT WOULD SUDDENLY START MAKING THE LOUD NOISE WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO WRECK AT ONE POINT. *TR
Power train, Oct 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON FIVE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE POWER TRAIN AUTOMATIC CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 27, 2014
TRANSMISSION SHAKES AND GRINDS. CAR ROLLS BACKWARDS ON HILLS. FORD SAYS THIS IS NORMAL BEHAVIOR BUT HAVING A CAR ROLL BACKWARDS ON HILLS WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Power train, Oct 24, 2014
IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVER SINCE I GOT THIS CAR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES AND THEY 'CAN NEVER DUPLICATE IT' OR TELL ME THAT IT IS NORMAL. MY CAR SHUDDERS AND MAKES A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHEN IT SHIFTS FROM 1ST-2ND GEAR. IT IS VERY ANNOYING AND STALLS WHEN I TRY TO TAKE OFF. IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN I WOULD HAVE NOT PURCHASED THIS CAR. WHAT THE REAL KICKER IS I TOOK IT IN LAST MONTH SAME SONG AND DANCE. 'IT'S NORMAL' THEN I RECEIVE A LETTER IN THE MAIL SAYING THAT I GET AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON MY TRANSMISSION... WELL IF THEY THINK/KNOW THAT IS THE PROBLEM WHY HAS NO ONE NO ONE EVER CHECKED THIS? *TR
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 22, 2014
ENGINE STALLED AND SHUTDOWN WHILE DRIVING WITH LOSS OF CONTROL. ENGINE ALSO REV'ED UP DOWN WITHOUT ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION WHILE DRIVING AND TRACTION WARNING CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WAS DRIVEN TO NEARBY PARKING LOT WHERE IT COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN. CAR NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO DEALER, AS IT COULD NOT BE DRIVEN SAFELY. FORD DEALER IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A DTC CODE U0101 OR SIMPLY A BAD TCM(TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE). TCM WAS REPLACED ON THE TRANSMISSION AND PAID BY OWNER, DESPITE THIS PART BEING RECALLED BY FORD ON OTHER FORD FOCUS MODELS, AS FOLLOWS: FOCUS POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) RECALL NUMBER: 13V523000 RECALL DATE: 10/30/2013 PROBLEM SUMMARY: FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012-2014 FOCUS ELECTRIC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED SEPTEMBER 15, 2011, THROUGH AUGUST 23, 2013. IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE PROBLEM MAY RESULT IN A STALL-LIKE CONDITION. CONSEQUENCE: AN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH. CORRECTIVE ACTION: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER CONTROL MODULE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY LATE NOVEMBER 2013. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 13S09. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. THIS RECALL AFFECTS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 09/15/2011 AND 08/23/2013. *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 22, 2014
THE TRANSMISSION IN OUR FOCUS STUTTERS AND GRINDS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST GEAR TO 2ND. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 17, 2014, crash
WAS PARKING CAR WHEN SUDDENLY IT LUNGED FORWARD AT A FAST SPEED, I LOST CONTROL AND HIT CAR IN FRONT OF ME PLUS 3 OTHER CARS THEN CRASHED INTO CEMENT WALL. I HIT MY HEAD AND LEFT SIDE OF BODY ON THE DOOR, I BRUISED MY RIB CAGE FRONT & BACK PLUS MY LEFT LEG VERY BRUISED. I WAS VERY LUCKY I DIDN'T GET KILLED. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 17, 2014
MY FIRST ENCOUNTER STARTED IN MARCH WITH A WARNING CONDITION INDICATING A DEFAULT IN MY STEERING ASSISTANCE ONLY WHEN I WOULD TURN ON THE IGNITION, I CALLED FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD GO AWAY BY TURNING OF THE IGNITION AND TURNING IT BACK ON.,AND IT DID GO AWAY. NOW IN AUGUST, I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN WHILE DRIVING AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO STEER, I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO A SAFE STOP ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. THAT WAS THE MOST SCARIEST FOR ME WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. GOD WAS WITH ME.. *TR
Power train, Oct 17, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR, IT OFTEN HESITATES WHEN SHIFTING, TURNING, ACCELERATING, OR DECELERATING. I HAD IT "REPAIRED" AT A FORD DEALERSHIP, WHICH INCLUDING REPLACING THE ENTIRE CLUTCH, IN MARCH 2014. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED WITH ADDED LOUD NOISES AND GRINDING/SHUDDERING. I RETURNED IT TO A DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE CLUTCH WAS REPLACED AGAIN IN JULY 2014. THE CAR WAS FINE FOR AWHILE, BUT AFTER 200 MILES, STARTED HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AS BEFORE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CLUTCH AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER 2014. ON MY 4TH CLUTCH, AND IT CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. I LACK CONFIDENCE IN FORD THAT THEY CAN FIX THE PROBLEM AND I AM CONTINUOUSLY CONCERNED THAT MY CAR MAY HAVE UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS CAUSING SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS. *TR
Steering, Oct 16, 2014
WHILE PULLING OUT INTO THE HWY MY CAR'S DASHBOARD GAVE A MESSAGE THAT STATED STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTION. MY CARS STEERING WHEEL BECAME TIGHT AND HARD TO TURN. I GOT MY CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED IT OFF. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON THE DASH INFORMATION STATED THAT ALL SYSTEMS WERE NORMAL. I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR FOR THE SECOND TIME AND WAS TOLD THAT IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN TO BRING THE CAR IN. I CURRENTLY LIVE 70 MILES FROM WHERE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT THAT FAR. I'VE HAD SERVICE WITH THEM BEFORE AND I AM NOT VERY HAPPY WITH ANY OF THEIR SERVICE I WANT MY CAR FIXED PROPERLY AND RIGHT SO I WON'T BE AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Steering, Oct 14, 2014
ON THE WAY HOME GOING ALONG THE INTERSTATE AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH, THE STEERING SUDDENLY CUT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. WE SAFELY MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE IN WHICH A LIGHT POPPED UP IN MY DASH WHICH SAID STEERING LOSS STOP SAFELY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN STARTED IT BACK AGAIN IN HOPES THAT IT WAS JUST A GLITCH, BUT THE ERROR WAS STILL THERE. BY THE GRACE OF GOD, WE MADE IT HOME SAFELY. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, I CALLED THE CORPORATE CUSTOMER RELATIONS NUMBER AT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND SPOKE TO A CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE WHO TOLD ME THAT YES THERE ARE RECALLS ON FOCUSES OF THE SAME YEAR FOR STEERING LOSS, BUT MY VIN NUMBER DID NOT FALL UNDER THAT RECALL BECAUSE MY CAR WAS NOT MADE AT THE SAME MANUFACTURING LOCATION. HE BASICALLY ADVISED ME THAT I NEED TO CALL MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND HAVE MY CAR SENT THERE FOR REPAIR. I THEN RECEIVED THE ACTION PLAN FROM THE SUPERVISOR AT FORD IN WHICH IT DISCUSSED THE RESULTS FROM THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. ALL THE RESULTS CORRELATED WITH THE OTHER FOCUS RECALLS WHICH SPOKE OF HIGH STEERING RESISTANCE AND THE TOTAL ESTIMATED BILL OF $2,207.55. I THEN CALLED THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS BACK AT CORPORATE FORD MOTOR COMPANY, GAVE THEM MY CASE NUMBER, AND EXPRESSED THE ISSUE THAT I WAS HAVING, THE DIAGNOSIS OF THE CAR, THE CORRELATION BETWEEN MY CARS DIAGNOSIS AND THE RECALLED FORD FOCUS DIAGNOSIS; THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT I SPOKE TO THEN SAID SHE WOULD DRAFT UP SOME MORE PAPERWORK IN MY CASE AND SEND IT TO HER SUPERVISOR, BUT IT WASN'T LIKELY THAT MY CAR WOULD BE COVERED UNDER RECALL. THE INCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE WAS ONE THAT WAS HORRIFYING, COULD HAVE CAUSED DEATH AND HAS SENT ME INTO A SPIRAL OF NON-STOP PANIC ATTACKS AND I AM UNSURE OF WHAT ALL I CAN DO. I NEED YOUR HELP TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING TO SOMEONE ELSE AND TO HELP US GET THE RECALL FOR SAFETY CONCERNS THAT WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN AFFORDED IN THE FIRST PLACE. UPDATED 10/27/14. *JB
Steering, Oct 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE HYDRAULIC STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTART IT IN ORDER TO STOP THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,500.
Power train, Oct 14, 2014
DRIVING DURING VERY HEAVY MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC (AT APPROX 25 MPH). CAR BEGAN TO SHUDDER/HESITATE VERY BAD AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE - I WAS ABOUT TO GET ONTO THE INTERSTATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I WAS ABLE TO LIMP THE CAR THE REMAINING FEW MILES TO THE OFFICE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON IN THE AFTERNOON ON THE DRIVE HOME. WAS ABLE TO PLUG IN MY OWN OBD COMPUTER AND RECEIVED THE CODE P0902 (CLUTCH ACTUATOR CONTROL CIRCUIT LOW). NEXT DAY, STARTED CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF AND CAR DROVE FINE. HAVE APPOINTMENT FOR 10/15 TO TAKE CAR TO DEALERSHIP BUT FEAR THAT BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NO LONGER ON THEY WILL BE UNABLE TO "RECREATE THE ISSUE" AND WILL NOT FIX IT. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THIS CAR IN MULTIPLE TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION RESET, BUT THIS OCCURRENCE WAS BY FAR THE WORST. HAD I BEEN TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING. I HAVE PRINTED THE CODE DESCRIPTION ALONG WITH THE SYNC VEHICLE HEALTH REPORT I RAN PROVING THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. HOPEFULLY, THIS (ALONG WITH THE CODE INFORMATION I PULLED MYSELF) WILL BE ENOUGH FOR THE DEALER TO TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY AND FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2014
ON-GOING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDER, JERK, CHOKING AT LOWER SPEEDS ESPECIALLY AT ABOUT 15 MPG TO 40 MPG. THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN ACCIDENT YET BUT MANY CLOSE CALLS. DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, OR MAKING A TURN FROM A STOPLIGHT, OR IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE WHERE SPEEDS ARE SLOWER - DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BECOMES AN ISSUE. THERE ARE TIME WHEN THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE EVEN WITH THE GAS PEDAL PUSHED, IT JERKS AND CHUGS UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION KICKS IN CAUSING A DELAY IN ACCELERATION, OR IT CHOKES AS IF IT WILL DIE ON THE SPOT. THESE ARE ALL OPPORTUNITIES TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR TO BE HIT BECAUSE YOU CANNOT GET YOUR CAR TO MOVE. IN DETROIT TRAFFIC IS BRUTAL - THEY DO NOT STOP FOR ANYTHING. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MAY OF 2012 - I ONLY HAVE 21,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE ( CURRENTLY 10/15/14). I CANNOT TRADE IT IN SINCE THE VEHICLE VALUED SO LOW. I CANNOT SELL IT SINCE NO ONE WILL BUY A VEHICLE THAT DRIVES THE WAY IT DOES. FORD HAS PROVIDED A 7 YR. 100,000 MILE WARRANTY FOR THE TRANSMISSION BUT THAT IS OF NO SATISFACTION TO ME. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THE WEAR AND TEAR WILL BE AS THE CAR AGES AND SOMEONE DIES BECAUSE OF IT. THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE SERIOUSLY ADDRESSED. I DON'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE MUCH BECAUSE I DO NOT FEEL SAFE - YOU CANNOT PREDICT HOW MUCH WORSE IT IS GOING TO DRIVE ON ANY GIVEN DAY. DEALER REPAIRS DO NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, IT NEVER GOES WAYS AND THE CAR BEHAVES BADLY EVERY DAY - THROW IN A MAJOR MELTDOWN FOR THE REALLY BAD DAYS. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2014
CLUTCH CHATTER AT LOW SPEED, START OFF AND SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND, ONLY SEEMS TO DO IT AFTER ITS WARM OR UNDER A LOAD. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Oct 13, 2014
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT POWER WINDOW MOTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Oct 12, 2014, crash
PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW FROM GOLDEN CIRCLE FORD, JACKSON TN. I HAVE MADE COMPLAINTS TO FORD CORPORATE ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION AND TREMENDOUS SHUDDER, LOOSING POWER AND NOT SHIFTING INTO LOWER GEARS. AREA REP ADVISED FOR ME TO GET ANOTHER OPINION FROM DEALER 100 MILES FROM ME AND HE WOULD CALL BACK BUT HE NEVER DID. LOCAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS SHUDDER IS NORMAL AND SERVICE MANAGER HAS SAME VEHICLE THAT DOES THE SAME. TELLS ME THIS IS THE WAY TRANSMISSION IS MADE TO GET GOOD GAS MILEAGE. I WAS RECENTLY REAR-ENDED B/C MY VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I TOOK IT IN AGAIN, AFTER BODY REPAIRS MADE, THEY TOLD ME, "NORMAL, JUST THE WAY IT IS". WHILE SITTING AT INTERSECTION STOPPED, LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I ACCELERATED, VEHICLE STALLED, WAS HIT. OTHER PARTY ASSUMED LIABILITY BUT ASKED WHY I DID NOT GO AHEAD AND MOVE. MY CAR DID WHAT IT DOES CONSTANTLY. RPM'S REV UP TO 3500 ONCE VEHICLE DECIDES TO TAKE OFF. RETIRED ON FIXED INCOME, THIS WAS TO BE LAST VEHICLE. AFRAID TO PICK UP GRANDCHILDREN AND TRANSPORT THEM. WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? USING HUSBANDS BIG TRUCK TO GO PLACES WHICH IS VERY HARD FOR ME TO DO. WE HAVE BEEN DOING BUSINESS WITH GC SINCE 1984 AND EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN RESPONSE. THIS CAR SHOULD NOT BE ON THE ROAD. IN THE EVENT I HAVE A MORE SERIOUS ACCIDENT, PLEASE LOOK INTO WHY FORD WOULD NOT RECALL THIS VEHICLE. IF THEY RODE IN IT, THEY WOULD NOT WANT THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS USING IT. THIS ISSUE HAS CHANGED MY WAY OF TRAVEL AND DEPENDENCY. I SAY A PRAYER EVERY TIME I GET IN IT. I ASK FOR PROTECTION AND SAFE RETURN TO MY SPOUSE, 5 CHILDREN AND 11 GRANDCHILDREN. PLEASE HELP!!! WHAT DO I DO?? *TR
Steering, Oct 11, 2014
I WAS DRIVING AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO BE HARD TO TURN. A LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR SAID STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER AND RESTART IT AND IT WORKED UNTIL TODAY 10/11/14. TODAY I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND SAID THE SAME MESSAGE. I TRIED RESTARTING IT FOUR TIMES AND NOTHING HAPPENED SO IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Oct 11, 2014
I PURCHASED THIS FORD ON SEPT 22, 12... IT HAD 83 MILES ON IT.. I AM THE ONLY OWNER. SINCE THEN ITS BEEN IN THE DEALER FOR SERVICE OVER 10 TIMES. I AM ON MY (3)THIRD CLUTCH SYSTEM TO STOP THE SHUTTER AND LOUD NOISES IT MAKES. THE LAST CLUTCH WAS INSTALLED ON SEPT 23, 14. AND AFTER A WEEK ITS BACK TO ITS SAME JERKING/SHUTTERS AND THE NOISE IS LOUD WHEN YOU MAKE TURNS. ITS REALLY NICE WHEN I TRY TO GET A BUYER TO TEST DRIVE IT. I PRAY IT DOES NOT MAKE A NOISE DURING THE TEST DRIVE. AND, THE FRONT SHOCK SUSPENSION MADE CRUNCHING NOISES AT LOW SPEEDS ON UN-EVEN ROAD SURFACE. (LIKE DRIVING IN AND OUT OF DRIVE WAY AND IN PARKING LOTS). AND, THE WAY TO FIX THE FRONT SUSPENSION.... THE FORD SERVICE TIGHTEN THE FRONT END DOWN. AND. BELIEVE ME YOU FEEL EVERY IMPACT OF THE BUMPS. FORD PUT OUT A PAPER THAT THE SERVICE PEOPLE GAVE US THE 1ST TIME WE WHEN IT. THE CAR NEEDS TO LEARN YOUR DRIVING PATTERNS. AND THE MOST RESENT ONE IS THE CAR MIGHT DRIVE LIKE A MANUAL/STANDARD CAR- WITH JERKS.. AND MAKE NOISE. THIS IS THE TRANSMISSION. THIS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE THIS INFO. HANDED TO ME BEFORE I PURCHASED THE AUTO AND THEN I COULD MAKE A GOOD CHOICE IS THIS PURCHASE. BUT THE INFORMATION WAS GIVEN TO ME WHEN I HAD ISSUES WITH THE FORD. ANY, BUYER READ OTHER DRIVERS COMMENTS. AND, IF YOU REALLY LIKE TO BUY THE FORD FOCUS. GET THE MANUAL ONE. IT HAS NO.... ISSUES BECAUSE YOU SHIFTING MANUAL TRANSMISSION. AND NOT HAVE THE ISSUES WITH THIS AUTO CLUTCH. AND, THE 2013 TO 2014 HAVE THE SAME ISSUES AS THE 2012. FORD JUST CAN'T GET THE PROBLEMS FIXED OR THEY DON'T WANT TO CORRECT THE ISSUES ON THE FOCUS.. *TR
Engine, Oct 9, 2014
I PURCHASED MY FORD FOCUS 2012 FIVE MONTHS AGO AND IT HAS NOW HAD TO GO TO THE SHOP 4 TIMES. FIRST, THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS DRIVING OVER A RUMBLE STRIP AND WAS SLIPPING BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEARS. SECOND, I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE THEN BOLTED AHEAD AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIRD, THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP HOME MODE AND LOST ALL POWER WHEN ACCELERATING. LASTLY, AND THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMELS BACK. I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE ENGINE REVVED AND THEN WOULD NOT MOVE. FINALLY THE CAR STARTED TO MOVE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I PULLED OVER TO RESTART THE CAR BUT THE LIGHT DID NOT GO AWAY. I DECIDED WITH EVERYTHING THAT HAS HAPPENED THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE (AS I AM A SALES PERSON AND DRIVE ME CAR ALL DAY) SO I DECIDE TO HEAD HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, I HAD TO GET ON A HIGHWAY FOR ABOUT 2 MILES( THE BUSIEST HIGHWAY IN ALLENTOWN, PA) AS I GET ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RIGHT LANE WITH MY HAZARDS ON THE CAR BEGIN TO LOSE ALL POWER AND THE GEAR LIGHT (DRIVE) STARTED TO BLINK, THE CAR THEN ACCELERATED AGAIN THEN LOST POWER AGAIN. BUT THIS TIME IT WOULD NOT START UP AGAIN, LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO CRUISE OFF ON TO A NARROW SHOULDER AND THEN MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE OR TURN ON. THEREFORE, NEEDING A TOW. EVEN WITH ALL THE WORK THIS CAR HAS NOW HAD (WORKING ON THE SOFTWARE, REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH, REPLACING THE TCM, ETC I STILL DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR AND AM HORRIFIED THAT FORD WOULD PUT THIS CAR ON THE ROAD ENDANGERING PEOPLES LIVES. I PLAN ON TAKING THIS CAR BACK TO THE DEALER, JOHN KENNEDY FORD AND DEMANDING A REFUND OR A NEW CAR FROM A DIFFERENT DEALER. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A FORD AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 8, 2014
I STARTED MY CAR IGNITION, BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. AFTER ABOUT 2 - 7 SECONDS, THE POWER STEERING FROZE UP AND A CAUTION LIGHT LIT UP ON MY DASH. IT READS: POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTION, CHECK MANUAL. OR WORDS VERY CLOSE TO THAT EFFECT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 10 - 15 TIMES SINCE APPROXIMATELY SEPTEMBER !8, 2014. I TOOK IT TO FORD DEALER AND THEY CHANGED THE BATTERY. THEY SHOWED LOW VOLTAGE TO THE STEERING...OR SOMETHING TO THAT EFFECT. IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE EXACT THING KEEPS HAPPENING. IT HAPPENS RIGHT AFTER I START UP THE CAR. I TURN OFF THE IGNITION, RESTART THE CAR, AND IT WORKS OKAY AFTER THAT. *TR
Steering, Oct 7, 2014, crash
THE VICTIM OF THE FATALITY WAS DRIVING NORTHWEST ON RTE 84 AT 1:58 PM ON 9/26/14 WHEN SHE HIT THE MEDIUM STRIP AT THE CORNER OF DODGE RD IN HAMPTON FALLS, N.H.. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD A BLOW OUT AND SHE THEN HAD A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT. SHE WENT THROUGH THE GUARD RAIL AND INTO A DEEP DITCH. THE EYE WITNESS CALLED 911 AND ASSISTED THE DRIVER WHO HAD NO SIGNS OF LIFE AT THE SCENE. WHEN THE VOLUNTEER HAMPTON FALLS SQUAD ARRIVED AT THE SCENE, THE ACLS UNIT WAS CALLED OFF. THIS IS CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE POLICE. UPDATED 10/28/14 *BF.....UPDATED 12/29/15 *BF *TR