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, Engine, Jul 25, 2014
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN JUNE 2012 AND TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SHAKY, SLIPPING, STUTTERING, JERKING, STALLING ON ACCELERATION, OVERHEATING, ROLLING BACK ON HILLS, NO ACCELERATION ON HILLS, AND GRINDING EVER SINCE. HAD CLUTCH SEAL REPLACED WITHIN A COUPLE OF MONTHS FROM PURCHASE WHICH THEY CLAIMED CAUSED THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM PERSISTED BUT THEY TOLD ME TO GIVE IT TIME TO ADJUST TO THE REPAIR. I TOOK IT BACK IN AT 11,000 AND THEY REPLACED ONE OF THE CLUTCHES. PROBLEM PERSISTED ONLY THEN THE CAR'S SYSTEM INDICATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS OVERHEATING (WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY) AND INDICATED ON THE CONSOLE THAT I NEEDED TO WAIT UNTIL THE CAR COOLED DOWN. THE TEMP ON THE CAR WAS IN NORMAL RANGE. I WAS 3 HOURS FROM HOME WITH SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND LEFT ON THE SIDE OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY BECAUSE MY CAR'S SYSTEM SAID THE TRANNY WAS OVERHEATING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND THEY SAID IT WAS A GLITCH; NO CONCERN NECESSARY. I COMPLAINED AGAIN ABOUT THE JERKING IN THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY SAID I NEEDED TO GIVE THE CAR SOME TIME TO ADJUST TO THE REPAIR AT 11,000. AT 24, 000, I WAS FED UP FROM WAITING AND TOOK THE CAR IN AGAIN ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT I NEEDED THE ENTIRE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACED BUT THEY WERE ON BACK-ORDER. CONTACTED FORD FOR A BUY BACK AND THEY SAID "NO, THAT'S HOW THE CAR DRIVES - IT'S NORMAL" CAR IS NOW AT 50,000 WITH SAME PROBLEMS. CURRENTLY WORKING WITH AN ATTORNEY ON A SUIT AGAINST FORD. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 24, 2014
I HAVE HAD THE WORST PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE FORD DEALER SHIP 5 TIMES SINCE JAN. 2012. THEY KEEP SAYING NOTHING IS WRONG. IT ROLLS WORSE THEN A 5 SPEED. IT TRIES TO STALL OUT ON ME TAKING OFF., ACTS LIKE IT IS GOING TO DIE GOING UP A HILL. I HAVE TO PUSH GAS PEDAL DOWN ALL THE WAY TO GET UP A HILL. IT HAPPENS MOST THE TIME BUT NOT ALWAYS. IT IS TO THE POINT I AM ABOUT TO NEVER OWN A FORD AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SHIFTING INTO GEARS PROPERLY, WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY AND WOULD JERK INTERMITTENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD OFTEN SEIZE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHO HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE NOR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AND TRANSMISSION SENSOR BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED AND THE RADIO WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE WHEN IT WAS POWERED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO THEN DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER CHIP IN THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Power train, Jul 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THEN THE SPEED GREATLY INCREASED ON ITS OWN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CLUTCHES IN THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
Power train, Jul 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Steering, Engine, Jul 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE PCM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Power train, Jul 19, 2014
AFTER THREE MONTHS OF THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE I STARTED EXPERIENCING SOME SHUTTERING/NOISE/STALLING OF THE TRANSMISSION. I TOOK IT INTO MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY "REFLASHED". IT WAS FINE FOR A FEW MONTHS, THEN IT STARTED AGAIN. TOOK IT IN AGAIN AND IT GOT "REFLASHED" AGAIN. THE THIRD TIME THEY DID SOMETHING WITH THE MODULE BOX. AFTER THE FOURTH TIME, THEY REPLACED THE CLUTCH ON THE TRANSMISSION. NOW I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK IN AGAIN BECAUSE OF THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND ASSURED ME THAT IT WOULD BE FIXED. SO IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO FORD ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THE CONCERNS OF MYSELF AND MY FAMILY. I HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES WHEN THE CAR STALLS BETWEEN GEARS ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM CROSSING A BUSY INTERSECTION AND CROSS TRAFFIC DOESN'T STOP. I EVEN TRIED SEEING ABOUT TRADING IT IN AND GOT WELL LESS THEN KBB VALUE BECAUSE OF "ISSUES". SO I AM STUCK WITH A VEHICLE THAT I CAN'T TRADE IN WITHOUT LOSING ALOT OF MONEY AND IT CAN'T SEEM TO GET FIXED. *TR
Power train, Jul 19, 2014
TRIED TO TAKE OFF AT STOP LIGHT. WHEN I HIT THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR JERKED REAL HARD BUT BARELY ROLLED. THEN THE RPM WENT TO 5000-5500 AND IT TOOK OFF REAL FAST. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jul 17, 2014
WITHIN A MONTH OF PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN "SHUDDERING" I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERY TIME I SENT IT IN FOR SERVICE AND ALL THEY TELL ME IS "IT IS NORMAL, YOU HAVE TO GET USED TO IT. ITS THE NEW TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY OF FORD." I CANT BELIEVE THAT AFTER 2YRS AND 17K MILES ON IT THAT IT IS STILL EXHIBITING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THERE HAS BEEN NO RESOLUTION TO IT. MAY I KNOW UNTIL WHEN AM I GOING TO WAIT? ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT JUST CAME UP- I HAVE WITNESSED A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE SPEAKER. SEEMS LIKE A THUNDER/CRACKING NOISE. MY HUSBAND HAS HEARD IT TWICE. IT IS A VERY LOUD SOUND. IT SCARED ME WHEN I HEARD IT THE FIRST TIME. *TR
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jul 17, 2014
ON TWO OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE IN MOTION. IN INCIDENT 1, THIS OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEED (65 MPH) AND INCIDENT #2 IN LOCAL TRAFFIC (15 MPH). IN BOTH CASES ALL POWER WAS LOST INCLUDING THE ACCELERATION, POWER STEERING, ETC. AFTER INCIDENT 1, THE CAR RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO THE DEALER - EXTENSIVE REPAIRS WERE MADE "TO THE TRANSMISSION" (PER THE DEALER). IN THE SECOND INCIDENT AFTER DEALER REPAIRS AFTER INCIDENT 1, THE CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND WOULD NOT RESTART - TOWED TO DEALER. AGAIN LOSS OF ALL POWER INCLUDING ACCELERATION, POWER STEERING, ETC. AFTER INCIDENT 2 THE DEALER REPLACED THE "MASTER CONTROL UNIT". WHILE BOTH INCIDENTS WERE COVERED BY FORD UNDER THE "DRIVE TRAIN" ORIGINAL WARRANTY I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE LOSS OF POWER IN TWO INCIDENTS SEPARATED BY ABOUT ONE MONTH. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jul 17, 2014
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR NOT BEING ABLE TO GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, NOT GOING INTO PARK, AND SHUDDERING AND SPUTTERING WHEN STARTING FROM A COMPLETE STOP PRETTY MUCH SINCE I HAVE HAD MY CAR. THIS WEEK, I COULDNT GET IT OUT OF PARK AT ALL AND THEN WENT TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK MY SHIFTER WOULD MOVE BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. *TR
Power train, Jul 16, 2014
NOTICED ROLL BACK ON INCLINE AT VEHICLE SERVICE TECH REPROGRAMMED PCM TCM AND ABS MODULE JULY 2013 HAVE BEEN NOTICING HESITATION AND JERKING ON SHIFTING AT SERVICE ONCE AGAIN TECH REPROGRAMMED TCM JULY 2014 CAR HAS STILL CONTINUED TO HESITATE ON ACCELERATION AND NOW A VIBRATION AND NOISE CAN BE HEARD FROM TRANSMISSION TECH CAN FIND NO PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jul 16, 2014
MY CAR (2012 FORD FOCUS) HAS PROBLEMS SHIFTING AND MAKES A SHUTTER NOISE WHILE TAKING OFF I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY TOLD ME NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. *TR
Power train, Jul 15, 2014
I JUST HAD MY VEHICLE IN A FORD DEALERSHIP YOU GET THE TRANSMISSION LOOKED AT BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WAS ON. IT HAS BEEN OUT OF THE SHOP FOR 3 DAYS AND WHILE ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAR CAME TO A HALT AND WOULD NOT SHIFT AND I WAS ALMOST REARENDED. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT A FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION LOOKED AT. WHEN IS SOMEONE GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT ALL OF THESE TRANSMISSION ISSUES WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL? *TR
Structure, Jul 15, 2014
NOTICED AFTER RAIN I HAD WATER IN MY CAR.AFTER CAREFUL INSPECTION BY MY SON, HE NOTICED THE SUNROOF, WAS ROTTING OUT.I CALLED FORD IN CLAREMONT, NH AND THEY SAID BRING IT IN. FINALLY GOT IT IN AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG,IT CONTINUED TO HAVE WATER IN EVERY TIME IT RAINED.FINALLY AFTER A RAIN STORM, I HAD A HAIL DING AND FOUND OVER 2 INCHES OF WATER IN THE 2 CUP HOLDERS IN THE CONSOLE.CALLED FORD,SAID BRING IT IN,AFTER I TOOK PICTURES OF THE ROTTING SEAL, I TOOK THE CAR IN, THIS TIME I HAVE ABOUT 4500 MILES ON THE CAR & IT'S 2 YRS OLD.THEY FINALLY ADMITTED TO A PROBLEM AND WOULD HAVE TO GET AN OK FROM THE MFG TO REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY, I HAVE BUMPER TO BUMPER & EXTENTED.TOOK OVER 2 WEEKS FOR OK THEN THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART.IT HAS NOW BEEN OVER 7 WEEKS AND MY CAR ISN'T FIXED.MORE RAIN DUE TONIGHT,LASTNIGHT I COVERED HER WITH A TARP. TODAY, I DROPPED OFF THE CAR AFTER RETURN. FROM VACATION AND MY CAR SUSTAINED 3 FEET OF WATER INSIDE FROM STORMS AND MY SON TRIED IN VAIN TO PROTECT MY CAR, HE COVERED IT IN PLASTIC, CLEANED OUT THE WATER, ECT... CALLED FORD, HE HAD THE CAR AND MY POA...THEY HAD THE PART BEFORE I LEFT JULY 1, NEVER CALLED ME,WORRIED NOW HOW MUCH ELECTRICAL DAMAGE COULD BE SINCE WATER REACHED THE RADIO,GEAR SHIFT,SPEAKERS,INTERIOR ELECTRIC WINDOW & CONTROLS, ECT...MY CAR JUST NOW HAS 7500 MILES ON IT.ONLY BECAUSE I LET MY SON DRIVE IT WHILE I WAS AWAY FOR 2 WEEKS .MY CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW 3/24/2012 IT'S JUST NOW 27 MONTHS OLD! AS YOU CAN SEE I DON'T DRIVE FAR, I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN AND WORK IN THE SAME AREA,IF I HAVE TO COMMUTE,IT'S IN A COMPANY VEHICLE NOT MINE. *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2014
AUTOMATIC MANUAL CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS, JERKS, VIBRATES AND LURCHES AT LOW SPEEDS OR ON HILLS. FORD REPROGRAMMED CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION IN 2014 AND IT IMPROVED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AS THE CLUTCH IS SLIPPING. PLEASE RECALL AND FIX THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Jul 13, 2014
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2012 FORD FOCUS MAKES A GRINDING NOISE AND THE CAR JERKS WHEN STARTING OUT FROM A STOP USUALLY THRU 1ST AND 2ND GEARS THRU THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET THERE HAVE BEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS AND PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD SPLIT TRANSMISSION. A RECALL SHOULD BE MADE ON THIS CAR, I GUESS IT WILL TAKE SOME ACCIDENTS AND LIVES BEFORE FORD DOES ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Power train, Jul 11, 2014
AUTOMATIC MANUAL CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS, JERKS, VIBRATES AND LURCHES AT LOW SPEEDS OR ON HILLS. FORD REPROGRAMMED CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION IN 2014 AND IT IMPROVED, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM IS MORE INTERMITTENT WITH IT OCCURRING ONCE OR TWICE DAILY. FORD HAS SINCE TRIED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM BUT SAY THERE IS REALLY NOTHING WRONG AND IT PASSES THEIR TEST. THEY SAY IF IT FAILS THEIR COMPUTER TEST THEY WILL REPLACE THE AUTO CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. NOT REAL CONFIDENT THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC OR IN HILLY AREAS. *TR
Steering, Jul 10, 2014
AFTER SITTING IN NEUTRAL WAITING FOR CONSTRUCTION TO ALLOW US TO PROCEED, STARTED OUT AND THEN POWER STEERING WENT OUT. TURNED OFF AT NEXT RED LIGHT AND STARTED AGAIN AND BEGAN WORKING. A FEW MILES LATER STOPPED FOR GAS AND WHEN STARTED VEHICLE, NO POWER STEERING AND IS STILL OUT. *TR
Steering, Jul 10, 2014
I BOUGHT A 2012 FOCUS AS A CERTIFIED USED CAR, TRUSTING FORD AND HAVING PEACE OF MIND WITH A WARRANTY. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP I STARTED THE CAR AND A MESSAGE SAYING "STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTION" DISPLAYED. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON IT WENT AWAY. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT IT ABOUT 3-4 TIMES WHILE AT DEALERS FOR TRANSMISSION "FIXES". EVERY TIME THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, IT NEVER GOT FIXED. NOW EVEN IF I RESTART THE CAR, THE STEERING IS OUT. IT IS COMPLETELY GONE AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT WITHOUT CHARGE BECAUSE IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT THEY COULDN'T PULL ANY CODES BEFORE. SO I'M LEFT TO DECIDE, SHOULD I FIGHT THEM FOR THIS AND THE TRANSMISSION, OR JUST GIVE THEM ANOTHER $100 FOR A WARRANTY REPAIR WHEN I ALREADY GAVE THEM $2000 FOR A WARRANTY. *TR
Power train, Jul 9, 2014
JUST ENTERED FREEWAY ON-RAMP AND BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WHEN POWER INSTANTLY CEASED AND CAR COASTED. DASHBOARD INDICATED "STOP SAFELY NOW" AND I PULLED TO THE SIDE. STEERING AND BRAKES WERE STILL FUNCTIONING BUT NO RESPONSE AT ALL FROM THE ACCELERATOR. CAR DID NOT RESPOND AT FIRST TO A RESTART. HAD TO TURN CAR OFF, OPEN DOOR, CLOSE DOOR, WAIT FOR DASHBOARD TO GO BLANK AND THEN RESTART TO ACTUALLY MAKE IT GO AGAIN. THIS WAS THE SAME SYMPTOM THAT OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2013 (AND REPORTED HERE) THAT FORD SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THROUGH RE-CALL. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, THERE IS NO INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM. CAR HAD A STATE OF CHARGE OF 36% AT TIME OF FAILURE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 9, 2014
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN CAR DID NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. MOTOR LIGHT TURNED ON. WHEN TAKEN TO GET CHECKED,MOTOR LIGHT WAS OFF AND. WAS TOLD OTHERS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAME. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENS. *TR
Power train, Jul 6, 2014
FORD MOTOR COMPANY ADMITTEDLY ENGINEERED A DEFECTIVE "AUTOMATIC CLUTCH TRANSMISSION" AND PUT IT TO MARKET. I, AS A CONSUMER, WAS SOLD A CAR THAT WAS LABELED/TICKETED WITH AN "AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION". I WAS ADAMANT ABOUT THE STYLE OF TRANSMISSION AS I COMMUTE WITH 40% OF DRIVING WITHIN CITY LIMITS. I DID NOT KNOW, NOR WAS IT DISCLOSED THAT, THE DESIGN OF THE TRANSMISSION WAS A HYBRID COMPUTERIZED CLUTCH. A CLUTCH ASSEMBLY PACK WAS REPLACED AT 17,265 MILES WHICH REDUCED THE SYMPTOMS OF THE DEFECT FOR A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO "FIX" THE CAR, THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM TOLD ME TO SUE FORD. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY SIMPLY REPEATED WHAT ALL OTHERS ARE SAYING "IT OPERATES ACCORDING TO DESIGN". AT THIS TIME, THE CAR IS OPERATING AT ITS WORSE SINCE I TOOK POSSESSION. LIKE MOST OTHER COMPLAINTS, THERE IS GRINDING, JOLTING, SEVERE SHUDDERING, RAPID ACCELERATION FROM HESITATION, AND NEAR POWERLESSNESS WHEN ASCENDING. THIS PAST MONTH, THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW NEAR MISSES FROM HESITATION THROUGH INTERSECTIONS. GREG BURGESS, MANAGING ENGINEER OF THIS TRANSMISSION (NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE JULY 15 2011 AND OCT 26 2011) AS WELL AS HIS SUPERIORS, SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR COMPROMISING THE SAFETY AND LIVELIHOOD OF FOCUS CUSTOMERS. THE MENTAL ANGUISH AND TIME SPENT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH FORD HAS BEEN A VERY SERIOUS PERSONAL AILMENT. IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED, IF NOT ALREADY. I HAVE A CAR THAT FORD WILL NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE AND YET THEY DEMAND A MONTHLY PAYMENT. I CAN'T SELL THE CAR IN IT'S CONDITION AND A TRADE-IN IS ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL LOSS AND BURDEN. THIS WEEK IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT FORD'S CEO, MARK FIELDS, RECEIVED A 7% SALARY INCREASE, 1.75M ANNUAL WITH 200% PERFORMANCE BONUS. FORD IS NOT UNLIKE GM. THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO INTERVENE NOW AND GET THESE CARS OFF THE ROAD *JS.
Power train, Jul 5, 2014
I PURCHASED MY FIRST 2012 FORD FOCUS IN 2011. I EXPERIENCED SHIFTING ISSUES ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES TO GET LOOKED AT BECAUSE EACH TIME I HAD TAKEN IT, THE DEALER INSISTED THAT IT WAS DRIVING CORRECTLY AND THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE NEW TYPE OF TRANSMISSION EXCEPT EACH TIME THEY WOULD "REPROGRAM" THE TRANSMISSION AND SEND ME ON MY WAY. I WOULDN'T BE 10 MINUTES DOWN THE STREET AND IT WOULD START ACTING UP AGAIN. LAST YEAR I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AFTER MY 3RD "REPROGRAM" AND TOLD THEM THAT I WANTED A DIFFERENT VEHICLE. AFTER FIGHTING WITH FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP I ENDED UP EATING THE NEGATIVE EQUITY FROM MY FIRST FOCUS AND ROLLING IT INTO A SECOND 2012 FOCUS. I WAS ASSURED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WAS ONLY DUE TO A FIRST PRODUCTION MODEL AND THAT THE ONE I WAS PURCHASING WOULDN'T BE THE SAME... LIES. I HAVE NOW HAD IT IN THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR THE SEAL LEAKING ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THE CLUTCHES SLIPPING. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AS I WANT OUT OF THIS VEHICLE AND THE DISTRICT REP. IS NOT RETURNING MY CALLS. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE CAR TURNING OFF AT 65 MILES AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THANKFULLY I MANAGED TO NAVIGATE THROUGH HIGHWAY TRAFFIC TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A FAULTY SENSOR THAT WAS DAMAGED AFTER REPAIR OF MY TRANSMISSION THE FIRST TIME, BUT AFTER READING THESE COMPLAINTS, IT SOUNDS LIKE ITS JUST ANOTHER FLAW OF THIS VEHICLE. I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW FORD IS HANDLING THIS PROBLEM. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE BEFORE THEY FIX THE PROBLEM OR BUY BACK THE VEHICLES THAT ARE HAVING PROBLEMS? I AM NOW UPSIDE DOWN IN TWO OF THESE DEATH TRAPS AND DON'T SEE A RESOLUTION. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 3, 2014
2012 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IT FELT AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS LOOSING POWER AND TRYING TO STALL OUT. SHE WOULD TRY TO ACCELERATE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD REV, BUT WOULD NOT GO, AND WHEN IT FINALLY DID GO, IT WAS VERY JUMPY AND SLOW. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A COMPUTER UPGRADE. THE DEALER STATED IT WOULD TAKE A WHILE FOR THE UPGRADE TO WORK, BUT IT NEVER DID, AND THE PROBLEM WORSENED. THE NEXT TIME, THE DEALER STATED THE TCM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TCM, MADE THE PROBLEM EVEN WORSE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING UPON ACCELERATION AND IT FELT AS THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. *JB