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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED GASOLINE LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, THE FUEL LINE BECAME DETACHED THREE TIMES AND WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 28,500.
Power train, Oct 11, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON I-8 TOWARD SAN DIEGO I HEARD A ENGINE REVVING UP THEN TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT SUDDENLY. ENGINE LOST A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF POWER/TORQUE EVER SINCE. FOR EXAMPLE I CAN NOT ACCELERATE IN 6 GEAR @ HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SHIFT TIMES SOMETIMES ARE MORE THEN 2 SEC APART WHICH PRESENTS AN ENORMOUS RISK WHEN DRIVING IN ANY TRAFFIC. CAR HAS BEEN TO KEARNY FORD FOR REPAIRS MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE WITH NEITHER FORD NOR DEALER PROVIDING ANY FIX AND TELLING ME THAT 'IT'S OPERATING WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS'. I AM DRIVING A RENTAL FORD FOCUS WITH APPROXIMATELY SAME MILEAGE AS MY CAR NOW AND IT DOES NOT EXHIBIT ANY OF THE ISSUES I HAVE. AT THIS POINT I FEEL THAT MY OWN SAFETY AND MY FAMILY SAFETY ARE BEING PUT AT RISK. I CAN NOT SAFELY DRIVE THIS CAR ON ANYTHING BUT EMPTY OR ALMOST EMPTY ROADS. *TR
Power train, Oct 5, 2012
WHEN ROLLING DOWN HILL FROM A STOP THE CAR JERKS HARD WHEN PRESSING THE GAS. WHEN BACKING UP UNDER LIGHT THROTTLE THE CAR JERKS AND TRANSMISSION IS ROUGH. *TR
Steering, Oct 4, 2012
AFTER GETTING MY CAR BACK FROM DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION THE CAR WOULD WONDER FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND THE STEERING FELT UNSTABLE. *TR
Power train, Oct 4, 2012
TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD WHILE MERGING ONTO FREEWAY AND CAUSED A NECK STRAIN. *TR
Steering, Oct 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED HE NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE STEERING DEFAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 3, 2012
I BOUGHT MY 2012 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK IN JULY OF 2011. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY I NOTICED PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEMS INCLUDED THE CAR ROLLING BACKWARDS ON HILLS, SPUTTERING WHEN STOPPED (LIKE AT A RED LIGHT), JUMPING UPON ACCELERATION, & BRIEFLY LOSING ACCELERATION WHILE THE RPM??S REVVED. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP & THEY TOLD ME THAT THE BACKWARDS ROLLING, REVVING & JUMPING OF THE ENGINE WAS A TRAIT OF THE CAR. I TOLD THEM IT WAS DANGEROUS DEPENDING ON WHERE I WAS WHEN THESE THINGS HAPPENED (FOR EXAMPLE, AT AN INTERSECTION OR IN STOP & GO TRAFFIC WITH A CAR IN FRONT OF ME). THEY ASSURED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. ON OCTOBER 17, 2011, THE CAR BROKE DOWN. I PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT & PUSHED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR, AT FIRST THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE, BUT ONCE IT GOT TO ABOUT 15/20 MPH, THE RPM??S BEGAN TO REV & THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE SO I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR & THE CAR STOPPED REVVING. IF I HAD BEEN ON A HIGHWAY, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY REPROGRAMMED THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE & TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THE CAR WOULD THEN DRIVE, BUT THE ROLLING BACKWARDS ON HILLS, SPUTTERING WHEN STOPPED, JUMPING UPON ACCELERATION, & BRIEFLY LOSING ACCELERATION WHILE THE RPM??S REVVED STILL CONTINUED & AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE DEALERSHIP COULD STILL NOT FIX THESE ISSUES. I THEN RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD REFERENCING A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 12B37 DATED MAY 2012. IT ACKNOWLEDGED THESE ISSUES SO I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. ALTHOUGH THEY REPROGRAMMED THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE, TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AGAIN AS WELL AS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, THE CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. THESE PROBLEMS COULD POTENTIAL CAUSE A WRECK, INJURING MYSELF OR OTHERS AROUND ME. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 2, 2012
CAR LUNGES WHEN ACCELERATING OR ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THRU AUTOMATIC OR SPORT MODE OF THE TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION ALSO TEMPORARILY PAUSES DURING SHIFTING ROUTINE AT ALL SPEEDS, MOSTLY AT LOW SPEEDS. IT IS LIKE THE CPU IS OVERRIDING WHAT THE DRIVER IS PROMPTING THRU TOUCHING OF THE GAS PEDAL OR BRAKE PEDAL. WE'VE HAD IT IN TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIPS SERVICE DEPARTMENT COMPLAINING ABOUT THESE CONDITIONS, THEY INSIST THE CAR IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. IF SO, FORD IS IN DENIAL AND MOST CERTAINLY APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. I DESCRIBE THESE CONCERNS AS IF I WAS HAVING TO LEARN HOW TO DRIVE, ALL OVER AGAIN. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS BE EVERYONE'S NUMBER CONCERN. DITTO, THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE EITHER. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE FROM FORD TO ADMIT AND RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM, AN INJURY ACCIDENT? I HOPE NOT. THEN, TOP THAT OFF, WE BOUGHT THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE FOR TOWING PURPOSES. THE FACTORY REQUIRES THE CPU AND ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MUST BE DISCONNECTED TO TOW. UNFORTUNATELY, EACH TIME THE CPU IS TURNED BACK ON (RECONNECT THE NEGATIVE WIRE AT BATTERY), THE CPU THINKS IT IS NEW, THUS, THE LUNGING, SPORADIC SHIFTING STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN. HELP... FORD WON'T LISTEN. THANK YOU *TR
Seat belts, Sep 29, 2012
LEFT REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE NOT BOLTED TO THE CHASIS. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 28, 2012, crash
MY BOYFRIEND AND I BOUGHT A 2012 FORD FOCUS SE HATCHBACK ON SEPTEMBER FIRST. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS MY BOYFRIEND NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RIGHT BUT HE THOUGHT THIS WAS HAPPENING JUST BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NEW. THEN, WHEN DRIVING TO WORK I NOTICED THAT WHEN I STOPPED ON ANY INCLINE STREET BETWEEN TAKING THE FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND PLACING IT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR ROLLED BACK QUITE QUICKLY TO THE POINT THAT I ALMOST HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. DAYS LATER, I STARTED TO FEEL THAT THE STEERING REQUIRED BOTH HANDS AT ALL TIMES. IT WAS CONSTANTLY WANDERING AND SHAKY SPECIALLY DURING TURNS. TO TOP IT OFF ON SEPTEMBER 27TH SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED. I WAS IN THE DRIVE WAY, I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AND THE CAR TOOK OFF AT A LURCH. THE CAR ACCELERATED SO RAPIDLY EVEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR FAILED TO SLOW DOWN HITTING TWO CARS AND TEARING DOWN A FENCE. I COULD FINALLY STOP THE CAR WHEN I QUICKLY SHIFTED TO PARK. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW FORD SELLS THIS CAR WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS RISKING PEOPLE'S LIVES. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. HOW MANY FATALITIES ARE THEY WAITING FOR? ARE THEY GOING TO DO SOMETHING EVER ABOUT THESE MALFUNCTIONS? THIS IS RIDICULOUS IF I HAVE KNOWN ALL THESE ISSUES WITH THIS CAR, I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT IT FOR SURE. *TR
Power train, Sep 27, 2012
AFTER FEELING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS EXCESSIVELY LURCHY, I CAME TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A BUSY ROAD. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I SAT REVVING MY ENGINE AND WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR TO MOVE. I PUT CAR IN PARK AND THEN BACK IN DRIVE WITH THE SAME RESULTS. I TRIED THE S MODE WITH MANUAL SHIFTING AND CAR STILL DID NOT MOVE. I EVENTUALLY TURNED THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF AND BACK ON AND THIS SEEMED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I FOUND THE SITUATION VERY DANGEROUS . APPARENTLY FROM WHAT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE CLUTCH WAS NOT ENGAGING. IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CAR. *TR
Structure, Sep 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO TRUNK RELEASE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER SON ENTERED THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO GET OUT BECAUSE IT DID NOT COME EQUIPPED WITH A TRUNK RELEASE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED .THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 20, 2012
THE PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF MY CAR. WITH THE LOW FUEL LIGHT ON I FILLED MY GAS TANK UNTIL THE HANDLE/NOZZLE OF THE GAS PUMP CLICKED OFF INDICATING THE TANK WAS FULL. WHEN I REMOVED THE NOZZLE FROM THE FILL TUBE YOU CAN HEAR A RUSH OF GAS COME UP AND THEN A SPLASH AS THE GAS HITS THE GROUND. IT EJECTS THE GAS UNDERNEATH THE CAR ALONGSIDE THE RIGHT REAR TIRE LEAVING AN 8" WET SPOT. MY CONCERN IS YOU HAVE HOT BRAKES AND A HOT MUFFLER RIGHT THERE NEXT TO WHERE THE FUEL IS DUMPING ON THE GROUND. IN MY HONEST OPINION THIS IS A MAJOR FIRE HAZARD. I NOW WILL NOT FILL UP MY TANK WITH ANYONE IN THE CAR. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE FOUND NOTHING WRONG. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES. TWO TIMES BEFORE THE DEALER INVESTIGATED IT AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG AND ONE TIME AFTER. I SPOKE WITH THE DEALERS FINANCE MANAGER WHO OWNS/LEASES A FORD FUSION AND HE STATED IT HAD HAPPENED TO HIM ON HIS CAR AS WELL. FORD HAS A NEW FUEL FILLER SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT USE A CAP ANYMORE. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THIS SYSTEM MAY BE FAULTY BY DESIGN. *TR
Steering, Air bags, Structure, Tires, Sep 17, 2012, crash
IN JUNE 2012, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND HER FRONT PASSENGER TIRE EXPLODED. THIS WAS THE 3RD SET OF NEW TIRES WE HAD PLACED ON THIS VEHICLE (BY 30,000 MILES - AVERAGING 10,000 MILES PER SET OF TIRES). THEN IN JULY 2012, SHE WAS DRIVING HOME AND STARTED TO SKID. SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO RECOVER FROM THE SKID AND HIT A TREE HEAD-ON. THE FRONT OF HER CAR WAS DESTROYED. THE TREE CENTERED HER CAR AND THE FRONT END LOOKED LIKE A VOLKSWAGEN BUG. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE HAD THIS VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END. EACH TIME THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS COULD FEEL THE CAR SWAY WHEN RIDING IT IN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY ($17,000 CHECK SENT TO FORD) AND WE STILL OWE $1700 THAT WE HAVE AGREED TO PAY TO FORD TO KEEP FROM RUINING OUR CREDIT. THANK GOD SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT THAT ACTUALLY WORKED - OTHERWISE WE WOULD HAVE HAD TO PLAN OUR DAUGHTERS FUNERAL. WE PURCHASED THIS CAR BECAUSE IT WAS ADVERTISED AS BEING A VERY SAFE CAR WITH THE INTERIOR WRAPPED IN AIR BAGS. WRAPPING THE INTERIOR WITH AIR BAGS DOES NOT HELP IF THEY DO NOT WORK. I HAVE BEEN BUYING FORD AUTOMOBILES FOR 30 YEARS BUT, RIGHT NOW I AM WONDERING HOW SAFE MY FORD F-150 IS. WE ARE NOW CONSIDERING HIRING AN ATTORNEY. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 14, 2012
EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ELECTRICAL FAILURE (LOSS OF INSTRUMENTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, HORN, ETC.) - SAME PROBLEM AS DOCUMENTED BY OTHER DRIVERS (FOR EXAMPLES, SEE HTTP://WWW.FOCUSFANATICS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=282965). THIS BEHAVIOR MAKES THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE AND UNSAFE (HAD THESE ISSUES OCCURRED AT NIGHT, THE CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS). MY DEALER, FRANKLIN FORD (FRANKLIN, MA) SEEMS TO BE UNAWARE OF THE PREVALENCE OF THIS ISSUE. I LOOK FORWARD TO A SPEEDY RESOLUTION. FORD MOTOR COMPANY ALSO CLAIMS TO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE OCCURRENCE OF THIS ISSUE IN OTHER CASES. A QUICK WEB SEARCH REVEALS THAT THE PROBLEM IS INCREASINGLY COMMON. *TR
Power train, Engine, Sep 11, 2012
3 SEPARATE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED IN MY 2012 FORD FOCUS ALL RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON AUGUST 25, 2012 WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 MPH, I SUDDENLY LOST POWER BETWEEN THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR ITSELF. THE RPM'S CONTINUED TO CLIMB BUT THE CAR WAS NO LONGER MOVING. TOOK TO FORD DEALER TO BE SERVICED AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE NEXT INCIDENT OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2012 - NOT NECESSARILY A SAFETY CONCERN BUT CONTRIBUTES TO OVERALL PROBLEM - PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, PLACED CAR IN REVERSE, IT DID NOT MOVE. TOOK TO FORD DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS "REPROGRAMMED". THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2012, I PULLED OUT INTO 35 MPH TRAFFIC, MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR, GOING 10 MPH AND "REVVING" BUT NOT ACCELERATING FAST ENOUGH TO STAY AHEAD OF TRAFFIC. HAD CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALER WHERE IT IS AT THIS TIME. *TR
Steering, Power train, Sep 11, 2012
THE ROLLING BACK PROBLEM CAME FIRST. WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED ON ANY INCLINE, BETWEEN TAKING YOUR FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE AND PLACING IT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR ROLLS BACK QUITE QUICKLY, AND I HAVE ALMOST HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. THE STEERING PROBLEMS CAME A LITTLE LATER. THE STEERING REQUIRES BOTH HANDS AT ALL TIMES, AND EVEN THEN IT IS QUITE SHAKY. I FEEL CAR SICK WHEN I AM THE PASSENGER BECAUSE THERE IS SO MUCH SIDE TO SIDE MOVEMENT. DURING TURNS, THE ENGINE FEELS LIKE IT IS CUTTING OUT, IT LOSES SO MUCH POWER, AND I HAVE TO PUSH THE ACCELERATOR EXTREMELY HARD JUST TO GET ENOUGH POWER TO FINISH THE TURN. THE SCARIEST OF ALL OF THE PROBLEMS HAPPENS AT HIGHER SPEEDS. IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES. WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY (60-70MPH) AND I BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN, THE STEERING GETS OUT OF CONTROL AND GOES BACK AND FORTH SO RAPIDLY, I HOLD ON FOR DEAR LIFE TRYING TO KEEP IT IN THE LANE, AND THE BRAKING IS NOT AS EFFICIENT AS IT SHOULD BE WHEN THIS HAPPENS, AND I HAVE NEARLY ESCAPED HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN I HAVE BEEN IN THIS SITUATION, I HAVE STARTED TO BRAKE RIGHT WHEN I SEE THE BRAKE LIGHTS AHEAD, AND I HAVE HAD AMPLE SPACE TO STOP GRADUALLY AND SAFELY IF I WERE DRIVING A NORMAL CAR, BUT IN THIS CAR, IT IS OUT OF CONTROL AND THE BRAKES WON'T WORK WELL WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON DRY ROADS. THIS CAR TERRIFIES ME AND THE RAIN AND ICE HAVEN'T EVEN HIT YET. AFTER I EXPERIENCED THESE PROBLEMS, I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE HOW MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THEM TOO. THE SHOP HAD MY CAR FOR 13 DAYS AND THEY CALLED ME AND SAID THAT IT IS "PERFECT" AND THEY DIDN'T FIX ANYTHING AND TO COME PICK IT UP. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN JUNE, IT IS NOW SEPTEMBER, IT HAD 1074 MILES WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP. I LEFT IT THERE FOR NOW, I AM TERRIFIED OF THIS CAR AND UNFORTUNATELY I OWN IT. *TR ..UPDATED 09-26-12 *BF UPDATED 10/01/2012 *JS
Visibility/wiper, Sep 9, 2012
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, AT ABOUT 4:00 IN THE AFTERNOON, THE MOONROOF GLASS EXPLODED OUTWARD. NO DAMAGE FROM DEBRIS OR FALLING OBJECTS ON THE GLASS. WINDOWS AND MOONROOF WERE CLOSED. A/C SET AT 71 DEGREES. TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE SHOWED TO BE 102 DEGREES. CAR WAS PARKED UNDER COVERED PARKING AT WORK FOR 10 HOURS BEFORE DRIVING HOME. *TR
Steering, Sep 8, 2012
NEW 2012 FOCUS JAN. 18-2012. AFTER 9258 MILES STEERING LOCKED WHILE ENTERING BUSY INTERSECTION. GREAT DIFFICULTLY STEERING CAR OFF ROAD. INCIDENT HAPPENED TWICE THAT DAY (8-6) AND AGAIN 8-7, FOURTH TIME 8-18. WARNING LIGHT "STEERING ASSIST FAULT.". DEALER UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THEREFORE NOTHING CORRECTED. DEALER OFFERED NO RECOURSE. I FELT CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. AFTER FRUSTRATING CONVERSIONS WITH DEALER REP, A FRIEND DROVE THE CAR TO NEARBY CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED A 2012 SONIC. THIS DECISION TO PURCHASE ANOTHER CAR WAS VERY COSTLY. MY SAFETY ON THE HIGHWAY NECESSITATED THE DECISION. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. AT TIMES I FELT REP'S REMARKS WERE DEMEANING. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 5, 2012
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
Power train, Sep 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALY JERK FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY THE RENTAL VEHICLE COMPANY OR THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,954.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2012
ON 8/27/2012 I DROVE OFF THE CAR LOT WITH 7 MILES ON MY NEW CAR. I NOTICED A LITTLE BIT OF ROUGH SHIFTING AS THE DAY PASSED. ON 8/28 THE CAR STARTED BUCKING AND JERKING DURING ACCELERATION. THERE WAS LITTLE POWER ON INCLINES. THE PROBLEM PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE THROUGH THE DAY. I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO DROP OFF FOR SERVICE THE NEXT DAY. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE ON 8/29 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR HAD 187 MILES ON IT. ON 8/30 I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS FIXED AND I PICKED UP MY CAR. WITHIN A FEW MILES THE PROBLEM WAS BACK, BUT WORSE THIS TIME. I HAD SOME SLIGHT NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHEN THE CAR WAS BUCKING AND JERKING. IT ALMOST STALLED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ON MY WAY BACK TO THE DEALER. IT WAS STRUGGLING. THE CAR IS BACK IN SERVICE WITH 220 MILES ON IT. NOW THEY WANT TO KEEP IT FOR AT LEAST 3-4 DAYS. 8/31 I WAS ASKED TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH THE MECHANIC TO SEE IF PROBLEM WOULD REOCCUR. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A KICK WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR DROVE OK, ALTHOUGH WE ONLY DROVE AROUND A BLOCK TOGETHER. SALES MANAGER SAYS THAT IF THE MECHANIC CAN'T FIND ANY FURTHER PROBLEM, THEN I HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR BACK INTO MY POSSESSION SINCE IT'S MY CAR. HE SAYS THAT SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN AND I HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT AND LET THE MECHANICS DO THEIR JOB. I'VE HAD THE CAR IN MY POSSESSION UNDER 30 HOURS SINCE I PURCHASED IT ON 8/27. THE CAR ALSO HAS AN ISSUE WITH ROLLING BACK ON AN INCLINE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN ON A HILL, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS UNTIL HE ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WAS REPROGRAMMED BY THE DEALER AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
Power train, Aug 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE HE SHIFTED TO DRIVE AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND LUNGE FORWARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO 2ND GEAR IT HESITATED AND MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND INDEPENDENTLY REVERTED BACK TO 1ST GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS BEHAVIOR WAS NORMAL AND PROVIDED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTING THE DEALERS NOT TO REPAIR THOSE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 29, 2012
RECALL DONE --NOT FIXED ABC CONTROL SYSTEM. STILL ROLLS BACK AT INCLINE. ACCIDENT PARKING LOT STOPPED SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK (THOUGHT) OPEN DOOR STEPPED OUT CAR STARTED ROLLING BACK JUMPED BACK IN NOT TO GET RUN OVER TO HIT BRAKE PEDAL. FRONT DOOR OPEN HIT PARKED TRUCK (ACCIDENT) DESTROYED MY DRIVERS DOOR WITH MAJOR DAMAGE TO DOOR AND SOME DAMAGED TO PARKED TRUCK. HAD FRIEND IN THE PASSENGER SIT AND SAW WHAT HAPPENED. VIN# [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR *JS