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, Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while his wife was starting the vehicle, the transmission malfunction warning light was illuminated. The driver continued driving to her residence. The contact stated he was unable to shift from park(P) to drive(D). The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission control module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Power train, Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while stationary at a stop sign and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started shaking and jerking forward. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving however, the failure was progressing. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Power train, Jun 5, 2022
Car will not go in reverse. Code shows actuator clutch stuck. Replaced actuator. Repair shop suggested TCM, but was able to reset TCM and reverse worked once, but while in reverse, shifter will slip into N and D with just a tap, and no button depression. It only responded once, and now code is back. Unsafe by not being able to reverse out of harms way, and while in reverse can go into N or D inadvertently.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Jun 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the transmission module service now message displayed on the instrument cluster and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 20 mph and the transmission shifted independently into neutral. The contact stated the ABS and traction control activated independently with the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to exit to a nearby gas station at 5 mph and the hill ascent assist not available message was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact depressed the brake pedal and parked the vehicle on the hill. The contact waited 5 minutes before restarting the vehicle and stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were off. The contact continued to drive and while approaching her residence the vehicle began to decelerate again. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The dealer had no appointment availability until 2023. The contact called another local dealer, Ray Skillman Ford (1250 US-31, Greenwood, IN 46143, (317)885-9800) and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 1, 2022
Got Error Code P1450 of CPV which falls under the following Recall but Ford Motor Company is stating the VIN does not fall under this recall as they are VIN Specific but the link below states the recall affects the vehicles built from 8/1/2010 to 4/17/17. This vehicle build date according to the door sticker is 3/12 which should fall under the recall See Below Link: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCMN-18V735-0635.pdf
Power train, Engine, Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while parked in the driveway when the check engine light illuminated. The contact attempted to turn the vehicle on however the engine only revved. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the crankshaft failed and banded the transmission. The vehicle was involved in a previous recall for the same failure and was remedied previously. The mechanic stated the failure was caused by the same repair as before however the vehicle had not been repaired again. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.
Power train, May 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse the vehicle with the gear shifter in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted or notified of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included as only the electric models were included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 152,038.
Power train, May 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered while accelerating from being idle. The vehicle hesitated to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a defective TCM module. The dealer reprogrammed the TCM module however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted and the vehicle had been inoperable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an extended warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 12, 2022
Automatic transmission on 2012 Ford Focus SEL hatchback has been stalling. I drive on heavily traveled highways, leading me to be at risk of a major traffic accident if my car loses power. Transmission also whine and grinds really hard. Dealership is aware of the issue, but refuses to recall these faulty transmissions, leaving several thousands of people at risk of losing power and getting hit. Has been inspected by the dealer and multiple mechanics, all point to transmission issues from a faulty factory clutch system.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 8, 2022
I started feeling the transmission having problems going into 1st or 2nd. started right when I hit 90,000 miles. It would shutter like there wasn't enough power but only in lower gears. I've had the car since 2013 and now I have to be extra careful when I put the car in reverse because if the shifter is hit, it will slide the car into either neutral or drive, depending if the shifter is hit up or down. I was never contacted about a a transmission issue by Ford or my dealership. If this is a problem with Ford Focus 2012-2018 then why are customers not being contacted regarding this safety issue.
Power train, May 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, May 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse the vehicle, the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was restarted and failed to drive. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. However, the parts were on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.
Power train, May 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was oil leaking onto the inside of the hood. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Power train, Apr 29, 2022
Recently, my 2021 Ford Focus began intermittently shuddering when shifting between first and second gear. Also, the reverse gear intermittently does not enage and will have to physically push the vehicle backwards in order to shift back into first gear.
Power train, Apr 21, 2022
A check engine light appeared on 5/12/2022 car experienced lack of power from accelerator with transmission slippage pulled off of road and car failed to go into any gears had to turn off engine let car sit and then restart for it to engage. 5/13/2022 car went to local mechanic it was diagnosed that TCM (transmission control module) was bad and we needed to take to ford dealership. 4/20/22 while driving to ford dealership the car would not accelerate or change gears several times during trip. Ford dealership mechanic said that the part TCM was on "indefinite backorder". The car is to dangerous to drive.
Power train, Apr 20, 2022
transmission control module malfunction was covered under extended warranty and I am 11 months outside the window for repair but think it should be covered for the lifetime of the car
Electrical system, Apr 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was charging, the cooling system continued to stay on and failed to decrease the battery temperature. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated when attempting to charge the vehicle while the temporary was high, the "house message" would say it's hot outside plug in your vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the air conditioning compressor to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience a failure. The vehicle was taken back to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery coolant pump and filter to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience a failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for the third time, where it was diagnosed with needing the refrigerant to be refilled testing was completed. The contact was informed after that testing the battery chiller block and the refrigerant line was needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience failure. The vehicle was taken back to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the coolant filter to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience failure. The contact stated he began to monitor the failure and noticed the coolant was not functioning. The contact noticed the battery coolant diverter valve was the cause of the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Power train, Structure, Apr 1, 2022
PCM/ECM SOFTWARE INADEQUATE TO DETECT A STUCK OPEN CANISTER PURGE VALVE(CPV) YES IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST. AFTER RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED THE 2012 FORD FOCUS SE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR.THE CAR STALLED.THE VEHICLE STOPPED COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THE VEHICHLE SHOOT HAD NO POWER.THE MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAY SAID ENGINE MALFUNCTION,TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND STARTING SYSTEM FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK IMMEDIATELY TO THE FORD CERTIFIED SHOP.THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED. YES THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AGAIN .THERE WERENT ANY WARNING LAMPS OR MESSAGES OR ANY MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL OR SOFTWARE PROBLEMS .THE SYMPTOMS DID NOT BEGIN UNTIL AFTER RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED BY A FORD CERTIFIED REPAIR FACILITY.FORD STATED IF THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED ANY ISSUES AFTER SERVICE WAS PERFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK NTO WERE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED AND THE CAR WILL BE FIXED FREE OF CHARGE.THIS DID NOT HAPPEN THE CAR HAS 55 THOUSAND MILES ON IT .IT HAS SAT IN MY DRIVEWAY SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2019. THE DOOR LATCHES COULD COME OPEN ON THEIR OWN.I WAS TOLD THAT RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED ON MY 2012 FORD FOCUS SE BY THE FORD CERTIFIED MECHANIC FACILITY MIKE WHITE FORD OF CD'A IDAHO.IN FACT THEY NEVER PERFORMED THE BREPAIRS OR EVEN LOOKED AT THE DOORS.AFTER REPAIR WORK WAS SUPPOSEDLY DONE I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT SERVICE WAS NOT DONE AND TO TAKE MY CAR BACK TO THE SAME PLACE THAT DESTROYED MY CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE .FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO DO AS THEIR RECALL LETTER STATED.FORD MOTOR COMPANY DENIES ANY FAULT CONCERNING MY 20123 FORD FOCUS .ITS BEEN ALMOST THREE YEARS OF ME TRYING TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED.THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY ABSOLUTELY KNEW THE 2012 FORD FOCUS HAD MAJOR ISSUES .THEY CHOSE TO SELL THE CAR TO THE CONSUMERS ANY WAY.
Power train, Mar 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move in reverse. While driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. Additionally, while driving the vehicle stalled. The service transmission message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 172,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 31, 2022
My car is experiencing identical problems to recall # 19v515000. The gas tank has collapsed and purge valve has failed causing the car to stall. But, my vin does not match the recall. Clearly, this recall has to be expanded to include other vehicles if I am experiencing identical failures. Ford has refused to do anything because the vin does not match.
Wheels, Mar 31, 2022
Lug nuts swelled, unable to remove without damaging, all 20 lugs nuts.
Power train, Mar 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact previously had the transmission replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission clutch failure. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Power train, Mar 12, 2022
Transmission slipping issues on acceleration
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 7, 2022
A couple weeks ago leaving work a warning light came on that the power steering assist was disabled/malfunctioning, to have it serviced. It became prohibitively difficult to steer my car. I called AAA and had it towed to an independent service center. They reported that the steering module, essentially the computer brain for the steering, has failed. The repair is overwhelmingly expensive, and I haven’t pursued it due to the crippling cost. When I proceeded to drive the car home, the light was off, and it drove fine. One of the shops I spoke with said this could happen, but it would come back unpredictably, and intermittently until it just won’t be drivable. I’m just glad it was in a safe spot when this failure occurred. Reports I’ve been reading online have scared me with drivers being on the freeway when this component fails, nearly causing accidents in some cases. This seems like a serious safety issue, and certainly not a ‘wear and tear’ issue of daily use. The shop reported the repair would cost $2400 before taxes. I bought this car used for $5000 last year, and so far have had to put in a whole new front end, replace the cooling/ heating reservoir system. So throwing in that much more money into it is having a very negative impact on my livelihood. Other drivers report this issue occurring at anywhere from 60,000 miles to 150,000 miles. My car is at 128,000 miles.