2012 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 3,801 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 108 involved a crash and 15 involved a fire. 88 people were injured and 5 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, evaporative emissions, canisterJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJun 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJul 5, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.
Campaign 19V515000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageOct 22, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
Campaign 18V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchSep 6, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingAug 1, 2013
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured September 15, 2011, through May 6, 2013; and model year 2013 Focus ST vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured February 16, 2012, through May 7, 2013. Due to a wiring incompatability, the front side marker lamps may not function. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the headlamp assembly wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C04.
Campaign 13V335000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentOct 2, 2012
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Yakima Products, Inc. for use on model year 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus vehicles. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not by Ford. Certain combined Q-Tower and Q128 Clip rooftop rack systems, part numbers 8000124 and 8000728, do not fully contact the door frame.
Without proper contact of the rooftop rack clip to the door frame, there is insufficient clamping pressure and friction. The system may slide off the vehicle when loaded with accessories, possibly becoming a road hazard to other vehicles or causing injury to pedestrians.
Yakima will notify owners, and Yakima or a Yakima dealer will refund the purchase of the Q-Tower and Q-128 Clip system. There is no replacement system available for the 2012-2013 model year Ford Focus. The safety recall began on October 15, 2012. Only vehicles equipped with the vehicle rack system are affected. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not Ford. Owners may contact Yakima at 1-888-925-4621.
Campaign 12E035000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, switch/wiringApr 5, 2012
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 FOCUS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 18, 2011. A SEAL IN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR MAY BE MISSING.
WATER OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE CONNECTOR, RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR, REDUCING VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND AS NECESSARY, CLEAN AND PROPERLY SEAL THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR CONNECTOR. ANY INOPERATIVE WIPER MOTORS WILL BE REPLACED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 12V149000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
3,801 reports, newest first.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 11, 2012
WHEN ACCELERATING CAR JUMPS OR HOPS VIOLENTLY. ENGINE MAKES GRINDING/CHATTERING NOISE WHEN CHANGING GEARS. EXPERIENCE ROLL BACK WHEN ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. POWER SHIFT 6 SPEED IS NOT SAFE. HAVE TROUBLE CROSSING LANES OF TRAFFIC FOR THE JUMPING/LAUNCH JUDDER PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Power train, Jul 11, 2012
SINCE DAY ONE OF THE PURCHASE OF MY (MARCH ) 2012 FORD FOCUS THE STEERING "FEELS" LIKE IT IS CONSTANTLY WANDERING, AFTER AN HOUR DRIVE TIME, YOUR ARM IS GIVE OUT FROM THE STRESS. MY CAR ALSO SEEMS TO HAVE A FLUTTER IN THE TRANSMISSION OR ENGINE DURING TAKE OFF. THE CAR WILL ALSO ROLL BACK WHILE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE. THE DEALER CHECKED STEERING THE 4TH DAY AFTER PURCHASE AND ASSURED ME THE STEERING WAS FINE, THAT IT WAS NEW & TIGHT. I DID RECIEVE A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION TO UPGRADE OR MODIFY SOME TYPE OF CHIP. I CANNOT TELL ANY IMPROVMENT SINCE THE UPGRADE. MY WIFE & SON HATE TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE THEY ARE AFRAID OF THE STEERING AND ROLLING BACK....BY THE WAY IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION---I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS ON ANY VEHICLE THAT I HAVE OWNED IN THE PAST. *TR
Power train, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Engine, Jul 10, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY EVEN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM UNDER REFERENCE NUMBER 123B7 (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) AND AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WITH THE GEAR IN PARK. IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN STATIONARY, A BLOCK WAS PLACED AGAINST THE TWO REAR TIRES. ALSO, A STRONG ANTIFREEZE ODOR EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND AN OIL LEAK WAS VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,917. UPDATED 08/23/12*LJ UPDATED 09/24/2012 *JS
Power train, Jul 2, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 5 MPH DUE TO TRAFFIC AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY 2012 FORD FOCUS SHUT DOWN WITH NO WARNING IT SORT OF SCARED ME BECAUSE DIDN'T KNOW WHY? I SAID OK MAYBE JUST A COINSIDENCE BUT TO MY SURPRISE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON FREEWAY SINCE THATS MY DAILY ROUTE WAS GOING 45MPH AND AGAIN TURNED OFF I TOOK TO GET SERVICED SINCE I DRIVE FROM RIVERSIDE TO BURBANK EVERYDAY THOUGHT MAYBE NEEDS TO GET SERVICED AND MENTIONED TO FELLOW A FORD BUT SAID WELL IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN BRING IT IN AND WILL CHECK IT OUT SO I SAID OK WELL HOPEFULLY NOT BUT IT HAPPEND FOR 3RD TIME AND I WAS GOING 70 MPH AND ALMOST GOT IN AN ACCIDENT THANK GOD NO ONE WAS NEXT TO ME HAD TO STOP BECAUSE IT TURNED OFF COMPLETELTY BUT THIS TIME SAID TRANSMISSION ON SCREEN SO I TOOK IT TO FORD AND I EXPLAINED EVERYTHING TO THEM BECAUSE I'M SCARED I'M NOT GONNA MAKE IT HOME TO MY FAMILY AGAIN BECAUSE GOING AT 70 MPH ON FREEWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR SHUTS DOWN IMAGINE HOW SCARED I WAS..... THE PEOPLE AT FORD CHECKED IT OUT AND TOOK IT FOR A DRIVE ON FREEWAY AND SAID IT WAS FINE NOTHING CAME UP BUT HELLO IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERYDAY THEY EXPLAINED THEY CHECKED OTHER FORD STORES TO SEE IF THEY HAVE HEARD OF SUCH PROBLEM AND SUPPOSEDLY IT HASN'T BUT I'M READING SOME OF THESE COMPLAINTS AND I SEE SOME ARE RELATED SO I NEED TO FIND OUT WHT TO DO BECAUSE I HONESTLY DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. JUST THINKING WHEN AM I GOING TO CRASH OR DIE. NOT FAIR THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO SEE THE PROBLEM SO WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN FOR THEM TO DO SOMETHING FOR ME TO DIE.... I DON'T EVEN LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE..... *JS
Power train, Jun 28, 2012
I BOUGHT THE 2012 FORD FOCUS SEL ON MAY 5TH 2012. THE CAR HAS HAD BOTH FRONT STRUTS REPLACED, AT 69 MILES!! THE CAR JERKS AND REFUSES TO GO WHEN YOU GIVE IT GAS AFTER BEING COMPLETELY STOPPED, I WAS ALMOST HIT PULLING OUT ONTO A BUSY ROAD BECAUSE THE CARE WOULD NOT GO!!!! THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IN THIS CAR, HOWEVER GREY DANIELS FORD IN BRANDON MISSISSIPPI WILL NOT DO THAT, SO I HAVE DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AND A HALF SINCE BUYING ON MAY 5TH, THE REST OF THE TIME IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP. FORD SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THESE VEHICLES CORRECTLY. STOP PUTTING A BANDAID ON THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT ALREADY!!!! I GUESS THEY'LL WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE GETS KILLED BECAUSE OF THEIR NEGLECT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEMS.....BUT THEN WHO KNOWS THAT MIGHT NOT EVEN GET THEIR ATTENTION. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE, THAT I CAN GUARANTEE!!! *TR
Steering, Jun 28, 2012
AS I WAS TURNING OUT OF A STORE INTO TRAFFIC, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT....POWER ASSIST FAULT CAME UP ON COMPUTER SCREEN....STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TURN....ONCE I GOT OFF THE ROAD I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN AND THE STEERING RETURNED....I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT PER SSM 21987 CODE. ONE WEEK LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN, TWICE WITHIN 6 MILES....FIRST TIME I WAS BACKING UP AND THE SECOND TIME I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MILES PER HOUR....IT APPEARS THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME AND IN ANY GEAR....I CALLED DEALERSHIP AND IMMEDIATELY HAD IT TOWED TO THEIR SHOP...PRESENT MILEAGE 2076 MILES....I'LL SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY THIS TIME....I FEAR THIS COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF IT CONTINUES. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Jun 25, 2012
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I STARTED IT UP AND BACKED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. I SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND BEGAN MOVING FORWARD. AFTER GOING APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET THE "I" SIGN ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE MESSAGE "STEERING MALFUNCTION, NEEDS SERVICE" CAME ON, ALONG WITH THE ALARM JINGLE. I TRIED TO STEER THE CAR OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVE LANE AND MANAGED TO GET IT OVER TO THE SIDE, BUT THE STEERING WAS PRACTICALLY FROZEN. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND LOOKED FOR ANY OBVIOUS SIGNS OF TROUBLE, BUT COULD FIND NONE. AFTER READING THROUGH THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND CHECKING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, I RESTARTED THE CAR (ABOUT 20 MINUTES AFTER I SHUT IT OFF) AND NO WARNING SIGN CAME ON. I TEST DROVE IT IN THE PARKING LOT FOR A MINUTE TO SEE IF THE STEERING WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY AND THEN DROVE HOME AND EXPERIENCED NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD AUTOWAY DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS STEMMING FROM AN ABS "CORRUPTED" PROGRAM. THEY TOLD ME THE EPAS GETS IT POWER THROUGH THE ABS. THEY REBOOTED THE ABS PROGRAM AND I'VE HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. *TR
Power train, Jun 25, 2012
NEW CAR ...... THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE 5/31/12 .......... FROM A STOPPED POSITION AND ACCELERATING TO GO FORWARD THE CAR WOULD JERK FORWARD, HESITATE AS IF STALLING ....... LAST TIME IT STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION .............. TOLD BY FORD TECH THIS IS DO TO THE TRANSMISSION BEING CONTROLLED BY COMPUTER CHIPS ............ CAR IS GOING IN FOR SERVICE TODAY. *TR
Air bags, Jun 21, 2012
NEW TITANIUM MODEL FOCUS ... AIR BAG LIGHT STARTING COMING ON WHILE DRIVING THE CAR DOWN THE ROAD ... THIS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, UNTIL FINALLY THE LIGHT CAME ON AN STAYED ON. DEALER HAS HAD THE CAR FOR 7 DAYS NOW AND STILL UNABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE. *TT
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 19, 2012
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY. INTERMITTENT VIBRATES, BUCKS, HESITATES, SLIPS & JERKS. CAN'T RELY ON TAKE-OFF ACCELERATION WHETHER IT WILL ENGAGE PROPERLY, PULLING INTO TRAFFIC IS VERY DANGEROUS. STOP AND GO TRAFFIC IS VERY DANGEROUS. IT'S LIKE SOMEONE DRIVING A STICK SHIFT AND NOT HAVING THE CLUTCH & GAS IN SYNC, ONLY IT'S AN AUTOMATIC SO YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON 3 OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME THE TECH LAUGHED AT ME AND TOLD ME IT WAS JUST THE "NEW" 6-SPEED TRANSMISSION. 2ND TIME, THEY REPLACED SOME PARTS IN THE TRANSMISSION. 3RD TIME, THEY HAD THE CAR 4 DAYS & SAID THERE WAS NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY HAPPENING. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS TRANSMISSION, AND FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING TO FIX THEM BEFORE AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 18, 2012
WAS TOLD THIS CAR HAD "AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION". AFTER A FEW HUNDRED MILES ON IT, I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED SPORADICALLY AND WITH NO PREDICTION. ENGINE SHUDDERED, CAR LOST POWER AND WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE KEY HERE IS NO PREDICTION AS TO HOW THE CAR WILL REACT WHEN UNDER ACCELERATION. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD "THIS ISN'T AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - IT'S A COMPUTER- CONTROLLED MANUAL THAT HAS TO LEARN HOW YOU DRIVE". DEALER UPLOADED A COMPUTER UPDATE FROM FORD. THE NEXT HUNDRED MILES OF DRIVING ALMOST CAUSED NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS DUE TO LACK OF ACCELERATION AND UNEVEN PERFORMANCE. 6/4/2012 I TRIED TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AND CAR REFUSED TO SPEED UP. I ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT, BUT NUMEROUS DRIVERS SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES AND/OR SWERVED AND AVERTED MULTIPLE COLLISIONS. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER 6/5/2012 AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. WAS TOLD BY HEAD TECH "IT JUST HAS TO GET USED TO HOW YOU DRIVE". I TOLD HIM THERE WERE THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE DRIVING THIS FOCUS. HE SAID WE CAN'T, BECAUSE THAT WOULD JUST END UP TOTALLY "CONFUSING" THE COMPUTER. AS THE CAR IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, IT IS STILL AT THE DEALER. MILES ON VEHICLE ARE UNDER 800.
Power train, Jun 17, 2012
POOR SHIFT QUALITY 6 SPEED DUAL CLUTCH AUTOMATIC. *TR
Power train, Jun 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO ACCELERATE AS THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AS THE VEHICLE FINALLY ACCELERATED, IT JERKED FORWARD VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR AN UPDATE TO THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER THE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
Steering, Jun 12, 2012
WHENEVER I DRIVE THE CAR AROUND 60 MILES SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES STIFF AND STARTS TO WANDER. IT BECOMES REALLY HARD TO BALANCE THE WHEELS. I NOTICED THIS ON MY BRAND NEW FORD FOCUS SE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON MAY 25TH 2012, WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A TOLLWAY AT 60 TO 70 MILES SPEED PER HOUR. I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON MAY 24TH 2012. THIS CAR IS NOT GOOD FOR DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS ESPECIALLY FOR DRIVING AROUND THE SPEED 60 MILES PER HOUR. NOW I AM REALLY SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR ON HIGHWAYS. SO FAR, THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS. GOING FORWARD IF SOMETHING HAPPENS, I WOULD BLAME FORD AND SUE THE COMPANY. FORD MUST FIX THIS ISSUE OR RECALL THIS MODEL. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jun 9, 2012
THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY FOCUS. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP THE FOCUS'S AUTOMATIC DSG TRANSMISSION (IN D) WILL QUICKLY SHIFT TO A HIGHER GEAR IN AN EFFORT TO MINIMIZE FUEL CONSUMPTION. DURING A STOPPED TURN AT A INTERSECTION THIS LEADS TO A UNSAFE CONDITION WHERE COMMANDED ACCELERATION TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS TO HAPPEN. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS LIKE THIS: THE CAR ACCELERATES AT A STOP SIGN OR PARKING LOT. THE CAR ACCELERATES TO 10-15 MILES PER HOUR. THE DRIVER LETS OFF THE GAS DURING THE "TURN" PART. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS TO SECOND OR A HIGHER GEAR. THE DRIVER THEN COMMANDS A LARGE ACCELERATION - SAY DUE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC - AND NOTHING WILL HAPPEN FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS IS BECAUSE THE DSG TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO SHIFT SEQUENTIALLY INTO FIRST AND THIS TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS. ALSO IT APPEARS THAT THE POWERTRAIN IS DISCONNECTED WHILE THIS SHIFTING TAKES PLACE. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY SELECTS FIRST THE ACCELERATION CAN BE SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES AND I BELIEVE IT IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION. IT CAN BE AVOIDED BY MANUALLY SELECTING FIRST - THEN SHIFTING TO D WHEN THE TURN IS COMPLETE. *JS
Power train, Jun 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPROGRAMMED THE PCM, TCM AND ABS ON MAY 21, 2012. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN ROUGHLY WITH A JERKING MOTION FOLLOWING THE REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARD WHEN STOPPED ON AN INCLINE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,549. UPDATED 07/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER ON JUNE 5, 2012 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. UPDATED 07/09/12 THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXTENDED THE WARRANTY. *JS
Seats, May 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN LAYING ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEAD REST, IT WOULD FALL IN BETWEEN THE SEAT AND THE HEAD REST HOLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD REST WAS DESIGNED THAT IT COULD NOT GO ALL THE WAY DOWN AND CONNECT WITH THE TOP OF THE SEAT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 513.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, May 29, 2012
I JUST BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2012 FORD FOCUS AND I NOTICED SHUDDER OR VIBRATION WHEN STARTING TO DRIVE. I LOOKED AT THE INTERNET AND FOUND A THIS A COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG FORD FOCUS OWNERS. PLEASE HELP US IN COMPELING FORD TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. *TR
Power train, May 25, 2012
TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ERRATICALLY. WILL NOT DOWN SHIFT WHEN NEEDED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR. CAR WILL ALSO ROLL BACK WHEN YOU STOP IF ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. THERE IS A VOLUNTARY RECALL BY FORD FOR THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE REMEDIES DO NOT WORK. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THESE REMEDIES PERFORMED ON MY CAR OVER A YEAR AGO. THE PROBLEMS STILL EXIST. I EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS REGARDING THESE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS OVER A YEAR AGO BUT FORD HAS TAKEN THE STANCE AS TO IGNORE THEM. FORD HAD PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF THESE PROBLEMS AND OTHER PROBLEMS ON THESE CARS BEFORE THEY WERE EVEN INTRODUCED TO THE PUBLIC. FORD CHOSE TO PUT SALES BEFORE CONSUMER SAFETY. THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE FOR THE NHTSA FOR THEM TO MAKE THIS A INVOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL, PEOPLE GETTING KILLED? I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR NEITHER SHOULD ANYONE ELSE WHO OWNS THIS CAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 17, 2012
WHEN CAR STARTED IT WAS AT A HIGHER IDLE THEN NORMAL, AROUND 1,200 RPMS.. UPON DRIVING 1 MILE AT 45 MPH I THEN CAME TO A STOP AT A LIGHT AND IT WOULD THEN REV FROM 700 RPMS ABOUT TO APROX 2,600 RPMS AND I HAD THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW LIGHT COME ON.. I ONLY HAD THE CAR REV WHEN ON THE BRAKES.. IN PARK AND OR NEUTRAL IT WAS WORSE.. I THEN WENT TO DRIVE ON GREEN. THE THROTTLE DID NOT RESPOND AT ALL AND THE CAR THEN SPEED UP ON ITS OWN.. IT TOOK ABOUT 20 SECONDS TO GET TO 15 MPH AND IT REFUSED TO GO PAST THAT.. I THEN TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE 8TH TIME, THIS TIME THEY ARE LOOKING AT IT AS BEFORE THEY WOULD JUST RESET THE COMPUTER AND SEND ME OFF.. FORD DEALERS HAVE NOT BEEN TAKING ACTION ON THIS BEWARE IF BUYING A FOCUS THAT COMPUTER RESETS WILL NOT FIX IT.. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, May 16, 2012
2012 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, DRIVE SHAFT AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD, HESITATE AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR FAST ENOUGH WHEN CHANGING LANES. THE RIGHT PASSENGER POWER WINDOW WAS SLOWER THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE, THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT OPEN PROPERLY. UPDATED 05/25/12
Parking brake, Service brakes, May 10, 2012
THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CAME OFF (COMPLETELY). FORD IS BACK? I DO NOT THINK SO IF THEY OVERLOOK IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE CAR. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, May 6, 2012
I TURNED ONTO A RESIDENTIAL STREET THAT HAS A STEEP GRADE. AS I ACCELERATED UPHILL, THE TRUNK OPENED WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM MYSELF (DRIVER AND SOLE OCCUPANT OF THE VEHICLE). THE DOORS AND TRUNK WERE LOCKED AT THE TIME OF OCCURRENCE. THERE WERE A FEW ITEMS IN THE TRUNK WHEN THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE, NONE OF WHICH EXITED THE TRUNK. *TR
Power train, May 3, 2012
MY CAR HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION THAT FORD INSTALLED IN THE 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CAR SHUDDERS AND HESITATES ON TAKE OFF TO THE POINT OF IT STALLING. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP SIX TIMES NOW. AT THIS POINT FORD IS INSTALLING NEW CLUTCHES AND I WILL HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 1,000 MILES UNTIL THESE NEW CLUTCHES BRAKES IN TO SEE IF THE ISSUE PERSISTS. I HAVE READ IN FORUMS AND ARTICLES THAT IM NOT THE ONLY PERSON HAVING THESE ISSUES. PLEASE HELP IN ANY WAY YOU CAN. *TR
Power train, May 2, 2012, crash
WHILE IN DRIVE, THE AUTO TRANSMISSION ALLOWED THE CAR TO ROLL BACKWARD AND HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME THEN LUNGED FORWARD AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE HILL WAS FAIRLY STEEP AS IT WAS AN OFF RAMP FROM FREEWAY AT STOP LIGHT. CAR HAS BEEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT I AM TOLD IT IS A NORMAL CONDITION. *JS