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.
Exterior lighting, May 28, 2019
I KEEP RECEIVING A BRAKE LIGHT ERROR MESSAGE. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE HEADLIGHT. IT IS OUT AGAIN. THE MESSAGE COMES ON WHEN I START THE VEHICLE AND PERIODICALLY WHILE DRIVING.
Exterior lighting, May 28, 2019
HEADLIGHT ON THE RIGHT SIDE DID NOT WORK. THE ERROR MESSAGE WAS LOW BEAM DIP. I HAD THE SOCKET REPLACED THREE WEEKS AGO. THE HEADLIGHT WORKED FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
Power train, May 28, 2019
LOSS OF DRIVE WHILE IN MOTION. I HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN BUSY TRAFFIC. LIKELY WORN CLUTCH ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2019
UNSURE WHAT IS WRONG. HOWEVER, I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN 2 TWICE FOR A SHUDDER, JERKING, AND HARD SHIFTING. THE DEALERSHIP FIXED THE HARD SHIFTING FOR A COST, BUT THE SHUDDERING WITH NEVER GOT FIXED HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVEN BEFORE THEY RESET OR REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. IT SHUDDERS GOING UP STEP HILLS, AND AT TIMES WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY, AND WE WERE TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND WE SHOULDN'T BE ALARMED. HOWEVER AFTER DRIVING EVERY DAY FOR A LIVING, THIS DOESN'T FEEL OR SOUND CORRECT, ITS DEFINITELY NOT SAFE.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 24, 2019
THE CAR RADIO GOES OFF THE WINDOWS DON'T GO DOWN AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT ON THE CAR OUT OFF NO WHERE WHEN I MAINTAIN MY CAR EVERY 3 MONTHS AND AS NEEDED
Engine, May 24, 2019
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR IN A RURAL AREA GOING ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN THE CAR STARTED JERKING AND REVING NEAR 6 RPM. THE CAR WILL NO LONGER DRIVE IN REVERSE AND IS UNDRIVABLE.
Steering, May 24, 2019
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING..RESULTS IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING DEALER HAD TO CHANGE COMPLETE STEERING RACK TOLD US IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN SINCE IT IS SAME RACK THAT WAS FAULTY.FORD HAS NOT MADE CHANGES TO THIS SYSTEM OR ORDERED A RECALL
Other or unspecified, May 24, 2019
TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND NOT MOVING WHEN IN GEAR. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALSO ON.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 23, 2019
CAR STUTTERS FROM STARTING OUT TAKES TOO LONG TO ACCELERATE AND FRIENDS HAVE SAID WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAR .IT FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING
Visibility/wiper, May 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, BOTH WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PERFORMANCE FORD LINCOLN BOUNTIFUL (LOCATED AT 1800 S MAIN ST, BOUNTIFUL, UT 84010, (888) 476-8961) WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V475000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT) AND 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V149000 (VISIBILITY) REGARDING THE WIPERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED FOR THE WIPER FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Steering, Wheels, Fuel/propulsion system, May 22, 2019
TAKATA RECALL I NOTICED THAT THIS VEHICLE "CHUGS" WHEN IT IS SITTING IDLE, AND THAT SOMETIMES IT FEELS AS IF IT WANTS TO STALL WHILE IDLING. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL OUT FOR THIS ISSUE BUT I HAVE NOT BEEN INFORMED OF IT. IT SAYS THAT 10/22/2018 THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. ONTO THE NEXT ISSUE, WITHOUT WARNING MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE (THIS CAR IS MY DAILY DRIVER) AND THEN I BEGAN TO HEAR WHINING WHENEVER I WOULD TURN! HELP!
Steering, Power train, May 22, 2019
THE POWER STEERING FOR A WHILE WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, BUT 1 MONTH AGO THAT STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY.
Structure, May 21, 2019
DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR FAILED TO LATCH. TOOK VEH TO DEALER. THEY ADVISED REAR DOOR LATCH FAILURE REMOVED DOOR PANEL AND REPLACED DOOR LATCH. I ASKED IF THIS WAS A RECALL AND WAS TOLD NO I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT, THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL ISSUED BY NHTSA 16V643000 2012-1015 FORD FOCUS. IF THIS IS CORRECT MAYBE YOU NEED TO EXTEND THE RECALL. SEE ATTACHMENT WITH BILL FOR REPAIRS.
Steering, Electrical system, May 21, 2019
THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET !!! THE INTERNET IS TEAMING WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THIS VEHICLE. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THE NHTSA TAKES ACTION ?
Electrical system, Engine, May 21, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GROCERY STORE, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE CONTACT PULLED THE FUEL FUSE TO DISCONTINUE THE FLOW OF FUEL AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE LIGHTING REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED TO TURN OFF THE LIGHTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED ROY O'BRIEN FORD AT 586-776-7600 (LOCATED AT 22201 E 9 MILE RD, ST CLAIR SHORES, MI 48080) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A KNOWN ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ELDER FORD (888-467-5023, LOCATED AT 777 JOHN R RD, TROY, MI 48083) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY EXPLANATION FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.
Steering, May 20, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN. THE CONTACT CALLED DENNY MENHOLT FORD (LOCATED AT 50 FORD LN, BUTTE, MT 59701, (406) 494-6333) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, May 20, 2019
THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO A "BRAKE LAMP BULB FAULT" DUE TO THE SHODDY WIRING AND WIRING HARNESS THAT AFFIXES THE WIRES TO THE TRUNK LID. AFTER MANY OPEN AND CLOSE ITERATIONS OF THE TRUNK LID, WIRES BECOME BRITTLE AND FRAY, AND EVENTUALLY FAULT. THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD THROUGHOUT THE FORUMS WITH MANY INDIVIDUALS RESORTING TO CUTTING THE CABLES AND RESOLDERING OR REATTACHING THEM WITH REDUCED WIRE TENSION. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND CAN CAUSE POTENTIAL REAR END ACCIDENTS WHEN THE BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS FAIL TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAULT APPEARS AS SOON AS THE CAR TURNS ON, AND CAN SPORADICALLY GO AWAY WHEN DRIVING. AS SPORADICALLY AS IT DISAPPEARS, IT REAPPEARS AND REMAINS. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A DESIGN FLAW WITH WIRING NOT SHIELDED IN ANY WAY AND SIMPLY WRAPPED IN TAPE.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 20, 2019
FUEL GAUGE SUDDENLY INACCURATE- SHOWING FULLER THAN IT SHOULD BE. NOTICED DISCREPANCY AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE, SHOPPED AND PLANNED TO GET GAS ON THE WAY HOME. WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE THE GAUGE WENT FROM 1/2 FULL TO 3/4 FULL. IT REMAINED 3/4 FULL WITH ADDITIONAL DRIVING OF MULTIPLE TRIPS. I WAS TOLD BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALER THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 18532.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 17, 2019
FORD ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE (MANUFACTURER RECALL #18S32) NHTSA RECALL # 18V735 ON OCTOBE22, 2018. THEY STILL HAVE NOT COME UP WTIH A REMEDY OTHER THAN TO KEEP THE GAS TANK AT LEAST 1/2 FULL. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO ME.
Steering, May 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS FAULTY AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE STRENGTH TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT "STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTION" WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, MALUFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT CAME UPON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WAYNE AKERS FORD (2000 10TH AVE N, LAKE WORTH, FL 33461, (800) 749-8875) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW STEERING GEAR WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID. *BF 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Power train, May 16, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SAFFORD FORD LINCOLN OF SALISBURY (1902 NORTH SALISBURY BLVD, SALISBURY, MD, (410) 548-4600) WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE THREE TIMES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Steering, May 16, 2019
THE POWER ASSISTING WHEEL STEERING HAS MALFUNCTION AND LEADS TO VERY DIFFICULT WHEEL TURNING. IT INCREASE THE RISK OF ACCIDENT WHEN THE MALFUNCTION WAS SUDDENLY HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING ON ROAD. FORD FRANCHISE DEALER STORE HAS VERIFIED THAT THIS ISSUE HAPPENS ON 2012-2014 FORD FUSION AND FOCUS AND THE ISSUE HAPPENS WITHOUT CAR BEING HIT OR INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT. FORD HAS ALREADY ANNOUNCED RECALLS FOR 2011-2014 ESCAPE, EXPLORER, AND MARINER FOR POWER STEERING DEFECT. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME SITUATION DESCRIBED FOR THOSE RECALLS. THEREFORE FOCUS SHOULD BE IANOTHER MODEL OF FORD VEHICLES THAT NEEDS INVESTIGATION FOR POWER STEERING DEFECT AND BE RECALLED FOR REPAIR. MORE COMPLAINTS FROM FOCUS OWNERS ONLINE: HTTP://M.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/FOCUS/2012/STEERING/POWER_STEERING_FAILURE.SHTML
Power train, Structure, Engine, May 15, 2019
TAKATA RECALL MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR WANT SHUT AND I SEE IT HAS A RECALL ON MY ENGINE ALSO. I WAS DRIVING AND MY DOOR JUST FLEW OPEN I TRIED SHUTTING IT SEVERAL TIMES IT WOULDN'T BUDGE. MY RADIO ALSO DON'T WORK ETHER I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S PART OF IT. *TR
Electrical system, May 15, 2019
RADIO STARTS TO POP AND SOUND LIKE MACHINE GUN FIRE. IT GOES OFF AND ON IRREGULARLY AND EVEN DOES IT WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF. SOMETIMES IT WILL WORK FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN THE POPPING AND GUN FIRE BEGINS AGAIN. I AM AFRAID THAT SOMEONE WILL THINK I'M SHOOTING AS THEM. IF IT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING, IT IS VERY SCARY. COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. BIRD KULTGEN FORD (1701 W LOOP 340, WACO, TX 76712, (254) 666-2473) PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.