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, Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and after picking up the vehicle, the vehicle shifted into park and inadvertently stalled, almost causing a rear-end collision. The contact also stated that the navigation system and the lights were not working as needed. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Power train, Jul 28, 2024
The vehicle shudders Jerks and feels like it shifts hard I’ve been doing my research I just bought a car with a defective transmission year 2012-2018 I would like it repaired it’s not fair that I’ve spent all my money on this car and it’s a lemon by ford
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the canister purge valve. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2024
There’s a recall for my transmission but my clutch which is also the cause of my transmission failing and overheating and also stopping in its own in the middle of traffic is a major safety issue that Ford says they don’t have a program for and stated that they can’t fix my transmission due to in the recall it doesn’t mention clutch being repaired. I have the paperwork stating that I need my transmission rebuilt but Ford couldn’t do it due to the clutch not being in the recall but of course I was out of $200 just to get a diagnosis and risk the chance of driving to the Ford company and back home to get my car diagnosed which my car stopped on me once going to the Ford dealership and had to pull to the side due to transmission overheating safety popping up on my dash and saying wait 5 minutes. Today 7/12/24 after picking my car up from Ford I had to manually reset my transmission in order to drive back home which is what I’ve been previously doing every since having this problem my car dash alerted me that my transmission was overheating within driving it for only 2 minutes and just automatically shut down on me in the middle of the intersection. There’s no way for me to put my hazard lights on due to car shutting I had to hurry up and jump out of my car to direct traffic to go around me. Had to wait at least 10 minutes then reset my transmission and tried driving back home but again my car shut off without warning me this time. I feel like Ford isn’t any help when it comes to an issue like this cause this really is a safety issue what if the car behind he wasn’t paying any attention and crashed my rear end even though they’ll be at fault. What if this situation would’ve happened on the highway when traffic is really busy going 70 miles per hour? This is something that needs to be added in the Ford recall program as well with the transmission. Now I’m stuck w/out a car with no job due to not having a reliable person to take me to and from work while my car won’t run
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 8, 2024
1) each and every time I pop it fuel into my car, even if I'm just topping it off, when I start it it like starts to bog down like it's clogged or something, then just like that clears up. 2) while car is off, and no keys in ignition at all, my cars dashboard makes this almost clicking sound and I notice the fuel tank and gauge both shot b up to the top then drop back downs, it's strange, 3) sometimes when accelerating from hear the car almost stalks... That's v the only way I'd be by able to describe it
Seat belts, Jul 8, 2024
Driver seatbelt is stuck and doesn't budge. I think I saw an old recall regarding this possibly... Since I've owned the car it hasn't came u jammed not at all a single time.not even moved an inch. I sprayed WD-40 down to it and nothing...
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 7, 2024
Car will stall and then completely shut down. And takes awhile to restart. This last time I was on the highway and cars were going so fast. Almost had a panic attack!!
Power train, Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated the while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. Additionally, while attempting to drive uphill, the vehicle rolled backwards. During the failure, the message "Transmission Overheated" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the clutch was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 199,152.
Power train, Jun 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission hesitated and then jerked into the intended gear. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed clutch failure. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Power train, Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted but the vehicle was unable to be shifted into gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 13, 2024
Vehicle won’t start on multiple occasions. Vehicle struggles to turn on and lag to turn off. Vehicle struggles to change gears to speed up
Power train, Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the "Transmission Overheating," message was displayed, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch packs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Steering, Jun 10, 2024, crash
I was traveling on a Highway on my way home and as I was turning in a curve at around 40 mph all of a sudden a message came up on my dash that steering assist fault which I didn’t know at the time I was to busy trying not to wreck my steering wheel locked In place coming out of the curve which put me in to the other lane of travel and eventually into a ditch and and thank god not into another vehicle, if there is not some kind of safety recall or major issue that should be a recall the governor or someone should address this immediately I was lucky I did not die. 1. So the system that failed is steering assist fault & yes it is available for inspection. 2 my safety and anyone else that was traveling in oncoming lanes life was in serious risk. 3 the problem is still there can’t get the steering to move to take it anywhere safely. 4 No it has not been inspected by anyone other than my brother to tow it home for me. 5 There was no warning lamps or malfunctions or symptoms at all until the incident happened the steering locked up I heard a tone and when I finally came to a stop these words where on the center dash display. Steering Assist Fault Service required.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 13, 2024
For almost 5 years everytime I fill my gas tank the fumes leak from my car. About 2 days ago the tank started leaking gas from a huge crack in the tank. I told the Ford service center about this issue and they said that my individual car wasn't under the recall (for this exact issue) so they can only look at it and see what they can do. I know of a few other Focus models (a little newer than my 2012) who have also experienced this issue as well whose cars was not under the recall. Just in the 10 minute and less than 15 mile drive from my house to the service center I saw my fuel gauge go from 275 miles to 223, not to mention about 4 days ago I went to fuel up and when I got home my tank was at 330 miles and I haven't left my house since I fueled up (except going to the service center). I called the Ford Customer Center and ws told to fill out this form and to see about a recall approval for my car for this issue.
Power train, May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started and the gear shifter was in reverse, the vehicle would not reverse(R). In addition, the check engine warning light had been illuminated before and remained illuminated after the transmission replacement in June 2023. The contact stated that the transmission had been replaced by the previous owner also. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission clutch and actuator and the transmission clutch and actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Structure, May 7, 2024
The trunk lid is rusting/deteriorating along the rim that meets the back bumper. I just dropped it off my red Ford Focus to Scott's Auto Fixit in Webster, NY for repair. I couldn't afford the new truck lid that the dealership service department offered at the Ford Dealership in Webster. The trunk lid was inspected by my auto insurance representative in 2019 (I have photos from 2019 and today {2024}). The lid is deteriorating with pieces of the lid falling into the trunk. I'm concerned of the possible risk of the trunk deteriorating to the point that other safety components would be affected - light, latch, lock (security). I've also notice that several Ford Focus automobiles are experiencing the same issue; the trunk lids are visibly rusting/deteriorating. The rust has discolored the paint on the rear bumper; that also needs to be addressed. frustrated!
Power train, Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was unable to properly shift gear. Additionally, the transmission began to lose motive power. The message that the transmission was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was able to restart after 30 minutes. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the transmission control module and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the dealer stated that the shift module also needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 4, 2024
My 2012 Ford SE stalls out between First, second and third gear whenever I am accelerating to 40mph. The Transmission error continues to pop up after driving for a long period of time. Whenever driving 50 mph to 70 mph as soon as I release the gas pedal, the car goes into neutral stall out & whenever I press down on the gas pedal nothing happens and I have to pull over & Turn the car off and turn it back on to reset the transmission computer. If I don’t do that and I press the gas pedal again, the car would jerk and I have to pull over immediately and the car off. I cannot press full on the gas pedal because the car would not accelerate at full speed. Whenever I put gas in the car, it won’t start right away. It would jerk and choke just to start up. It takes me a couple attempts to start the car after putting gas in order for it to start and go. Whenever I’m finished driving and turn the car off, it makes it clicking noise in the engine area for about 2 to 5 minutes and it won’t stop and it only happens when you open the front doors or when the car is completely turned the car off. Whenever I put a full tank of gas or a half tank , the car would not dry properly install out on the highway or street I can’t drive at normal speed because I don’t know when the car is gonna stall out before it hits 1,2 or 3rd gear, which makes it very dangerous to drive on the highway.
Power train, Mar 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch was slipping. The dealer determined that the clutch and the levers needed to be replaced, as per Ford TSB Number: 16-0109. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and ran out of fuel on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test and informed the contact to return the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the purge valve and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
Engine, Mar 23, 2024
Focus, which was purchased in California in 2017, clutch has gone which caused to stall and jerk in traffic, now has to be replaced at my expense! $4300. This was a massive hazard and defect!
Power train, Mar 22, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at high rates of speed, the "Pull Over Transmission Clutch Hot" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective transmission and the contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2024
While driving car trying to stall in middle of traffic.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 9, 2024, crash
Se acelera y desacelera repentinamente Quiero acelerar para llegar a la mismas velocidad del trafico y no lo hace y eso hase que ponga en peligro la vidad mia y de mi familia por que otro carro puede chocarme. Cuando sucedio eso se activo el CHECK, lo apago por completo y los parabrisas se activan repentinamente , todo esto es muy raro y no es bueno para mi
Steering, Mar 7, 2024
My son was driving vehicle to work when the power steering assist failure light came on and the steering became difficult. He was in traffic and this could have very easily caused and accident as the car is now very hard to steer. Have not had it looked at yet because from what I have seen the cost to repair is well over $2000 and I don't have that kind of money laying around.