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.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 3, 2024
Intermittent loss of brake pressure. ABS would activate and leave the brake pedal feeling soft and having low brake pressure. This problem would randomly fix itself and then randomly happen again while braking normally or after the ABS would engage. Sometime the problem would last for weeks until suddenly the brake pedal would be firm and have strong brake pressure.
Power train, Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the "Engine Malfunction, Service Now" message was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the "Parking Aide Malfunction Service Required" message was displayed on the instrument panel when the vehicle was shifted into reverse(R). The vehicle also stalled upon the depression of the accelerator pedal after coming to a complete stop with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and replaced the battery, starter, and spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission control module (TCM) was defective. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Other or unspecified, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 22, 2024
The door ajar light illuminates on the dash even though the door is shut, the door ajar shows it is the driver side back door. With that warning I'm unable to lock the doors while inside the vehicle and the doors do not lock when putting the vehicle in drive from park or unlock when putting the vehicle in park from drive. I'm also unable to use the door handle lock and unlock sensor on the outside of the driver door.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 21, 2024
While driving on interstate ,my car suddenly started hesitating and failed to pick up speed. The engine light came on. I pulled over, but did not turn car off fearing it would not restart, to look at owners manual. The problem continued as I drove home. I have driven it once for a short distance since and there was no change. This could cause an accident since it happened unexpectedly while driving at high speed. Brake light fault warning light is illuminated although light appears to be working. This could cause rear end collision if not operating. Luggage compartment opens while driving which causes visibility issue and chance of items stored there to blow out and cause accident. I can not tell if this issue is included in recall addressing locks and latches. Driver side window no longer operates, preventing escape if needed
Power train, Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to shudder, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch, requiring a replacement clutch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Power train, Feb 12, 2024
The transmission is experiencing intermitnet slipping and hesitation. When attempting to take off at a stop light on an inclined road the car rolled backwards before transmission engaged & I was able to proceed. No warning lights or messages are present.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 12, 2024
I have reported before my vehicle is and has been cyber attacked. This time around my horn has been disable. They turn on the radio, they turn on the light lights of the vehicle, they turn on the radio, they turn on the ac/heat control. If I take it in again, they are going to tell me nothing is wrong. This is very dangerous for me as a driver. I cannot drive a vehicle without a horn. I NEVER heard from you guys on the last report I made. Not sure how this one is going to help. This Ford vehicle is dangerous! If you can please assist, I would appreciate it. Thank you!
Power train, Feb 11, 2024
Shuttering, shift slipping, wont move
Power train, Feb 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission experienced a loss of motive power, causing the vehicle to decelerate and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. During the failure the message "Transmission Malfunction, Service Now" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Steering, Feb 1, 2024
My power steering went out so my rack and pinion needed replaced and my car is only at 85,000 miles. This is a manufacturer error on ford's part and would like it to be looked into.
Steering, Jan 31, 2024
While driving vehicle power steering went completely out and warning message displayed. Control of car was difficult due to know power steering. No prior problems with steering before. have not had problem diagnosed as mechanics are all booked weeks out.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 25, 2024
The transmission module, and Transmission. While on freeway with my family car shut off while driving. Yes , Yes , No there were no warning signs until after the jerking and shaking started after 39 days then the engine light came on. After that a that the sign said transmission over heating pull over and let car cool down. what was most scary is that it shut off while driving.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that once the fuel level was less than a quarter tank full, the vehicle would begin to hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered and linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Power train, Jan 11, 2024
I was driving my car and received a "stop safely now" message. It was brought to the dealer and the 12v battery was replaced and the condition stopped. One week later, however, it happened again. I was in the middle of an intersection after taking off from a stop light and the "stop safely now" message appeared and the car would no longer work. Dealer indicates it is an issue with the transmission control module- which is under a recall for some other 2012-2014 Ford Focus electric cars... mine does not appear to be included in that recall, but it is exhibiting symptoms exactly like the open recall. Very hazardous situation as the vehicle loses all power- first time was on an Interstate highway and the second was in the middle of the intersection.
Power train, Jan 1, 2024
Jerking on first and second gear shutterings
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact added fuel to the vehicle and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel tank had collapsed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.
Steering, Dec 23, 2023
I had just came home after driving on the interstate to and from a family event. I wasn’t home but approximately 15 minutes and got an emergency call about a death in my immediate family. I started my car and the steering wheel wouldn’t move! It still didn’t move if you put it in gear! It was totally disabled and I was thankful that this didn’t happen while driving. Especially on the interstate. I had several children with me on that trip, whom along with myself, could have been severely injured or killed! I later found out that Ford recalled the 2012 Ford Fusion, but not the 2012 Ford Focus for the exact same steering loss issue. This should be against the law and Ford needs to be held accountable for this issue for the Ford Focus as well!
Wheels, Dec 14, 2023
14-Dec-2023, Brought my car into the tire repair store to have flat fixed. Was told the 5 lug nuts would have to be replaced because the original ones were corroded due to their design. This cost me $51.00 on this trip. 20-Aug-2020, Brought my car into the Ford dealership to have tires rotated. Was tolld 12 lug nuts would have be replace becaue the original ones were corroded due to their design. It cost me $82.08 on that trip. These lug nuts can break because of corrision, causing a serious accident.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Dec 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the emission evap canister control purge valve and fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer informed the contact that no repairs were needed upon inspection. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled abruptly while driving, almost causing other vehicles to crash into the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a second independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank had failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure occurred due to the lack of fuel in the fuel tank. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to shift into gears as intended and would shut off while driving. The contact also stated that the vehicle accelerated independently while driving, almost causing her to strike pedestrians. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the dealer diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2023
we had a recall and Ford Motor frauded us three times. we brought our car in for ford focus transmission module in 2021 to get it fixed wihtin greico Ford the ten year and they made us pay 176 to hold the part put us off for two years telling us no part on back order and then they called us said they had it and gave it away in a day as we were five hours away after making us wait two years and taking money from us they refuse to give us back our money and then we took to anohter ford dealer sarasota ford and they frauded us and just reset the old defective part and now they saying sorry to late now i demand something done we shjpuld have it markled as not fixed the recall it is outstanding they lied and we never got it fixed and they l;ying saying it was fixed and they just reset the old defective part they frauded us
Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2023
Sometimes when I start the car it shifts into next gear slowly. It may begin with a vibrating or jerky motion.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which she linked to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Structure, Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated following repair work on the transmission, the contact was advised by the dealer to pick up the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not test driven because of extreme rust to the sub frame, and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact determined that the cost of replacing the sub frame would exceed the value of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to several reported instances of severe corrosion for several years, makes, and models of the vehicle. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Power train, Nov 6, 2023
The contact's wife owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the transmission unintendedly shifted gear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired approximately 15 times, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 24, 2023
The contact's son owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the transmission started slipping. The vehicle was not shifting into the intended gear as designed. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The engine overheated and pull over safely messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a radiator flush, spark plug replacement, tune up, and a transmission flush needed to be performed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about a buyback and then referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.