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.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 28, 2017, crash
I STARTED MY CAR THIS MORNING, PUT IT IN REVERSE AND BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR LOCKED UP AND LOST POWER. I COULD NOT STEER OR BRAKE AND THE CAR CONTINUED ROLLING BACKWARDS UNTIL IT HIT MY GARAGE AND STOPPED. THE LIGHTS CAME ON MY DASH READ "(I) STEERING ASSIST FAULT". I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED AND I WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND GAIN FULL CONTROL OF MY CAR AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY FORD DEALER IN KANNAPOLIS, NC (WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR) AND THEY SAID THE CAR WOULD NEED TO "DUPLICATE THE ERROR" BEFORE THEY COULD DIAGNOSE IT. I EXPLAINED THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE IN MOTION FOR THAT TO HAPPEN AND I CANNOT STOP THE CAR IF THAT HAPPENS AGAIN. I DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE AND I AM PETRIFIED THIS WILL HAPPEN WHILE I AM ON THE ROAD AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR. THE TECH SAID THERE HAVE BEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE LOSS OF STEERING POWER ON THESE FORDS, BUT THAT UNTIL FORD ISSUES AN OFFICIAL RECALL THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX IT. IT COULD BE AS SIMPLE AS A SOFTWARE UPDATE.
Steering, Jan 27, 2017
ELECTRONIC RACK AND PINION FAILURE AFTER 91,000 MILES. MAKING STEERING NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE AND NEARLY CAUSING ACCIDENT. WHY WAS THIS NOT INCLUDED IN THE OTHER ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING RECALLS FROM FORD? EVERYTHING I HAVE SEEN IS THE RACK IS BEING EXPOSED TO TOO MUCH HEAT AND FAILING PREMATURELY
Power train, Jan 26, 2017
I'VE HAD MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH ISSUES AND IT CONTINUES NO MATTER WHAT TEMPORARY FIX FORD GIVES. I'VE HAD 2 CLUTCHES PUT IN AND MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SHAKING AND THE CAR JERKING AND ALSO THE CAR WONT SHIFT SOMETIMES AND ACCELERATES OUT OF NOWHERE. TODAY, AND THE REASON I'M COMPLAINING, MY TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING UP AND THEN MY "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION" LIGHT CAME ON AND AND THE CAR JERKED AND WOULDNT SHIFT AND CAUSED ME TO ALMOST LOSE CONTROL. THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED. I INLY HAVE ONE PICTURE BUT HAVE ALL THE SERVICE RECORDS
Power train, Jan 26, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Steering, Jan 25, 2017
LOSS OF STEERING POWER ASSIST ,VIOLENT LANE CHANGING ON FREEWAY
Structure, Jan 25, 2017
I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL ON DOOR LATCHES THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED. IT ALSO STATED THAT A REIMBURSMENT FOR A REPLACEMENT IS ALSO INCLUDED AND WILL TAKE 60 DAYS TO PROCESS. ONCE I RECEIVED MY LETTER I SENT IN THE PAPERWORK FOR REIMBURSMENT OF A LEFT REAR DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY ALONG WITH THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE MY CHECK FOR THE WORK DONE. IT IS NOW 30 DAYS OVER THE DATE THAT THE DOCUMENTS WERE MAILED IN ON OCTOBER 20TH, 2016. [XXX] *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Power train, Jan 24, 2017
VEHICLE DISENGAGES AND LEAVES YOU STRANDED RIGHT WHERE YOU SET, NO MATTER IF THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN DRIVE, PARK, REVERSE, OR SPORT IT DISENGAGES WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME NUMEROUS TIMES. ONCE, PULLED INTO GAS STATION TO GET GAS AND PUT VEHICLE INTO PARK, GOT OUT, FILLED TANK THEN GOT BACK INTO CAR AND PUT INTO DRIVE AND, NOTHING. TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE. ANOTHER TIME, DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AND SAME THING, DISENGAGES THEN WOULD LUNGE THEN DISENGAGE COMPLETELY, STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. ANOTHER TIME, AND THIS HAS HAPPEN SO MUCH THAT NOW I TRY TO TIME MYSELF WHILE APPROACHING TRAFFIC SIGNALS AS TO PREPARE MYSELF AS IF IT WHERE GOING TO LOSE POWER EVERY TIME. THESE TIMES YOU WILL BE SETTING IN TRAFFIC AT A LIGHT OR JUST RUSH HOUR BUMPER TO BUMPER AND THE LIGHT CHANGES OR TRAFFIC STARTS TO MOVE AND WITHOUT WARNING TRANSMISSION, DISENGAGES. STRANDED, IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I AM SURPRISED WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT I SEE EVERYONE IS HAVING WITH THESE VEHICLES PERTAINING TO THE TRANSMISSIONS, SOMEONE HASN'T BEEN KILLED. THIS PROBLEM ISN'T A SECRET ANYMORE. JUST GOOGLE FORD FOCUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS! THE NHTSA NEEDS TO "(AS A FEDERAL AGENCY, NHTSA REGULATES THE SAFETY OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT)" DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE CONSUMER. CALL FORD MOTOR OUT ON THIS ISSUE AND MAKE THEM STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT THAT ARE SELLING. GO TO HTTP://WLOS.COM/NEWS/NEWS-13-INVESTIGATES/FORD-SUED-OVER-FAULTY-TRANSMISSIONS-IN-SOME-FOCUS-FEISTAS THIS PRETTY MUCH EXPLAINS IT. THIS IS WHY FORD STOPPED USING THIS TRANSMISSION IN END OF 2015. THERE IS NO FIXING IT! IT IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN ISSUE AND THEY KNOW IT. AND AS FAR AS THE WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN BOX AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE, THESE AREN'T ISOLATED INCIDENTS, THIS HAPPENS OFTEN AND TO MOST PEOPLE WHO OWN THESE CARS MANUFACTURED WITH THIS TRANSMISSION BETWEEN 2011-2015. *TR
Power train, Jan 23, 2017
THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER EVEN THOUGH IT IS STILL IN DRIVE; ENGINE STILL RUNNING FINE, TRANSMISSION IS NOT. MAKES NO DIFFERENCE WHERE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN; HIGHWAY, CITY STREET, TURNING, THE TRANSMISSIONS SIMPLY SLIPS OUT OF GEAR. YIKES.. DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND LOST POWER, YET ENGINE STILL RUNNING. LIKE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL BUT STILL IN DRIVE. ALSO, TURNING INTO DRIVEWAY AND DID IT AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 23, 2017, crash
I PURCHASED MY 2012 FORD FOCUS IN JULY OF 2016 WITH 29,000 MILES ON IT AND I WAS AWARE OF THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHEN PURCHASED. HOWEVER WAS NOT NOTIFY ABOUT MY DOOR LATCHES UNABLE TO CLOSE. APPARENTLY OCTOBER 3, 2016 FORD DECIDED TO SEND OUT A RECALL LETTER CLAIMING THAT MY DOORS WON'T CLOSE WHILE DRIVING OR JUST WON'T CLOSE. ASKED ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED. MY BACK DRIVER DOOR JUST STOPPED CLOSING COMPLETELY, I DAMAGED MY SIDE OF THE DOOR FROM STOPPING THE DOOR FROM COMING OPEN. MY NEAREST DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT PARTS WEREN'T AVAILABLE FOR MY CAR AND THAT I'LL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR TO GET MY CAR FIXED. I BEGGED THEM TO DO AT LEAST SOMETHING TO KEEP MY CAR DOORS CLOSE AND THEY TIED MY SEATBELT TO MY BACK CAR DOOR TO PREVENT THE DOOR FROM OPENING. HOWEVER MY FRONT PASSENGER DOOR STILL OPENED AND STAYED OPEN RANDOMLY WHICH CAUSE A FEW OF MY FRIENDS TO FALL OUT OF IT! MY CAR WAS LIKE THAT FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS. THEN THEY FINALLY "FIXED" IT BY PUTTING REPLACEMENT PARTS ON IT UNTIL THE ACTUAL PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE SOMETIME THIS YEAR. MY FRONT PASSENGER DOOR IS EVEN WORST THAN BEFORE. USUALLY IT TAKES ME SLAMMING THE DOOR THREE TIMES BEFORE IT CLOSED, BUT NOW IT TAKES MORE THAN THREE TIMES AND I HAVE TO SLAM HARDER!!! I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF DEALING WITH THIS CAR, I THINK IT SHOULDN'T BE DOING THAT WHEN IT WAS ALMOST NEW!!!! ALSO THEY STILL WON'T DO ANYTHING WITH THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF THE "PARTS" WHICH I THINK THERE'S NOT GOING TO BE ANY PARTS. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT I PURCHASED, IF MY TRANSMISSION DOESN'T WORK OR MY DOORS DON'T CLOSE HOW CAN ANYONE CONSIDERING THIS A CAR?!?! WHAT DID I BUY?!?! THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!!! I DON'T KNOW IF ONE DAY IF MY FRONT DRIVING DOOR WILL COME OPEN AND I'LL BE FLYING OUT SOMEWHERE DEAD ON THE HIGHWAY. I JUST DON'T FEEL SAFE AND I WISH SOMEONE WOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS! *TR
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2017
THE BACK DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THE OUTSIDE HANDLE ON THE BACK DOOR IS BROKEN AN THE DOOR WONT SHUT. THE OUTSIDE HANDLE TO THE DOOR IS NOT BROKEN. ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR. AFTER I TOOK THE DOOR PANIEL OF WERE THE WINDOW GO UP AND DOWN. THE TRACKER THAT LETS THE WINDOW DOWN BYE THE LATCH WERE OPEN THE A PEACE OF THE WHITE PLASTIC HANDLE IS BROKEN RIGHT BYE THE CHILDREN'S SAFTY LATCHES ON THE DOOR. MS. VIRGINIA HALTOM
Steering, Jan 22, 2017
POWER STEERING HAS BEEN FAILING INTERMITTENTLY. CAR DRIVES LIKE THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. SO FAR IT HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED IMMEDIATELY AFTER CAR HAS BEEN TURNED ON AND NOT WHILE IN MOTION. THE PROBLEM SOUNDS COMMON BASED ON ONLINE SEARCHES.
Power train, Jan 20, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 40 MPH AND WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO THE DRIVE AND/OR REVERSE POSITIONS, THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED AND THE DISPLAY PANEL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND DISPLAYED "HOT HOT PULL OVER". THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER, RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO THE DEALER. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 03/07/17*LJ *CN
Air bags, Jan 20, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR AND SUBFRAME. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK, AND BACK INJURIES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BRUISED NECK, AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED RIGHT FEMUR. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Engine, Jan 19, 2017
"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE A 2012 FORD FOCUS, THAT IS KNOCKING LOUD, I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPEN, THE DELEARSHIP DID TRANSMISSION WORK ON IT EARLIER 2016, ONE MORNING, WHEN I GOT INTO THE CAR, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND IT KNOCKING, SO MY HUSBAND CHECK TO SEE IF, THERE IS OIL IN THERE AND IT WAS, SO I WAS GOING TO TAKE TO HAVE A OIL CHANGE, BUT HE SAID, WE NEED TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON FIRST. I WILL TAKE TO DELARSHIP THIS WEEK TO SEE WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. BUT WOULD LIKE FORD TO TAKE CARE OF REPAIR. MY FOCUS WAS BOUGHT NEW AND I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 4 RECALLS ON IT SO FAR.
Power train, Jan 19, 2017
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME VIA TYPICAL CITY STREETS AND THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT CATCH GEAR AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT TO LOOK UNDER THE CAR AND SEE IF THERE WAS ANY VISUAL DAMAGE. NOTHING VISUAL BUT THERE WAS A SLIGHT BURNING SMELL COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN BUT THIS TIME IT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. A WARNING APPEARED "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW" I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO GET DOWN THE STREET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND BEFORE COMING TO A STOP THE "TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING" WARNING APPEARED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN 2 YEARS THAT THE CAR HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. THERE WERE SEVERAL TSB'S ISSUED BY FORD FOR THE TRANSMISSION ON THE FOCUS AND I HAD MY CAR SERVICED ACCORDINGLY SO I WAS ASSUMING THE PROBLEMS WERE FIXED.
Steering, Jan 18, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,255.
Structure, Jan 15, 2017
MY LAST REPORT WAS ON THE AFFECTS OF THE TCM FAILURE AND THE COMPUTER FAILURES OF THE ENGINE, WIPERS AND NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE CAR. AS I CONTINUED TO OBSERVE THE CONTINUED ISSUES OF THE FORD FOCUS, I NOW HAVE A PROBLEMS WITH THE DOORS. THE DOORS ARE NOT UNLOCKING. SOME WILL UNLOCK AND SOME WILL REMAIN LOCK. AT THIS POINT WITH THE MILEAGE AT 73400 THE PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD FOCUS IS NOT GOING AWAY. I STILL OWE MONEY ON THE VEHICLE AND I CAN'T DRIVE IT ANY MORE BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUES IT HAS. 1. TCM 2. SHUTTING DOWN WITHOUT NOTICE 3. JERKING BACK WHEN INITIATING PARK 4. WIPERS GOING ON WITHOUT NOTICE 5. ENGINE SHUTTING DOWN WHEN IN DRIVE
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper, Jan 15, 2017
PURCHASED 2012 FORD FOCUS USED, 04-14-15. I TEST DROVE THE CAR IT JERKED A LITTLE. THE REP STATED IT WAS NORMAL. THE NEXT 4 MONTHS IT CONTINUED TO JERK, SKIP, HESITATE AND JUST NOT MOVE WHEN YOU ACCELERATED. IN 08-2015 I REC'D A LETTER FROM FORD, MY CAR NEEDED A TCM-SOFTWARE UPDATE. 09-09-15 I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP IT TOOK AN HOUR TO RE-PROGRAM THE TCM. THE DEALERSHIP HANDED A PRINTED COPY OF THE TCM CHARACTERISTICS. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH THE SAME ISSUES HOPING IT WOULD GO AWAY. 10-19-15 WENT BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE TCM RE-PROGRAMMED AGAIN. I CALLED FORD TO COMPLAIN 10-19-15 AND A CASE FILE WAS ISSUED #[XXX]. I DID NOT WANT TO GO BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP. 10-23-15 THE CAR WENT TO THE 2ND DEALERSHIP. DISCOVERED THE TCM HAD FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED., EXPLAINING TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR A NUMBER OF MILES TO CORRECT ITSELF. THE DRIVE HAD IMPROVED, BUT THEN STARTED FAILING AGAIN. 03-16-16 I WENT BACK TO THE 2ND DEALERSHIP, THE TCM WAS REPLACED. AGAIN THE DRIVE HAD SLIGHTLY IMPROVED AND HAD AGAIN FAILED. THIS TIME WHEN THE TCM FAILED, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE WIPERS CAME ON WITHOUT TURNING THEM ON,EVEN WHEN THE CAR WAS OFF. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULDN'T COME ON SO I REPLACED THE BATTERY. DROVE THE CAR ABOUT 300 MILES MADE A STOP AND IT WOULD NOT COME BACK ON. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED AND THE LOCAL MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR STARTED AGAIN. DRIVING BACK HOME ABOUT 150 MILES ON HIGHWAY ALL LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH, BATTERY, FUEL, TRANS, ETC.. WIPERS CAME ON, POWER STEERING WAS LOST AND ENGINE SHUT OFF. ROLLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. SAT 5 MIN, THEN STARTED AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED!? WE MADE IT HOME. CAR NOT STARTING. 12-06-16 TOWED TO FORD. TCM MODULE CRASHED THE COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM, REPLACED TCM AND RE-PROGRAMMED SYSTEM. 01-10-17 WIPERS STILL COME ON WITH ENGINE OFF. W/RETURN TO FORD 01-17-17. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Seat belts, Jan 10, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCHES WERE UNABLE TO LATCH OR UNLATCH IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
Steering, Jan 10, 2017
POWER STEERING FAILS WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD MULTIPLE TIMES. ALSO SOMETIMES WHEN YOU START THE VEHICLE THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED UP FOR ABOU 30 SECONDS THEN EXCISES TO WORK.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 10, 2017
TAKATA RECALL SO I WAS TOLD AFTER HAVING MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE AFTER BOB LOWTH FORD SELLING ME IT THAT SOME PARTS ARE ON RECALL AND I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN I DON'T WANT TO PUT IN RISK IF ANYTHING HAPPENS DURING THE WINTER WEATHER HERE IN MN FOR INSISTENCE MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT STARTED FEELING LIKE IT WANTED TO DIE OUT ON US EARLY MORNING AROUND 7:30 AM CENTRAL TIME SO I ALWAYS TRY TO MAKE SURE THAT MY SMALL CHILDREN HAVE BLANKETS IN CASE WE DIE OUT IN -20 WEATHER. *TR
Engine, Jan 9, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO PHYSICALLY PUSH THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE POWER TRAIN, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE RECALL DETAILS WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,366.
Steering, Jan 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE DRIFTED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE ISSUE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,595.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. THE DOOR WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE SEAT BELT WAS USED TO SECURE AND PREVENT THE DOOR FROM OPENING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V643000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,844. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Jan 3, 2017
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I HAVE RECEIVED NOTICE THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER-ASSISTED STEERING (EPAS) SYSTEM HAS A FAULT AND THAT SERVICE WOULD BE REQUIRED. THE REMEDY, AS PROVIDED IN THE MANUAL, IS TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE THEN RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESET THE MODULE. WHILE I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THIS HAD NOT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING, THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE, PARTICULARLY BECAUSE THE STEERING LOCKS UP WHEN THE FAULT OCCURS. RECENTLY, THE EPAS SYSTEM NOTIFIED ME OF A FAULT AND IT WAS NOT REMEDIED UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME MODEL YEAR AND MAKE, HOWEVER, FORD HAS NOT PROVIDED A RECALL, AS THEY DID WITH THE 2012 FUSION AND FLEX. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT, WHEREIN THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT BEAR THE COST OF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT (UP TO $2000.00), ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE RECALL ON SIMILAR MODELS FROM THE SAME YEAR. *TR