Home · 2012 Ford Focus Bev · Complaints

What 3,789 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Focus Bev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (3,789)Crash / fire / injury (146)Transmission & drivetrain (1,455)Steering (932)Engine (475)Electrical system (366)Fuel system (340)Body & structure (330)Speed control (169)Latches & locks (133)Visibility & wipers (70)Brakes (61)

Newest first · 3,789 complaints · page 11 of 152

Oct 22, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

While driving on city streets (25-35mph) with consistent pressure to gas pedal, the engine revved with RPMs spiking while the car slowed down. Check engine light came on. The car was taken to a local mechanic who cleared the check engine light but did not otherwise intervene--they said it was a transmission error code and referred me to a transmission specialist. The car drove normally again after that. Transmission shop gave me the error codes for transmission (P090C-00), Body Control Module (B10D7-81 & B10D7-94), Tire Pressure Monitor (B10D7-81 & B10D7-94) and OBDII Codes (P090C). This is the second time this has happened to this particular car.

NHTSA ODI 11490441

Oct 21, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA ODI 11490282

Oct 19, 2022Fuel system

Purge Valve became stuck closed which caused fuel vapors to become trapped in the fuel tank. Fuel tank collapsed inward. This is a common occurrence with 2012-2018 Ford Focus models but my vehicle was not covered under a recall warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11490057

Oct 18, 2022Engine

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speed, the vehicle would not accelerate and the vehicle started to shake, causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ODI 11489791

Oct 13, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter failed to shift into the intended gear while the RPM fluctuated. Additionally, the engine was revving loudly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ODI 11489144

Oct 12, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate and shake upon the depression of the accelerator pedal as a "transmission overheating" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective dual-clutch transmission. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not covered under warranty or recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11488964

Sep 30, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light illuminated indicating not to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that she was able to maneuver the vehicle off the road. The contact then notified her son and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that parts were on back order and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

NHTSA ODI 11487229

Sep 30, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on numerous occasions the transmission warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact then stated that on multiple occasions while making a right turn, she heard a bumping noise. The vehicle was first taken to an auto shop however, the vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and produced code: P073S:006C stating that the engine failed to engage in gear one and the dual clutch module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there was no extended warranty on the vehicle and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11487327

Sep 29, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping and failed to recognize the intended gear. The failure nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

NHTSA ODI 11487091

Sep 27, 2022Engine

2012 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.

NHTSA ODI 11486589

Sep 26, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the Service Transmission or Transmission Failure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking however, she was able to drive home safely. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact was informed that the vehicle warranty would not cover the repair. The failure mileage was 156,000.

NHTSA ODI 11486407

Sep 26, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

My 18yr old daughter just purchased this car and drove it for 2 weeks when the transmission went out. IT STOPPED WORKING MID TURN!! LUCKY SHE DIDN'T GET HIT BY ANOTHER Vehicle. Now it has been towed to a Ford dealership that is stating the part is on "back order" so this car that she saved her own money to purchase is sitting, out of commission, for who knows how long!

NHTSA ODI 11486420

Sep 26, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact's son owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM revved up and the vehicle decelerated independently. Additionally, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's son was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact continued driving at slower speeds. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred increasingly. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics where it was diagnosed that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under Ford Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage Campaign Number: 14M02 because the campaign expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11486536

Sep 23, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The car would not go out of first gear when driving it home and put my son in a dangerous position on the road. We had to have it towed to the dealership(Hiller Ford) from our house. It was determined that it was the TCM (transmission control module) needed replacing and the car thinks it is in gear so it would then not even start. It is undrivable. This is a known problem by Ford and they did a customer satisfaction 10 year extended coverage if something happened which expired on our car 7/2/2022. The TCM is on back order with some stating they have been waiting 6 months and still not arrived. We bought the car used from a Ford dealership with a certified pre-owned warranty. We never received anything from Ford regarding this issue and it was never recalled. There was a class action lawsuit but we did not receive any information from Ford on this. I talked to Ford and they opened a case, but said there was no recourse. The dealership also told me that they have had cars with the TCM replaced that failed again and required further transmission work. There were no warning messages or problems prior to the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11485981

Sep 23, 2022Steering

Power steering stopped working while driving at 65 miles per hour and wheel locked almost causing an accident. Power steering malfunction

NHTSA ODI 11486099

Sep 21, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel started to vibrate increased while accelerating. The contact stated that steering wheel continued to vibrate abnormally while decelerating. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was related to the transmission shudder. The independent mechanic informed the contact to take the vehicle to a local dealer for an accurate diagnostic test and to contact the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11485643

Sep 20, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and downshifted independently. The contact stated that the shift action warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle safely and after 5 minutes the vehicle was restarted and driven to his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,821.

NHTSA ODI 11485506

Sep 19, 2022Speed controlEngine

Transmission over heating stop safely light comes on transmission hot stop wait 5 second I do the restart of the transmission and it keeps doing it

NHTSA ODI 11485138

Sep 16, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

My dad n me bought a used 2012 ford focus titanium from a local ford dealer. Had some odd noises when we got it figured from sitting. Well it's been in the Dealership for the noise n other problems. The one service guy said they were going to replace the clutch due to throw out bearing and clutch n other things going bad with in 45 days. We brought it back 2 more times never could figure it out,then finally the 3rd time which we pay for an extended warranty from fords 3rd party company called GWC warranty company and said they would not replace anything with trans or clutch or assy due to it being external which they want $1700. But the guy who we spoke to (don't recall name) said they take care of it but now no one wants to fix it they already got money out of us for down time n rental and other fixes. It was a pre existing condition and we want someone to fix it and pay for it. They kept giving running around for a different car more money down and we are living day by day with money. Ford or this dealer doesn't seem to care about safety or people getting hurt if someone does or car breaks. So we're looking to see what can be done. Which it's been a big problem for years with these cars and the TCM has been flashed and replace two times the roof leaked, dash has mold.. etc, we needed a car we already put new tires, brakes, many other parts into it and the one thing they won't do is fix what they said. And the clutch connect on other side of transmission it's the power shift transmission

NHTSA ODI 11484750

Sep 16, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the safety alert and other unknown warning lights illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who confirmed that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and failure. The approximate failure mileage 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11484809

Sep 16, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as designed. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power while driving. The contact stated that after driving for several minutes the vehicle started to operate normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the transmission module was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11484888

Sep 15, 2022Fuel systemEngine

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle was running roughly. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was deformed. The contact was informed to keep the fuel above a half tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11484686

Sep 14, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check transmission warning light illuminated. The contact drove off of the highway and pulled into a parking lot, placed the vehicle in park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed and determined that the clutch assembly, clutch lever assembly, and Transmission Control Module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission failure had been a recurring failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11484404

Sep 12, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions, when the vehicle was shifted into gear, the engine revved and the RPM increased rapidly without acceleration then shifted into a different gear. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission overheated. The transmission temperature and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the TCM malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ODI 11484057

Sep 6, 2022Engine

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was jumpstarted. The contact stated that while driving back to her residence the vehicle was sputtering however, the vehicle had not lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as a possible cause of failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11483028

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2012 Ford Focus Bev verdict →