What 3,788 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Focus

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.

NHTSA ODI 11564923

Jerking on first and second gear shutterings

NHTSA ODI 11562928

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.

NHTSA ODI 11562602

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!

NHTSA ODI 11561606

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.

NHTSA ODI 11560141

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

NHTSA ODI 11559463

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.

NHTSA ODI 11559495

Sometimes when I start the car it shifts into next gear slowly. It may begin with a vibrating or jerky motion.

NHTSA ODI 11559105

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.

NHTSA ODI 11555135

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.

NHTSA ODI 11554179

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.

NHTSA ODI 11553848

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.

NHTSA ODI 11551631

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking underneath the vehicle with a fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired in 2021 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed there would be a fee to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

NHTSA ODI 11551377

Was told my lug nuts are swollen and need to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11550854

Took vehicle to Ford dealership after being seen at transmission shop. Previous transmission shop said TCM was bad as well as clutch. Took car to Ford for TCM recall, they said it wasn't broken and refused to replace it. The did say clutch is broken and needs replacement which Ford is not willing to help with on cost.

NHTSA ODI 11550709

My vehicle is under a cyber attack! I went to Ford dealership to have my horn fixed and explained the same thing I am about to tell you. They check and stated that there were some issue with the Sync system but all is well. If I further issues to see them again. Well, I have the same issues. My horn is not working when I know I just had it fixed! I was driving when suddenly my vehicle engine felt as though it was going to be disabled. The check tire pressure comes on and I have fairly new tires on my vehicle not to mention I had them checked prior the circuit board tells me. Folks know about the lighting of the vehicle that transmit looking for a signal when you open the trunk or open the doors. There was nothing wrong with this care when purchased used. I also believe due to the bluetooth signal, folks can hear my conversation and I DON'T HAVE A PHONE OPERATING WITH THE VEHICLE. When using phones in the car though, it automatically somehow enable the bluetooth on when I have it set to off. Another vehicle can ride behind me with his lights blurred onto my vehicle and go to the app of his phone and disable something in my car. Once my radio was changed and i did nothing to it. Sometimes it is set to a different radio genre station that I don't listen to. A truck road behind me and literally cut my radio on and could not turn it off until I pulled over and shut the car off! I have reported this to the police but folks think I am out of my mind. My life has been a living hell because I work for the state and folks there are doing the same thing to my car as a stranger would do when driving behind me. Also the car can pick up bank information if you are using the drive thru. They can track your account. I believe folks at work and neighbors of mind are using an app to do so. Because the car can connect to a garage , it can pick up a signal that can transfer to another vehicle if they have their car on. Again, the lights are the signal transmitter picking up information

NHTSA ODI 11550004

I received a recall dated June 2023 about my transmission. It is the first one I have ever received. I had it towed to Stanley Ford McGregor and service said that there wasn't anything wrong. I was told I need to pay them $165 for a recall review???? I don't feel safe driving it as it slips, bucks, jerks, shudders, delay when shifting as well as having difficulty in changing gears causing many "almost accidents." I just found out Ford settled on 2020 judgement and a 2022 judgement. I had no idea. It is plagued with numerous problems and safety concerns. I have written a letter to the General Manager, Mike F at Stanley Ford McGregor as well as sent copies to Jim Farley, CEO of Ford and FMC Customer Relationship Center. I asked them to get back with me as I will NOT pay that $165 and drive an unsafe car that I don't want to put my 1 yr old grandson at risk as well.

NHTSA ODI 11549844

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifting erratically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch and shift motor had failed. Additionally, the clutch fork was stuck. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch, shift motor, and clutch fork needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 109,301.

NHTSA ODI 11548284

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact depressed the horn however, the horn was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

NHTSA ODI 11545581

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission shifted erratically. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting rough between gears. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with PCM and TCM failures. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred four additional times. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 38,600.

NHTSA ODI 11545395

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when shifting into reverse (R) and would shudder when depressing the accelerator pedal. The engine revved to 5,000 RPMS, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission clutch actuator was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing inaccurate fuel gauge reading. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward, lost motive power and stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the PCM was reprogrammed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that he noticed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive fuel consumption. The contact stated that he noticed fuel leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to the local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was deformed and overfilled. The contact stated that NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) had previously been completed on the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not experiencing the failure at the time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ODI 11545441

I went to Ramsey Ford Dealer in Rising Sun, Maryland for tire rotation on 7/22/21 with 125,803 mileage. They told me that I needed new lug nuts because the old lug nuts were swollen. I bought 20 lug nuts @ $6.38 each totalling $127.60. I am going for 4 new tires to Walmart Auto tomorrow 9/19/23 and the mileage is 143,619 and I told them that all my lug nuts were swollen because I rotated the tires myself last year and I had to hammer a 19mm socket on each lug nut to remove them. Walmart told me that the lug nuts were going to cost over $5.50 each. The 20 lug nuts are going to cost me over $110. That's if the mechanic does not charge more for hammering them or drilling them off. It is what it is! I figured I would reporr it. I do have a hammer and sockets in my trunck if I get a flat tire. But I have seen on tge internet hundreds of people getting stranded on the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11545288

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift gear as designed. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module (TCM), resulting in damage to the transmission. 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 119,000.

NHTSA ODI 11544059

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speed, the engine revved up; however, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that she continued driving; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission control module (TCM) was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11544131

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the power steering assist failed with the "Service Power Steering Now" message displayed. The contact's husband used excessive force to drive the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11543777