Home · 2012 Ford Focus · Complaints

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

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 (3,788)Crash / fire / injury (146)Transmission & drivetrain (1,455)Steering (932)Engine (474)Electrical system (366)Fuel system (340)Body & structure (330)Speed control (169)Latches & locks (133)Visibility & wipers (70)Brakes (61)

Newest first · 3,788 complaints · page 9 of 152

Apr 12, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a stationary position, the vehicle shuddered while accelerating and would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the powertrain engagement clutch was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired for the vehicle. The contact stated that the dry clutch packs were previously replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.

NHTSA ODI 11516655

Apr 11, 2023Fuel system

The fuel valve inside the car is stuck open causing the car to stall I saw recalls for other Ford Focus around the same time as my car with same year and same problem 19s22/18s32 I just don’t get how my car didt make recall list but the ones before and after from the same plant did and I’m still having that problem.

NHTSA ODI 11516563

Apr 9, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngine

VEHICLE SHUDDERING

NHTSA ODI 11516167

Apr 6, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond upon shifting into reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating, the clutch vibrated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the TCM needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer retrieved diagnostic trouble codes: P087A-00 (Clutch Position Sensor) and P287A-00 (Stuck Clutch). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11515851

Apr 5, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while shifting gear. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clinking sound detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

NHTSA ODI 11515518

Apr 2, 2023Electrical system

The horn has never worked for me since I had the car. I’ve had so many close calls where people almost backed into me and there is nothing I can do but pray! And also the stereo system I’ve had to go in and disconnect due to the fact that I’d come outside with my car off haven’t even started it that day yet the speakers would be blaring a horrible cracking and popping sounds also happens randomly while driving it’s very scary

NHTSA ODI 11515037

Mar 31, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the "Transmission Malfunction, Service Now" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he reset the transmission control module; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). 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 11514850

Mar 27, 2023Fuel systemEngine

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 75-80 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal went down to the floorboard. The contact then decelerated, and the vehicle began to stall. The contact veered to the side of the road, where the vehicle completely stalled. The contact then parked the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, however, the vehicle stalled while attempting to drive. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The local dealer and an unknown dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ODI 11513956

Mar 25, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

I was traveling in heavy traffic on an interstate through Akron, Ohio when my car, which I had in cruise, suddenly shifted in neutral causing the engine to redline since it was in cruise but also resulted in a sudden drop in speed which about caused the person behind me to run into the rear of my car. I had to coast thru traffic to the side of the road to shut the car off and restart it which allowed me to continue, but at a slow speed as the transmission would not shift gears properly. Isn’t it time to make Ford fix all these Focus cars once and for all? I’ve already put a new TCM in and now I’m looking at a second one in hope that it fixes it enough to trade it in, but it will at a loss because dealers know of the problem and won’t give you anything for them because they can’t sell them either.

NHTSA ODI 11513753

Mar 15, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The transmission has a problem, the car jumps and jerks and a lot of noise and vibration. When accelerating in first gear most noticeable. My safety is at risk because it is very distracting and the transmission sounds like it could break down at any minute. A lot of people online have same problem with this specific vehicle. No warning lights or nothing.

NHTSA ODI 11511967

Mar 15, 2023SteeringElectrical system

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the instrument panel lights were dimly illuminated, the horn was inoperable, and the radio was not functioning properly. The contact stated that the steering assists warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact stated on March 8, 2023, the steering wheel seized. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to steer to the right and park in a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the steering rack to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11512033

Mar 15, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

Error codes with the clutch b sensor and clutch b sensor being stuck. When the check engine light comes on the car will not go in reverse. After driving now shift is sporadic and rpm’s go up and down randomly.

NHTSA ODI 11512059

Mar 13, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle failed to reverse while the transmission was shifted into reverse(R). The check engine warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Automatic Transmission Control Module). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle warranty coverage period had been exceeded. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11511508

Mar 10, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that after shifting the gear shifter and depressing the accelerator pedal, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond immediately. The check engine warning light and the ignition warning light were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11511196

Mar 9, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the clutch failed to perform properly while shifting gear. Additionally, the transmission made grinding sounds while shifting gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the warranty had expired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage) however, the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ODI 11511065

Mar 1, 2023Fuel system

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle would not immediately start. The check engine warning light would be illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509720

Feb 27, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking. There was an abnormal humming noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509277

Feb 24, 2023Electrical systemEngineFuel system

Problem: Reoccurring check engine light and ODB2 Code's P0443 & P0444 Repairs made: MAF Sensor Purge Control Valve Reset Computer Air filter Cap less Gas Fill, W0133-2022154 Related Safety recalls: 18S32, 19V515000, 18V735 or 18V735000 I believe the Problem occurs due to an recall that was not performed or performed correctly leaving the problem. I am requesting the recall repair history from form Motor Company Please. Thank You, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11508880

Feb 23, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed, the RPM’s would raise and the engine would rev however, the vehicle would not respond as needed. The contact had to depress the accelerator pedal excessively and maneuver the gear shifter for the vehicle to move. The transmission failure warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the recalls were not related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not covered under warranty due to the mileage. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508687

Feb 23, 2023Fuel system

The contact's girlfriend owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the vehicle was stopped at a stop sign, after continuing to drive at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while parked, the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign number: 18V735 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508778

Feb 22, 2023Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

Only 67867 miles and the transmision is not working . I only drive short distances. Allwise have a problem. Since I buy the car. I never complain because I am very busy. But. know the car stop complete

NHTSA ODI 11508616

Feb 17, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced jerking, transmission slipping, independent deceleration, random downshifting, and unintended acceleration while stationary. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ODI 11507854

Feb 13, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The car would not move forward when pedal pressed. Slow speed was obtained with excess RRM to move vehicle. Car was at a light and others could have rearended the vehicle. A hazard was created with slow speed across intersection and to auto garage. Problem has NOT been confirmed at this time. It is at the garage and the dealer said there is another issue but REFUSED to go for a ride on 2-13-2023. The manufacturer, Ford Motor Co. KNOWS this vehcile has powertrain issues as eveidenced in Vargas vs. Ford Motor Co. No prior warning of this incident was present and it occurred only weeks after the Ford dealership completed the last "repair".

NHTSA ODI 11507068

Feb 8, 2023Steering

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer across a parking lot. The contact stated after investigating the failure online, she turned off the vehicle for a moment. The contact then restarted the vehicle while turning the steering wheel and the vehicle responded as needed; however, the failure reoccurred increasingly while driving. The message "Loss of Power Steering Assist" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering rack and pinion and outer tie rod needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 15S08. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11506196

Feb 6, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and approaching a stop light, the vehicle would not accelerate as needed, with the checking engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was taken to an impendent mechanic, and the mechanic stated that the powertrain control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty on the vehicle was expired. The failure mileage was 79,498.

NHTSA ODI 11505908

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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 verdict →