2012 FORD FOCUS Safety Overview
The 2012 FORD FOCUS has been closely monitored for safety issues.
Official NHTSA Recalls
The NHTSA has issued 8 official safety recalls for this vehicle. Key affected components include:
- Fuel system, gasoline:storage:evaporative emissions:canister
- Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
- Fuel system, gasoline:storage
Severe Defect Warnings
Notably, some of these defects carry severe risks, such as an engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Consumer Complaints
Consumers have also filed 50 safety complaints.
Common areas of concern reported by owners include:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Steering
- Electrical
Why It Matters
Staying informed about these safety records is critical for FORD FOCUS owners to ensure ongoing reliability and safety on the road. Always consult an authorized dealer for official remedy repairs.
Latest Vehicle Recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incor...
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Recall 26V369000: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash. Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, ...
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
NHTSA Recall 20V331000: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GD...
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.
NHTSA Recall 19V515000: The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2...
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.
NHTSA Recall 18V735000: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Es...
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
NHTSA Recall 16V643000: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Di...
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.
NHTSA Recall 13V335000: Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Yakima Products, Inc.
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.
NHTSA Recall 12E035000: Without proper contact of the rooftop rack clip to the door frame, there is... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 FOCUS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1, 2010, THROUG...
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.
NHTSA Recall 12V149000: WATER OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE CONNECTOR, RESULTING IN... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.
Recent Complaints
Component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"Group 1 Ford of South Austin, TX refused to perform door latch recall unless we purchased additional parts and service out of pocket. The door will not latch and flies open even at slow speeds."
Component: VISIBILITY/WIPER
"While driving back window spontaneously imploded"
Component: ENGINE
"I just recently got my fuel pump fixed and a new radiator fixed that was the knot problem wrong with my car now all of a sudden I get my car back from the shop with NO OIL I put oil even though I already just had a oil changed and my engine light is now blinking but when I bought the car it was just on [XXX] to Tallahassee and I live in eestpalm beach with no problem now my car smokes so much and auto shop Firestone says it’s my engine . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)"
Component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
"Days after changing the purge valve on my car, because it had failed. I was driving on the freeway confident because my screen said 15 m left before running out of gas, then the engine stalled and lose power. The lights were on but the engine stopped running while driving on the freeway. Turned out I had runned out of gas but the computer was misreading it."
Component: STRUCTURE
"While driving on the highway the sunroof suddenly blew off. The sunroof had not been opened prior. The frame bent upwards from the front, and the glass completely flew out onto the highway."
Component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"The Powershift for the transmission is the issue. Got two notices about a software update and followed through with updates. When done my Ford dealership said they couldn’t do anything else and that I was just going to be like it was. I never received any more recalls or even a Class Action letter! I recently called Ford motor headquarters and they found my information and could not confirm any additional recalls to me or the class action letter that was sent to me and said that they would NOT DO anything for me! No goodwill — Thisissue from this area continues and I very concerned for my safety! Need help."
Component: STEERING
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn while driving. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,604."
Component: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
"I filled up my gas tank and a couple minutes later experienced shuddering while parked so I decided to turn the vehicle off and turn it back on but it struggles to turn back on. I then drove back home and as I was driving the acceleration was going up and down and then to 0. As i stopped on a red light the car completely shut down while the light then turned green and the check engine light, battery, and oil light came on. I then turned the vehicle off and in order to start it I had to step on the gas. I made it home but have not driven it since. I noticed there was a 19S22 recall but I spoke with ford and they said my vehicle didn’t get it but it is experiencing the same issues that the recall mentioned. There is a one time replacement for the CPV but it doesn’t cover half of what the 19S22 does and it seems to be the same problem."
Component: POWER TRAIN
"The transmission begin to stall and would not shift. The motor would get to high RPMS and then shift hard into the next gear. I was able to pull over and the TCM error code popped up on the dash. I was able to get the car to the dealer. I was notified that the TCM failed and Ford would no longer cover this failed part. The car is a 2012 Focus with only 69,000 miles. Dealership is wanting $2,116.00 to fix."
Component: STEERING
"Steering system failure light came on and the Rack and pinion failed with no warning while I was driving on the highway at 75mph and the steering wheel locked up almost causing a potential fatal accident."
Component: STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
"the car runs without power when shifted to drive gear. It is sluggish trying to speed up. Took to Ford Dealers on a recall with that is suppose to take care of it..nothing seems to have changed. I am not sure anything was done. trans makes a rough sound starting.."
Component: POWER TRAIN
"I am the owner of a 2012 Ford Focus SE with approximately 54,000 miles. Beginning around 44,000 miles, the vehicle exhibited transmission shuddering, harsh engagement, and improper downshifting consistent with known DPS6 Transmission Control Module (TCM) defects. Prior to the expiration of Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 on June 30, 2025, I confirmed coverage through Ford’s recall website and presented the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership on May 27, 2025 (documented in Carfax). The dealership declined repair, stating no diagnostic trouble codes or warning indicators were present and incorrectly advised that customer satisfaction programs do not expire. On December 18, 2025, while driving at highway speed, the vehicle experienced sudden loss of drivability. Traction control was disabled, hill assist became unavailable, engine RPM increased abnormally, and the vehicle stalled in traffic. The instrument cluster displayed “Transmission Malfunction – Service Now.” The vehicle would not restart and required towing from the roadway, creating a hazardous traffic situation. The dealership later diagnosed a complete TCM failure and provided a repair estimate of approximately $1,800. Ford Motor Company has publicly acknowledged widespread TCM defects in 2012–2016 Ford Focus vehicles and issued multiple recalls and customer satisfaction programs, including later supplements authorizing TCM replacement rather than software reprogramming. Despite my documented attempt to obtain service before the program deadline, Ford denied coverage solely due to expiration. Ford corporate denied goodwill assistance, refused supervisor escalation, and asserted that a TCM software reprogramming performed in 2016 at approximately 19,000 miles resolved the issue. Software reprogramming does not correct the underlying hardware defect and only delays failure. This vehicle has experienced repeated transmission-related failures under 54,000 miles and remains disabled at the dealers"
Component: STEERING
"Electric power steering failed at 65,000 miles. No power assist in the steering. Trying to steer the car with no power assist is very difficult and not safe."
Component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
"After receiving program #24N07 on 12/04/2024, my 2012 ford focus was stalling out while downshifting to stops and after refueling, this happened around the 1st week of December of 2025 about a year after getting it repaired by the Ford dealership in my area. Replaced it myself this time, but sort of crazy to have to replace yet another purge valve just a year after."
Component: STEERING
"I was driving to drop my fiancé off at work when the "Steering fault, Service now" warning came on. Went home, parked the car. Start it up to go pick him up later, the wheel locked and "Steering loss, stop safely" warning came on. I just recently had my car inspected and had two new lower ball joints replaced. The one employee said my cars steering was working fine, and it was driving okay with no issues until today. Same thing just happened. You can't turn the wheel."
Component: STEERING
"Experienced abrupt electrical steering motor failure. Power steering remains inoperable and available for inspection. Occurred during normal driving without warning, and effort required to manually steer was too much for my wife necessitating an emergency stop to avoid collision with oncoming traffic while trying to execute a routine turn putting us and the other vehicle in danger of an offset collision. This appears to be a known issue in FORD steering units but has only been addressed in Fusion models as a recall. The component has yet to be inspected as Ford will not pay for the repair despite the obvious ongoing safety issue, the vehicle will remain off the road for now in the hopes a recall is issued."
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
"The car started shutting down while I am driving and also hard to start after"
Component: POWER TRAIN
"On Friday [XXX], I was at a stop sign waiting to turn right, when it was my turn to go my car would not move at all, forward or back, the regular lights on the dash board were still on. I put my blinkers on and had all cars go around me. I turned my car off and then back on, that's when the check engine light came on. After 8 minutes of turning the car off and on, I was able to move backwards and forwards I was able to drive. I stopped at AutoZone on the way to get my car scanned. I received a report with a bunch of p-codes. I made it home, I called Ford, they didn't have any immediate appointments. The closet Ford dealership to me says they don't work on cars over 10 years old. I made an appointment at Firestone for saturday morning, they got the same P-codes and said they were all transmission problems and recommended I go to a Ford dealership or a transmission specialists. on my way home from Firestone, first my car speed felt like it was speeding up on it's on and then my car slowed down tremendously and I has to pull over, again I put my blinkers on. After 5 minutes I was able to move again, I was close to home. My car moved so slow feeling like it would stop any time, i drove with my blinkers on and made it home. On Monday my car wouldn't start up at all. A Ford that would take my car didn't have an appointment for 2 weeks. So I made an appointment with AAMCO for Tuesday and I had my car towed there because it wouldn't turn on. My safety was put at risk because I could have been driving at normal speed and could've slowed down out of know where and a car could have slammed into the back or side of me. AMMCO says it my dual input clutch assembly, actuators, forks and TCM This is my first time ever seeing the check engine light on [XXX] Ford's TCM extended warranty expired [XXX]. I called Ford's corporate customer service for help with diagnosis and repair but they said there was nothing they could do. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)"
Component: POWER TRAIN
"I purchased this car as a certified pre owned car from the Mazda dealership In mechanicsburg PA about two and a half years ago. The transmission failed and the car was unsafe to drive after 3 months from the purchase date. The Mazda dealership didn’t know how to fix the transmission as it’s a complicated process. They tried to send it to a ford dealership but they would not work on it. It took Mazda awhile to finish my transmission because they didn’t know how to fix it. Now the same exact problem is occurring two years later. I haven’t even put 40,000 miles on my car after the replacement of the new transmission. As I stated before the car is unsafe to drive and I need it for work. This brand new transmission should not be failing after only 2 years and 35,000 miles. Included files are from November 2022 when I purchased the car and from February and march 2023 when the transmission was fixed."
Component: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
"I own a 2012 Ford Focus with approximately 51,000 miles. The transmission warning light came on, and I was informed by a repair shop that the transmission control module (TCM) and gears need repair. This vehicle uses the PowerShift dual-clutch transmission (DPS6), which has been the subject of a class-action lawsuit and multiple extended warranties due to widespread failures. The car exhibits jerking, delayed acceleration, and loss of power, which create dangerous driving conditions, particularly when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. Ford informed me I am outside the warranty period and refused to assist, despite this being a well-documented, recurring safety issue for which they have admitted fault in other cases. I am reporting this issue because it poses a serious safety hazard, and I believe the TCM defect should be subject to a mandatory recall. Ford is shifting the burden of a known manufacturing defect onto consumers, and this needs to be addressed before someone is injured."
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine shuddered while idling, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The local independent mechanic was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was advised that the failure might be attributed to coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,058."
Component: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM, purge valve, and clutch assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The TCM and purge valve were repaired under warranty. The clutch assembly was not repaired or replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000."
Component: POWER TRAIN
"I am reporting a recurring safety issue with the DPS6 dual-clutch automatic transmission in my 2012 Ford Focus (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle intermittently fails to shift beyond 3rd gear while in motion, resulting in loss of acceleration and inability to maintain safe highway speeds. The most recent incident occurred in July 2025 while my son was driving. The car would not upshift past 3rd gear, forcing him to pull off the road. We took the vehicle to a Ford dealership, which ran diagnostics and ultimately identified diagnostic trouble code P2832: “Shift Fork B Position Sensor Circuit Low.” This error points to failure of the clutch actuator assembly, a key component of the DPS6 system. The dealership linked the issue to internal transmission component failure but stated the original warranty repair had already been used and no coverage was currently open. Ford Customer Relationship Center advised us to have the dealer submit through the Specialty Recall Program and to file a safety complaint with NHTSA. This failure is consistent with the issues outlined in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 16-0109, which addresses shuddering, hesitation, and shifting failure in Ford’s DPS6 transmission due to actuator and clutch contamination. The vehicle previously underwent warranty repair for transmission issues, and this is a repeat failure tied to the same known defect. This defect affects drivability and safety, especially for younger or less experienced drivers. Ford has acknowledged the defect in class action settlements and internal bulletins, but is denying coverage in this case. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this ongoing pattern of failure and pressure Ford to address these safety risks before they result in serious injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)"
Component: STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"The Power Steering shut down suddenly while I was driving it. I am [XXX], and certainly did NOT have the power to turn the wheel like it needed. If there had been fast moving traffic at that time, I could have been hit and severely injured, Why hasn't this been recalled yet? The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. I had to go there when my power steering intermittently came back on because it was only 6 blocks away from my house and I didn't dare try to drive it to a ford dealer which was 12 miles away. I'm not positive about the light coming on, but I believe I saw a circle with an "i" inside of it I was too stressed to notice completely, when I was trying to control my car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)"
Component: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"Unknown"
Component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
"Everytime I go to get fuel the car will not crank it makes a terrible noise then cranks but its slow. The pressure in tank causes it to stall out."
Component: POWER TRAIN
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated the transmission unexpectedly downshifted before slamming into gear. The vehicle intermittently returned to normal functionality, or the RPM would fluctuate, and the transmission would shift rough. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who retrieved DTC: P07A3 (Failure with the clutch A stuck causing transmission friction). The contact was informed that the clutch actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000."
Component: POWER TRAIN
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a major highway. The contact stated that after the vehicle sat for approximately ten minutes, the vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle independently reset. The vehicle was driven to the residence. In addition, the contact stated that several days prior to the failure, the vehicle was started; however, the gear shifter failed to shift into drive(D). The contact stated the gear shifter only shifted into reverse(R), and the transmission fault warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000."
Component: POWER TRAIN
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted for approximately an hour. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 171,000."
Component: POWER TRAIN
"The contact's mother owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's mother pulled over and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and the dealer, who determined that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000."
Component: POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,ENGINE
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side door failed to open as intended. The contact used force to attempt to open the door and failed. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, she was informed that the vehicle had an open recall related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). When the contact retrieved the vehicle, the contact was informed that the recall had been repaired; however, there was no proof that the vehicle was under recall or that the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that several weeks later, mold was found in the driver’s seat and on the driver’s side seat belt. The contact stated that after a snowstorm, the moonroof was misty, and there was a water ring found above the interior roof. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal hissing sound coming from the vehicle underneath the driver’s side of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the post office. After returning to the vehicle and starting the vehicle, the abnormal hissing sound persisted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Manufacturer Recall Number: 18S32. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and would not confirm if the VIN was or was not under recall. The failure mileage was 129,354."
Component: POWER TRAIN
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle jerked and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The message "Transmission Overheating" was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited until the transmission had cooled down. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000."
Component: ENGINE
"I went to emissions and I received an “Important Vehicle Safety Recall Information” notice that states Transmission Control Module Extendes Warranty Coverage”."
Component: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
"Beginning in approximately May 2025, the vehicle began displaying diagnostic trouble codes identified by independent auto parts retailers and service providers. These codes indicated potential issues within the engine, electrical, and powertrain systems. The vehicle was subsequently brought to a dealership for diagnostic evaluation and remained there from approximately May 15 through May 19, 2025. During this time, the dealership reported that no diagnostic codes were present and did not resolve the reported issue. However, the vehicle had recently exhibited repeatable symptoms, including entering “limp mode” and triggering diagnostic trouble codes, prior to being delivered to the dealership. Similar codes and issues were again identified after the dealership visit. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of entering “limp mode,” resulting in sudden loss of power and reduced drivability while in operation. This condition occurred without reliable warning and created unsafe driving situations, including the inability to maintain normal traffic flow. Due to safety concerns, the vehicle has not been driven under normal conditions since approximately May 2025 and has been limited to short, local movements only. The issue poses a safety risk to the driver, passengers, and surrounding traffic due to unexpected loss of power and inconsistent system diagnostics. The problem appears to be ongoing and unresolved. Independent diagnostic records and service visit documentation are available upon request."
Component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"For months in 2025 the car fan would continue to run for several minutes after the engine was turned off. I took the car in a two times to diagnose and couldn’t replicate . I sent video of the fan running even after short trips and in cold weather. Finally after catastrophic cooling system failure was the faulty fan module diagnosed. It was a safety issue because cooling failure causes car to stop operating properly. I was returning from the airport so the engine was cold. After a massive bill did the cooling fan module get diagnosed and replaced on May 16. There were not any safety recalls for faulty fan module. Hopefully this is reimbursable and others can have a safety recall."
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the front driver's side door failed to latch securely while closed. The contact stated that the door occasionally unintendedly opened while driving. The contact stated that the failure required him to drive with an arm out the window holding the door closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V643000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the part to repair the vehicle was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000. Parts distribution disconnect."
Component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
"For months in early 2025, I was unable to fill gas tank without gas pump stopping ( so gas dispensers work to prevent gas from leaking?) Got progressively worse so less fuel could be put in gas tank. I took car into dealership to diagnose and fixed on April 25, 2025. I was at risk because the car can’t be filled and then unable to operate. Fuel filler neck was broken. I meant to report earlier and hopefully others can avoid the fix. No recall listed."
Component: VISIBILITY
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the window motor in the passenger’s side window was no longer functioning while attempting to roll down the window. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,085."
Component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"Transmission problem"
Component: STEERING
"Power steering light intermittently comes on and vehicles looses power steering. Upon turning vehicle off then back on power steering will come back on. Can't get it to act up long enough for mechanic to diagnose. Only a matter of time before an accident happens. There are hundreds of complaints online about this same issue. Ford has issued some recalls but not on my particular VIN..."
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the purge valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 143,500."
Component: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
"I was starting to pull away from a traffic light but the car would not go to second gear and was shaking violently this has happened more times then I can count and I take care of my [XXX] we travel 50 miles a day in this car on one of the most dangerous roads in the nation [XXX] ) there are places on this road with no emergency lanes in case my car stalls again or just won't go into gear and I have drivers bearing down on me at 70 miles an hour. I know for a fact these issues have come up with countless others that have bought this vehicle and I just don't understand why this isn't a big enough safety concern is it going to take the death of me and my grandson for a recall to be made on this piece of garbage ford calls a transmission? I don't have $ for another vehicle and if this one doesn't keep getting me to work I'll be out of a job and we will be homeless a friend helped me buy this car and I assumed he checked it out first and he only looked at the accident report but not the overall report on these vehicles which shouldn't even be on car lots for sale they are unsafe death traps and when people start dying in them which im sure has already happened those deaths are on ford and on this so called national highway safety because your not doing your job this recall should have happened years ago INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)"
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel, the fuel nozzle continuously clicked off. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the fuel gauge malfunctioned and displayed inaccurate fuel information. The contact stated that the fuel gauge incorrectly displayed a full fuel tank; however, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The tow service was called to the scene and discovered that there was no fuel in the fuel tank. The tow service added fuel and the vehicle restarted and operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel tank, fuel gasket, and canister purge valve were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 127,255."
Component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
"The TCM on the transmission needs fixed they said i could get a rental car."
Component: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
"We have had constant problems with the car just randomly not starting. Some days it’ll work fine and then the next it won’t start even if you try to jump it"
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, there was a puddle of liquid with an abnormal odor underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, and a message was displayed. The message “Stop vehicle immediately to prevent engine damage” was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, waited for the tow truck, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a timing cover assembly failure. The vehicle was repaired under recall. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because it was not under recall after the recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000."
Component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"Vehicle stalls while driving at low speeds and during acceleration. The engine loses power unexpectedly in traffic and may shut off completely while in motion. RPMs increase without corresponding acceleration and the vehicle fails to shift or respond normally. Check engine light is on with fuel/emissions-related codes. Fuel gauge is inaccurate and vehicle has unexpectedly run out of fuel even when gauge showed remaining fuel. The vehicle also hesitates, jerks, and feels unstable when stopping or turning. These issues have been present since shortly after purchase and have continued for approximately one year. Vehicle is unsafe to operate due to risk of stalling in traffic."
Component: POWER TRAIN
"The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine started to shake violently; occasionally, causing the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the torque converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000."
Component: POWER TRAIN
"Transmission shudders and struggles to shift gears due to sticking clutch. This causes a dangerous delay in transmission engagement. (Numerous occasions without specific dates.) I have previously had the TCM reprogrammed multiple times.( 8 or 9 times) The car still does not drive properly. I have brought it in to 2 Ford dealerships to have the Ford customer satisfaction program completed. Both dealerships refused to honor the Ford CSP. (Five Star Ford of North Richland Texas and Southwest Ford of Weatherford Texas)"
Component: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
"Vehicle has difficulty starting after refuel. Vehicle stalls randomly to the point that is too much of a danger to drive. All of the symptoms correlate to recall (18S32) yet this particular vehicles vin was not listed in the list of recalled vehicles. The DTC's are as follows,P0420, P0456, P1450. Upon being serviced for the ford customer satisfaction program 24N07 it was noted by a service advisor that the replacement of a fuel tank and fuel pump was necessary which would be a reference to recall (18S32). However due to this vin not falling under recall (18S32) the service for a replacement fuel tank and fuel pump is not covered by warranty. Vehicle has erratic and innacurate fuel gauge indication. Vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic shortly after service was completed. Dealership has no clearance from Ford to address problem because 24N07 makes no mention of components that could be affected by faulty canister purge valve, unlike (18S32) and as such leaves this vehicle to be a hazard on the road."