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CarComplaints.com Notes: You should probably steer clear of the 2012 Focus. Otherwise, you might not be able to steer at all.

The 2012 is the first Focus to offer Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS). It's also the first year with massive power steering failure. These things are not mutually exclusive.

And while you wait for your steering to disappear, you'll be greeted with a transmission that shudders, vibrates or won't shift at all.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
54,531 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Ford Focus engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 1 of 23)

problem #460

Jan 172025

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #459

Jan 042022

Focus

  • miles
I-??ve been to several Fords for the Transmission control module TCM, the engine lagging or stalling all lights on my car going on now my whole right side of my car doesn-??t work after telling Ford about these problems. They denied to fix my car even though there was a customer care warranty through Ford

- Smithtown , NY, USA

problem #458

Sep 012024

Focus

  • 136,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start after refueling. The contact had to rev the engine to keep the vehicle running. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who used a code reader and determined that the failure was due to the purge valve and charcoal canister. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

- Olney, IL, USA

problem #457

Oct 072024

Focus

  • 127,242 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,242.

- Manchester, NH, USA

problem #456

Aug 162024

Focus

  • 78,971 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving at various speeds, the contact had to manually shift the gear shifter to neutral and then to drive even though the vehicle had an automatic transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the transmission had failed and needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 78,971.

- Dawson, GA, USA

problem #455

Jul 082024

Focus

  • miles
1) each and every time I pop it fuel into my car, even if I'm just topping it off, when I start it it like starts to bog down like it's clogged or something, then just like that clears up. 2) while car is off, and no keys in ignition at all, my cars dashboard makes this almost clicking sound and I notice the fuel tank and gauge both shot b up to the top then drop back downs, it's strange, 3) sometimes when accelerating from hear the car almost stalks... That's v the only way I'd be by able to describe

- Sultan, WA, USA

problem #454

Jul 062024

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car will stall and then completely shut down. And takes awhile to restart. This last time I was on the highway and cars were going so fast. Almost had a panic attack!!

- Gypsy, WV, USA

problem #453

Jun 132024

Focus

  • miles
Vehicle won-??t start on multiple occasions. Vehicle struggles to turn on and lag to turn off. Vehicle struggles to change gears to speed

- Fairbanks, AK, USA

problem #452

Mar 122024

Focus

  • miles
Focus, which was purchased in California in 2017, clutch has gone which caused to stall and jerk in traffic, now has to be replaced at my expense! $4300. This was a massive hazard and defect!

- Elgin, SC, USA

problem #451

Jan 032024

Focus

  • miles
Se acelera y desacelera repentinamente Quiero acelerar para llegar a la mismas velocidad del trafico y no lo hace y eso hase que ponga en peligro la vidad mia y de mi familia por que otro carro puede chocarme. Cuando sucedio eso se activo el CHECK, lo apago por completo y los parabrisas se activan repentinamente, todo esto es muy raro y no es bueno para

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #450

Feb 192023

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving on interstate, my car suddenly started hesitating and failed to pick up speed. The engine light came on. I pulled over, but did not turn car off fearing it would not restart, to look at owners manual. The problem continued as I drove home. I have driven it once for a short distance since and there was no change. This could cause an accident since it happened unexpectedly while driving at high speed. Brake light fault warning light is illuminated although light appears to be working. This could cause rear end collision if not operating. Luggage compartment opens while driving which causes visibility issue and chance of items stored there to blow out and cause accident. I can not tell if this issue is included in recall addressing locks and latches. Driver side window no longer operates, preventing escape if needed

- Crofton, MD, USA

problem #449

May 152022

Focus

  • miles
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.

- Pocono Lake, PA, USA

problem #448

May 012023

Focus

  • miles
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.

- Gatesville, TX, USA

problem #447

Sep 192021

Focus

  • 56,000 miles
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.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #446

Aug 032023

Focus

  • miles
August 3, 2023, vehicle bucking from 1RPM to 2 RPM. No engine lights came on. At every stop and go vehicle hesitated. I was driving a relative to a post operation doctor visit. Went to dealer following day. They could not inspect the car. Gave appointment for 5 days later. Recall letter I received is for the TCM/PCM-Transmission/Power Control Module. Dealer says they have vehicles waiting 2 and 3 years for this part. If this is my issue they cannot provide me with a time frame for getting the issue corrected. When I drove to the dealer the engine light did come on and it continues to be on. Car can leave me stranded or vehicle may jerk forward even with the brake applied are some of the different issues that can happen.

- Hialeah Gardens, FL, USA

problem #445

Jul 242023

Focus

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto to be diagnosed and the mechanic retrieved unknown codes. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown transmission recall repair. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

problem #444

Jun 252023

Focus

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle seemed to shift into neutral and failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the service engine message was displayed. The contact pulled over to allow the engine to cool down. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission failure caused the clutch to fail. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Mountain View, CA, USA

problem #443

Jul 112023

Focus

  • miles
Hello, This is what happened to my 2012 Ford Focus SE. First I noticed that after putting gas the car doesn't start I have to try it 1 or 2 times more. Second when the vehicle stops on the traffic light sometimes it gets difficult to get out because is not taking the change correctly, so I have to press the clutch so hard. Because of the car doesn't show up any lights or signal that told me that the car is having a problem I took it to the dealership, and they did diagnostic, and the issues are confirmed.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #442

Jun 212023

Focus

  • miles
My car was hesitant to accelerate when both stopped and while cruising. When stopped, I would release the brake and the car would shudder and not accelerate. It would sit for a few seconds before going forward. When stopped on a hill, my car would roll backwards when I would release from the brake. When accelerating up a hill, my car would shudder and stop accelerating for a few seconds. Once, while on the Highway, I went to pass a car, getting into the left lane and pressing on the gas. The car did not go any faster but my RPM went all the way up. It was such a danger to drive. The service engine light would go on and off, but never be consistently on. When it turned on, it only stayed on for a day and then went back off. It almost caused a few accidents. When I took it to my local Ford dealership thinking it was the TCM, they told me the car needed a new clutch, levers, and slave cylinder.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #441

Jun 262023

Focus

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the brakes locked up. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road and apply the parking brake. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank was deformed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Niota, TN, USA

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