Ford Focus Complaints (2012)

3,803 consumer complaints on file.

#11422898June 30, 2021
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Started the vehicle, it reported a transmission error and repair immediately message - the first indication of a problem. Drove home and made appointment to have transmission looked at. The car drove ok most of the way, then the transmission just slipped and died on the road in the middle of a construction site blocking traffic. After several minutes (after on site police called for a tow), the car restarted and was able to limp the last 1/4 mile or so to the shop. The transmission specialist referred me to Ford as they can't get the tools, suspected electrical. Towed to Ford. After waiting nearly 2 weeks for a diagnosis that only took several minutes, it was determined to be the transmission control module. It's a known issue and the warranty for this part is extended, however (1) if it had died on a major highway instead of a town road could have been a huge safety issue and (2) it's a known problem but Ford won't replace until it occurs, yet they have zero national stock and no idea when parts will be available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422979June 30, 2021
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to reverse out of a parking space, the steering wheel ceased. The contact was unaware if there was a warning light illuminated. The contact cruised slowly in reverse out of the parking space but continued experiencing the failure while she drove to the used car dealer. The contact stated that the used car dealer took the vehicle to the local dealer and the local dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422772June 29, 2021
STEERING
The power steering electric assist failed when pulling into cross-traffic, narrowing avoiding broadside high-speed collusion. Have intermittantly expereinced power steering failure at vehicle start in the past, but never during vehicle operation in traffic. It is a known issue with several Ford vehicles in the 2011-2013 range, but Focus has been excluded from recalls addressing this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422384June 26, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Just got transmission recall fixed and having problems again
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422385June 26, 2021
TIRES, TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Tread wore away
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422312June 25, 2021
POWER TRAIN
Transmission continually is slipping. The dual clutch transmission is the problem. Ford settled a class action law suit regarding this type of vehicle. I was never notified.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422382June 25, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My transmission was fixed by a recall and it's still hesitating and shattering when I drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422037June 23, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle overheated. Additionally, the contact stated while accelerating the vehicle shakes and shutters. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the air conditioner, transmission module, thermostat sensor, and control fan module needed to be replaced. The contact was informed the head gasket was leaking oil. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 41,260. VIN invalid
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421432June 18, 2021
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had bought this car a little over a week ago and it has shown zero issues until yesterday June 17 2021, I was driving home when the car forced its self into neutral and the screen said transmission malfunction service now. I’ve called Ford and talked to them about the 14M02 recall/ campaign that was posted for this car and they said they’re unable to do anything because it’s out of the required parameters. I spent all my savings on this vehicle and now am out of a ride for work and I can’t even have a problem I didn’t create fixed? When they knew it was an issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420910June 14, 2021
POWER TRAIN
Several times, now, I have started the car and the none of the readouts were working (odometer, fuel level, etc.); the cruise control would not engage. After driving a few minutes they all came on. Today (6-14-2021) I backed out of the driveway and put it in drive. The transmission wouldn't engage. I shut it off and let it sit a couple of minutes and started it and it engage, this time, still no dash readouts. Two miles down the road the readouts came on. I went into town to do my business and when I went to come home, it did the same thing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420018June 7, 2021
POWER TRAIN
My Ford Focus Hatchback doesn't have much power. Driving down the interstate it lost power and then the transmission failed warning came on. I had to drive along the side of the interstate to limp the car home. This car sputters and jerks when driving. After I bought it I took it back to the dealer and he told me that its normal for this car to act in in that way. Now I know that is not the case that was the transmission starting to go out and they should not have told me it was ok. I see two other complaints like mine. I don't see a recall but I would sure like one to help pay for the repairs. I will have to have the car towed to the service center when they have an opening My phone number is: [XXX] Email is: [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420019June 7, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact also stated that after refueling, the vehicle fails to start up after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the residence twice due to the failure. The following day the vehicle failed to start up with the check engine warning light intermittently flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419595June 4, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES
No warning lights intermittent brake loss called Ford told them what was going on and immediately told me hydraulic control unit the valves may stick open for short period of times then return to normal.but would have to take a look. had brakes replaced and bled ford has had this exact issue with other ford models having the hydraulic control unit a recall was issued for the others. But not all of their cars it lead to a crash by not being able to get stopped doing 40mph in a 40 mph zone issue happened year and half ago went had brakes checked out and re-bled the brakes almost lead to another crash then brakes are normal then no pedal at all
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11419656June 4, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The first incident occurred at a gas station. I filled my tank, turned my car on and put my car in drive as usual. As I took my foot off the brake, my car started to roll backwards. There was no dashboard lights on at this time. As I was driving home, the check engine light came on. I went home to research places to take my car to be checked. I left back out and when I started my car, the check engine light was no longer on. I restarted my car several times and drove back and forth to see if the light would come back on and it did not. The light did not come back on for about 2 weeks and when it did, my car stopped while I was driving. I was able to restart it but it was scary having my car stop while driving. I filled up my tank this morning and when I tried to start it, it did not start. It did start after a second try.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11418454May 25, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owns a 2012 FORD Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, accelerating from an intersection, there was brake loss without warning intermittently. As a result, the contact crashed into the vehicle in front. No airbags deployed. The contact sustained a fractured right ankle. A police report was filed. Medical attention was required where the contact was taken to the hospital for treatment. The vehicle was towed by the police to a lot where it was awaiting an investigation from the contacts insurance company. The dealer informed the contact that no recalls were under the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 112,000
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11417431May 17, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have a 2012 Ford Focus SE that has a severe audio issue which impacts my ability to safely operate the vehicle. I understand radio issues are not technically defined as a safety-related defect. However this issue is so impairing and physically harming to me, I fear for my life and others while driving this car. The issue is a faulty car stereo electronics which create high-decibel thumping, popping, static, and more at random intervals and lengths while the audio system is on or off, with the volume turned all the way down either way. It is like a never-ending audio jump scare. Nothing is plugged into the car like a phone charger or speaker. I have found hundreds of people online with this same issue with their 2012 Ford Focus. In order to safely operate their Focus, many reported completely disconnecting the audio system or replacing their entire car radio/audio transmitter for $800+. This issue has been escalating every drive, short or long distances. On my 40 min commute this morning, with my audio completely off, I was approaching a roundabout to enter when a HUGE audio thump and pop occurred and almost ran into a car in the roundabout. Thankfully they saw me and we avoided a crash. I am terrified of this happening again. I cannot commute to my job without extreme stress and crying. I do not have hundreds of dollars to replace my audio system. This is extremely dangerous. I was able to find a solution to the exact issue on focusfanatics.com, a Ford Focus forum. An electric technician with 40+ years of experience took a look at his son's Ford Focus 2012 PCB and realized the capacitors/electrolytic caps were made of aluminum which is apparently, "notorious for going bad in the electronic repair world." He replaced these and the son has not had an issue since. Another person on the forum reported this electrician's solution worked for them as well. All 2012 Ford Focuses should have this issue repaired in order to have a safe operating vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11417359May 16, 2021
STEERING
Driving 40 MPH around a curvy mountainous road the Power Steering suddenly stopped working making steering almost impossible thankfully there was a pull off spot straight ahead or I would have been in a major accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11415834May 10, 2021
POWER TRAIN
THE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY INDICATED THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT HAS BEEN SETTLED REGARDING THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11415428May 6, 2021
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
MY TWO SONS WERE TURNING LEFT WHEN THEY WERE T-BONED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. MY SONS VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE RIGHT REAR. THE SIDE AIR BAGS WENT OFF BUT NOT THE TWO FRONTS. ALSO THEIR SEAT BELTS DID NOT TIGHTEN. BC OF THIS BOTH SONS SUFFERED TBI'S, ONE VERY SEVERE AND IS STILL RECOVERING. THE OTHER REQUIRED BRAIN SURGERY. I AM SO UPSET THAT THEIR SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN. I BOUGHT A NEWER FORD THINKING IT WAS GOING TO BE SAFE. PLEASE SOMEONE FIX THIS DEFECT. I HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS COULD EVER HAPPEN. THEY WERE HIT FROM THE OTHER PERSON GOING 45 MPH SO IT SHOULD HAVE TIGHTENED. SAD MOMMA. LIVES CHANGED FOREVER. :( [XXX]*DT PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11415227May 5, 2021
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE HAD THIS SITUATION HAPPEN IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT SCENARIOS. ESSENTIALLY, THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT KNOW IF THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK / REVERSE / NEUTRAL / DRIVE AND THEREFORE I CANNOT SHIFT POSITIONS OR MOVE THE VEHICLE. SOMETIMES WHEN I TURN VEHICLE OVER, I AM PARKED BUT VEHICLE DOES NOT KNOW I AM PARKED (THERE IS P / R / N / D ON DASHBOARD AND USUALLY A GREY BOX INDICATES WHAT POSITION I AM IN. WHEN IT DOESN'T KNOW WHERE I AM, THERE IS NO GREY BOX AT ALL). SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS AFTER DRIVING, THEN I PARK AND SIT IDLE FOR A BIT, THEN TRY TO LEAVE BUT VEHICLE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT POSITION I AM IN. IN THE MOST DANGEROUS SCENARIOS, I WILL BE DRIVING!!!!! THEN THE VEHICLE DOESN'T KNOW I AM IN D AND WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE, I JUST REV ON THE ENGINE AS IF I AM IN NEUTRAL. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY AS WELL AS WHEN GOING SLOW. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THIS VEHICLE IS KNOWN FOR HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES (IT WAS NOT WELL KNOWN WHEN I ORIGINALLY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE). CAR IS CURRENTLY IN SHOP SO I DO NOT HAVE ANY INFO / FEEDBACK FROM FORD.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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