Motor Almanac

Ford / Focus / 2012

2012 Ford Focus

Family: Focus · filed with NHTSA as FOCUS, FOCUS ELECTRIC

Summary

  • In its first three years the 2012 Focus drew 656 complaints — 3.7× the median of its generation (2012–2018). It is among the most-complained-about years of this generation.
  • These are complaint counts, not failure rates: they are not divided by how many cars were sold, because no public source reports U.S. sales by model year.
  • Of the 3,569 complaints that name a component, 41% concern Powertrain (1,461).
  • 11 recalls filed for this model year.
  • 5 federal defect investigations cover this model year.

In the news

At a glance

Owner complaints
3,803
Recalls
11
Investigations
5
NCAP overall
4 of 5 stars
Combined MPG
29–32
Combined MPGe (electric)
105
Annual fuel cost
$700–$2,150
Median mileage at complaint
67,000 mi (n = 3,140)
Crashes / fires / injuries / deaths
108 / 15 / 88 / 5

What owners report

Powertrain

1,461 complaints · 41% of complaints that name a component · median 55,000 mi (n = 1,196)

Owner report The transmission is messing up real batteries like it's automatic.And when it goes into the next gear , it goes into gear and then goes all the gas falls down all the way 20 and the gas is gonna be about like you got a five speed it shifts up-and-down all the time up down up down, there was A\n Problem with these trans…
Owner report Transmission overheating warning light Transmission clutch stuck open recommended to change out “actuator A” but did not solve. Clutch fork needs replacement

Steering

933 complaints · 26% of complaints that name a component · median 78,500 mi (n = 836)

Owner report 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.
Owner report 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 manufacture…

Engine

504 complaints · 14% of complaints that name a component · median 60,000 mi (n = 402)

Owner report I am submitting this complaint because Ford dealers do not appear to be following Ford Motor Company's published procedure for Customer Satisfaction Program 24N07. I visited two Ford service departments in [XXX] and [XXX]. Both told me they must first perform their own diagnostic evaluation before replacing the canist…
Owner report On XXX I received email from CARFAX regarding my vehicle recall "26S40 PCM REPROGRAMMING FOR FUEL TANK DEFORMATION”. I contacted Ford Cutter Hawaii answering spoke with [XXX] over the phone regarding the recall, she asked me to forward the email then she after she read the email she dismissed the information as not rel…

6% of complaints name no specific component and are left out of the shares above.

Across the generation (2012–2018)

To compare years fairly, each year is counted over the same span: complaints received up to two calendar years after its model year. A year is compared only when that span is over and it holds at least 50 complaints. Median of the comparable years: 176.

Model yearAll complaintsFirst three yearsNote
20123,803656most complaints
20132,181662most complaints
20142,661748most complaints
20151,034134
20161,195154
2017907176
2018837134

Recalls

Whether a recall has been fixed on a specific car depends on its VIN; check it at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

26V369000 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

Filed 2026-06-09 · 257,868 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.

Risk: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.

20V331000 · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Filed 2020-06-08 · 2,147,323 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

19V515000 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

Filed 2019-07-05 · 57,488 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.

18V735000 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

Filed 2018-10-22 · 1,282,596 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.

18V592000 · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Filed 2018-09-10 · 49,197 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.

Risk: An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S24.

16V643000 · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Filed 2016-09-06 · 2,046,297 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.

13V523000 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Filed 2013-10-30 · 2,456 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through August 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a powertrain control module software problem may result in a stall-like condition.

Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the power control module, free of charge. The recall beganon November 22, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S09. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

13V475000 · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

Filed 2013-10-17 · 23,000 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Risk: Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C07.

13V335000 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Filed 2013-08-01 · 6,308 vehicles

Defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured September 15, 2011, through May 6, 2013; and model year 2013 Focus ST vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured February 16, 2012, through May 7, 2013. Due to a wiring incompatability, the front side marker lamps may not function. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the headlamp assembly wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C04.

12E035000 · EQUIPMENT

Filed 2012-10-02 · 440 vehicles

Defect: This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Yakima Products, Inc. for use on model year 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus vehicles. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not by Ford. Certain combined Q-Tower and Q128 Clip rooftop rack systems, part numbers 8000124 and 8000728, do not fully contact the door frame.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Yakima will notify owners, and Yakima or a Yakima dealer will refund the purchase of the Q-Tower and Q-128 Clip system. There is no replacement system available for the 2012-2013 model year Ford Focus. The safety recall began on October 15, 2012. Only vehicles equipped with the vehicle rack system are affected. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not Ford. Owners may contact Yakima at 1-888-925-4621.

12V149000 · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING

Filed 2012-04-05 · 140,310 vehicles

Defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 FOCUS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 18, 2011. A SEAL IN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR MAY BE MISSING.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND AS NECESSARY, CLEAN AND PROPERLY SEAL THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR CONNECTOR. ANY INOPERATIVE WIPER MOTORS WILL BE REPLACED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Federal investigations

ActionComponentOpenedClosedRecall
RQ23006FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER2023-09-152024-12-20
DP22005ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM2023-01-272023-08-0722V063000
RQ19005LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH2019-12-192022-02-0720V177000
PE16001LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH2016-01-162016-10-2916V643000
PE13031ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY2013-09-062013-11-1513V523000

RQ23006: Loss of Motive Power

DP22005: Pedestrian alert sounds

RQ19005: Door Latch Failures

PE16001: Door Latch Failure

PE13031: Electric powertrain propulsion failure

Engines and fuel economy

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyCombinedFuel cost / yr
Focus ElectricElectricAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive11099105 MPGe$700
Focus FWD2.0L 4cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive273731$2000
Focus FWD2.0L 4cylAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive273630$2100
Focus FWD2.0L 4cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive263529$2150
Focus FWD FFV2.0L 4cyl FFVManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive263529$2150
Focus FWD FFV2.0L 4cyl FFVAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive273731$2000
Focus FWD FFV2.0L 4cyl FFVAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive273631$2000
Focus SFE FWD2.0L 4cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive283932$1950
Focus SFE FWD FFV2.0L 4cyl FFVAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive283932$1950

Fuel cost is EPA's estimate at the fuel prices of its last update, not today's.

Crash test ratings (NCAP)

VariantOverallFrontalSideRollover
2012 Ford Focus 5 DR FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2012 Ford Focus 4 DR FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Service bulletins

Ford issued 149 service bulletins listed against this model year, most often about electrical system.

A bulletin tells dealers how to fix a known condition. It is not a recall and not a defect finding. Most bulletins cover several model years at once, so one listed here may not be specific to this year. The number of bulletins tracks how long and how widely a model was sold, so it is not a measure of reliability.

DateComponentSummary
2026-04-29ELECTRICAL SYSTEMHarvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software Verification Harvest Program
2026-02-24ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the access…
2025-11-19ELECTRICAL SYSTEMThis is a proactive investigation program by Ford Motor Company to inspect a limited number of affected vehicles that are customer-owned. Ford is voluntarily conducting this program to evaluate the software currently installed on one or m…
2024-12-04UNKNOWN OR OTHERCertain 2012 – 2018 Model Year Focus Vehicle Line One-Time Canister Purge Valve Replacement
2024-10-10UNKNOWN OR OTHERWhile performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. …
2024-04-24EQUIPMENTAll accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during ini…
2023-05-04POWER TRAINCertain 2011 through 2015 Model Year Fiesta and 2012 through 2016 Model Year Focus Vehicles Equipped with a DPS6 Automatic Transmission Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT âÀâ Due to on…
2023-04-04STRUCTUREFor 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification numbe…
2022-11-07POWER TRAINCertain 2011 through 2015 Model Year Fiesta and 2012 through 2016 Model Year Focus Vehicles Equipped with a DPS6 Automatic Transmission; Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Non-Ford Part Usag…
2021-11-04COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICSVarious 2012-2015 vehicles equipped with a 3G modem may experience a lack of 3G modem performance. This may be due to the 3G cellular service functionality being decommissioned starting August 2021 and through March 2022. As the 3G cellular…

How to read this page

Complaint counts are not failure rates. A model that sells more cars draws more complaints, and owners file more often after news coverage or a recall. That is why this page compares a model year only with other years of the same generation, never with other models.

Each complaint is counted once, even when it names several components; a complaint that names several systems appears under each of them. Owner reports are quoted as filed and have not been verified by NHTSA or by us.

Every model year of this Focus, including the ones without a page of their own, is listed on the Ford Focus model page.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: complaints, recalls and investigations (bulk files, data as of 2026-10-28).
  • NHTSA New Car Assessment Program: crash test ratings.
  • U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov: engines, transmissions and fuel economy.

MotorAlmanac is independent and not affiliated with NHTSA, EPA or any manufacturer. This page summarises public records; it is not a mechanical inspection. Before buying a used car, check its VIN for open recalls and have it inspected.