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.
I recently work as a home health nurse. I need to drive a lot in order to visit patient scattered all over the place. After I took the car back to the dealer about 2 weeks ago to fix the recall items. (either something about the door or the clutch). The condition of the radio went from bad to worst. At first the radio did not turn on, until after I stopped the car and restart to engine. Dealer claimed nothing wrong and did not do anything.
On 10-15, I noticed weird noises coming from the car even before I got in. The radio is dead, but it still show the date and time. While driving to my patient's house, it was the most irritating moment ever, there was deafening static/popping sound blasting from the speakers. I was worried and concerned, almost got into a car accident because I forgot to flick the turning signal (Due to the distraction from the loud blasting noises).
I got off the freeway and turned off and on the engine. But it did not do any good. I had to suffered from those blasting noise for almost 2 hours.
Did intense online research, found out there is issue related to this problem: TSB 13-4-14 which requires to reprogram the Digital Signal Processor module.
Took the car to the dealer, I mentioned the above issue. He said my car did not have a subwoofer. I really did not know why did it matter? Wiring still the same way, right?
I paid $150 for nothing. Dealer said they reprogrammed the module but the radio still did no work. They want $783 to replace the radio. To me, dealers just like licensed con artists. They planted defective items in our cars and waited for it to break. Then we have to pay hefty fees to fix them. My car is only 6 years old!
I hope I can gather enough complaints to make it a recall. Is it possible?
Radio starts making screeching unbearable noise when first activated, either by opening a door, putting the key in the ignition, unlocking the doors with remote, etc. some time ago the radio used to work but randomly there would be a pop and the radio would shut off until you restarted the car. Then it started the make the awful noise and now mostly does not turn on at all other than to make this ungodly noise.
I have seen many complaints on YouTube and other places online with this same problem. Loud popping sound, ear splitting, painful screeching sounds. Why has there been no recall? Now car is at the Ford dealership because it just up and quit on me when I was on the freeway. I am very disappointed in my Ford Focus.
The radio issue began with the sound randomly shutting off after a "pop". Now the speakers crackle and pop, even when the car is parked. I didn't drive it for a week, and had left it sitting in my garage. Pushed the button on the key to unlock the car, and the popping sound began, sounding like the car was going to explode.
I have contacted Ford, and have gotten nowhere. I see that I am not the only one having an issue. There are several other issues with this car as well (such as the transmission), that I have seen others mention. Tried to pull the fuse, which happens to be connected to other options of the car. I don't drive it much because of the noise. I wish Ford would recall this issue, but they are obviously sweeping it under the rug.
I am very sorry that I wasted so much money buying this piece of junk. I bought it brand new in 2012, with only 120 miles. I'm sure that it wont be cheap to fix. I will never buy a Ford again.
The radio/speakers sounded like it was blowing up. I have pulled the fuse, so I can at least drive the car in peace. Other things aren't working because the fuse is out, so this is really annoying. Haven't had it fixed yet because out of warranty.
- Michelle B.,
Camden, NC, US
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Since I have had this vehicle it has been a nightmare. I have a 45min commute each way and after about 30mins or so the transmission makes a grinding noise when switching from 1st to 2nd gear. I have reported to dealer..they say no fault found.
The gearbox slips, if you go from a dead stop it starts fine but then randomly just drops to no power...this has caused several scares for my kids.
The dashboard rattles have been numerous and they have attempted several times to fix - new ones appear.
There is a random thing that is just crazy. Some times when you unlock the car all the speakers start booming and blasting full blast until you start the car. See video..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spgHjAVNvAg
The AM reception sometimes works, mostly doesn't. Had 2 antenna repairs done but still drops.
The sensors alert you to nearby objects when there is nothing around.
I am so over this vehicle, I have complained to Ford without any help whatsoever. I have tried different dealerships but always get the runaround. I even got told that the transmission slipping and grinding is normal.
I believe this car to be a lemon and it is so unpredictable to drive.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I recently work as a home health nurse. I need to drive a lot in order to visit patient scattered all over the place. After I took the car back to the dealer about 2 weeks ago to fix the recall items. (either something about the door or the clutch). The condition of the radio went from bad to worst. At first the radio did not turn on, until after I stopped the car and restart to engine. Dealer claimed nothing wrong and did not do anything.
On 10-15, I noticed weird noises coming from the car even before I got in. The radio is dead, but it still show the date and time. While driving to my patient's house, it was the most irritating moment ever, there was deafening static/popping sound blasting from the speakers. I was worried and concerned, almost got into a car accident because I forgot to flick the turning signal (Due to the distraction from the loud blasting noises).
I got off the freeway and turned off and on the engine. But it did not do any good. I had to suffered from those blasting noise for almost 2 hours.
Did intense online research, found out there is issue related to this problem: TSB 13-4-14 which requires to reprogram the Digital Signal Processor module.
Took the car to the dealer, I mentioned the above issue. He said my car did not have a subwoofer. I really did not know why did it matter? Wiring still the same way, right?
I paid $150 for nothing. Dealer said they reprogrammed the module but the radio still did no work. They want $783 to replace the radio. To me, dealers just like licensed con artists. They planted defective items in our cars and waited for it to break. Then we have to pay hefty fees to fix them. My car is only 6 years old!
I hope I can gather enough complaints to make it a recall. Is it possible?
- Bertha C., Santa Clarita, CA, US