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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:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,780 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 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2012 Ford Focus Owner Comments

problem #5

Mar 012022

Focus

  • 70,000 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 various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the traction control and check engine warning lights were intermittently illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The mechanic called the dealer and was informed that parts for the repair were on backorder. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Canton, IL, USA

problem #4

Mar 052015

Focus

  • 32,000 miles
The traction control in the vehicle operates in an unsafe manner in snowy road conditions. When climbing a slight grade in snow, the traction control continually reduces engine power to the point that the vehicle will no longer move forward. As the vehicle slows to a stop while modulating the accelerator, the engine will not rev above 1500rpm without the traction control cutting off power. Controlled and sustained forward momentum is required for safe driving in snowy conditions. That is not possible when traversing typical roadway inclines in snowy weather with the traction control engaged. Additionally, it takes no fewer than seven inputs from the driver to engage or disengage the traction control system; something that must be done frequently in this vehicle to keep it moving safely in snow. This creates undue driver distraction in already demanding driving conditions. A manufacturer retrofit of a simple on/off switch for the traction control system, as installed in most contemporary vehicles, should be the minimum remedy.

- Reston, VA, USA

problem #3

Mar 042014

Focus 4-cyl

  • 30,000 miles
I have a 2012 Ford Focus sel with 30K miles. The traction control on this vehicle in snow is horrible! when the car is in light snow the traction control kicks on and the car loses power.. I have gotten stuck in the middle of the road because the wheels will not move! I have to go and turn off the tc in the settings just to get power.. this is not safe at all!!!

- Youngstown , OH, USA

problem #2

Jan 102014

Focus

  • 12,000 miles
After about 30-45 mins of driving the car will begin to shudder going from 1st to 2nd gear. It occurs most noticeably driving from a stop. I have brought my car in numerous times and have been told numerous excuses. At this time it is getting annoying, however it becomes a concern when turning onto roads because it does not produce any power during this time. Its only a matter of time before a accident occurs because of this issue. There needs to be a recall on the transmission on the 2012 Ford Focus. Updated 03/25/14 also, an oil leak was found, the vehicle would shudder in reverse and it felt as though the traction control was engaging.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

problem #1

Feb 192013

Focus

  • 4,900 miles
I purchased a basic Ford Focus in 02/2012, the car has no ability to turn off the traction control system. This caused me to become stuck in about 2 to 3 inches of snow and subsequently caused me to have my rear bumper damaged when I was pulled out by a good samaritan. I think that this a sever safety issue. I think Ford should have to provide the ability to turn off the traction control system. I could disable it by removing the ABS fuses, but the I lose my ABS system. For a car that cost $17,300 I shouldn't have to not drive my car every time I get 2-3 inches of snow. I called Ford, they thanked me for my input but insisted there was nothing they could do.

- Sault Sainte Marie, MI, USA

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