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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:
29 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
13 / 0
Average Mileage:
59,431 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 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2012 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 31 of 65)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #697

Nov 292016

Focus

  • 46,000 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 that the vehicle independently shifted into neutral and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. After five minutes, the vehicle became operable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clutch position sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired due to the workload of the dealer. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V643000 (latches/locks/linkages); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

- Pasadena, TX, USA

problem #696

Nov 212016

Focus

  • miles
Recall of PCM/tmc recall 15B22 - I do not understand if a part is on a recall to be replaced why is a mileage restriction placed on the vehicle? I took my car to dealership for a failed recalled part and I had to pay for the part and the installation!! I commute over a hundred miles round trip each day to work by July 2016 I had already reached the 150,000 mile mark. My family has been a Ford owner's for over 35 years. We own 3 Ford vehicles today. Including the one in reference. I plead with you to help with the cost of this. Please feel free to contact me anytime at [xxx]. thank you, [xxx] may you and yours have a blessed thanksgiving. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Bismarck, AR, USA

problem #695

Jun 012016

Focus

  • 48,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shook forcefully and the overheating warning light illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission was failing. The failure could not be repaired. The failure mileage was 48,000.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #694

Oct 222016

Focus

  • 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 that the transmission failed and the vehicle was driving as if it were in neutral. The vehicle was repaired, but the vehicle stalled while driving 30 mph. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.

- Evmond, OK, USA

problem #693

Oct 122016

Focus

  • 30,000 miles
The transmission is slipping and hesitating, Ford said its a design problem. I have had several near accidents because of this transmission. Ford can't fix this. I would like Ford to buy back this car before I get into a bad accident.

- Watertown, MA, USA

problem #692

Jul 282016

Focus

  • 98,842 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive shuddering and delayed acceleration when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch motor was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 98,842.

- Muskegon, MI, USA

problem #691

Dec 102013

Focus

  • 20,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. While driving various speeds and shifting between first and second gear, the vehicle would jerk. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch kit needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the transmission control module was replaced and the PCM was updated. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

- Groton, CT, USA

problem #690

Feb 292016

Focus

  • 30,000 miles
Ford Focus recall for dual clutch assembly: We have had the dual clutch assembly replaced 3 times and continue to have problems with the car not shifting into the correct gear, dragging, and shuttering.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #689

Oct 172016

Focus

  • 72,468 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. While driving on an incline, the vehicle began to stutter without warning. Also, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated to increase in speed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,468.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #688

Oct 272016

Focus

  • 79,000 miles
On a wet pavement in the rain while attempting to make a right turn into a shopping center the power steering locked up and would not turn or respond. The vehicle continued into an island curb breaking off the front left tire causing over $4,300 in damage. The problem with the power steering locking up during wet weather was confirmed by the repair shop. Ford Motor Company (customer service) was contacted but would not send a representative to look at the vehicle. This issue is ongoing as everyone who drives the vehicle has experienced the steering locking up during wet conditions. The vehicle also has a shuddering issue where the vehilcle bucks when moving forward.

- Cherry Hill, NJ, USA

problem #687

Nov 122016

Focus

  • 29,800 miles

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

Very rough idling of engine while proceeding forward at start of acceleration. The "hill assist not available" light on the instrumentation panel came on, while the transmission seemed to transfer itself from a drive position to a neutral position. The car remained stationary while I attempted to accelerate using the foot pedal. At that point, I could not get the car back into a drive gear position. Immediately following "hill assist not available" message, a second warning light "transmission malfunction, service now" came on. During this moment, an additional red exclamation light engaged. When I stopped at a red traffic signal, my Focus's RPM idle quickly increased causing the Focus to lunge forward a few feet into an active traffic intersection. As I proceeded to make a right hand turn, the instrumentation panel displayed no warning signs, then suddenly came back on as the RPM idle went from 2,200 to 5,500 RPM in a neutral gear state. At this moment, I was nervous, as my mind was racing with thoughts of an accident; such as, the transmission could re-engage to a drive position at such a high RPM rate, forcing vehicle to thrust forward at an uncontrollable high speed, or the engine could perhaps overheat and/or the engine block could crack. The warning panel sporadically turned warning messages on and off as it affected the powertrain/transmission control. The waning light displays "hill assist not available" every time the transmission goes into a neutral position, while the gear is physically in its "D" (drive) position. This Focus leaves me wary while behind its wheel. Will this car eventually injure me or another person (s) while the transmission suddenly accelerates once again, causing an accident?

- Rancho Mirage, CA, USA

problem #686

Oct 282016

Focus

  • miles
I purchased the Focus in Aug. 2016, took car to dealer right away to have it checked. I get a clean bill of health, including the transmission with which I was having issues. Two months later, the problem has worsened and gave warning. Took back to dealer who now says needs transmission work worth 2,200 dollars. When checking, found out previous owners had the complete clutch system replaced on November, 2nd. 2015, exactly a year ago. I am trying to get apple Ford of columbia, MA fix the vehicle as the otherwise known issue of Ford Focus from 2011 on has not been totally resolved on my vehicle. At the present, the car is with sheehy Ford in springfield, va waiting response from apple Ford. I appreciate any assistance I can get so my daughter can have her car back so she can pursue her college courses w/T having to worry about her transportation. Thank you!

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #685

Sep 202016

Focus

  • 102,000 miles
The car failed while driving on a busy road due to the transmission control module failing which is under replacement recall. While at the dealership they informed me that they could not complete the repair without replacing the locked shifter. I explained that the shifter electronically locked when the transmission failed and that I did not want it replaced. I was told that they refused to continue without authorization to replace the shifter for $535 I was forced to agree as this is my only vehicle and I needed it fixed. It is well documented on the internet including by many Ford technicians that a side effect of the transmission control module failing is that the shifter electronically locks in place, and when that happens the dash no longer shows what position it is in. They told me that it was a completely isolated incident that the shifter "broke" ie wont shift, at the exact same time that the transmission failed. I would like to know my options regarding recovering my money for a covered recall. Ford has had my car for just shy of 60 days during the length of ownership. Other issues with the car include the fan does not work, the back door sensor is broken, the two front windows failed, the horn failed, and numerous electrical issues with the lights.

- Ringwood, NJ, USA

problem #684

Nov 082016

Focus 4-cyl

  • 14,000 miles
The car rolls forward/backward when in park. The car shudders and shakes when you take off or when you slow down and the accelerate. I have had the clutch worked, replaced and had the replacement's software updated. It behaves like it did when it needed to be replaced the first time. I was told this was normal and I was told to drive the car like I stole it when taking off and accelerating. I speak the truth when I tell you that....exact words...drive it like I stole it. I have modified my driving habits but it has not helped and I feel those habits are dangerous. The passenger side window has in intermittent problem where it will not roll up when rolled down. The door latch may take up to six months to be fixed due to lack of parts and the clutch still stutters and shudders around corners and slow speed take offs. Updated 12/29/16.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #683

Oct 282016

Focus

  • 79,000 miles
My 2012 Ford Focus selectshift transmission still has problems. Ford extended the warranty for select Ford focuses and fiesta with no fix. They extended warranties for 10 years on these transmissions but replace with faulty parts. My car has had transmission work done to it and each time I get it back the transmission light comes on again. It's a huge known problem that Ford isn't willing to find a solution to. When driving it the transmission refused to find a gear and kept slipping making me go 30 mph maximum when the speed limit was 55mph through a very busy town. Now it hunts for gears and shot up the RPM's then shot down and doesn't feel like it has near the power after these transmission problems.

- Greenup, KY, USA

problem #682

Apr 152016

Focus

  • 36,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. While traveling at 65 mph, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that a grinding noise could be heard while the vehicle was shifting gears. After the vehicle was shut off and restarted, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch plate needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the issue recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

- Bakersfield, AP, USA

problem #681

Oct 032016

Focus

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact noticed a strong hesitation and delay upon applying the accelerator pedal. The contact had to apply force to the accelerator pedal to increase speed. A mechanic inspected the vehicle, but was unable to replicate or diagnose the failure. The mechanic recommended that the vehicle be taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Lubbock, TX, USA

problem #680

Nov 042016

Focus

  • 184,000 miles
I own a 2012 Ford Focus with the manual/automatic transmission dct the car now has 184K highway miles on it Ford replaced one clutch out of three revisions. The car shudders badly and I'm told I no longer qualify for repair of a know issue because of the mileage. Cost of the new clutch and seals would be @ $1000 I'm being monetarily punished for using their product. The shuddering while annoying still allows me to drive the car from a to B. however, now the tcm module is bad per the dealer and will require $650 to get the car back on the road... I was driving the car when the transmission seemed to go into neutral. One off the road I selected all available gears and the car would not move. I tried shutting the car off and it would not restart. So, I had it towed to the nearest Ford dealer. Now on to the mind scramble... I was told there are 41000 tcm's currently on backorder and the wait time is 3 to 4 months! they expect me to leave my car at the dealer pushed to the back of their lot and stored for 3 to 4 month. Of course they did offer to take my car in on a trade! doesn't this seem like a nice way to increase car sells!" what would they even give me on trade for a broken down car" this is pathetically laughable. It would seem to me that a car that has had three related transmission "upgrades" with seals and clutches, extended warranty for those that rarely drive, and now a tcm reprogramming and warranty extension to 150K is a problematic release and should be a forced recall! as is, my only remedy is to sue Ford in a class action in order to get around the customer service department "feeling my pain". to give a consumer no better answer to a proven Ford related engineering problem than wait four months or trade up for another piece of Ford junk should not be allowed to happen.

- Crossville, TN, USA

problem #679

Mar 242016

Focus

  • 25,116 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. While driving low speeds and accelerating from the stop position, the contact heard loud noises. The vehicle jerked each time the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle also roll backwards when in park and when the contact was exiting the vehicle. The contact also stated that the transmission was slipping out of gear and made a grinding clunking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission slipped out of gear and the transmission control module needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,116.

- Framingham, MA, USA

problem #678

Jul 152016

Focus

  • miles
Recalled vehicle for computer system. Defect causes breaks to wear early, shuddering in transmission, and eventual transmission failure while the car is running. Is a known problem as I see from many other internet complaints.

- Rochester, NY, USA

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