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 am angry that at the time I bought this car, the salesman said nothing about the car being "an automatic with a standard transmission". That term was said to me only when I took the car back to the dealership to look at the problem. Had he told me, I know that would have raised a red flag for me.
Also, prior to them working on the transmission, it rolled backwards at a red light.
Transmission shutters in the lower gears, so much that you can actually feel the vehicle almost rumble as it gets in gear. Doesn't really occur when car is cold, but as you drive, it becomes more and more frequent, as every time you come to a stop, you'll have to allow the car to shudder into gear. Condition seems to only happen when car is in first gear, but it can be a pretty violent-feeling shudder, almost like the car is going to lose power completely.
We too are having an issue with the transmission clutch in our 2012 Ford Focus. It was brought to the dealership in 03/2014 and my husband was told it was repaired and running good as new. I started driving the car in August and told him the car feels like I'm driving a manual and have it in the wrong gear. That was the problem he had.
After contacting almost all the dealerships in Houston and being told they would have to keep the car for 2 1/2 weeks to 6 weeks, I finally spoke with a service department that told me what was going on. Ford has known about this problem and has continued to "repair" the cars with the SAME parts...pretty much just putting a band aid on the problem. He spoke with a Ford rep 2 days ago, and supposedly they will have another transmission part that will correct the problem appropriately within 8 weeks. Was there ever a recall on this problem? There seem to be quite a large number of consumers experiencing the same troubles.
The Focus has a horrible transmission, whoever decided on a dual transmission needs to be fired. The car jerks, shakes, and just can't decide on what gear it needs to be in. It's the worst when driving in low gears. The car will jerk forward often and shake badly when trying slowly like in traffic. I either have to give it some gas or apply the brake, so it will go into another gear. I find if I drive in sport mode the problem isn't as bad but it still makes for a rough ride.
If I would of known the problems that would occur when I purchases this 2012 Ford Focus I never would of bought it. Not very long after getting it I noticed the transmission problems. Took it to a Ford dealer. They told me I needed a clutch kit. Then the clutch kit was on back order. Had to drive the car for a month with the awful hesitation, shuttering, jerking. Finally took it when they got the clutch kit. Got it back all seemed ok. Not ever 2 months later it started doing the same thing. Took back and they cleaned it. Got it back and as you can guess 2 months later it starts the same mess again. It is now back at the dealership for the 4th time. I am PISSED!!!!!!!! I have looked on the internet. There are tons of people who are having the same problem. I have been in contact with a lawyer about this problem.
- Kristy R.,
Claxton, GA, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
It's been three days since I've gotten my car back from the Dealership (for the third time after a "fix"), and this time I nearly ended up back-first into the side of Giant Supermarket.
I tried to ease out from my parking spot in reverse along the side of the grocery store, expecting the vibration and shuddering I get when I let go of the brake (sadly, it's become so common anymore), BEFORE touching the gas pedal. Today, putting light pressure on the gas pedal, there was no stutter or vibration -- the car didn't respond at all.
So naturally, I put a tiny bit more pressure on the gas to at least show other cars that I'm inching out, and after about 5 seconds of gas-pressing, the car wakes up and I shoot backwards toward the wall.
Fortunately, the brakes are in perfect condition, and I didn't have cause an accident, but this is the last straw.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I am angry that at the time I bought this car, the salesman said nothing about the car being "an automatic with a standard transmission". That term was said to me only when I took the car back to the dealership to look at the problem. Had he told me, I know that would have raised a red flag for me.
Also, prior to them working on the transmission, it rolled backwards at a red light.
- susansaskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, canada