Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more
    GREEN CHOICE

    Ford Focus

    EPA MPG: 32 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

    The 2012 Ford Focus has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Ford Focus owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "PERIODICALLY THE CAR WOULD NOT START UNLESS JUMP STARTED. DEALER HAD CAR SEVERAL DAYS, DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. ANOTHER REPAIR LOCATION HAD SAME RESULTS. BOTH SAID THE BATTERY WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. WE DECIDED TO GET A NEW BATTERY ANYWAY AND IT HAS STARTED EVER SINCE."

    Anonymous, IA (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "The climate control system makes a loud clacking noise when I turn on the heat. Began in spring of 2023 when weather was cold and continues to this day. A previous car I had made a similar noise and it turned out a deflector in the system that diverts the air between the various vents would stick and was trying to free itself. I assume my current problem is the same thing. I havent had it fixed as Im afraid of what the cost would run and if they could get the dash back together so that you couldnt tell it had been taken apart. Also, on the old car with maybe the same problem, it never defrosted the windows correctly after it was fixed."

    Anonymous, MN (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Suspension bushings needed to be replaced, front. Rear will need to be done soon."

    Anonymous, MI (2012 Ford Focus S 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Cruise control works intermittently. Been like this for 5 + years. Never fixed because it always worked at the dealer service department."

    Anonymous A., NC (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Clearance- too low to the ground, terrible design."

    Anonymous, NM (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "cracked windshield"

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Clutch replacement

    "The clutch has been replaced three times in this model, twice Ford has paid, and they have yet to pay for the last time, even though this is a known issue with this model. The car starts, drives, and runs well for about 70,000 miles and then the clutch needs to be replaced again."

    Anonymous, MA (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Had to pay about 2600$ for clutch replacement. Ford dealership wanted about 4200$"

    Anonymous A., VA (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Clutch broke and would not shift. Had to tow and replace clutch"

    Anonymous, IN (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other major transmission & clutch problem

    "When you come to a stop, then accelerate, it shutters. Or when you are entering the highway or increasing your speed, it seems the gears are not shifting and the car does a stall before it catches up. I've been told by Ford, that I have a clutch transmission, even though I have a automatic, it takes time for the gears to catch up. They say it's like if I was shifting with a clutch. I know someone who purchased a 2016 and experience the same issues. DON'T BUY A FORD FOCUS!!!"

    Anonymous, IN (2012 Ford Focus SE Unsure)

    "When I bought this car from the used car dealer, I was told about an already serviced transmission recall issue. I thought nothing more of it for about six months. At that time I began to feel the transmission slipping a little and jerking back and forth during acceleration. Taking it to a local Ford dealer for service was the first of nine (9!!!) servicing of this vehicles "PowerShit"...ehr...I mean "PowerShift" tranmission. It was either the clutches or the TCM every time. Sometimes both. Fortunately, my only expense was a rental car every time this car's transmission was serviced. Still inconvenient and costly use of my time. Miraculously, the ninth service of this transmission has held up for almost one year without issue. Which causes me to wonder what on earth Ford was doing every other time they 'fixed' this transmission???"

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Ford Focus SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Rough shifting

    "When the clutch is nearing the end of its 70,000 mile life, the shifting becomes rough and jerky."

    Anonymous, MA (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Slipping transmission

    "When starting in first gear,the car was stuttering to the point of worrying about the car behind me,at a light,rear ending me"

    Anonymous A., VA (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Transmission computer

    "Automated transmission had a recall. Took it in and was told computer replaced but not slipping clutches because it would be ok and would have extended warranty. When later clutches did fail the extended warranty did not cover it. Cost me $3500 out of pocket."

    Anonymous, (2012 Ford Focus Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Transmission sensor or solenoid

    "I took it in as soon as I got a service transmission warning. They had it for a week and it was covered under warranty."

    Anonymous A., MI (2012 Ford Focus SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Other steering/suspension problem

    "Steering wheel difficult to turn. I don't have driver assist but I need to turn car off, pause and restart to get the steering control fixed"

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Ford Focus Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Power steering

    "steering loose, unable to turn steering wheel, spent 700 dollars (included labor) to change that part"

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    "Steering stopped and had to be towed"

    Anonymous, IN (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen goes blank

    "One day the screen was blank with loss of all infotainment functions. Potential correction is not assured by Ford and others consulted, as well as being absurdly expensive."

    Anonymous, GA (2012 Ford Focus SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Started approximately 2 months ago, happens maybe twice a week, and has not been resolved yet!"

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Ford Focus SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "The display screen went blank. Besides not seeing outside temperature and other items we also lost our radio. The cost was around $2000 to repair it. Not having the screen did not affect the performance of the vehicle, so we decided not to fix it."

    Anonymous, MO (2012 Ford Focus SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "Uneven brake wear"

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Ford Focus Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Rotors

    "Rough stopping"

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Ford Focus Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    "Sun roof leaks"

    Anonymous, NC (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "Was in an accident followed by rattles in visors and dash"

    Anonymous, NC (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Headlights

    "Six months ago the right-front low-beam headlamp stopped working. I assumed it was merely burnt out, as headlamps will do after many years of service. Replacing the lamp did not fix the problem. Took it to my mechanic who said, "There's no electrical current going to the bulb socket and there is a burn mark on the socket." Researching the problem pointed to the Body Control Module (BCM) as the possible problem. Estimates to trace and fix this problem have ranged from $700 to $1,500. I may try a 'do it myself' repair but it will be a difficult job."

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Ford Focus SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "The compressor was basically falling apart. The compressor and all the accessories had to be replaced."

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    "Both rear wheel hub bearings failed"

    Anonymous, MD (2012 Ford Focus Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Thermostat

    "Check engine light comes on for w few days at a time. Error message is f.uid temperature is low"

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Ford Focus Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    No Data Available

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00*
    01
    02
    03
    04
    05
    06
    07
    08
    09
    10
    11
    12*
    13
    14
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19
    20
    21
    22
    23
    24
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    NA
    NA

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
    Jun 08, 2020
    A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V331000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2147323
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Jul 05, 2019
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V515000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 57488
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Oct 22, 2018
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V735000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1282596
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
    Sep 06, 2016
    A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V643000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2046297
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING
    Aug 01, 2013
    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.
    Summary:
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V335000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 6308
    EQUIPMENT
    Oct 02, 2012
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12E035000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 440
    VISIBILITY
    Apr 05, 2012
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    FORD'S SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 12S29.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V149000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 140310
    Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Change Vehicle