2012 FORD FOCUS Complaints

The Powershift for the transmission is the issue. Got two notices about a software update and followed through with updates. When done my Ford dealership said they couldn’t do anything else and that I was just going to be like it was. I never received any more recalls or even a Class Action letter! I recently called Ford motor headquarters and they found my information and could not confirm any additional recalls to me or the class action letter that was sent to me and said that they would NOT DO anything for me! No goodwill — Thisissue from this area continues and I very concerned for my safety! Need help.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn while driving. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,604.

I filled up my gas tank and a couple minutes later experienced shuddering while parked so I decided to turn the vehicle off and turn it back on but it struggles to turn back on. I then drove back home and as I was driving the acceleration was going up and down and then to 0. As i stopped on a red light the car completely shut down while the light then turned green and the check engine light, battery, and oil light came on. I then turned the vehicle off and in order to start it I had to step on the gas. I made it home but have not driven it since. I noticed there was a 19S22 recall but I spoke with ford and they said my vehicle didn’t get it but it is experiencing the same issues that the recall mentioned. There is a one time replacement for the CPV but it doesn’t cover half of what the 19S22 does and it seems to be the same problem.

The transmission begin to stall and would not shift. The motor would get to high RPMS and then shift hard into the next gear. I was able to pull over and the TCM error code popped up on the dash. I was able to get the car to the dealer. I was notified that the TCM failed and Ford would no longer cover this failed part. The car is a 2012 Focus with only 69,000 miles. Dealership is wanting $2,116.00 to fix.

After receiving program #24N07 on 12/04/2024, my 2012 ford focus was stalling out while downshifting to stops and after refueling, this happened around the 1st week of December of 2025 about a year after getting it repaired by the Ford dealership in my area. Replaced it myself this time, but sort of crazy to have to replace yet another purge valve just a year after.

Steering system failure light came on and the Rack and pinion failed with no warning while I was driving on the highway at 75mph and the steering wheel locked up almost causing a potential fatal accident.

I am the owner of a 2012 Ford Focus SE with approximately 54,000 miles. Beginning around 44,000 miles, the vehicle exhibited transmission shuddering, harsh engagement, and improper downshifting consistent with known DPS6 Transmission Control Module (TCM) defects. Prior to the expiration of Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 on June 30, 2025, I confirmed coverage through Ford’s recall website and presented the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership on May 27, 2025 (documented in Carfax). The dealership declined repair, stating no diagnostic trouble codes or warning indicators were present and incorrectly advised that customer satisfaction programs do not expire. On December 18, 2025, while driving at highway speed, the vehicle experienced sudden loss of drivability. Traction control was disabled, hill assist became unavailable, engine RPM increased abnormally, and the vehicle stalled in traffic. The instrument cluster displayed “Transmission Malfunction – Service Now.” The vehicle would not restart and required towing from the roadway, creating a hazardous traffic situation. The dealership later diagnosed a complete TCM failure and provided a repair estimate of approximately $1,800. Ford Motor Company has publicly acknowledged widespread TCM defects in 2012–2016 Ford Focus vehicles and issued multiple recalls and customer satisfaction programs, including later supplements authorizing TCM replacement rather than software reprogramming. Despite my documented attempt to obtain service before the program deadline, Ford denied coverage solely due to expiration. Ford corporate denied goodwill assistance, refused supervisor escalation, and asserted that a TCM software reprogramming performed in 2016 at approximately 19,000 miles resolved the issue. Software reprogramming does not correct the underlying hardware defect and only delays failure. This vehicle has experienced repeated transmission-related failures under 54,000 miles and remains disabled at the dealers

the car runs without power when shifted to drive gear. It is sluggish trying to speed up. Took to Ford Dealers on a recall with that is suppose to take care of it..nothing seems to have changed. I am not sure anything was done. trans makes a rough sound starting..

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side door failed to open as intended. The contact used force to attempt to open the door and failed. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, she was informed that the vehicle had an open recall related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). When the contact retrieved the vehicle, the contact was informed that the recall had been repaired; however, there was no proof that the vehicle was under recall or that the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that several weeks later, mold was found in the driver’s seat and on the driver’s side seat belt. The contact stated that after a snowstorm, the moonroof was misty, and there was a water ring found above the interior roof. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal hissing sound coming from the vehicle underneath the driver’s side of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the post office. After returning to the vehicle and starting the vehicle, the abnormal hissing sound persisted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Manufacturer Recall Number: 18S32. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and would not confirm if the VIN was or was not under recall. The failure mileage was 129,354.

I was driving to drop my fiancé off at work when the "Steering fault, Service now" warning came on. Went home, parked the car. Start it up to go pick him up later, the wheel locked and "Steering loss, stop safely" warning came on. I just recently had my car inspected and had two new lower ball joints replaced. The one employee said my cars steering was working fine, and it was driving okay with no issues until today. Same thing just happened. You can't turn the wheel.