2012 Ford Focus problems and complaints

Owners have filed 3802 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Focus. The most-reported areas: Power Train (1460), Steering (933), Engine (477).

Key takeaways

  • 3802 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 108 involve a crash, 15 a fire, 88 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Power Train146038%
Steering93325%
Engine47713%
Electrical System36610%
Unknown Or Other3599%
Structure3329%
Fuel/Propulsion System2878%
Vehicle Speed Control1704%
Latches/Locks/Linkages1344%
Service Brakes622%
Fuel System561%
Gasoline561%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2012 Ford Focus 5 DR FWD4/54/55/54/5
2012 Ford Focus 4 DR FWD4/54/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Power Train - filed 2026-09-29

Transmission overheating warning light Transmission clutch stuck open recommended to change out “actuator A” but did not solve. Clutch fork needs replacement

Latches/Locks/Linkages - filed 2026-09-04

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the part to do the recall repair was denied. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the front driver’s side door failed to remain closed. The vehicle was towed to a loca...

Power Train - filed 2026-09-03

Rowe ford came stated he checked to see it the software was there also stated there were codes and said he was done. He never fixed the software cause i have u codes that state pcm and has locked my car into limp mode which means my car is immobilized due to the bad software. They closed Out the recall on there end wit...

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More for the 2012 Ford Focus

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.