NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 3,803 owner complaints for the 2012 Ford Focus. Most complaints involve power train (1,461) and steering (933). The EPA rates it 29–105 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Focus model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3,738 |
| 2001 | 1,790 |
| 2002 | 1,014 |
| 2003 | 1,017 |
| 2004 | 387 |
| 2005 | 441 |
| 2006 | 205 |
| 2007 | 391 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 229 |
| 2010 | 287 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 3,803 |
| 2013 | 2,181 |
| 2014 | 2,584 |
| 2015 | 1,034 |
| 2016 | 1,194 |
| 2017 | 906 |
| 2018 | 837 |
“The transmission is messing up real batteries like it's automatic.And when it goes into the next gear , it goes into gear and then goes all the gas falls down all the way 20 and the gas is gonna be about like you got a five speed it shifts up-and-down all the time up down up down, there was A\n Problem with these transmissions that they went over to court for and had a lawsuit against them to fix these cars, I go to the place. And they tell me Only in california though that time would fix it and I said , I can't not change my purge valve , because my light wasn't on , I just took it off myself , cleared the check engine light even though it was still stored in the computer , they wouldn't even check it”
“The TCU/TCM has been going in and out of control. Sometimes it will work then others it will shut off. Speedometer won’t work, power steering won’t work, cruise control won’t work, etc. and when you do the transmission reset for it, it won’t work at all.”
“I am submitting this complaint because Ford dealers do not appear to be following Ford Motor Company's published procedure for Customer Satisfaction Program 24N07. I visited two Ford service departments in [XXX] and [XXX]. Both told me they must first perform their own diagnostic evaluation before replacing the canister purge valve (CPV) under 24N07, and that I may be responsible for a diagnostic fee if they do not confirm the issue. Both dealers justified this requirement by stating that it was mandated by Ford corporate. This appears inconsistent with Ford's XXX communication to all U.S. Ford and Lincoln dealers. The 24N07 Technical Instructions already provide a decision process: Step 1 directs technicians to check for specified DTCs, including P0443, OR determine whether the customer reports hesitation, rough idle, or loss of power. Step 2 asks whether any Step 1 condition is present. If yes, Step 3 directs the technician to replace the CPV. (PAGE 16) Nowhere in this procedure does Ford require a separate comprehensive EVAP diagnosis before replacement. Ford's labor operation also includes checking for DTCs as part of the 24N07 service. (PAGE 16) This is…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Electric Auto (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive | 110 | 99 | 105 | $700 | — |
| Focus SFE FWD Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,000 | 278 |
| Focus SFE FWD FFV Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,000 | 278 |
| Focus FWD Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,050 | 287 |
| Focus FWD FFV Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 36 | 31 | $2,050 | 287 |
| Focus FWD FFV Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,050 | 287 |
| Focus FWD Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,150 | 296 |
| Focus FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,200 | 306 |
| Focus FWD FFV Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,200 | 306 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
8 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 3,803 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (1,461), steering (933), engine (477). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 Ford Focus at 29–105 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (9 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Ford Focus 4 out of 5 stars overall.