Problems · by component

2012 Ford Focus engine and engine cooling problems

28 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Focus cite engine and engine cooling, 1% of all 3,805 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
28
1% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine and engine cooling

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine shuddered while idling, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The local independent mechanic was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was advised that the failure might be attributed to coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,058.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 4, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11678324
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, there was a puddle of liquid with an abnormal odor underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, and a message was displayed. The message “Stop vehicle immediately to prevent engine damage” was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, waited for the tow truck, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a timing cover assembly failure. The vehicle was repaired under recall. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because it was not under recall after the recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 19, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11649309
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while opening the front driver's side door, the engine fan inadvertently turned on without starting the vehicle. The engine fan remained running after the vehicle was turned off, causing the battery to become drained. The contact had to purchase a new battery. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 6, 2024Engine and engine coolingODI 11629270
“The contact's son owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the transmission started slipping. The vehicle was not shifting into the intended gear as designed. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The engine overheated and pull over safely messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a radiator flush, spark plug replacement, tune up, and a transmission flush needed to be performed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about a buyback and then referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2023Engine and engine cooling, Power trainODI 11551631
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH and stalled in the middle of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle only restarted after cooling down for 15-30 minutes. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact continued driving; however, the vehicle would not exceed 35 MPH. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times, and on some occasions, the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with the assistance a Police Officer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the dual clutch, slave cylinder, motor mount, purge valve and other unknown parts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 30, 2023Engine and engine cooling, Power train, EngineODI 11529758
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle overheated. Additionally, the contact stated while accelerating the vehicle shakes and shutters. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the air conditioner, transmission module, thermostat sensor, and control fan module needed to be replaced. The contact was informed the head gasket was leaking oil. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 41,260. VIN invalid”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 23, 2021Engine and engine cooling, Power trainODI 11422037

Showing 6 of 28 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.