CarBrief

The 2012 Focus has 3,803 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, more than any other Focus model year listed[1][2]. It also has 10 recalls, so check any car's recall status before you buy[2].

3,803owner complaints[1]
10recalls[2]
29–32MPG combined (EPA)[3]
4★NHTSA overall rating[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 3,803 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Focus[1]. In those reports, 108 mention a crash, 15 a fire and 88 injuries, and 5 deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

Here are the largest groups of complaints:

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Power train[5] 1,461 55,000
Steering[6] 933 78,000
Engine[7] 504 60,000
Electrical system[8] 366 62,050
Structure[9] 332 60,000
Fuel/propulsion system[10] 287 80,000
Speed control[11] 170 44,400

Another 359 complaints are filed under unknown or other[12].

Power train. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe shuddering, jerking, slipping or hesitation when pulling away or shifting gears, in several of them soon after the owner bought the car[5]. In several of those texts, the owner says the dealer called the behavior normal or could not find a fault[5].

Steering. In the steering sample, owners describe the power steering assist cutting out or a steering fault warning appearing while driving, sometimes clearing after a restart. A few describe the car wandering or being hard to keep in its lane at highway speed[6].

Engine. In the engine sample, owners describe stalling, loss of power, hesitation or a sudden surge. Two describe an engine mount breaking[7].

Electrical system. Owners in the sample describe the dash screen, touchscreen or audio going blank or showing errors. Two mention trunk lid wiring that was exposed or poorly routed[8].

These themes come from a small sample, so they show what owners report and not how often it happens across all cars. Speed control has the lowest median mileage in the table. It also has 13 crashes among its 170 complaints[11].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2012 Focus[2]. Newest first:

Several of these recalls cover only the Focus Electric or certain build dates, so they may not apply to your car. Ford's customer service number in the recall notices is 1-866-436-7332[13].

Fuel economy

The EPA lists several versions of the 2012 Focus. Gasoline versions are rated 29 to 32 MPG combined[23][24][25][3][26][27][28][29].

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
Focus FWD, 2.0L, Automatic (AM6)[23] 27 / 37 / 31 $2,150
Focus FWD, 2.0L, Automatic (AM-S6)[24] 27 / 36 / 30 $2,250
Focus FWD, 2.0L, Manual 5-spd[25] 26 / 35 / 29 $2,300
Focus SFE FWD, 2.0L, Automatic (AM6)[3] 28 / 39 / 32 $2,100
Focus FWD FFV, Manual 5-spd (gasoline or E85)[26] 26 / 35 / 29 $2,300
Focus FWD FFV, Automatic (AM6) (gasoline or E85)[27] 27 / 37 / 31 $2,150
Focus FWD FFV, Automatic (AM-S6) (gasoline or E85)[29] 27 / 36 / 31 $2,150
Focus SFE FWD FFV, Automatic (AM6) (gasoline or E85)[28] 28 / 39 / 32 $2,100

The Focus Electric is rated 105 MPGe combined with 76 miles of range[30]. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives NHTSA gives the 4 DR FWD version 4 stars overall ... The 5 HB FWD version has the same ratings 4 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal, 5 for side and 4 for rollover[4]. Rollover risk is 11.7%[4]. The hatchback (5 HB FWD) has the same ratings and the same 11.7% rollover risk[31].

Engine and size

The EPA test car list rates the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine at 160 hp[32]. The electric motor is rated 144 hp[33].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, converted to US units, and can differ slightly from US models.

Hatchback (SE/SEL/Titanium) Sedan (S/SE/SEL/Titanium)
Length[34][35] 172 in 178 in
Width[34][35] 72 in 72 in
Height[34][35] 58 in 58 in
Wheelbase[34][35] 104 in 104 in
Curb weight[34][35] 2,926 lb 2,954 lb

How 2012 compares with other years

2000: 3,686 complaints, 11 recalls20002001: 1,761 complaints, 7 recalls2002: 971 complaints, 2 recalls20022003: 977 complaints, 1 recalls2004: 387 complaints, 1 recalls20042005: 441 complaints, 1 recalls2006: 205 complaints, 0 recalls20062007: 391 complaints, 0 recalls2008: 250 complaints, 1 recalls20082009: 229 complaints, 0 recalls2010: 287 complaints, 0 recalls20102011: 113 complaints, 0 recalls2012: 3,803 complaints, 10 recalls3,80320122013: 2,181 complaints, 14 recalls2014: 2,659 complaints, 14 recalls20142015: 1,034 complaints, 11 recalls2016: 1,194 complaints, 11 recalls20162017: 907 complaints, 10 recalls2018: 837 complaints, 7 recalls2018
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Focus model year. The 2012 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20003,68611
20011,7617
20029712
20039771
20043871
20054411
20062050
20073910
20082501
20092290
20102870
20111130
20123,80310
20132,18114
20142,65914
20151,03411
20161,19411
201790710
20188377

The 2012 model year has more complaints on file than any other Focus year listed: 3,803, compared with 3,686 for 2000, 2,659 for 2014 and 2,181 for 2013[2]. The 2011 model year has 113 complaints and no recalls[2].

Recalls tell a different story. The 2012 Focus has 10, while 2013 and 2014 have 14 each, and 2000, 2015 and 2016 have 11 each[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they show how much was reported and not how likely a problem is.

Should you buy a used 2012 Focus?

Merge two sentences, for example: 'Before buying, check the car's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup and ask for proof that the door latch recalls were done, because 20V331 covers repairs that may not have been completed properly[14].' The purge valve recall 26V369 covers cars that may have been repaired incorrectly the first time[13]. Also ask for proof that the door latch recalls were done, because 20V331 covers repairs that may not have been completed properly[14]. Test drive for shuddering when pulling away and for any steering warning light, since owners in our sample describe both[5][6]. Fuel economy is a plus, with gasoline versions rated 29 to 32 MPG combined[23][25][3], and NHTSA gives both body styles 4 stars overall[4][31].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Focus?
Power train has the most NHTSA complaints at 1,461, followed by steering at 933 and engine at 504[5][6][7]. In the samples we read, owners describe shuddering when pulling away and power steering warnings[5][6].
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Focus have?
NHTSA lists 10 recalls[2]. They include the canister purge valve stall risk (18V735, 19V515 and 26V369) and door latch recalls 16V643 and 20V331[13][14][15][16][18].
How good is the gas mileage of the 2012 Ford Focus?
Gasoline versions are rated 29 to 32 MPG combined by the EPA[23][3][26]. The Focus Electric is rated 105 MPGe combined[30].
Is the 2012 Ford Focus safe?
NHTSA rates the sedan and hatchback 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side crashes[4][31].
Is 2012 a bad year for the Ford Focus?
It has the most complaints of any listed Focus year at 3,803, ahead of 3,686 for 2000[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so they are only a rough guide[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 3,803 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Ford Focus (108 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 88 injuries, 5 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Focus model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for Focus SFE FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 1,461 complaints name the power train component group (31 crashes, 3 fires, 15 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 933 complaints name the steering component group (23 crashes, 2 fires, 25 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 504 complaints name the engine component group (10 crashes, 5 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 366 complaints name the electrical system component group (9 crashes, 4 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,050). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 332 complaints name the structure component group (9 crashes, 2 fires, 13 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 287 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 170 complaints name the speed control component group (13 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,400). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 359 complaints name the unknown or other component group (9 crashes, 2 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 26V369, filed June 9, 2026: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 20V331, filed June 8, 2020: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 19V515, filed July 5, 2019: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 18V735, filed October 22, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 18V592, filed September 10, 2018: Equipment › Electrical. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 16V643, filed September 6, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 13V523, filed October 30, 2013: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 13V475, filed October 17, 2013: Equipment › Electrical › Anti-Theft Devices. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 13V335, filed August 1, 2013: Exterior Lighting. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 12V149, filed April 5, 2012: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Switch / Wiring. NHTSA recall database
  23. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 36 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Focus FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 35 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 35 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Focus SFE FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Focus FWD FFV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 36 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Focus Electric, electric, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Electricity: 105 MPGe combined, 76 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  32. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Ford Focus with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 160 hp. www.epa.gov
  33. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Ford Focus with electric motor: rated 144 hp. www.epa.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FOCUS 4DR HATCHBACK SE/SEL/TITANIUM: length 172 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,926 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FOCUS 4DR SEDAN S/SE/SEL/TITANIUM: length 178 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,954 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.