2012 Ford Focus
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 1,459 of 3,801 complaints (38%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Steering include more deaths (5) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 113 in 2011 to 3,801 in 2012.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | vs. 2012 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,250 | 2,150–2,250 | 1,950–2,150 | 1,950–2,400 | 1,950–2,400 | |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 28–29 | 29–32 | 26–32 | 26–32 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 24 / 34–35 | 25 / 33–34 | 26–28 / 35–39 | 23–28 / 31–39 | 23–28 / 31–39 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 317 | 306–317 | 278–306 | 278–340 | 278–340 | |
| Complaints filed | 287 | 113 | 3,801 | 2,179 | 2,655 | |
| Recalls issued | 0 | 0 | 11 | 15 | 14 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 22 | 8 | 108 | 50 | 69 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 4 | 0 | 15 | 12 | 10 | |
| Injuries reported | 19 | 10 | 88 | 29 | 47 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Focus have?
11 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2012 Ford Focus?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 1,459 of 3,801 NHTSA complaints (38%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford Focus get?
EPA rates it 29–32 MPG combined across 8 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Ford Focus?
EPA estimates $1,950–$2,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (9)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 27 mpg | 37 mpg | 31 mpg | $2,000 | 287 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (AM-S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 27 mpg | 36 mpg | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 296 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 26 mpg (low) | 35 mpg (low) | 29 mpg (low) | $2,150 (high) | 306 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 39 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $1,950 (low) | 278 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | — | — | Front-Wheel Drive | Electricity | Compact Cars | 110 MPGe | 99 MPGe | 105 MPGe | $700 | 0 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Compact Cars | 26 mpg (low) | 35 mpg (low) | 29 mpg (low) | $2,150 (high) | 306 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Compact Cars | 27 mpg | 37 mpg | 31 mpg | $2,000 | 287 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Compact Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 39 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $1,950 (low) | 278 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (AM-S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Compact Cars | 27 mpg | 36 mpg | 31 mpg | $2,000 | 287 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 504 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1,459 | 31 | 3 | 15 | 2 |
| Fuel System | 343 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 366 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Brakes | 114 | 17 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 933 | 23 | 2 | 25 | 5 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 67 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 96 | 37 | 1 | 38 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 173 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 458 | 10 | 2 | 13 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 96 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 371 | 10 | 3 | 8 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (11)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER · Campaign 26V369000 · Jun 9, 2026
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · Campaign 20V331000 · Jun 9, 2020
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER · Campaign 19V515000 · Jul 5, 2019
Defect: 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.
Consequence: The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER · Campaign 18V735000 · Oct 23, 2018
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
Consequence: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL · Campaign 18V592000 · Sep 11, 2018
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.
Consequence: An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S24.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · Campaign 16V643000 · Sep 6, 2016
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · Campaign 13V523000 · Nov 7, 2013
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through August 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a powertrain control module software problem may result in a stall-like condition.
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the power control module, free of charge. The recall beganon November 22, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S09. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES · Campaign 13V475000 · Oct 23, 2013
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence: Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C07.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 13V335000 · Aug 6, 2013
Defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured September 15, 2011, through May 6, 2013; and model year 2013 Focus ST vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured February 16, 2012, through May 7, 2013. Due to a wiring incompatability, the front side marker lamps may not function. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the headlamp assembly wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C04.
EQUIPMENT · Campaign 12E035000 · Oct 2, 2012
Defect: This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Yakima Products, Inc. for use on model year 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus vehicles. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not by Ford. Certain combined Q-Tower and Q128 Clip rooftop rack systems, part numbers 8000124 and 8000728, do not fully contact the door frame.
Consequence: Without proper contact of the rooftop rack clip to the door frame, there is insufficient clamping pressure and friction. The system may slide off the vehicle when loaded with accessories, possibly becoming a road hazard to other vehicles or causing injury to pedestrians.
Remedy: Yakima will notify owners, and Yakima or a Yakima dealer will refund the purchase of the Q-Tower and Q-128 Clip system. There is no replacement system available for the 2012-2013 model year Ford Focus. The safety recall began on October 15, 2012. Only vehicles equipped with the vehicle rack system are affected. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not Ford. Owners may contact Yakima at 1-888-925-4621.
Show 1 earlier campaign
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING · Campaign 12V149000 · Apr 5, 2012
Defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 FOCUS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 18, 2011. A SEAL IN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR MAY BE MISSING.
Consequence: WATER OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE CONNECTOR, RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR, REDUCING VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND AS NECESSARY, CLEAN AND PROPERLY SEAL THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR CONNECTOR. ANY INOPERATIVE WIPER MOTORS WILL BE REPLACED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.