2012 FORD FOCUS Power Train Problems

The contact's wife owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the transmission unintendedly shifted gear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired approximately 15 times, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000.

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.

Took vehicle to Ford dealership after being seen at transmission shop. Previous transmission shop said TCM was bad as well as clutch. Took car to Ford for TCM recall, they said it wasn't broken and refused to replace it. The did say clutch is broken and needs replacement which Ford is not willing to help with on cost.

I received a recall dated June 2023 about my transmission. It is the first one I have ever received. I had it towed to Stanley Ford McGregor and service said that there wasn't anything wrong. I was told I need to pay them $165 for a recall review???? I don't feel safe driving it as it slips, bucks, jerks, shudders, delay when shifting as well as having difficulty in changing gears causing many "almost accidents." I just found out Ford settled on 2020 judgement and a 2022 judgement. I had no idea. It is plagued with numerous problems and safety concerns. I have written a letter to the General Manager, Mike F at Stanley Ford McGregor as well as sent copies to Jim Farley, CEO of Ford and FMC Customer Relationship Center. I asked them to get back with me as I will NOT pay that $165 and drive an...

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifting erratically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch and shift motor had failed. Additionally, the clutch fork was stuck. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch, shift motor, and clutch fork needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 109,301.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact depressed the horn however, the horn was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission shifted erratically. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting rough between gears. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with PCM and TCM failures. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred four additional times. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 38,600.

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when shifting into reverse (R) and would shudder when depressing the accelerator pedal. The engine revved to 5,000 RPMS, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission clutch actuator was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing inaccurate fuel gauge reading. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward, lost motive power and stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the PCM was reprogrammed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that he noticed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive fuel consumption. The contact stated that he noticed fuel leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was...

It was a fateful day on June 16th, 2020 when our lives took an unexpected turn. Engaged in a peaceful drive, cruising at a steady 60mph with the assistance of the trusty cruise control, we were abruptly jolted towards the left, instantly relinquishing any grasp of control we had over our vehicle causing us to loose control and wreck our car in a corn field. Reason for mechanical failure unknown

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that when her grandparent started the vehicle and attempted to shift into reverse, the gear shifter was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with failure of the clutch and transmission. The contact was informed that the clutch and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

The transmission shakes and shutters went to dealer and asked about the issue and they stated it was known issue and I should just accelerate very quickly which would clean the clutches. It did work temporarily. in August 2023 while driving the car it refused to down shift while climbing a hill. AFter stopping by the side of the road, the car would not start on the first try. After trying again car did start however it would not go into reverse. It would move forward however driving in heavy traffic the car would not shift out of second causing very high rpms. Limped it into the dealership where they stated it was the clutch and shifting forks. One month later I got the car back and on the way home it once again would not shift while climbing a hill and the check engine light came on. The next...

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered an Extended Warranty on the TCM but offered no assistance with repairing the transmission. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly shift gear with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch assembly and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The failure mileage was 160,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the service transmission and check engine warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the failure was most likely related to the transmission. The contact later received a Customer Satisfaction letter related to the transmission control module (TCM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained in the dealer possession for a week. The contact was informed that the transmission might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

August 3, 2023, vehicle bucking from 1RPM to 2 RPM. No engine lights came on. At every stop and go vehicle hesitated. I was driving a relative to a post operation doctor visit. Went to dealer following day. They could not inspect the car. Gave appointment for 5 days later. Recall letter I received is for the TCM/PCM-Transmission/Power Control Module. Dealer says they have vehicles waiting 2 and 3 years for this part. If this is my issue they cannot provide me with a time frame for getting the issue corrected. When I drove to the dealer the engine light did come on and it continues to be on. Car can leave me stranded or vehicle may jerk forward even with the brake applied are some of the different issues that can happen.

TCM and clutch system. I originally purchased this vehicle in 2014, and from the moment I purchased this vehicle until now, I have taken this vehicle to Ford dealership numerous times for the same two reasons, the TCM and clutch system. The vehicle is currently at 79K miles. When at a complete stop and I go to accelerate the whole system shutters and vibrates violently and now the most recent, the transmission stays stuck on 2nd gear and when trying to shift the next gear, it shifts violently hard to 3rd gear or just skips 3rd gear altogether, and there's moments where it just won't go past 2nd gear. I accelerate slowly and all of a sudden the car will just take off on me. I had a new clutch system installed in February of 2022 and I already need a new clutch system in August of 2023. In this...

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle downshifted abruptly and decelerated to 25 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The messages "Pull over" and "Transmission Hot" were displayed. The contact stated that he was able to veer to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to shift into park (P). The contact turned the vehicle off and waited 30 minutes. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer, who diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure persisted. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission had seized between park (P) and reverse (R). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was...

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle with the vehicle idling, the “Transmission Overheated – Pull Over” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch actuator inside the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle remained. The contact was then informed that the vehicle failed to start, and the battery was replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 169,654.

Hello, This is what happened to my 2012 Ford Focus SE. First I noticed that after putting gas the car doesn't start I have to try it 1 or 2 times more. Second when the vehicle stops on the traffic light sometimes it gets difficult to get out because is not taking the change correctly, so I have to press the clutch so hard. Because of the car doesn't show up any lights or signal that told me that the car is having a problem I took it to the dealership, and they did diagnostic, and the issues are confirmed.

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...

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission downshifted to second gear. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift to reverse(R) as needed. The contact removed and replaced the TCM, and the vehicle operated as needed for an hour; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle had a faulty clutch actuator. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that because the codes that illuminated were not the same as those in Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module) the vehicle could not be repaired under the warranty. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure was mileage was unknown.

I'm wondering since there are so many complaints, even I am one of then, why isn't anything getting done. I'm paying out of pocket. Ford don't want to fix my car, 2012 ford focus sel. It's b.s. it's costing me alot of money. And I don't get reimbursed for nothing. I'm highly mad. I should sue ford company for not doing [XXX]. Thanks INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Driving down the road and all of a sudden the transmission starts jumping out of gear and back in gear, then light comes on stating transmission is overheating. Shut car off to cool transmission and car will not start back, after around an hour car cranks back up, but continues to jumping in and out of gear and light stating transmission is overheating stop for 5 minutes and relays clicking under the hood around the motor/ transmission.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection, a message illuminated to “Stop Driving Immediately” was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Transmission Control Module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that it was difficult to shift into drive(D) or park(P). Additionally, the vehicle was hesitating while shifting into gear. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 Transmission Control Module (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,400.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and shifting gear, the transmission delayed while shifting to the next gear with the "Transmission Failure" message displayed. The contact stopped on the side of the road and shut off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 77,000.

I was driving about 45mph when the car tried to downshift then upshift and it stalled in the middle of the road. The transmission light came on right as it stalled along with the traction control light. Which the traction control light it made me swerve into oncoming traffic almost causing an accident. So I got it to the opposite side of the road and went to put it in park and it lunged forward while crooked at the same time almost hitting a passing car. Over a year ago I had called a dealership about the TCM because every great while the car would shudder but nothing severe and was told the 10 yr 150000 mile recal didn't fit my car even though it was still within the 10 yr part but had 180000 on it. I ended up having the car towed to my mechanic since once I...

Shuddering and vibration while driving. Engine light turn on.

While stopped and preparing to turn left at yield light, my check engine light suddenly came on followed by several alerts and dings. Not understanding what was occurring in that exact moment, I had an opportunity to safely make the left turn, and intended to address the issue once off the main road. Within moments of releasing the brake my car began violently revving and jolted forward into the intersection, in response I quickly threw on my hazard lights while trying to maintain control of the situation. Following this moment, my car suddenly had zero acceleration or vehicle control- just loud revving and bells and whistles. This left me briefly stranded in the middle of the intersection with oncoming traffic approaching quickly. I threw the car into park, and then back into drive- it never stopped revving, but it finally gave me enough control to lurch the vehicle out of...

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train) however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer and Gordie Boucher Ford of Thiensville (121 N Main St, Thiensville, WI 53092) were made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty, and she was responsible to pay out of pocket for the diagnostic test and repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 93,490.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a stationary position, the vehicle shuddered while accelerating and would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the powertrain engagement clutch was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired for the vehicle. The contact stated that the dry clutch packs were previously replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.

VEHICLE SHUDDERING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while shifting gear. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clinking sound detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the "Transmission Malfunction, Service Now" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he reset the transmission control module; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

I was traveling in heavy traffic on an interstate through Akron, Ohio when my car, which I had in cruise, suddenly shifted in neutral causing the engine to redline since it was in cruise but also resulted in a sudden drop in speed which about caused the person behind me to run into the rear of my car. I had to coast thru traffic to the side of the road to shut the car off and restart it which allowed me to continue, but at a slow speed as the transmission would not shift gears properly. Isn’t it time to make Ford fix all these Focus cars once and for all? I’ve already put a new TCM in and now I’m looking at a second one in hope that it fixes it enough to trade it in, but it will at a loss because dealers know of the problem and...

The transmission has a problem, the car jumps and jerks and a lot of noise and vibration. When accelerating in first gear most noticeable. My safety is at risk because it is very distracting and the transmission sounds like it could break down at any minute. A lot of people online have same problem with this specific vehicle. No warning lights or nothing.

Error codes with the clutch b sensor and clutch b sensor being stuck. When the check engine light comes on the car will not go in reverse. After driving now shift is sporadic and rpm’s go up and down randomly.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the clutch failed to perform properly while shifting gear. Additionally, the transmission made grinding sounds while shifting gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the warranty had expired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage) however, the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking. There was an abnormal humming noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed, the RPM’s would raise and the engine would rev however, the vehicle would not respond as needed. The contact had to depress the accelerator pedal excessively and maneuver the gear shifter for the vehicle to move. The transmission failure warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the recalls were not related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not covered under warranty due to the mileage. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.

Only 67867 miles and the transmision is not working . I only drive short distances. Allwise have a problem. Since I buy the car. I never complain because I am very busy. But. know the car stop complete

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced jerking, transmission slipping, independent deceleration, random downshifting, and unintended acceleration while stationary. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 92,000.

The car would not move forward when pedal pressed. Slow speed was obtained with excess RRM to move vehicle. Car was at a light and others could have rearended the vehicle. A hazard was created with slow speed across intersection and to auto garage. Problem has NOT been confirmed at this time. It is at the garage and the dealer said there is another issue but REFUSED to go for a ride on 2-13-2023. The manufacturer, Ford Motor Co. KNOWS this vehcile has powertrain issues as eveidenced in Vargas vs. Ford Motor Co. No prior warning of this incident was present and it occurred only weeks after the Ford dealership completed the last "repair".

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and approaching a stop light, the vehicle would not accelerate as needed, with the checking engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was taken to an impendent mechanic, and the mechanic stated that the powertrain control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty on the vehicle was expired. The failure mileage was 79,498.

Clutch failure. Shuttering and caused vehicle to lose acceleration and rpm did not match speed. Yes the problem was confirmed by the dealer. Yes the problem is KNOWN to the manufacture and vehicles are still on the road and sold and used. Check engine light came on with the event and stayed on.

After vehicle warms up good, the transmission shutters when taking off from a stop causing a dangerous hesitation when pulling out into traffic.

TCM transmission malfunction light came on. We just bought the car two months ago. Have had it in the shop more than it has been driven. We have and extended warranty but they said it would cost us out of pocket and we haven’t even driven this a long distance and has two year warranty or 24,000 miles.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission was slipping in and out of gear and at times the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear while driving. The transmission warning light was illuminated. An unknown message indicating a transmission failure was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving on another occasion. The vehicle experienced rough starts. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second local dealer, Star Ford (1101 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately...

Transmission failure again after already having vehicle serviced by Ford dealership in Cedar Rapids Iowa due to fuel issue from what they said was the issue. Still showing same coded and same issues with hard shifting and vibration and loss of power while trying to drive. Nearly cause daughter to be in multiple accidents. Issue started at around 40k miles and still happening and put over $10k in parts in this car now. Including new exhuast manifold and catalytic converter, O2 sensor, new fuel pressure sensors, new throttle body and other parts all done by dealerships. Getting old chasing parts. Now another shop said I was told all wrong and it's been a Transmission issue this entire time and ford just didn't want to fix it.

Ford has acknowledged a problem with the Transmission Control Module (2012 Focus SEL) soon after this car was released. "Failure" caused the car to lose power while driving on the highway three seperate times. Warning light came on, but would go off after letting the car cool down. In 2015 and 2019 they sent notice to dealers, and to owners, to pay for replacement of this part if it failed up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. The issue for me is that my module finally required replacement (per dealer) after the "10 year point" at 89,700 miles. Software updates were done by Ford earlier for this issue, mine in 2019. (delivery was May 2012, replacement November 2022) I was also part of a class action lawsuit for this issue which Ford closed at the same "10 year point" leaving many customers now responsible for the replacement out of pocket,...

Vehicle began to shift hard while driving, making starting, stopping, and accelerating an issue. This continued for a few days with intermittent improvement until one day the vehicle would not even crank.