2012 Ford Focus Ford Focus 2012

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2012 Ford Focus repairs by problem area

Engine (11%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (37%)

Brakes and Traction Control (1%)

Suspension and Steering (8%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (26%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (13%)

Other (4%)

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Chart based on 533 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Ford Focus.

2012 Ford Focus electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (7%)

$100 - $499 (10%)

< $100 (83%)

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Chart based on 82 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Ford Focus

Engine not specified

9920 mi power window motor shot. ordered new motor. to be installed march 15/13 sync would drop calls. sync kept indexing ipod. 

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2012 Ford Focus 4dr Wagon

160-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed automatic FWD

9920 mi

$2
Cruise control stopped functioning for 24 hours then came back. The garage did not find anything wrong but changed the computer unit of this system(located in the steering wheel). 

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2012 Ford Focus 4dr Sedan

160-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed automatic FWD

3000 mi TSB work performed for wiper motor. 
8000 mi Intermittent bluetooth/SYNC microphone issue since headliner was fixed earlier. 
20000 mi

US $324
Driver's window motor replaced. It had died. 
88040 mi Diagnosed with bad AC valve. 
63000 mi

US $300
Short causing driver ajar light to be on all the time 
25420 mi Cruise control SET PLUS switch failed. 

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2012 Ford Focus 4dr Sedan

160-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD

8000 mi Sync with My Touch bluetooth repeatedly looses connection with phone. System randomly resets with maintenance dialogue. 
9000 mi The MyFordTouch system was reflashed to improve the appearance of the menu screen. The Sync system was reflashed to improve audio transmission through the microphone. 
77000 mi Hardware [APIM] failure for the 'My Ford Touch' system. 
17000 mi

US $4
Right brake light inop. Remove and replace. SYNC Vehicle Health Report idenitified problem. 
66000 mi Touch screen froze for a few days. Took to dealer but it started working again. Dealer refused to check system 
70000 mi Radio would turn off and not work, had same issue in 2014 APIM replaced 
36580 mi Entertainment system made loud unpleasant noises. It was out of warranty and the dealer wanted $500 to fix. We declined and drive with no entertainment now. Due to shape of the unit, it is impossible to replace with an aftermarket radio. 
22000 mi

US $60
Rear sensor came on in display gauge even though car was in Drive and moving forward. 
45260 mi

C $900
Touch screen (APIM) stopped working so needed a new one. After a lengthy fight with Ford and the dealer, it was not covered by warrantee and had to pay out of pocket. 
9920 mi Passenger side backup light stopped working all of a sudden. Dealer fix and said there was a ground problem with the wiring in the passenger compartment. 
88040 mi

C $350
Rear passenger reverse light shorted out. Had to rewire. 
98000 mi

US $6
Replaced rear brake light that went out. 
1000 mi MFT locked up. Pulled 7.5 amp FUSE to MFT per SYNC tech support line. Dealer replaced MFT Screen & reprogrammed. 
4100 mi MFT issuses.... updated to latest software, still locking up. Radio loud when reentering the car, GPS not responding, blank display. 
15000 mi Replaced driver side door hinge and handle for keyless entry not working all the time. 
39000 mi MyFordTouch control module 
44000 mi The last software update resolved all MyFord Touch issues. 
5000 mi Various performance issues with My Ford Touch software, discussed by email and phone with Ford. They will supposedly be resolved by the Jan. 2012 software update to be sent by mail. 
11000 mi My Ford Touch new software installation. 
17000 mi My Touch. Car bought back. 
Had to reset myford touch 
4597 mi Starter replaced 
21500 mi The keyless entry isn't reliably unlocking and locking the doors, according to the tsb, a reflash of the body computer to a new software was required. The vehicle's oil life monitor wasn't working properly. It never alerted me to change the oil in 21k miles of driving. Had to be reset and a reflash of the oil life system software. 

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2012 Ford Focus 4dr Sedan

160-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

2000 mi Mirror switch broken. 

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2012 Ford Focus 4dr Hatch

160-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed automatic FWD

124300 mi Battery failed load test when in for regular maintenance. 
7000 mi parking brake light stayed on harness replaced 
12000 mi Battery would not hold charge. Battery was replaced under warranty. 
27580 mi The steering wheel controller for the operational display (trip odometer etc.) failed 
32000 mi Condenser replaced 
9000 mi When trying to set the cruise control on the highway it would not prompt to set speed. This was my 3rd attempt by the dealer to have fixed. 1st/2nd repair-dealer said "no issue/no known fix" 3rd-computer update. 
43400 mi Still plagued with Bluetooth SYNC issues. Doesn't respond to button. And can go dead/back to radio when initiating a call. 
45880 mi sync. Again. They said they would replace the switch on the column. no time, I returned. didn't replace the switch but did download again (7th? 8th? time). So far it works more reliably. fingers crossed. 
52260 mi continuing issues with Sync. No joy. Sync still fails to activate when 'lever' pulled. will take it in again at tire changeover/oil change. 

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2012 Ford Focus 4dr Hatch

160-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD

18000 mi A/C recharged by dealer. No other parts. Recommended A/C be shut off before turning off engine. 
19500 mi Cruise Control would not turn on, but when it was reviewed, it was working as normally. Nothing was repaired, but I will be actively monitoring this issue. 
26000 mi Cruise Control intermittent again. A problem was finally found with the switch and a part was ordered. 
27700 mi The cruise control was intermittent again after trying to prove my case over and over with video evidence and test drives with the techs and other personnel. A problem with the clockspring and wiring harness was found and both were replaced. 
34500 mi Sync was reset to accept Bluetooth Audio. 
8000 mi SYNC system always starts in LINE-In with a humm / buzz. Goes away when 1/8" plug inserted into jack. Dealership stated - NO PROBLEM FOUND. SYNC in other family vehicle starts in the state it was left in. No buzz. SYNC system selectively inoperative after vehicle start up. Only radio button works. Dealership stated: NO PROBLEM FOUND. Could likely not duplicate. 
85000 mi

US $900
Broken hose drained the AC 
85000 mi

US $120
horn needed to be replaced 
17900 mi

US $130
DEFECTIVE Door Latch FAILURE. Door won't close. NOT covered under $1,100 Ford ESP Premium extended warranty. Luckily, it failed at dealer, so they paid for $300+ repair. I filed complaint with NHTSA. Other Ford models were recalled for this. 
1000 mi Auto parking buttons were not connected when arrived from factory. 
83000 mi

US $20
Horn failure. replaced. 
9000 mi Front passenger door speaker booms and vibrates much more than any of the other speakers. I have the Sony system. Mechanic stated speaker was installed correctly and did not fix. 
12000 mi I finally got them to replace my speaker. 
23000 mi Body Control Module reflashed to fix intermittent keyless entry problem. 
84000 mi

US $900
Replaced evaporator 
35000 mi Replaced all 4 headlamp bulbs & re-aimed headlights. Left side was aimed way too low during body repair. Replaced bulbs as part of normal maintenance, switched to a higher output set. 
34000 mi MyFordTouch needed to be updated and the audio control module was replaced. I had an issue with the steering wheel controls being quirky. The new module fixed the issue. 
71000 mi MFT went black and stopped working. PCIM replaced under Ford extended warranty on that unit. 3 day repair due to need of ordering part. 
27280 mi

C $900
Driver side window will not open. 
28000 mi Sometimes the dome lights were not coming on when unlocking doors with key FOB. Took it to the dealer and said there was a TSB for this. They updated the software in the BCM, all works now. 
34000 mi When listening to stereo with key acc. mode for about 10 min, then when turn car on radio would turn itself off, they couldn't find anything, just said it might be a battery saver mode, they also reprogrammed the software, seems fine now. 
10800 mi Updated the SYNC system 
7700 mi Sync system became completely inoperable (black screen, not responsive to buttons). Dealer replaced control module. 
29000 mi Had update performed on the MFT APIM. There was a TSB for the update and it fixed the stereo from tuning to random FM stations after a phone call or voice command. 
62000 mi AM radio reception was not very good. I learned that there was a service advisory for this so I reported it. They replaced the AM antenna and not the reception is much better. 
66000 mi Nav maps intermittently failed to load. Diagnosed as a defective media hub which had to be ordered. Took car home while waiting for part. 
94000 mi

US $93
AC was blowing hot air. On first visit they couldn't find the leak so they added dye to the coolant. After driving a week with dye in AC coolant they identified the leak. A tube assembly was replaced. 
30600 mi DO NOT BUY A FORD FOCUS. TOO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE "SYNC" ( I guess I should have known when the thing is powered by Microsoft). This is the worst vehicle that I have ever owned. It gets good gas milage, cheap to own, but poor quality 
78000 mi Ford Sync is the worst consumer software that I have EVER used. I should have been wary when I saw the "Powered by Microsoft" logo, but failed. Ford caused me to give the car to my daughter & to drop the brand, I just bought a new '15 Mini 
4960 mi Ford MyTouch system freezing up and rebooting 
17980 mi Low washer fluid warning light would not activate. Speakers on front driver-side door and rear passenger-side door buzz when outputting low frequency sounds. This occurs even when bass is set below zero. 
3178 mi Sirius travel link not working 
6000 mi MyFord Touch 3.2.2 update crippled the rear camera and the active park assist. Dealer re-flashed the software. 
8000 mi Navigation constantly freezes. Updated the Sync MyFord Touch to version 3.5.1 
59000 mi Passage side window switch stopped working. Dealer reconnected the loose wires 
11000 mi Driver's side window stopped working. Dealer fixed along with 2 recalls. 
11000 mi required a software update because the wiper fluid sensor wasn't working. 
8000 mi Battery failed 
7000 mi Driver-side window & mirror control panel stopped functioning correctly. Back-lighting of buttons flashed - on for about 2 secs, off for about 5 secs. When off driver-side window and mirror controls did not work. 
7400 mi Ford My Touch computer update sent to me and preformed by me. Very succesful. Touch screen much more responsive and no longer crashes. 
14100 mi My Ford Touch Update 
2000 mi My Ford Touch system: slow response, navigation GPS slow to initiate. 
12000 mi Windshield washer fluid sensor 
3000 mi MSFT sync system is very buggy, latest TSB applied to sync system. 
4300 mi Proximity sensors are not calibrated correctly and do not warn driver of obstacle until 6" from obstacle. Prior to system updates, sensors would warn at approximately 2 to 3 feet prior depending on speed. 
83000 mi

US $160
Battery was replaced 
1000 mi MyFord Touch update installation. 
6000 mi Vehicle stalled while driving and would not restart. Vehicle was towed to the dealer. Vehicle was out of fuel. Fuel gauge was showing nearly 1/4 tank when engine stalled. Dealer was unable to replicate problem; still not working. Passenger side windshield wiper became intermittently inoperable about a week after recall repair. Vehicle had been towed to dealer other than one that performed the recall work; stated they found tools from the other dealer under hood. 
7000 mi Continuing problem with false readings from fuel gauge. Dealer checked gauge cluster and determined no problem. Dealer discovered fuel tank was warped, replaced the tank. Continued false readings from fuel gauge. Dealer checked all systems and determined gauge was reading accurately. Car was returned with gauge reading approximately 1/2 tank. 2 days after car was returned with gauge indicating 1/2 full and assurances there was no problem, and having been driven about 60 miles, car stalled on a freeway in traffic. Ford roadside assistance delivered fuel. Started; driven to dealr 
10000 mi Buzz from center speaker 
22000 mi Speaker Buzzing 
4000 mi Issues with sync not working with iPod or USB flashdrive for music. 
39000 mi When starting the car, as I'd push the on the starter button the starting time was getting longer than before 1.5sec. All of a sudden nothing. I had started noticing this about 2-3wks prior. I had it towed to dealer. Code diagnostic is TCM. 
36000 mi Passenger front and rear windows would not roll up and down. TSB reflash fixed. Also, low wiper fluid warning light would not come on. TSB reflash fixed. 
21200 mi Bad sync module. Part wasn't in stock and took 2 days to arrive. Update: New one still malfunctioning. 
24500 mi Bad Sync module had to be rebooted. Second module having same issues after multiple resets, but I haven't had a chance to go in and get a new one. This part ford has now offered everyone a 5yr 100k warranty on. 
63000 mi

US $120
battery failed, 63k miles, 28 months 
75700 mi not cooling. ordered new ac controller. 
79000 mi

US $50
replaced AC controller 
97000 mi SYNC module never fixed. 
16000 mi Software update to Sync 
27000 mi HVAC air inlet shroud somehow leaked water into front passenger footwell 
Car said hood was open intermittently while driving even though hood was closed. Alarm also went off at night. Dealer replaced hood latch and hood latch sensor. 
4000 mi Update of MFT/Snyc due to the fact that the previous version was not stable 
6900 mi Reflash of MyFord Touch. Still terrible. Reflash of MyFord Touch. Still terrible 
12000 mi Myford touch still buggy 
16000 mi Self install of MyFordTouch update. Done via USB stick, and took about 50 minutes. 

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2012 Ford Focus 4dr Hatch

160-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

42000 mi

US $185
Tire pressure sensor replaced 
26500 mi

US $885
A/C compressor replacement. 
13000 mi Driver's side power window stopped working. 
5600 mi gas gauge does not read properly reads full for over 150 miles same as before Dealer didnt fix it, still broken 
8100 mi Blown fuse in car adapter. 
9700 mi Bluetooth connectivity with phone and GPS was completely lost. Phone and GPS sync together just fine but the car's bluetooth connectivity isn't recognized by either device. 
13000 mi

US $1
12V socket for navigation plug in stopped working. Same problem as 6 months ago. I suspect again it's a blown fuse but haven't had a chance to look yet as I just noticed yesterday but am taking to dealer next week to find any potential bugs. 
38000 mi

US $50
Horn not working. Was covered under the extended warranty I purchased with a $50 deductible 
5000 mi USB Port stopped working, part ordered. 
6000 mi Repaired USB w/ ordered parts. 
25300 mi SYNC failing to see USB Device 
29700 mi

US $848
Sync system operated erratically. A module was replaced. number pad on dash repaired. 

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2012 Ford Focus 4dr Hatch

143-horsepower Electric 1-speed automatic FWD

13000 mi Amber side lights were not wired. This was a recall fix. Small lights, hard to notice. I only learned of it through the My Ford Focus Electric forum first, then the recall notice. 
16000 mi Ignition Button needed software update. 

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2012 Ford Focus Electrical Problems

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