10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 29,780 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The traction control in the vehicle operates in an unsafe manner in snowy road conditions. When climbing a slight grade in snow, the traction control continually reduces engine power to the point that the vehicle will no longer move forward. As the vehicle slows to a stop while modulating the accelerator, the engine will not rev above 1500rpm without the traction control cutting off power. Controlled and sustained forward momentum is required for safe driving in snowy conditions. That is not possible when traversing typical roadway inclines in snowy weather with the traction control engaged. Additionally, it takes no fewer than seven inputs from the driver to engage or disengage the traction control system; something that must be done frequently in this vehicle to keep it moving safely in snow. This creates undue driver distraction in already demanding driving conditions. A manufacturer retrofit of a simple on/off switch for the traction control system, as installed in most contemporary vehicles, should be the minimum remedy.
- Reston, VA, USA
I have a 2012 Ford Focus sel with 30K miles. The traction control on this vehicle in snow is horrible! when the car is in light snow the traction control kicks on and the car loses power.. I have gotten stuck in the middle of the road because the wheels will not move! I have to go and turn off the tc in the settings just to get power.. this is not safe at all!!!
- Youngstown , OH, USA
After about 30-45 mins of driving the car will begin to shudder going from 1st to 2nd gear. It occurs most noticeably driving from a stop. I have brought my car in numerous times and have been told numerous excuses. At this time it is getting annoying, however it becomes a concern when turning onto roads because it does not produce any power during this time. Its only a matter of time before a accident occurs because of this issue. There needs to be a recall on the transmission on the 2012 Ford Focus. Updated 03/25/14 also, an oil leak was found, the vehicle would shudder in reverse and it felt as though the traction control was engaging.
- Fairfax, VA, USA
I purchased a basic Ford Focus in 02/2012, the car has no ability to turn off the traction control system. This caused me to become stuck in about 2 to 3 inches of snow and subsequently caused me to have my rear bumper damaged when I was pulled out by a good samaritan. I think that this a sever safety issue. I think Ford should have to provide the ability to turn off the traction control system. I could disable it by removing the ABS fuses, but the I lose my ABS system. For a car that cost $17,300 I shouldn't have to not drive my car every time I get 2-3 inches of snow. I called Ford, they thanked me for my input but insisted there was nothing they could do.
- Sault Sainte Marie, MI, USA
- Canton, IL, USA