10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 23 / 2
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 25 / 5
- Average Mileage:
- 85,634 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.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, the power steering became difficult to turn and the engine stalled. The contact also stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced and the PCM failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
- Brazoria, TX, USA
On two occasions the vehicle stopped running while in motion. In incident 1, this occurred at highway speed (65 mph) and incident #2 in local traffic (15 mph). In both cases all power was lost including the acceleration, power steering, etc. After incident 1, the car restarted and driven to the dealer - extensive repairs were made "to the transmission" (per the dealer). In the second incident after dealer repairs after incident 1, the car completely stopped at highway speed and would not restart - towed to dealer. Again loss of all power including acceleration, power steering, etc. After incident 2 the dealer replaced the "master control unit". while both incidents were covered by Ford under the "drive train" original warranty I am concerned about the loss of power in two incidents separated by about one month.
- Fort Myers, FL, USA
After sitting in neutral waiting for construction to allow us to proceed, started out and then power steering went out. Turned off at next red light and started again and began working. A few miles later stopped for gas and when started vehicle, no power steering and is still out.
- Warren, PA, USA
I bought a 2012 Focus as a certified used car, trusting Ford and having peace of mind with a warranty. Within a few months of ownership I started the car and a message saying "steering assist malfunction" displayed. After turning the car off and back on it went away. I have complained about it about 3-4 times while at dealers for transmission "fixes". every time they said they could not duplicate the problem so even though there is a technical service bulletin, it never got fixed. Now even if I restart the car, the steering is out. It is completely gone and they refuse to fix it without charge because it is not their fault they couldn't pull any codes before. So I'm left to decide, should I fight them for this and the transmission, or just give them another $100 for a warranty repair when I already gave them $2000 for a warranty.
- Jamestown, OH, USA
The steering wheel has sharp metal edges protruding from the top of the wheel. While driving on the highway, I sliced my finger on the edge. Not a major incident... but upon reviewing the internet this is apparently a common issue with the Ford Focus. I have read on the internet that the metal edges can slice the airbag upon deployment. I am not sure if this is true but for the sake of my sliced finger and my air bag I would like someone to investigate! my hope is that Ford will repair or replace the metal on the wheel so it is no longer a danger while driving.
- Clayton , OH, USA
The steering wheel would not move, there is an error message, steering assist fault. It happened before, but I turned the car off and back on again and it would turn. Before this incident there would be times when the A/C fan would adjust itself, by going higher or lower and the radio volume would increase or decreases without any help from me. This particular time it would not move and I was forced to leave it in a parking garage overnight. While attempting to get it to work by turning the off and on the brakes went all the way to the floor, suggesting the would not work properly if I were driving the car. Well, the car shut completely down and started to try to turn itself on without the key being in the ignition. After which it would not start at all. I had it towed in and of course it is no longer under warranty.
- Houston, TX, USA
Upon starting the car a message appeared that stated 'steering malfunction assist'; then driving/steering was almost impossible. Shut the car off; then re-started and it was ok. Next day the message appeared again. The car is now parked with plans to take it in.
- Hilliard, FL, USA
Was leaving my destination when the steering wheel locked and sensor light came on stating steering assist fault service required. Brought car to gus machado Ford of kendall was told needed new power steering gear and that I would have to pay $1778.81 to replace. After researching complaints about the 2012 Ford Focus, I could not believe how many consumers had the same problem. Obviously there must be a defect in this particular part. Thank goodness I was not in the middle of driving when this occurred, I could have caused a fatal accident. This should really be investigated in order to avoid a fatal accident from happening. I have contacted Ford with this issue to get my cost covered in order for them to repair it. Apparently this is not under warranty.
- Cutler Bay, FL, USA
We had a problem with Ford Motor Company over our 2012 Ford Focus. As background, while my wife was driving 40 mph on a straight road the car steering locked and pulled her into a curb causing a broken wheel, rim, and tie rod (estimated at $1500 to repair by bob tomes Ford in mckinney Texas). After the car setting at the dealership waiting for word from Ford's corporate office for seven weeks we just found out they are not taking responsibility for this issue. It's pretty incredible to me that it took Ford seven weeks to respond while I made two car payments and paid for insurance throughout that time without a car. We had found through research on the web that many people are reporting steering problems on the 2012 Ford's Focus. For your information we do not feel safe with this car and are asking bob tomes Ford to help us resolve the issue locally since Ford has not offered any help.
- Fairview, TX, USA
On March 13th, I was driving at approximately 55 miles per hour. All of the sudden I lost complete power in my car. The rpms revved up extremely high and I gained no power when pushing on the accelerator. I lost all speed in a matter of seconds and was forced to pull over. I was almost hit by another car as I was attempting to get out of the way. Steering became hard and it took more effort to break and slow the car. I turned the car off as soon as I came to rest. I attempted to restart the car and the car would not even turn over. I called a tow truck and had my car towed to Ford. They had the car for 4 days and replaced the transmission control module (tcm). The part was covered under the emissions warranty according to Ford. I was told the car was fixed and sent on my way. On March 24th the car broke down again. The car did the same thing as the first time and again almost caused a car accident in which serious injury could have resulted. I sat with the car turned off for approximately 5 minutes and then tried to restart the car. The car restarted on the 4th time. I called my local Ford and asked if it was safe to attempt to drive over, they said it was. They have now had the car for one week and are unable to locate an issue. I was given a loaner vehicle which they have now demanded they get back. I been told the process of Ford deciding what to do can take up to 2 months. I am no left with no car and Ford is claiming no responsibility and providing no customer service. Ford needs to fix this issue and refund those affected.
- Buellton, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while reversing, the steering wheel failed without warning and became hard to turn. The power steering warning light illuminated after the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 41,000.
- Washington , PA, USA
I purchased Ford Focus used- one year old- with 16500 miles. Three times it stopped as I was turning left in oncoming traffic. One time I backed up and it would not go into gear. Other times it would not shift gears on hills or on ramps two times on my steep driveway it came out of gear. Brought to shop numerous times - told nothing was wrong repeatedly. I got rid of car after 13 months and took a financial hit but now I am driving a safe car. The difference is amazing and I am simply driving a Chevy Cruze so not an expensive car in comparison. Focus is dangerous to drive!
- Beavercreek, OH, USA
The aluminum trim on the steering wheel where the driver can rest hands is splintering off. It is sharp and jagged metal. It cut three of my fingers deeply. Ford will not warranty this even though many many owners are complaining of the defect.
- Grassy Key, FL, USA
While turning the steering wheel, my left hand middle finger was sliced open by a silver trim piece around the horn/radio control area. Specifically, the silver piece is like a foil type covering with a raised edge which is sharp like a razor blade. Once I was cut, I pulled over to see what had cut me and I realized it was the silver trim. Upon further inspection, I was able to peel the silver piece back since it is like tin foil and remove it. Upon further inspection, I noticed other areas around the steering wheel with the same issue for the silver piece being raised. Further search on the internet revealed this is a common complaint. I am bringing my car to the dealer today (11-29-13) to take a look at the steering wheel.
- Middletown, DE, USA
While driving this 2012 Ford Focus sel, the steering has intermittent issues. At highway speeds at 65 mph the car wanders to both sides of your lane, sometimes almost sideswiping other vehicles. The steering wheel becomes stiff as though the power steering is gone. Other times it feels like it's going through a windstorm and feels out of control. Dealer hasn't been able to "replicate" therefore, no corrections made from Ford. This is a dangerous and very scary vehicle. I'm afraid to drive it at highway speeds.please investigate. Lives could be lost because of this.
- Fairview, MI, USA
The chrome metallic trim on the steering wheel peeling off around the edge. Sharp metal has caused numerous cuts to the driver's hands.
- Washington Twp, MI, USA
Driving from detroit to Pennsylvania, car was turned off for 10 minutes. When started, a message said the power steering was no longer operable and indeed it wasn't. car was towed to dealership and power steering rack was replaced at their expense.
- Highland, MI, USA
Chrome steering wheel trim began to peel off. Cut my finger a few different times to where I was bleeding.
- Royse City , TX, USA
Started up car and put transmission into reverse. Steering was very difficult. I was able to pull back into driveway. Error message indicated steering assist failure and that service was required. I shut off the car, restarted it, and the steering seemed back to normal.
- Greer, SC, USA
- Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA