2012 Ford Focus: common problems and reliability

Is 2012 a good year for the Focus?

Across the 15 Focus model years we track, complaint volume runs from 11 (1999) to 5,225 (2014). With 3,788 complaints, the 2012 Focus sits abovethe model's median of 1,018.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

Recalls affecting the 2012 Focus

What owners report on the 2nd generation Focus

Owners of this generation are overwhelmingly positive, calling it a "great kept secret" and "low key the most reliable vehicle ever made." The 2.0 Duratec engine is praised as bulletproof, the manual transmission is preferred, and the automatic is described as

• Long crank / slow start after sitting: Recurrent. Caused by fuel pressure bleeding off through a failing check valve in the fuel pump/sender unit or a faulty fuel pressure regulator. Owners report cycling the key on-off to prime the system as a temporary workaround.
• A/C failure: Recurrent. Leak in the evaporator requiring dashboard removal for repair; described as "very hard to repair" and "random."
• Rust on rocker panels and rear door corners: Recurrent. Noted as a common issue, especially in northern/salted-road regions.
• Motor mount failure causing vibration at idle: Recurrent. Hydraulic engine mount fails; described as easy to fix but the Ford part is pricey.
• Automatic transmission failure: Isolated. One owner reports a 2006 automatic dying at 56k miles; another notes automatics "don't handle abuse too well."

Owner insights for the 2nd generation Focus. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.

Typical used price

Used Focus listings typically run $6,725–$9,794 across 2006 to 2018 model years.

Compare the Focus against its rivals