Focus (3rd)
Verdict Skip any car with the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic and find a 5-speed manual paired with the 2.0L. The manual-only Focus ST and RS also dodge the dual-clutch, at performance-trim repair costs.
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 160 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Ford Focus Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
1.0-I3-Gas
1.0L 3-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
GTDI
2.3L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 5 additional engine variants with limited data
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cyl / 145 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
1.3-I4-Gas
1.3L 4-cyl / 58 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.5T-V6-Gas
2.5L 6-cyl Turbo / 170 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.8-V6-BEV
3.8L 6-cyl / 160 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
1.8-I4-Gas
1.8L 4-cyl / 127 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The 2012-2018 Focus carries 12,393 NHTSA complaints across seven model years, 28 recalls, 49 fires, and 9 deaths attributed to defects. The reliability problem traces almost entirely to one component: the DPS6 PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Transmission complaints lead this generation at 6,117 records, roughly half of the total filing volume. The PowerShift was a dry-clutch dual-clutch automatic Ford built in-house and paired with the 2.0-liter Ti-VCT naturally aspirated four across nearly every automatic Focus sold from 2012 through 2018. Owners reported shuddering off the line, hesitation in stop-and-go traffic, harsh low-speed engagement, and outright failure of the clutch packs and transmission control module. Ford addressed the problem through repeated software reflashes and a 2017 class-action settlement that extended warranty coverage on the TCM and clutch components, but the mechanical failures kept coming.
The 2.0L 4-cylinder accounts for 10,765 of the 12,393 complaints (87% of the total) and all 9 deaths in the dataset. Within that engine, transmission is 5,536, engine 1,702, fuel system 1,549, steering 1,461, and electrical 1,035. The fuel-system count reflects a canister purge valve failure on the 2.0L GDI engine that triggered NHTSA recalls 18V735000 and 19V515000, where the valve could allow excessive vacuum into the fuel vapor system. The 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder (561 complaints across 2015-2018) carries a different failure pattern: 481 engine complaints and 228 cooling complaints, plus two recalls on the manual-transmission clutch that could fracture and damage the transaxle.
The 28 NHTSA recalls cluster around fuel system, door and hatch latches, electrical issues on the Focus ST, the 1.0L EcoBoost manual-clutch fracture, an engine block heater that could leak coolant and short circuit, and an oil pump drive belt failure on 2016-2018 cars that could cause loss of oil pressure. The block-heater and oil-pump recalls are the ones most often missed at used-lot inspections because neither shows up on a test drive. A VIN-level NHTSA recall check is the only reliable way to verify all 22 campaigns have been closed.
The 2.0L Ti-VCT engine itself, separated from the transmission it was bolted to, is a reasonable motor. The PowerShift is what defines this generation's reputation. Buyers who can find a 5-speed manual Focus with the 2.0L sidestep the PowerShift problem and inherit a workable economy car. The Focus ST (2.0L EcoBoost, manual-only) and Focus RS (2.3L EcoBoost, manual-only) also dodge the dual-clutch automatic, though they bring performance-trim repair costs and the maintenance history risk that comes with any modified-friendly chassis. The 4th-gen Focus was never sold in the US, so parts availability for this generation will thin faster than it would for a vehicle with current-production successors.
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Battery Electric (BEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2012-2018 Ford Focus
That's near the typical rate for BEVs in this dataset (median 5.7 per year). Within the normal range for the category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 46 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Charge port, cable, mobile connector, or session failures.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2012] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND AN ABNORMAL BURNING OF THE OUTLET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CHARGE CABLE AND CHARGE RING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER W
- [2013] My Ford Focus Electric has been experiencing sudden loss of power and then getting "stop safely now" messages. After a while it will run again. I brought it to Phil Long Ford of Denver back in August and they hooked up a testing unit and said they found nothing. During September, the car experience the "SSN" failure, and then would not start. I brought it to Phil Long Ford and they said it was
- [2013] MY VEHICLE GIVES A "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WITH A RED TRIANGLE ICON. THIS IS ACCOMPANIED BY A LOSS OF POWER AND A SUDDEN STALL OR INABILITY TO EVEN START. IT HAS HAPPENED BOTH WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND WHILE IT WAS STOPPED.
High-Voltage Battery
- [2012] JUST ENTERED FREEWAY ON-RAMP AND BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WHEN POWER INSTANTLY CEASED AND CAR COASTED. DASHBOARD INDICATED "STOP SAFELY NOW" AND I PULLED TO THE SIDE. STEERING AND BRAKES WERE STILL FUNCTIONING BUT NO RESPONSE AT ALL FROM THE ACCELERATOR. CAR DID NOT RESPOND AT FIRST TO A RESTART. HAD TO TURN CAR OFF, OPEN DOOR, CLOSE DOOR, WAIT FOR DASHBOARD TO GO BLANK AND THEN RESTART TO ACTUALLY MAK
- [2012] STARTING UP FROM WAITING AT A SIGNAL LIGHT THE SYSTEM FLASHED "STOP SAFELY NOW". (I HAD JUST TOUCHED THE DISPLAY SCREEN TO VIEW THE BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE - NORMAL.) PROCEEDING THROUGH A LEFT TURN AND WHEN GETTING TO THE CURB THE SYSTEM SHUT DOWN PROVIDING NO MOTIVE POWER. AT THAT POINT A COMPLETE TURN OFF OF THE CAR WAS ATTEMPTED WHICH DID NOT HAPPEN, THE DASH DISPLAY WAS STILL ACTIVE. REPEATED
- [2013] My Ford Focus Electric has been experiencing sudden loss of power and then getting "stop safely now" messages. After a while it will run again. I brought it to Phil Long Ford of Denver back in August and they hooked up a testing unit and said they found nothing. During September, the car experience the "SSN" failure, and then would not start. I brought it to Phil Long Ford and they said it was
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2012] I was driving my car and received a "stop safely now" message. It was brought to the dealer and the 12v battery was replaced and the condition stopped. One week later, however, it happened again. I was in the middle of an intersection after taking off from a stop light and the "stop safely now" message appeared and the car would no longer work. Dealer indicates it is an issue with the transmis
- [2012] DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR, THE CAR CHIMED A WARNING AND FLASHED "STOP SAFELY NOW" ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR LOST SPEED AND I COASTED TO A STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART MY CAR. THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING WITH CHIME REPEATED EACH TIME I TRIED TO RESTART. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK, HOWEVER, AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST
- [2014] VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE 'STOP SAFELY NOW' ALERT CAME ON AND DISABLED POWER TO THE CAR. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE SAFELY BUT UNFORTUNATELY, IT DIDN'T TURN ON AGAIN SO IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO MY HOUSE. AFTER TRYING MULTIPLE TIMES WITH NO LUCK, I HAD IT TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIRS. I KNOW THIS DEFECT IS KNOWN BY FORD SINCE SOME RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED BUT TO TRY TO
Regenerative Braking
- [2012] THE FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC HAS TWO "DRIVE" MODES: "D" AND "L". THE LATTER IS MORE AGGRESSIVE IN REGENERATIVE BRAKING. WHEN I APPROACH A RIGHT TURN INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD, THERE IS A SHORT SEGMENT OF CEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO ASPHALT ROADS. I BELIEVE THE TRACTION/STEERING CONTROL GETS CONFUSED, AND THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING DISENGAGES, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AND LURCH FORWARD, EVEN IF I AM BRAKIN
- [2012] THE REGENERATIVE BRAKES ON MY 2012 FORD FOCUS EV DO NOT APPEAR TO BE WORKING PROPERLY AND I AM GROWING CONCERNED THAT THEY MAY BE UNSAFE, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. OTHER FORD FOCUS EV'S THAT I'VE TESTED BRAKE DIFFERENTLY WITH MUCH MORE CONTROL. THE BRAKES ON MY VEHICLE ARE EITHER "ON" OR "OFF"; THERE IS NO IN-BETWEEN, NO GRADUAL STOPPING BECAUSE, WHEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, NOTHIN
- [2013] VEHICLE ABRUPTLY LOST DRIVETRAIN POWER AND CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP IN THE LEFT-HAND LANE OF A MAJOR SURFACE STREET IN SAN JOSE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DISPLAYED THE WARNING 'STOP SAFELY NOW". ATTEMPTS TO RESTART OR REBOOT THE CAR FAILED LEAVING US DANGEROUSLY STRANDED IN MODERATE TRAFFIC FOR OVER 20 MINUTES UNTIL A NEARBY RESIDENT HELPED US TO PUSH VEHICLE TO SAFETY. ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ON THE
Charging System
- [2012] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND AN ABNORMAL BURNING OF THE OUTLET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CHARGE CABLE AND CHARGE RING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER W
- [2012] THE PRODUCT IS BOSCH POWER XPRESS 240 VOLT CHARGER COUPLED TO MY 2012 FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC. IT IS SET TO 30 AMPS FOR MY VEHICLE....UPDATED 12/17/14 *BF THIS CHARGER WAS PUT IN SERVICE ON 7/22/2013. I NOTICED IN FEBRUARY THAT THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE ELECTRICAL SMELL OF MELTED PLASTIC AFTER CHARGING THE CAR, BUT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE. I FIGURED THAT WITH THE VERY COLD AIR IN MY GARAGE THAT MY S
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Focus, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
The controlling variable for any 2012-2018 Focus is the transmission. The 6-speed DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic generated 6,117 complaints across this generation and a class-action settlement, and avoiding it is the single most useful filter at the used lot. A 5-speed manual paired with the 2.0L Ti-VCT engine sidesteps the issue and leaves a buyer with a workable economy sedan or hatch. The Focus ST (2.0L EcoBoost) and Focus RS (2.3L EcoBoost) were manual-only as well, though they bring performance-trim repair costs and the inspection caveats that follow any enthusiast-owned chassis.
Three inspections matter before signing on a 2012-2018 Focus. Transmission: on any PowerShift-equipped car, drive in stop-and-go traffic and watch for shudder off the line, hesitation, or harsh parking-lot engagement. Ask the seller for PowerShift-related service history; settlement-covered TCM and clutch repairs leave a paper trail through Ford dealers. Fuel and engine: on 2.0L GDI cars verify the canister purge valve recall (18V735000 or 19V515000) has been closed via VIN lookup, and on 2016-2018 cars confirm the oil pump drive belt recall (23V905) has been completed. Body and electrical: test door latches on hatchback variants, verify HID headlights work on early Focus ST production, and confirm wiper function on 2012 cars.
This generation is used-market territory at this point, with the youngest examples now seven years old and the nameplate discontinued in North America. Parts availability will thin over time, with the Focus Electric and Focus RS variants likely to feel that first. Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup before signing, and price any PowerShift-equipped car with the assumption that transmission service or replacement is somewhere in its future, even if it currently feels fine.
What to check on a used 2012-2018 Ford Focus
On a used 2012-2018 Ford Focus, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (6,199), the engine (2,451) and the fuel system (1,759). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 6,199 owner complaints on the 2012-2018 Ford Focus about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 2,451 owner complaints on the 2012-2018 Ford Focus about the engine, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 1,759 owner complaints on the 2012-2018 Ford Focus about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 1,623 owner complaints on the 2012-2018 Ford Focus about the steering.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 1,285 owner complaints on the 2012-2018 Ford Focus about the electrical system.
Recalls (28)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
Show 23 older recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF were manufactured without thermistors, and during vehicle charging, increased resistance in the house's outlet or wiring can cause the cord to overheat and melt.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission and 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Also included are four 2017 Ford Focus vehicles that had clutch replacements with potentially affected parts. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Focus vehicles. The rear left side seat back frame may have an insufficient weld between the outboard pivot bracket and the pivot nut joint, resulting in the seat back having reduced strength. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Focus and C-Max vehicles. The floor pan may have improperly welded left-hand apron joints.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ford Focus Electric vehicles manufactured August 20, 2015, through April 13, 2016. The transmission's differential pinion gear shaft may overheat and fracture.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 1, 2014, to June 12, 2015, Ford Focus vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, to June 12, 2015, and Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured April 22, 2014, to June 12, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the engine may continue to run after the key or the START/STOP engine button is turned to off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 24, 2014, 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured on June 6, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to July 7, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack between the filter body and the filter cap, possibly resulting in low fuel pressure.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through August 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a powertrain control module software problem may result in a stall-like condition.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured September 15, 2011, through May 6, 2013; and model year 2013 Focus ST vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured February 16, 2012, through May 7, 2013. Due to a wiring incompatability, the front side marker lamps may not function. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Yakima Products, Inc. for use on model year 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus vehicles. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not by Ford. Certain combined Q-Tower and Q128 Clip rooftop rack systems, part numbers 8000124 and 8000728, do not fully contact the door frame.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 FOCUS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 18, 2011. A SEAL IN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR MAY BE MISSING.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2012-2018 Ford Focus complaints?
Owners have filed 12,567 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2018 Ford Focus. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the engine and the fuel system.
Is the 2012-2018 Ford Focus a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 12,567 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2018 Ford Focus. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2018 Ford Focus have?
NHTSA has 12,567 owner complaints on file for the 2012-2018 Ford Focus as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2012-2018 Ford Focus?
NHTSA lists 28 recalls covering some 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Ford Focus?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the engine and the fuel system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Focus?
The 2018 Ford Focus received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.6% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 12,567 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.