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2012 Ford Focus: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists seven recall campaigns for the 2012 Ford Focus: three for the fuel system (filed 2018–2026), two for latches (filed 2016 and 2020), one for lighting (filed 2013) and one more for other parts. Owners have filed 3,769 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train and the steering. For comparison, owners filed 113 for the 2011 and 2,112 for the 2013 Focus. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 4 stars overall, with a 11.7% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 7campaigns 3 fuel system · 2 latch · 1 lighting Source: NHTSA Complaints 3,769filed Owner reports, 2008–2017 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 4★overall ★★★★☆ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 32mpg combined $2,041/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2 L 4-cyl· Automatic 8 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (7)

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2012 Ford Focus. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2012 Ford Focus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V369000 Filed Jun 9, 2026

Engine Stall From Canister Purge Valve Malfunction

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · evaporative emissions · canister
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Repair progress not yet reported257,868 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V369000
Listed for 2012 Ford Focus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V331000 Filed Jun 8, 2020

Doors May Open While Driving

Latches/locks/linkages · doors · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
58.4% repairedof 2,147,323 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V331000
Listed for 2012 Ford Focus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V515000 Filed Jul 5, 2019

Stuck Canister Purge Valve may Cause Stall

Fuel system, gasoline · storage
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.
73.1% repairedof 57,488 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V515000
Listed for 2012 Ford Focus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V735000 Filed Oct 22, 2018

Stuck Canister Purge Valve may Cause Stall

Fuel system, gasoline · storage
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
65.4% repairedof 1,282,596 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V735000
Listed for 2012 Ford Focus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V643000 Filed Sep 6, 2016

Doors may Unexpectedly Open

Latches/locks/linkages · doors · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
61.8% repairedof 2,046,297 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V643000
Listed for 2012 Ford Focus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V335000 Filed Aug 1, 2013

Side Lights Inoperable/FMVSS 108

Exterior lighting
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the headlamp assembly wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C04.
Repair progress not yet reported6,308 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V335000
Listed for 2012 Ford Focus. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 12V149000 Filed Apr 5, 2012

PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR CONNECTOR

Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · switch/wiring
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
WATER OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE CONNECTOR, RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR, REDUCING VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND AS NECESSARY, CLEAN AND PROPERLY SEAL THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR CONNECTOR. ANY INOPERATIVE WIPER MOTORS WILL BE REPLACED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Repair progress not yet reported140,310 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V149000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Focus years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford FocusAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (3,769)

3,769 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.

107involved a crash
15involved a fire
88injuries reported
5deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Ford Focus, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 3,769.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2012 compares with other Focus years

Best and worst Focus years →
250 229 287 113 3,769 2,112 2,602 1,020 1,181 898
2008200920102011201220132014201520162017
This year (2012)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 4 stars overall

Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 11.7%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2012 Ford Focus 4 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 32 mpg combined

32
mpg combined
28
city
39
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,100
CO₂ tailpipe
278 g/mi
EPA class
Compact Cars

What it costs you to run

$2,041per year
$170per month
469gallons a year

Miles ÷ 32 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2012 Ford Focus configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2 L 4-cyl · AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive28 / 39 / 32$2,100278
2 L 4-cyl · AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive28 / 39 / 32$2,100278
2 L 4-cyl · AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive27 / 37 / 31$2,150287
2 L 4-cyl · AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive27 / 37 / 31$2,150287
2 L 4-cyl · AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 31$2,150287
2 L 4-cyl · AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30$2,250296
2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive26 / 35 / 29$2,300306
2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive26 / 35 / 29$2,300306

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2012 Focus for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Focus years

Where to next

Which Focus years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2013 Ford Focus report2,112 complaints · 11 campaigns →2011 Ford Focus report113 complaints · 0 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2012 Ford Focus FAQ

How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Focus have?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns: 26V369000 (fuel system), 20V331000 (latch), 19V515000 (fuel system), 18V735000 (fuel system), 16V643000 (latch), 13V335000 (lighting), 12V149000 (visibility). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2012 Ford Focus problems?

Owners filed 3,769 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (1,446), Steering (927), Engine (475) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2012 Ford Focus get?

EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · Automatic version at 28 city, 39 highway and 32 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2012 Ford Focus get?

NHTSA rated the 2012 Ford Focus 4 dr fwd 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (11.7% rollover risk).

How does the 2012 Focus compare with other years?

Among the 2008–2017 Ford Focus model years at least five years old, the 2011 drew the fewest complaints (113) and the 2012 the most (3,769). The 2012 drew 3,769. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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