Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated following repair work on the transmission, the contact was advised by the dealer to pick up the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not test driven because of extreme rust to the sub frame, and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact determined that the cost of replacing the sub frame would exceed the value of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to several reported instances of severe corrosion for several years, makes, and models of the vehicle. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
The vehicle was being towed by a Class A RV using a manufacturer approved towing system. All connections and safety measures were properly installed and tested just prior to incident. Vehicle has been towed using the same equipment for several years with no incident. The attachment from the frame to the front-end assembly completely separated and the vehicle body went into oncoming traffic. The vehicle in oncoming lane was struck and one individual injured. Upon visual examination, the frame component appears to have failed on both sides at the front-end. The bolts are still in-tack, tight and uncompromised. This is a frame component failure.
The trunk lid is rusting/deteriorating along the rim that meets the back bumper. I just dropped it off my red Ford Focus to Scott's Auto Fixit in Webster, NY for repair. I couldn't afford the new truck lid that the dealership service department offered at the Ford Dealership in Webster. The trunk lid was inspected by my auto insurance representative in 2019 (I have photos from 2019 and today {2024}). The lid is deteriorating with pieces of the lid falling into the trunk. I'm concerned of the possible risk of the trunk deteriorating to the point that other safety components would be affected - light, latch, lock (security). I've also notice that several Ford Focus automobiles are experiencing the same issue; the trunk lids are visibly rusting/deteriorating. The rust has discolored the paint on the rear bumper; that also needs to be addressed. frustrated!
I bought this car in February of this year, and the problems were present at purchase, I have brought it in and had them looked at but unable to determine what was wrong. The car sometimes stalls out whenever parked, or idling. Every time i put gas in, then start it, the vehicle will start then immediately stall. I have to start it and push the gas to keep it from stalling and quickly put into drive and his the gas to get it from stalling when i try to drive away. While starting the car the RPMS go very high and reves as if someone was pushing the gas. The hood display on the dash always says the Hood is open. This has been present since start.
I have taken my car into to Carson City, NV Ford dealer many times. They say they fixed something else and do not have the time to fix the door latches that I made the appointment for . The only one that needs to be done is the back door on the driver's side. The rest were done the first time I took it in. I'm on a six plus month waiting list again to have the latch replaced with the right one! This has gone on way to many years. What happens if the door open and then closes on a kid/person in the back seat? Safety recall notice 20S30 / NHTSA 20V-331
There is a warning light showing a code 1450, unable to create fuel vacuum, that at first was thought to be an issue with a current recall for the car that was fixed. But after a routine oil change a fuel leak was found. I was told by the mechanic that it appears to be a fuel tank deformation similar to the 19S22 recall. My Ford focus was not apart of that recall and I was told by Ford to contact you to potentially have my car added. The leak is subnational enough that it could cause an engine fire.
After completing door latch recall there is still an alert the the hatchback is open. And doesn't shut off. The dealer states that I have to pay for replacement since the recall shows complete. Except the instructions did not show anything in regards to this component , in regards to the fuel system, the dealer said I would have to pay for test to determine if the PCM would fix the engine ight after I took in for recall.
My driver side door was working perfect until one day i went into my car and tryed closing my door but it wont close so i had to go to work while holding the door so it dosent open i favent talked to ford itself bucause om scared they will charge me a lot
The rear driver side door latch will not latch and stay closed. The door swung open while I was driving. it has not been reproduced. it has not been inspected. I believe something is wrong with the door latch, but I do not use this door very much.
Car lost power and engine light came on while traveling southbound on I-95. Underneath parts and lower body panels caught fire and melted. Vehicle was towed to the paul clark Ford dealership in yulee, fl. Where it was discovered the engine had experienced a catastrophic engine failure. There was a hole a little smaller than a basketball blown out of the bottom of the crankcase with the oil pump and pieces of the engine laying on the shield covering the oil pan. The car had just been fully serviced with it's routine oil change, recommended service routine, etc by same dealer. Even though the vehicle is under full warranty, nothing has been done to repair the vehicle as of yet. Ford is conducting an internal review and said it could take up to 90 days before a determination is made. They also have not offered a loaner vehicle or a rental car to the owner while this process is taking place.
Body complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2012 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 332 complaints about the body & structure of the 2012 Ford Focus, 9% of the model year's 3,770 complaints. The component named most often is body (295 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford Focus body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2012 Ford Focus, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford Focus body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 2 fires and 13 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.