2012 Ford Focus transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026FLTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission overheating warning light Transmission clutch stuck open recommended to change out “actuator A” but did not solve. Clutch fork needs replacement

   NHTSA complaint #11767932 · source
2. Filed Sep 3, 2026METransmission & Drivetrain

   Rowe ford came stated he checked to see it the software was there also stated there were codes and said he was done. He never fixed the software cause i have u codes that state pcm and has locked my car into limp mode which means my car is immobilized due to the bad software. They closed Out the recall on there end with out the proper Fix. It was their mobile service. I know For a fact the pcm is causing this communication issue in my car. Inlost my job due to this very…

   NHTSA complaint #11761917 · source
3. Filed Aug 26, 2026112,200 miOHTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart but failed to move. The message "Transmission Failure" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the…

   NHTSA complaint #11759734 · source
4. Filed Aug 25, 202670,000 miOHTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that an independent mechanic arrived on the scene to reset the clutches, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved information that the clutch position sensor A, clutch position sensor B,…

   NHTSA complaint #11759390 · source
5. Filed Aug 14, 2026METransmission & Drivetrain

   "I am reporting a dealer safety recall refusal under Campaign 26S40 / NHTSA 26V369. My 2012 Ford Focus is completely immobilized in my driveway in [XXX] with a total transmission software lockout and zero fuel. Yankee Ford in [XXX] operates an active Mobile Service van program but explicitly refused to dispatch a technician to flash my PCM. They falsely claimed local town ordinances prevent them from operating, completely ignoring that my vehicle is located outside their…

   NHTSA complaint #11756962 · source
6. Filed Apr 28, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Beginning in approximately May 2025, the vehicle began displaying diagnostic trouble codes identified by independent auto parts retailers and service providers. These codes indicated potential issues within the engine, electrical, and powertrain systems. The vehicle was subsequently brought to a dealership for diagnostic evaluation and remained there from approximately May 15 through May 19, 2025. During this time, the dealership reported that no diagnostic codes were…

   NHTSA complaint #11734286 · source
7. Filed Mar 23, 2026NEEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I filled up my gas tank and a couple minutes later experienced shuddering while parked so I decided to turn the vehicle off and turn it back on but it struggles to turn back on. I then drove back home and as I was driving the acceleration was going up and down and then to 0. As i stopped on a red light the car completely shut down while the light then turned green and the check engine light, battery, and oil light came on. I then turned the vehicle off and in order to start…

   NHTSA complaint #11726335 · source
8. Filed Mar 10, 2026OKTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission begin to stall and would not shift. The motor would get to high RPMS and then shift hard into the next gear. I was able to pull over and the TCM error code popped up on the dash. I was able to get the car to the dealer. I was notified that the TCM failed and Ford would no longer cover this failed part. The car is a 2012 Focus with only 69,000 miles. Dealership is wanting $2,116.00 to fix.

   NHTSA complaint #11723284 · source
9. Filed Jan 5, 2026OHTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am the owner of a 2012 Ford Focus SE with approximately 54,000 miles. Beginning around 44,000 miles, the vehicle exhibited transmission shuddering, harsh engagement, and improper downshifting consistent with known DPS6 Transmission Control Module (TCM) defects. Prior to the expiration of Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 on June 30, 2025, I confirmed coverage through Ford’s recall website and presented the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership on May 27, 2025…

   NHTSA complaint #11708909 · source
10. Filed Nov 21, 2025129,354 miMDBody & StructureEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side door failed to open as intended. The contact used force to attempt to open the door and failed. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, she was informed that the vehicle had an open recall related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). When the contact retrieved the vehicle, the contact was informed that the recall had…

    NHTSA complaint #11700824 · source
11. Filed Aug 27, 2025PATransmission & Drivetrain

    I purchased this car as a certified pre owned car from the Mazda dealership In mechanicsburg PA about two and a half years ago. The transmission failed and the car was unsafe to drive after 3 months from the purchase date. The Mazda dealership didn’t know how to fix the transmission as it’s a complicated process. They tried to send it to a ford dealership but they would not work on it. It took Mazda awhile to finish my transmission because they didn’t know how to fix it. Now…

    NHTSA complaint #11683481 · source
12. Filed Aug 27, 2025OHTransmission & Drivetrain

    On Friday [XXX], I was at a stop sign waiting to turn right, when it was my turn to go my car would not move at all, forward or back, the regular lights on the dash board were still on. I put my blinkers on and had all cars go around me. I turned my car off and then back on, that's when the check engine light came on. After 8 minutes of turning the car off and on, I was able to move backwards and forwards I was able to drive. I stopped at AutoZone on the way to get my car…

    NHTSA complaint #11683346 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology