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2012 Ford Focus

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Ford Focus
Pictured: 2018 Ford Focus ST-Line X 1.0. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Hatchback Se/Sel/Titanium, 4dr Sedan S/Se/Sel/Titanium
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
EV, Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
32 combined · 28 city / 39 hwy
EV range
76 mi · 4 h on 240 V
Length
171.7–178.3 in
Curb weight
2,926–2,954 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
10 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 25% better than the average 2012 compact car (25.6 MPG).
  • Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints3,147 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 121 for similar models — most often about the power train.
  • 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Ford Focus is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 172 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,926 lb (4dr Hatchback Se/Sel/Titanium).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 39 highway), 25% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $700 a year in fuel.

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 76 miles and takes about 4 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3147 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2012

  • New body dimensions: 3.5 in shorter, wheelbase +1.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • New all-electric version
  • Best combined MPG up from 29 to 32

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Focus →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Hatchback Se/Sel/Titanium171.7 in72 in57.9 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in2,926 lb60/40
4dr Sedan S/Se/Sel/Titanium178.3 in72 in57.9 in104.3 in61 / 59.8 in2,954 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Focus Electric EV107 kW AC InductionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive76 mi · 32 kWh/100mi–$700–
Focus SFE FWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 39 / 32+25%$2,100278
Focus SFE FWD FFV FFV2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 39 / 32+25%$2,100278
Focus FWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 37 / 31+21%$2,150287
Focus FWD FFV FFV2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 37 / 31+21%$2,150287
Focus FWD FFV FFV2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 31+21%$2,150287
Focus FWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+17%$2,250296
Focus FWD2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 35 / 29+13%$2,300306
Focus FWD FFV FFV2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 35 / 29+13%$2,300306
Save $8,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.6 MPG2012 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Ford Focus.

Similar 2012 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Ford Focus (this car)32 MPGNot rated10
2012 Toyota Corolla29 MPGNot rated5
2012 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated4
2012 Toyota Prius50 MPGNot rated7
2012 Mazda 332 MPGNot rated0
2012 Volkswagen Golf/GTI32 MPGNot rated6
2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport30 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (10)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister · Jun 9, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V369000 · 257,868 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Jun 8, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V331000 · 2,147,323 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister · Jul 5, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V515000 · 57,488 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Canister · Oct 22, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V735000 · 1,282,596 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Equipment › Electrical · Sep 10, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V592000 · 49,197 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S24.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Sep 6, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V643000 · 2,046,297 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Oct 30, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V523000 · 2,456 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An unexpected loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the power control module, free of charge. The recall beganon November 22, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S09. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Oct 17, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V475000 · 23,000 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C07.
Exterior Lighting · Aug 1, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V335000 · 6,308 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring · Apr 5, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V149000 · 140,310 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Ford Focus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

3,147Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
73Involved a crash
12Involved a fire
57Injuries reported
52,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train1,032
Steering836
Unknown Or Other358
Engine356
Structure › Body283
Electrical System278
Fuel/Propulsion System252
Vehicle Speed Control94
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 424/11: 324/12: 425/01: 925/02: 225/03: 625/04: 625/05: 525/06: 425/07: 725/08: 625/09: 125/10: 225/11: 125/12: 126/01: 326/03: 326/04: 226/05: 226/06: 626/07: 426/08: 726/09: 426/10: 124/1025/0125/0425/0725/1026/0126/0526/08max 9

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Ford Focus buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 1,032 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Steering — 836 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. Engine — 356 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 52,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 76 miles.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Ford Focus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Focus years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2018 Focus34171.7 in★★★★★7837
2017 Focus34171.7 in★★★★★10907
2016 Focus34171.7 inNot rated111,194
2015 Focus34171.7 inNot rated111,034
2014 Focus32171.7 inNot rated142,496
2013 Focus32171.7 inNot rated141,759
2011 Focus29175.2 inNot rated073
2010 Focus28175.2 inNot rated0139
2009 Focus28175.2 inNot rated085
2008 Focus28175.2 inNot rated0104
2007 Focus27168.9 inNot rated0105
2006 Focus26168.9 inNot rated049

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →