2012 Ford Focus: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Engine · WA

I am submitting this complaint because Ford dealers do not appear to be following Ford Motor Company's published procedure for Customer Satisfaction Program 24N07. I visited two Ford service departments in [XXX] and [XXX]. Both told me they must first perform their own diagnostic evaluation before replacing the canister purge valve (CPV) under 24N07, and that I may be responsible for a diagnostic fee if they do not confirm the issue. Both dealers justified this requirement by stating that it was mandated by Ford corporate. This appears inconsistent with Ford's XXX communication to all U.S. Ford and Lincoln dealers. The 24N07 Technical Instructions already provide a decision process: Step 1 directs technicians to check for specified DTCs, including P0443, OR determine whether the customer reports hesitation, rough idle, or loss of power. Step 2 asks whether any Step 1 condition is present. If yes, Step 3 directs the technician to replace the CPV. (PAGE 16) Nowhere in this procedure does Ford require a separate comprehensive EVAP diagnosis before replacement. Ford's labor operation also includes checking for DTCs as part of the 24N07 service. (PAGE 16) This is especially concerning because CPV-related symptoms can be intermittent. A vehicle may have rough idle, hesitation, loss of power, or a qualifying DTC, but operate normally during the dealer's diagnostic session. Under the dealers' approach, the owner may then be charged a diagnostic fee and still be denied the 24N07 repair. Similar experiences have been reported by other Focus owners online, including diagnostic-fee warnings of approximately $199, $210, $225, and $400. I ask the federal safety agency to review whether Ford dealers are properly implementing 24N07 and whether dealers are adding diagnostic requirements not contained in Ford's December 4, 2024 instructions. Ford 24N07: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · ID

Vehicle stalls while driving at low speeds and during acceleration. The engine loses power unexpectedly in traffic and may shut off completely while in motion. RPMs increase without corresponding acceleration and the vehicle fails to shift or respond normally. Check engine light is on with fuel/emissions-related codes. Fuel gauge is inaccurate and vehicle has unexpectedly run out of fuel even when gauge showed remaining fuel. The vehicle also hesitates, jerks, and feels unstable when stopping or turning. These issues have been present since shortly after purchase and have continued for approximately one year. Vehicle is unsafe to operate due to risk of stalling in traffic.

Filed Jul 14, 2025 · Transmission · CA

I am reporting a recurring safety issue with the DPS6 dual-clutch automatic transmission in my 2012 Ford Focus (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle intermittently fails to shift beyond 3rd gear while in motion, resulting in loss of acceleration and inability to maintain safe highway speeds. The most recent incident occurred in July 2025 while my son was driving. The car would not upshift past 3rd gear, forcing him to pull off the road. We took the vehicle to a Ford dealership, which ran diagnostics and ultimately identified diagnostic trouble code P2832: “Shift Fork B Position Sensor Circuit Low.” This error points to failure of the clutch actuator assembly, a key component of the DPS6 system. The dealership linked the issue to internal transmission component failure but stated the original warranty repair had already been used and no coverage was currently open. Ford Customer Relationship Center advised us to have the dealer submit through the Specialty Recall Program and to file a safety complaint with the federal safety agency. This failure is consistent with the issues outlined in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 16-0109, which addresses shuddering, hesitation, and shifting failure in Ford’s DPS6 transmission due to actuator and clutch contamination. The vehicle previously underwent warranty repair for transmission issues, and this is a repeat failure tied to the same known defect. This defect affects drivability and safety, especially for younger or less experienced drivers. Ford has acknowledged the defect in class action settlements and internal bulletins, but is denying coverage in this case. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate this ongoing pattern of failure and pressure Ford to address these safety risks before they result in serious injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 17, 2025 · Transmission · 107,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated before responding as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the hesitation occurred at various speeds, with an abnormal whirring sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Filed Jan 28, 2025 · Transmission · 94,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon the depression of the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and jerked with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective motor mount. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a defective transmission. The contact was informed by the independent mechanic that they did not have the tools to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the TCM (Transmission Control Module) was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Filed Jun 26, 2024 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission hesitated and then jerked into the intended gear. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed clutch failure. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Mar 29, 2024 · Transmission · 47,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch was slipping. The dealer determined that the clutch and the levers needed to be replaced, as per Ford TSB Number: 16-0109. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

Filed Feb 21, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

While driving on interstate ,my car suddenly started hesitating and failed to pick up speed. The engine light came on. I pulled over, but did not turn car off fearing it would not restart, to look at owners manual. The problem continued as I drove home. I have driven it once for a short distance since and there was no change. This could cause an accident since it happened unexpectedly while driving at high speed. Brake light fault warning light is illuminated although light appears to be working. This could cause rear end collision if not operating. Luggage compartment opens while driving which causes visibility issue and chance of items stored there to blow out and cause accident. I can not tell if this issue is included in recall addressing locks and latches. Driver side window no longer operates, preventing escape if needed

Filed Feb 12, 2024 · Transmission · MN

The transmission is experiencing intermitnet slipping and hesitation. When attempting to take off at a stop light on an inclined road the car rolled backwards before transmission engaged & I was able to proceed. No warning lights or messages are present.

Filed Jan 17, 2024 · Fuel system · 49,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that once the fuel level was less than a quarter tank full, the vehicle would begin to hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered and linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

Filed Aug 11, 2023 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the service transmission and check engine warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the failure was most likely related to the transmission. The contact later received a Customer Satisfaction letter related to the transmission control module (TCM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained in the dealer possession for a week. The contact was informed that the transmission might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Aug 10, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · FL

August 3, 2023, vehicle bucking from 1RPM to 2 RPM. No engine lights came on. At every stop and go vehicle hesitated. I was driving a relative to a post operation doctor visit. Went to dealer following day. They could not inspect the car. Gave appointment for 5 days later. Recall letter I received is for the TCM/PCM-Transmission/Power Control Module. Dealer says they have vehicles waiting 2 and 3 years for this part. If this is my issue they cannot provide me with a time frame for getting the issue corrected. When I drove to the dealer the engine light did come on and it continues to be on. Car can leave me stranded or vehicle may jerk forward even with the brake applied are some of the different issues that can happen.