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2012 Ford Focus transmission complaints

Page 42 of 49: complaints 1,211 to 1,240 of 1,448, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Ford Focus transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jun 12, 2014 · Transmission · 8,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford focus. The contact stated that while parking, the transmission slipped out of gear. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred a second time after parking in her residential garage and the vehicle went forward, crashing into a wall. The driver sustained minor injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle was working up to standard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 8,000 and the current mileage was 12,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 47,000 miles · CA

In the past year, I have experienced issues with my transmission where my car has difficulties shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. It shutters and jolts, feels like I have a manual transmission. I commute daily, especially in traffic, so this has never been acceptable. On june 1st, I was in a parking garage coming around a corner when my traction control light appeared and I lost power to the engine. The interior lights, radio, AC were still working, I just couldn't move the car. I was stalled and was nearly hit a few times since I was stuck in a turn. I tried turning the car on and off, no luck. I had my car towed home, and ford towed it to the dealership the next morning where I was told the car was stuck in gear. It needed a new transmission module. The new module was replaced and I was told my car was ready for pick up. I went in the next day, the porter pulled up my car and I could not drive it off the lot, because now it was stuck in "park". I was very frustrated and I was told by the dealership that the computer may have had a glitch when reprogramming or it may have reset itself. I was told this can more than likely happen again, how disappointing. I don't feel safe driving my car and especially long distances. I'm afraid this can happen again, but even worse, while I'm on the road. Needless to say I will be looking into lemon law or trading in this vehicle.

Filed Jun 10, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 49,000 miles · AZ

When exiting grocery store parking lot, as we pulled out into traffic, the car experience a sudden loss of acceleration/drive train power, while electrical systems started to flash, and electronic gear indicator transitioned from gear to gear. Rpms, were still registering and on acceleration, drive train was unresponsive. This happened all while in traffic, when oncoming vehicles were approaching. We turned on hazard lights and moved to the road shoulder. Powered off car for a minute, then restarted. Car started but still experienced severe hesitation on acceleration, and seemed as if it was struggling to stay on. Pulled onto a side street to get out of traffic, then after turning car off, it would not turn back on. After approx. 10 minutes, tried to turn on car again, and it started. Was able to carefully drive car home, however check engine light has now been illuminated. This will be the 5th instance (all instances documented by dealer, and serviced by dealer) that the car has had this issue, and we have brought it to the attention of the dealership, with no 100% remedy being given. Will be taking car in once again to dealership for service and hopefully resolution of this ongoing issue of hesitation on acceleration, and total failure of drive train during vehicle operation.

Filed Jun 9, 2014 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while making turns at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the transmission overheated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 38,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2014 · Transmission · 1,747 miles · TN

On-going problems with the transmission. The first incident occurred approximately one month after purchase. I took it to the dealer and they told me that the shuddering/shifting problems that I was experiencing were "normal" and that the vehicle needed an adjustment period. I was told that it would smooth out once it got used to my driving pattern. The problem continued until it got so bad that I took it back in december 2013 and the transmission required repair. It went back to the dealership in may of 2014 for the same problem and the dealership had to replace the clutch assembly and several seals. The vehicle shudders badly, on take off, and has bogged down to the point that I was nearly rear-ended, I have also experienced problems with rollback on hills and problems when trying to accelerate uphill.

Filed Jun 8, 2014 · Transmission · 47,090 miles · PA

I have a 2012 ford focus sel. I am making payments on this car. I purchased it as a certified pre owned. It had roughly 30,000 miles on it when received. It has been 18 months since date I received the car. I have had it four times for the transmission. All for the same thing witch is grinding of gears, slipping and not shifting properly. The dealership has updated the software and other services on it. It has continued to do all of the stuff I had it for.

Filed Jun 8, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 30,000 miles · GA

Shudder vibrations and acceleration lag due to the malfunction of the dtc (duel clutch transmission) in my 2012 ford focus.

Filed Jun 8, 2014 · Transmission · 25,146 miles · PA

When lightly accelerating from a state of rest, the car hesitates when the gas pedal pressed, even when a little more pressure is applied. Then it unpredictably "kicks" into gear, forcing me to hit the brakes to accommodate for the sudden jolt. It also slides backward when releasing the brake on hills. None of these issues occurred severely in the first year after purchasing the car new. The symptoms became noticeable around october 2013, and has occurred since, most often in the lowest gears -- slowly backing out from a parking spots, stop & go traffic, etc. I had the car serviced at the dealership under warranty three times, and taken to another ford dealer for a second opinion. Three days from receiving my car back from the dealership after the third service, the car continued to shudder and hesitate while applying pressure to the gas. Only this time I nearly caused an accident while reversing out of a supermarket parking lot. Usually it shudders when in reverse, but this time the car did not respond at all when in reverse and with light pressure on the gas. After about 3-5 seconds of light, even pressure on the gas pedal to inch the car out of the spot, the vehicle shot backward, nearly sending me through the store wall. Fortunately, no other vehicles or pedestrians were nearby, but this incident makes me afraid that the car is a danger to myself and others.

Filed Jun 4, 2014 · Transmission · 25,000 miles · MO

The transmission vibrates in 1st and 2nd gear and sometimes doesn't get into proper gear. When shutting vehicle off sometimes lurches . When stopped on a hill, in gear, if you take foot off the brake the vehicle will roll back like it's in neutral have returned 3 times to dealership still not fixed needs to be recalled.

Filed Jun 4, 2014 · Transmission · 73,538 miles · CA

An unexpected loss of power while driving resulting in a stall-like condition. Shifting gears lock up. Have to shut off car, let it sit for a few minutes and restart it.

Filed Jun 3, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 47,000 miles · CA

Car's transmission felt sluggish (hesitate to accelerate) after 15-20 minutes of low-speed driving (0-10mph) in a traffic jam. Ten minutes later, engine stalled on freeway at 70mph. Tachometer dropped to 0 and speedometer displayed was 0. Car restarted, and continued to be driven for 15 minutes. Gear disengaged when turning into a parking space, car rolled backwards. Power did resume after 2 seconds while constantly giving gas. Restarted the car after around 30 minutes, car stalled again few minutes later. Engine would not restart instantly. Only clicking noise was heard in the engine bay when turning keys. Waited 10-15 minutes to restart. Car accelerated to 70mph before stalling again after 1-2 minutes. Gear indicator was flashing. When the car stalled, engine raved with lost of power for 1-2 seconds. Car felt like in neutral even shifter was in drive. Tachometer then dropped to 300rpm and never rav again. Car was pulled over. The cycle of stalling and restart repeated 5-6 times until I arrived home. The next day car was drivable again (I only have a 5-mile commute). Similar troubles occurred three weeks ago when car was totally disabled after 20-30 minutes parking lot driving. Car hardly restart and refuse to go into gear. Gear indicator constantly blinked. I previously thought the issues were related to the usage of s gate, where it happened for two instance. There are 3 occurrences of similar troubles. First time was about a month ago when car refused to start, but it was perfectly drivable again after being cool down for a night. Towed to dealer but problem could not be duplicated. The reason that prompts me to write this report is due the lost of power on freeway which I believe is a safety related issue. Also, there doesn't seem to be a trouble code in the computer, which makes it hard for dealers to diagnose the problem.

Filed Jun 2, 2014 · Transmission · FL

My 2012 ford focus had the control module (TCM, PCM) transmission that jerks in low gear. I was not told at time of purchase about the dual transmission. I purchased the car august 2012.

Filed May 30, 2014 · Transmission · VA

4 transmission failures in 25k miles still have problems with transmission slipping, jumping, lurching hesitates grinding and shutters, when you press on the gas from a stop it sometimes jerks you into movement or if you press the gas a bit harder it will shutter, the more we drive the worst it just until it cools down.

Filed May 29, 2014 · Transmission, Visibility · 56,665 miles · WA

Transmission was shifting poorly, then like an engine miss, power loss, step on gas it slowed down, turned corner at intersection and almost didn't make it thru intersection. Very light foot on the accelerator would allow it to gain speed. Missed 1st gear on stop at stopsign, took off in 2nd or 3rd (automatic)/ check engine light was on until I got home, shut it off. Started back up and ran fairly well to dealership. This is second time in a week I've had to dealer. They did a tsb electric reset of shift points and said it was all related. I was charged for that even tho there was a tsb performed. Also my rf window motor is out. It was rarely used as I commute about 55 miles a day solo.

Filed May 28, 2014 · Transmission · 6,500 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford focus. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the clutch was making an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,500, and the current mileage was 49,000.

Filed May 26, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 3,800 miles · MD

April 2011 -- issues began within a week of purchasing the vehicle. Complete electrical system shutdown (causing air/radio/sync system to be of no use). Brought vehicle in because I was scheduled to go on road trip to mass. (sync system shut down in route to mass.). Soon thereafter, the jerking and shaking of the vehicle. Each time I called or brought the vehicle in, I was told "we cannot replicate the problem". Back and forth meeting with management at waldorf ford dealership and phone calls with ford in detroit. Continued issues with the jerking and vibrating of vehicle; continued complaints that the RPM needle would race up and down and the engine would revved because the engine was not getting into gear; may 2013 50k miles -- while in columbia, md was still having the jerking and "shifting" issues that the dealership "could not" and I received a message on the vehicle that said transmission failure service immediately. I was in traffic and was almost rear ended on several occasions until I arrived at a friend's. Drove home hours later; transmission/powertrain system "fixed"; may 2014 74k miles -- jerking/vibrating/grinding sounds; engine light on and off (not flashing); vehicle not getting into gear from a dead stop and above 50 MPH; autozone plugged into vehicle system and received following message/code p2862 "shift fork 'b' acuator circuit high" unable to access any information about the problem; an issue which ford considers a "common failure" with this vehicle. Nothing like putting a driver and passengers at risk as well as causing accidents. Why are these vehicles still on the road with as many complaints that have been made??

Filed May 23, 2014 · Transmission · 5,000 miles · MI

My car would not go into the correct gear when I slowed down to turn a corner. Coming out of the turn it stalled into neutral . My car has a rattle and jerking when I'm going less than 5 MPH sometimes. This car does not change gears smoothly! I recently rented a 2013 focus and it drives great. My 2012 ford focus is horrible.

Filed May 22, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · TX

Driving down highway, car lost power, the check engine light and the traction control light came on. Would not accelerate, brakes would not function properly to stop. When I finally got the car stopped in a parking lot next to my place of business, the car would not start up again, and when it did, it would not go into any gear. Sat in the parking lot for 30 minutes trying to get the car to start up and go into gear. When it finally did go into gear, I got it to my place of business 2 blocks down and parked it. I am afraid to drive the car as it is a major safety issue. There have been recalls on the electric version of this car, but not the gasoline versions. This needs to be a recall on all of these models as there are several hundred complaints online about the same issue. Ford will not do anything about these issues unless the car is taken to one of their dealerships, which in past experience, they don't do anything at the dealership except overcharge for diagnosing the car, and for them to tell you nothing is wrong with it and that they know there are issues with the cars, but they do not have a fix for them and they can change the parts, however that will not solve the problem and it will happen again. I have been told this by the manager at a dealership and he has stated there is nothing he can do to change the situation. This is a major safety issue and someone needs to look into ford for the same issues gm is having with their small cars.

Filed May 21, 2014 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford focus. The contact stated that while traveling 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle stalled several times before the resuming to normal acceleration. The failure recurred on seven occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000 miles and the current mileage was 53,000.

Filed May 20, 2014 · Transmission · 15,000 miles · CA

There have been many complaints on the ford focus lately that involve the transmission and I am included in those complaining. My automatic car either won't switch gears and sounds like I'm pressing the gas while in park then violently lunges forward or while driving at an average speed like 40 it's just stops completely in the road. It also will not accelerate quickly making it very dangerous to merge on to a freeway. Living in los angeles this poses a huge threat to getting in several accidents. After 3 near and severely close but avoided accidents I called the dealership where I purchased my car and I was told there was a 3-5 week waiting list to have my car even looked at to prove that it was in fact the problem all other fords were encountering. After calling round to several dealers in a 30 mile radius I found one kind man who said he could look at within 3 days. After being diagnosed as the clutches needing to be replaced as they thought would be the issue, I was told it would take up to another 3-4 weeks til my car was actually repaired leaving me already out of pocket for a week for a rental car. The dealer suggest I open a case with ford to request a loaner car for the duration of my repair as it seems ridiculous that I be paying $ out of pocket for an issue that they caused with a faulty part. 4 days later and ford still has not decided whether my request is reasonable. Everyday I'm spending money while my inoperable car sits at a dealership waiting to find out if I can afford to pay for the rental while my death trap of a vehicle wait s as ford decided I'm being "reasonable". I find this treatment of customers of a faulty product disgraceful.

Filed May 20, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 68,850 miles · GA

I have a ford focus 2012 se with winter and comfort packages. My vehicle suddenly swapped up from 79 MPH to 81 MPH when I pressed the down button to slow the car.

Filed May 19, 2014 · Acceleration, Transmission · 35,677 miles · CA

I purchased my vehicle in december of 2012 and by may of 2013, the vehicle had been in and out of the shop for months. The most substantial issue was an issue with speed control in the car while on the freeway. At about 20 miles an hour the car would have difficulty going up to 40mph, but would then jerk up to higher speeds afterward. The clutch system was replaced in the car on may 24, 2013 and seemed to be fine, but I still filed a claim with the ford motor company. Last week on may 14, 2014 the began to have the same transmission issues. I contacted ford again and was told to take it in, as it was covered under the 12 months/12000 miles extended parts warranty. My car is currently back in the shop and I am concerned that this issue will not be resolved. I'm also concerned that there was already a recall on this vehicle in 2012 for transmission issues and little is being done now to rectify this dangerous issue.

Filed May 16, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 13,500 miles · VA

Transmission issues, jerking, jumping, jolting forward, sluggish, lack of power, feels like the car is going to cut off. This happens at slow speeds, fast speeds, at a stop, idling, etc. You name a condition of the car at various speeds and it has transmission issues. I took it to ford to fix and they said it was a "known" issue, they updated the software and calibrated. It still has the same issues, the problem is not resolved.

Filed May 15, 2014 · Transmission · 1,200 miles · KY

Since I've owned the car, I've taken it back to the dealer more than twelve times. I bought it new and have problems with transmission slipping, jumping, lurching. I have been having these issues plus issues with the radio constantly resetting itself since the day I bought the car. The dealer claimed to me that the reason my car times backwards after coming to a stop was to save fuel, then there was a recall on the car to have the transmission reprogrammed to stop it. I had this done, but it still occurs with my car.

Filed May 15, 2014 · Transmission · 10,000 miles · OH

The transmission in this vehicle hesitates and shutters. I have been told this is normal for this type of transmission. I don't believe it is normal, due to the fact that the problem is getting worse, as it did not do this for the first ten thousand miles. In my opinion it makes the car unsafe because of hesitation from a stopped position. Also from a stopped position on a small incline the car will shake somewhat violently during take off. The shaking is bad enough to make me believe that it could be doing damage to other components to the drive train and components of any other systems. Also who wants to spend twenty thousand dollars and up for a vehicle that accelerates and shifts no better than a car from the 80's. I have lost all faith in quality control. Thank you.

Filed May 14, 2014 · Transmission · 14,500 miles · WA

I bought the focus new a couple of years ago. At first it seemed to do well but for the past year, and more often recently, the transmission has been shuttering and I hear a grinding sound coming from underneath the car. I have noticed it only happens at lower speeds(below 15mph) when in 1st or 2nd gear. When you press on the gas from a stop it sometimes jerks you into movement or if you press the gas a bit harder it will shutter through 1st gear and jump into 2nd gear. I have found it to be a problem driving around town or when merging onto a freeway where some acceleration is needed to get to speed.

Filed May 12, 2014 · Fuel system, Transmission · 88,700 miles · FL

Attempted to accelerate into merge lane and onto highway but transmission did not respond with engine revving up and slipping. I had to pull off the road to avoid obstructing traffic or being struck by traffic. Although this was the most dangerous incident it has happened before and the ford dealer has not resolved the problem.

Filed May 11, 2014 · Transmission · 41,389 miles · NY · crash

After driving about 50 miles and come to a stop the transmission disengages and car rolls backwards. This happened 3 times in 2 days. The dealer says it the way I drive.

Filed May 8, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 29,187 miles · MD

This car has been the shop 4 times for the same problem. The car randomly does not start for a period of time, absolutely no rhyme or reason. It does start eventually. Everything electrical comes on, interior lights, A/C, heater, radio, exterior lights, just no engine. The problem only occurs after being driven. In other words, it never happens first thing in the morning after sitting all night, it never happens after a full work day (sitting 8 hours). The longest period of time it has set and still not started is about 3 hours. The problem also never occurred until they had to replace the transmission.

Filed May 5, 2014 · Transmission · NC

Going from a complete stop to acceleration my car is shuttering & jerking as if it is stalling out. It is like the car isn't taking the gas and my car is struggling to get in gear. I can hear the gear grinding as they shift. They have a recall on certain 2012 ford focus with same issue; however, mine is not in that recall. The dealer says "it is the way it is made". Well why is there a recall on certain vins that are doing the same thing????

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