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2012 Ford Focus transmission complaints

Page 5 of 49: complaints 101 to 130 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 Apr 12, 2023 · Transmission · 54,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a stationary position, the vehicle shuddered while accelerating and would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the powertrain engagement clutch was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired for the vehicle. The contact stated that the dry clutch packs were previously replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.

Filed Apr 9, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Vehicle shuddering

Filed Apr 6, 2023 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond upon shifting into reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating, the clutch vibrated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the TCM needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer retrieved diagnostic trouble codes: P087A-00 (Clutch Position Sensor) and P287A-00 (Stuck Clutch). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Apr 5, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · 69,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while shifting gear. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clinking sound detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Filed Mar 31, 2023 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the "Transmission Malfunction, Service Now" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he reset the transmission control module; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Mar 25, 2023 · Transmission · OH

I was traveling in heavy traffic on an interstate through Akron, Ohio when my car, which I had in cruise, suddenly shifted in neutral causing the engine to redline since it was in cruise but also resulted in a sudden drop in speed which about caused the person behind me to run into the rear of my car. I had to coast thru traffic to the side of the road to shut the car off and restart it which allowed me to continue, but at a slow speed as the transmission would not shift gears properly. Isn’t it time to make Ford fix all these Focus cars once and for all? I’ve already put a new TCM in and now I’m looking at a second one in hope that it fixes it enough to trade it in, but it will at a loss because dealers know of the problem and won’t give you anything for them because they can’t sell them either.

Filed Mar 15, 2023 · Transmission · FL

Error codes with the clutch b sensor and clutch b sensor being stuck. When the check engine light comes on the car will not go in reverse. After driving now shift is sporadic and rpm’s go up and down randomly.

Filed Mar 15, 2023 · Transmission · NY

The transmission has a problem, the car jumps and jerks and a lot of noise and vibration. When accelerating in first gear most noticeable. My safety is at risk because it is very distracting and the transmission sounds like it could break down at any minute. A lot of people online have same problem with this specific vehicle. No warning lights or nothing.

Filed Mar 13, 2023 · Transmission · 200,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle failed to reverse while the transmission was shifted into reverse(R). The check engine warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Automatic Transmission Control Module). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle warranty coverage period had been exceeded. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Mar 9, 2023 · Transmission · 77,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the clutch failed to perform properly while shifting gear. Additionally, the transmission made grinding sounds while shifting gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the warranty had expired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage) however, the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Filed Feb 27, 2023 · Transmission · 116,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking. There was an abnormal humming noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2023 · Transmission · 128,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed, the RPM’s would raise and the engine would rev however, the vehicle would not respond as needed. The contact had to depress the accelerator pedal excessively and maneuver the gear shifter for the vehicle to move. The transmission failure warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the recalls were not related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not covered under warranty due to the mileage. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2023 · Acceleration, Transmission · MA

Only 67867 miles and the transmision is not working . I only drive short distances. Allwise have a problem. Since I buy the car. I never complain because I am very busy. But. know the car stop complete

Filed Feb 17, 2023 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced jerking, transmission slipping, independent deceleration, random downshifting, and unintended acceleration while stationary. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 92,000.

Filed Feb 13, 2023 · Transmission · WI

The car would not move forward when pedal pressed. Slow speed was obtained with excess RRM to move vehicle. Car was at a light and others could have rearended the vehicle. A hazard was created with slow speed across intersection and to auto garage. Problem has NOT been confirmed at this time. It is at the garage and the dealer said there is another issue but REFUSED to go for a ride on 2-13-2023. The manufacturer, Ford Motor Co. KNOWS this vehcile has powertrain issues as eveidenced in Vargas vs. Ford Motor Co. No prior warning of this incident was present and it occurred only weeks after the Ford dealership completed the last "repair".

Filed Feb 6, 2023 · Transmission · 79,498 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and approaching a stop light, the vehicle would not accelerate as needed, with the checking engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was taken to an impendent mechanic, and the mechanic stated that the powertrain control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty on the vehicle was expired. The failure mileage was 79,498.

Filed Jan 21, 2023 · Transmission · WI

Clutch failure. Shuttering and caused vehicle to lose acceleration and rpm did not match speed. Yes the problem was confirmed by the dealer. Yes the problem is KNOWN to the manufacture and vehicles are still on the road and sold and used. Check engine light came on with the event and stayed on.

Filed Jan 19, 2023 · Transmission · FL

After vehicle warms up good, the transmission shutters when taking off from a stop causing a dangerous hesitation when pulling out into traffic.

Filed Jan 18, 2023 · Transmission · OH

Was driving home came to 4 way stop when I tried to accelerate the car wouldn’t shift out 1 gear. Car was towed to Steve Rogers ford 8/5/22. Where their vehicle still sits waiting from a TCM ( transmission control module). No one will provide a loaner or rental which the part is on infamous backorder

Filed Dec 29, 2022 · Transmission · TX

TCM transmission malfunction light came on. We just bought the car two months ago. Have had it in the shop more than it has been driven. We have and extended warranty but they said it would cost us out of pocket and we haven’t even driven this a long distance and has two year warranty or 24,000 miles.

Filed Dec 27, 2022 · Transmission · IL

Transmission failure again after already having vehicle serviced by Ford dealership in Cedar Rapids Iowa due to fuel issue from what they said was the issue. Still showing same coded and same issues with hard shifting and vibration and loss of power while trying to drive. Nearly cause daughter to be in multiple accidents. Issue started at around 40k miles and still happening and put over $10k in parts in this car now. Including new exhuast manifold and catalytic converter, O2 sensor, new fuel pressure sensors, new throttle body and other parts all done by dealerships. Getting old chasing parts. Now another shop said I was told all wrong and it's been a Transmission issue this entire time and ford just didn't want to fix it.

Filed Dec 27, 2022 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · HI

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission was slipping in and out of gear and at times the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear while driving. The transmission warning light was illuminated. An unknown message indicating a transmission failure was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving on another occasion. The vehicle experienced rough starts. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second local dealer, Star Ford (1101 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Dec 22, 2022 · Transmission · MI

Ford has acknowledged a problem with the Transmission Control Module (2012 Focus SEL) soon after this car was released. "Failure" caused the car to lose power while driving on the highway three seperate times. Warning light came on, but would go off after letting the car cool down. In 2015 and 2019 they sent notice to dealers, and to owners, to pay for replacement of this part if it failed up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. The issue for me is that my module finally required replacement (per dealer) after the "10 year point" at 89,700 miles. Software updates were done by Ford earlier for this issue, mine in 2019. (delivery was May 2012, replacement November 2022) I was also part of a class action lawsuit for this issue which Ford closed at the same "10 year point" leaving many customers now responsible for the replacement out of pocket, for me $1100, (part $967.21 - $300 core return charge, labor $428.99) or you have an undriveable vehicle. The second, even more frustrating, issue is that there are no Ford parts available to the dealer to even do this repair. I contacted Ford Customer Care directly, a case number was issued, was told they would "escalate my part request" but waiting period was minimum 4-6 weeks, unable to help me. Due to the lack of parts, I had to pay myself for a aftermarket module to be installed (thus now no coverage for labor charges per dealer for using an aftermarket part) after one month waiting for a Ford part, car sitting at the dealer, that two dealers told me would not available for months, if at all. As they KNEW this part was defective, replacement should have been done to all affected vehicles before they would fail, not making owners at risk for when the inevitable failures would occur.

Filed Dec 12, 2022 · Transmission · NC

Vehicle began to shift hard while driving, making starting, stopping, and accelerating an issue. This continued for a few days with intermittent improvement until one day the vehicle would not even crank.

Filed Dec 6, 2022 · Transmission · TX

Car unable to go in reverse, risked personal injury from oncoming traffic because we were unable to back out of the way when light changed.

Filed Nov 23, 2022 · Transmission · 96,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shifted out of gear and decelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle several times, the vehicle responded as needed while shifting into drive(D). However, the failure reoccurred the next day while starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D). The contact was unable to drive the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as an unknown Extended Warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Filed Nov 15, 2022 · Transmission · 85,903 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping and failing to recognize the intended gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a local dealer; however, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer, where the clutch was replaced under warranty. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the contact stated that the vehicle was stalling while shifting between gears. Additionally, excessive force was needed to depress the accelerator pedal. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,903.

Filed Nov 9, 2022 · Transmission · PA

My son was traveling on 3 lane highway in the far left passing lane when the vehicle acted like it went into neutral. He was able to coast through traffic on the busy highway to get pulled over onto the right hand side of the road. The motor was still running but the vehicle would not move. He could not put the vehicle into park so he shut off the vehicle and called a towing service. The towing service was also unable to get the vehicle into neutral. There were no initial warnings that anything was going wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to Nielsen Ford in Morristown, NJ where it was diagnosed as being a Transmission Control Module issue.

Filed Nov 1, 2022 · Transmission · CA

The Ford Focus 2012 has a very common problem that the transmission control module consistently malfunctions even after repairs, and the car loses power at 70 mph. This is what happened to me on a major highway, and I was fortunate to steer my car to the side of the road. The transmission on the Ford Focus 2012 should be recalled since this is very dangerous: losing control on a highway at high speed. Just because I was able to steer to the side of the road does not diminish the potential danger to me as the driver, and indeed I have read accounts of drivers getting into accidents because of this problem. Unfortunately, the transmission control module issue is not officially a recall; this seems like a dangerous oversight.

Filed Oct 26, 2022 · Transmission · WA

The clutch was replaced on my 2012 bought new ford focus sel. That cost was $3000. After it was replaced within 5 miles of driving down the road the TCM module AE8Z-7Z369-F starting flashing warnings on the engine light, the transmission went to neutral and engine revved. I coul not drive and had to pull over for safety. The unit keeps shifting up and down or out of gear at any speed and is dangerous to drive. the TCM module is 6 months back ordered and Ford does not supply the part itself anymore. Has been confirmed issue by Transmission repair shop. I am at risk of getting hit if the car does not work. Or hitting someone when it jerks forward when stopped and started.

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