Used 2012 Ford Focus Consumer Reviews
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FINALLY Euro Focus is here!
lifeisahighway, 09/21/2011
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
I just took delivery of my 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatch on Sept. 17th. So far, the car has been reliable, but time will tell. I have read many reviews complaining about the dual clutch auto, and I haven't experienced anything negative with it. I do notice that the transmission is reluctant to accelerate from a stop, but I think that's because the engine needs to rev higher. That is when the car opens up more. My previous car was a 2000 Toyota corolla, so ANYTHING is an upgrade from that! Most features that people take for granted, I LOVE having now. The very first day, I did notice some rough shifts, but I think that was just the car breaking in. The car has been smooth shifting since then.
This car was built for me!
dumpbuster, 07/13/2012
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
9 of 13 people found this review helpful
I spent 40 years in the auto business beginning as a salesman, used car manager, import factory rep to factory exec and then ended up a CPDJ dealer. I've driven them all and when it was time to retire and buy what I really wanted, I bought the Focus SE with the 203A, sport package and auto/manual. I look for reasons to drive it so what I save in gas (32 around town/38 on the highway) I burn up having fun. Yeah, the MySync or whatever it's called is tedious for an old non-geek but I'm used to it. The performance is kickin' and the handling awesome. You can keep your Japanese 'cachet' cars. I'll drive the wheels off this jewel and love every minute of it!
2012 Ford Focus for sale near you
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- SE 4dr HatchbackMSRP: N/A8 mi away
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A happy camper
jfoehner, 10/12/2011
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
9 of 13 people found this review helpful
Wow, my SEL has a great ride, very quite, quality interior materials, sound system very good and already getting 33 mpg mixed town and highway driving. It's turned a number of heads where ever I go. People really like the exterior lines and didn't realize it was a Ford product.
I'm losing my job and livelihood over this thing!
John the car guy, 09/20/2015
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
9 of 13 people found this review helpful
WARNING: 6 Paragraphs Long! Patient/caring readers only The number one thing you have to watch out for is that ridiculous auto/manual/automatic transmission. In all due honesty I absolutely love everything else about this car. I love the seats, I love the handling, I love the entertainment system, I love the engine, and I love the color and style. But that transmission is such a negative that it takes away all the positives. I can't enjoy the rest of the car when the transmission never shifts correctly. It's most annoying habits to me were the loss of acceleration in 3rd gear and up. 1st and 2nd gear pulled just fine. Whenever it shifted into 3rd, there would always be a nasty chattering sound and acceleration would drop. Next, the transmission would not let me accelerate to passing speeds on the highway, especially on an incline. I put the foot down, the transmission downshifts, the car starts to accelerate, and just as soon as the engine picks up in RPM, it up shifts, killing the acceleration. I found that to pass effectively in this car I had no choice but to give it full throttle. Not what I call an economical pass. Now, this is ALL bad news about the tranny... now let me explain the title of my review. My car is sitting at my workplace, collecting dust and God knows what, because the transmission can't figure out what gear it was last in and therefore IT WILL NOT START. This is a major issue that I have read HUNDREDS of reviews on from loyal Focus owners. It's just 2000 miles out of its powertrain warranty, so Ford is giving me the middle finger and has the audacity to tell me that it's a 'normal issue' (a normal problem... who would have thought) and that I'm already looking at roughly $2000 to get it fixed. Problem is... I'm a low level bachelor who doesn't exactly have the largest savings account built up in my young existence. I know it may have been stupid to finance a car without a respectable financial foundation, but I've always known the Focuses to be very good cars. I got a decent deal with my non-existent credit, and I could afford it, and then some. Paying for preventive maintenance is not a problem for me. Paying for extensive repairs when I've done my part in keeping the car stays in tip-top condition IS a problem. So right now, I've got a dead car sitting at my job 24 miles away, my bank account is getting thinner, and let's just say my family and friends are too 'busy' to help out a brother in a time of great need. I am in good with my boss, but he called and told me that he can't keep flexing for me and will have to let me go and hire someone else. If I lose my job, then I lose the car. And if I lose the car... well... fat chance getting another job to buy another car with because with no car and can't transport myself to and from a job and this is just a spiral of doom developing before me. All of this... because Ford basically released an overly-complex, software-dependent, unproven and flawed transmission design to the public that can and WILL fail. After reading so much dirt on the transmission, I drove to work everyday feeling fearful that it would let me down... and it happened. I can't hate the car as much as I can hate Ford for such an asinine support. Expensive repairs... failed repairs... DEATHS. I have come across so much material from other Focus owners that has made me decide to NOT have it fixed. Hopefully I can find some way out of the loan and get myself in something with a good old fashioned manual transmission before I lose my job and/or my life over this mess.
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- Value
Don't EVER buy a Ford vehicle
noo2, 04/07/2015
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
This is by far the worst ford I've owned. I'm not a new customer to Ford and I will NEVER buy another Ford again. The focus sounds like its about to break down constantly. I would rather drive a used beat up 1996 POS than this BRAND NEW focus. I've brought it in for multiple issues, not just the transmission, and I'm so tired of dealing with them and the same response. Ford may be saving money by not fixing any of their mistakes, but they sure as hell are losing a lot of customers and future clients for it. Word of mouth spreads faster and more efficiently than any deal they can create to help fix this.
Fun & efficient
bobananda, 05/09/2012
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
6 months, 6000 miles on a 2012 focus sedan SE w/203A, SE sport package, 16 inch machined alloy wheels, & side graffics. The 6 spd auto is real smooth. Got use to placement of electronic shifter & its fast & convenient. Shutter was minor and stopped after 3000 miles. It's glued to the road & brakes are excellent as is the paint job. Driving includes some interstate, some country roads, some mountains, some city but not heavily trafficked. Depending on driving mix and how much I put my foot in it, it's getting a low of 38mpg to a high of 44mpg! Overall average at this time is 41.3. Amazing! Most efficient, most power, most fun in Sport mode. Everything working perfectly.
Very reliable
revmatt99, 01/14/2014
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought mine with about 18,000 miles and have about 30,000 miles now. I have had absolutely no problems so far.
So far, So Great!
bald_eagle1, 09/03/2012
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I am a 53 year old male and this is my first American made car. After a lot of research and test driving, I decided to buy the Focus instead of a Civic or Elantra. This car handles much better and is quieter than my previous car (2009 Accord). It has a nice "throaty" engine sound and more than adequate "pickup". If it will be as reliable as my Honda, I will be more than happy. My wife is so impressed with this Ford, that she is considering a 2013 Escape!
DO NOT DRIVE!
Gina B, 10/31/2018
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from the Puente Hills Chevy in City of Industry in February with only 55,000 miles and no previous reports filed. After 8 short months I found out that the car I was still paying off was complete garbage. First, the brake light would turn on and off (replaced the bulb and still had issues), the tire pressure sensor had issues, and I ended up in almost getting into an accident after the transmission began stalling at a fwy entrance. When I took it to a ford specialist all they did was unplug the car computer and reboot it. I had been informed about the transmission recall, but when they checked their system the only thing they found was an issue with the door locks so I ended up paying for them to reboot the computer. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY on this car. I hope this review helps someone from making my unfortunate mistake.
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Should have kept the Honda
jeaniem1, 10/26/2012
2012 Ford Focus Titanium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought the car in June 2012. Have questioned that decision every other day. Started out with sluggish low speed performance with hopping and rough/delayed shifting in the transmission. Was told I had to let the car "break itself in" and the shifting would improve. I'm at 10,800 miles and now I've graduated from hopping to shuddering in the first few gears. Especially bad on hills. Like the car just doesn't respond until it has shudder a few times getting into gear. Finally, the Sync system is the absolute worst. Buttons on the screen go missing, GPS gets lost, stays on after the car is off, random loud thumping sound through speakers when car is off. Many updates, still not fixed. Annoying.
Reminds me of...
dq64, 11/14/2011
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 12 people found this review helpful
I've only been driving my Focus about a week and half and that might be a bit too early for Edmunds' wishes for the sake of this board, but I will check in here as I drive more. I just wanted to say that the last time I felt so "right" in a new car before my Focus was my 1988 Honda CRX Si. I remember the 1st week or two of that car was pure perfection. I've had 4 new cars and 1 used since (Del Sol, Integra GSR, Subaru WRX, Mustang GT, 1998 Subaru Impreza) and none have felt as precise or pleasing as this. I just think it's worth noting that I never thought I'd find another car that felt as good as my CRX.
2012 Ford Focus - Tech Saavy Buyers Beware !!!
spbio, 08/16/2011
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
15 of 24 people found this review helpful
If you want to buy a new car that breaks after 30 days and cannot be fixed by Ford, the 2012 Ford Focus SEL is the car for you. I bought my 2012 Ford Focus on May 27, the BRAKES, Antilock Brake System, Traction Control, Uphill Assist and other Safety systems Failed before the end of June. The car has been at the dealership for repairs for >45 days and Ford does not know how to fix it . Attempts to resolve the problems at the Milham, PA dealership, service department and thru Ford Customer Care were futile. Ford markets this car to young tech saavy first time new car buyers, then treats them poorly. Do not be fooled or you will have a Bad Case of Buyers Remorse.
Reliable little thing!!!!!
Shirley, 02/28/2016
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
9 of 14 people found this review helpful
people complain about the way the focus drives it does shake at times and feels weird that's the transmission doing its job it's not your basic automatic tranny its's a manual shifting gears for you so it will drive a little like a stick but thats how it saves on gas and has some speed to it!!!! I bought the car used at 30,000 miles and had it for two years now at 69,000 and let me tell you i travel often and this car was never in the shop for one thing i love this car!!!!
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nothing but regret
jamussel, 02/07/2013
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
the worst car i've ever owned. 2012 ford focus with 30,000 mile and been in the shop more than all my other cars and trucks over the last 20 years combined. junk. gas milage is a joke. 26 mpg combined. 31 mpg all hwy. terrible transmission as everyone says. mine buzzes and rattles from the head liner and the dash. don't even think about this car. called ford for their buy back program and they just said no. no other help. they could care less. never buying another ford and i'm selling the stock i own. should have bought a Kia... or anything else.
2012 Ford Focus DO NOT BUY
westgadawg, 03/29/2012
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
6000 Miles. The car has been in the shop a total of 26 days. The tranny was rebuilt 2 times on the first trip in to service before it was replaced on the trip in. The software for the entire car has been reflashed on both trips to the service dept. The car wont idle at low speeds and the the car will shut down for no reason. This car is a safety hazard and will eventually get someone killed. It is a shame because the car could have been a great asset to Ford instead Ford puts out a piece of crap and refuses to admit they have a problem with this car. Save yourself a headache. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.
Ford Motor Company - F=Fix O=Or R=Repair D=Daily!
TW - Unsatisfied Customer!, 10/01/2016
updated 04/04/2018
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
Ford Motor Company still has not done anything to compensate me for selling me an "all parts defective" lemon car that was supposed to be brand new!! They do not value their customers nor are they loyal to their customers!! I purchased a 2012 Ford Focus SEL in August 2012. Brand new car with no mileage. After a few weeks of having the car, it happened, your worst nightmare....MAJOR manufactured Ford Motor Company parts just failed and caused me a world of spending time-off from work, commuting back and forth, and just a very stressful time dealing with car issue after car issue daily and weekly, and on a "NEW" car!! Every year from 2012-2016 I have had "MAJOR" mechanical, technological, and Ford Motor Company manufactured parts issues! How is this fair to your customers? How can Ford Motor Company "NOT" help to resolve these issues rightfully with the customer? What ever happened to "Ethics" and "Morals", doing the RIGHT thing by your customer? The Executive Chair states in their Website, “I believe the purpose of a company is to make people’s lives better,” he says. “That is how we became great in the past and it is how we will become even greater in the future.” This is a false statement. Many consumer lives have been turned upside down, inside out, and damaged due to Ford Motor Company!! This is not acceptable customer service! Ford Motor Company has not created any "EHTICAL & RIGHT" strategy or plan to "HELP" their customers with car issues due to Ford Motor Company "FAULT". They are making us pay for Ford Motor Company mistakes! What ever happened to Customer Care??
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Techno Crazy
gnelson1, 02/12/2011
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
73 of 133 people found this review helpful
I had the chance to get a skeak preview of the all new 2012 and it is avery nice looking ride inside and out! The new styling is very well designed with unique curves and lines. What really impressed me is the all the techno cool stuff. The Ford first SYNC by Microsoft with the Ford My Touch. The New stiffer framing made from very expensive, ultra strong Boron steel. It will be available with features like remote start and Park Assist ( it will actually parallel park its self with little assistance from the driver). The kind of upgraded features you wouldn't expect to see in a vehicle in the C class. But its the power and handleing that sold me on the vehicle! It is Responsive!
2012 Focus I regret buying!!
mylilmule, 09/21/2011
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
11 of 19 people found this review helpful
I've had my Focus for about 5 months now and while the car looks awesome, I can't really recommend it to anyone. After 5 weeks of owning it, the sun roof exploded on my while I was driving down the interstate. It then sat at the dealer for 5 weeks waiting for a new sun roof. The shifting is horrible and unpredictable and is usually in third gear before you hit 15mph. The MyFord Touch is awesome, when it's not locked up. I had to do a battery disconnect at one point because it was locked up and now my gas mileage sucks. I was getting over 40mpg before that on the hwy but now am getting about 33mpgs. HUGE difference. Looks aren't everything, but you find out the hard way...
Another disappointed customer
Upset Focus Owner, 08/18/2016
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I ignored all of these comments because I absolutely loved the interior of this car. (I am a teenage girl). At first it was nice but I've had to take it to a specialist to figure out the vibration in the Motor and I am supposed to take it back to Michigan from California and don't feel it's safe. Good luck if you're looking for one I would stop no and listen to these reviews it's real!!
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Thumbs up and down
andie333, 11/17/2011
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I was looking for a car with excellent mpg for a long commute to work, and I bought the Focus hatch with manual trans. That was 6000 miles ago.So far, I've got mixed feelings about it. First, the good stuff: Car has the smoothest manual tran ever. Seats are comfortable, and cabin seems basic with a relatively intuitive dash and controls. It's slow to get up to speed, but holds consistently. maneuvering is tight and pretty nimble. My biggest disappointment so far has been with the car's mileage. only about 29. Weird cabin whir w windows open.
Taking a Bath
Ford Free, 12/31/2017
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I owned my 2012 Ford Focus SEL with the Select Shift transmission from new to 89982 miles. MPG was just over 40 for trips at 65mph and drops to 37.5 at 75mph. All around mpg highway and city mix was 34.8. MPG exceeded my expectations. Unlike my previous 2006 manual transmission Focus, the 2012's front brake pads lasted 88,500 miles whereas the 2006's lasted roughly 30,000 before both pads and rotors needed replacement. Brake durability exceeded my expectations as lasting longer than 70,000 miles is exceptional in my eyes. The motor worked great. I never had a problem with starting in Minnesota even at -25F. I did my own maitenance such as changing the oil and such so I see under the car. I noticed at the first oil change the plastic fasteners holding the front end and plastic bumper falling off and loose. They kept falling off until I traded this car in. Now for the transmission. It's unrefined and not smoothe. 5000 miles after the clutch pack and seal for the dry clutch area are replaced, it's not broken in and it doesn't get better, it's on its way out. At anytime, it's at best as smoothe as the VW dsg transmission not maintained properly at 120,000 miles. Herky jerky at best during virtually every stop and go but just fine before 5000 miles after a clutch pack and seal replacement. It shifts when it wants too and sometimes stays in a gear where turning off the the car and starting again is the only way to get it working again. Under warranty, the seal and clutch pack for the dry clutch were replaced at 18Kmi, 58Kmi, and 88Kmi. The transmission was reprogrammed at 31Kmi. The warranty ends at 100Kmi. Needless to say, I took a bath on my 20012 Ford Focus SEL as I could only trade in to a dealer. Dealers already know about the 2012 and on automatic transmission Ford Focus. I could not sell to a private party as I cannot keep secrets or lie. Mine is not an isolated case for my friend had a 2012 SEL but traded it away after the second clutch pack and seal replacement under warranty. Plus, there is a class action law suit against Ford for the poor performance, cost of maintenance, and resale value for 2012-2016 Ford Focus equipped with the Select Shift transmission. Allowing the Substandard Select Shift Transmission into production comes from the top of Ford. Maybe Ford executives expected an inexpensive engineering solution in time for the Select Shift's shortcomings to minimize warranty expenses. I will never by a new or used Ford again.
- Performance
Good Commuter
ficklest, 05/13/2013
2012 Ford Focus Titanium 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Love the car! Purchased in late December - 12,000 miles on it already! My commute is 102 miles per day. Looks great, very comfortable ride. Combined mileage is 32.5 - some bumper to bumper and some highway speed. Exactly as expected. I am experiencing the same low gear shudder/shaking that everyone is talking about, and I'm going to take it to the dealership to have them check it out - just to get it on record. It does not, however, seem to affect the way the car drives, other than being a little finicky when downshifting.
Dual-Clutch Auto Trans is a bad idea
sirhawkeye, 03/16/2014
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Overall an OK for the money. BUT... Beware of the dual-clutch transmission though. the 2012's had a lot of problems with them (clutch notise, which Ford dismisses as normal, which is not true if you ask any true auto tech or engineer). That and carbon build-up on the engine due to direct injection (Google it and you'll find out pretty quick). It's a sporty car, design is nice, interior is nice (just wish the transmission lived up to the hype that Ford put into it). Even the Fiesta has the same transmission problems.
Price/Quality
nataliasturza, 02/04/2013
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had my focus se for about half a year now and drove almost 6.000 miles. It was used with about 30.000 miles, however, can say for sure, I am totally in love with this car. The performance is above average, I have about 32 MPG, although, read the previous comments about 35-40, so will work on my driving skills improvement. The driving process is smooth and light, sometimes it seems that it drives by itself. Besides, I completely adore the design of the car, the big "eyes" and pretty "butt" always catch attention. I was debating between Nissan Versa, Mazda 3 and Ford Fiesta and now can say for sure, I made the right choice. Natalia.
Shimmy and Shake
butlersride, 03/28/2014
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I FINALLY got out of this car; but it did cost me. The transmission was faulty from the get-go and you'll regret the day you ever bought it. At parking lot speeds the transmission cannot make up its mind, but worse, many times it gets stuck in neutral and then catch and thrust you forward. In my car the "reverse sensor" frequently came on while I was in drive. The MPG is horrible, in the City I got 23, they vastly exaggerate how efficient the car is.
I "was" so happy
daisyp, 04/08/2014
updated 04/09/2016
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I was so happy when I first bought this car but like another reviewer said, I soon regretted ever buying it. I have been to Ford's service department so many times, people joke and say "Hi, you again?" The transmission in this car is a disaster, The car jerks and rattles so much, I'm in constant fear it's going to shut off. It took over 4 times of me taking the car in to Ford for them to finally admit there was something wrong with the transmission, before that they kept saying "Oh that's normal". The air conditioning gets hot and cold on it's own and they also say they can't find the problem. So I'm done with this car and in the process of the Lemon Law.
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Okay... but disappointed
kann993, 04/15/2014
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car seven months ago. It's okay, but I definitely regret buying this car. I did not know the automatic transmission was not your usual automatic; it's a dual-clutch auto manual, which causes it to be jerky in stop and go traffic (which for me is every day). This is so annoying and there is nothing Ford can do. I've already had the clutch replaced. I guess it's just how this car is. The audio's dial isn't true to what it actually sounds like. A "6" sounds like what should be a "15". I also don't like how there's no interior storage. The little storage they have on the door handles are so tiny I don't know what could fit in it. I am trading this car in for sure.
Nice commuter car, no major issues at 12k miles
nunyer, 04/19/2013
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Not quite the perfect small car, but fun to drive. Sometimes it is hesitant to downshift in a passing situation or after coasting for a bit, which doesn't instill a ton of confidence. When the trans finds where it needs to be, there is more power available then you'd expect from this segment. My mileage during a pretty bad Detroit winter was 31mpg overall. The jerky stick shift like behavior in my car slowly subsided over the first 2k miles. Trunk space is impressive, rear leg room is not. Overall, I am satisfied for the money I spent, but not blown away. The combination of incentives, employee discount and being built in my home state tipped me away from the competition.
Replaced Transmission 3 times in first 100,000 Mil
Ozark Tyree, 10/15/2017
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
What a nightmare. The transmission went out at 15,000 miles. Between 45 and 55 MPH it would shimmy and rattle. People on the sidewalks would literally turn and stare. I took it to the dealership multiple times to complain. They told me there was no problem, it was just the way those new transmissions are and I would get used to it. They refused to even test drive it! Finally, they must have gotten the word that there was a widespread problem, because they test drove it and replaced the seal that keeps the fluid from reaching the clutch. They said it was a bad design of the gasket, but the new gasket would be okay. Not long after that, I found out there is a class-action lawsuit for this issue. And, Ford extended the warranty to 100,000 on the tranny because of the problem. Well, the same thing happened at 75,000 miles. Rinse, lather, repeat. I got my transmission repaired again (thank God for the extended warranty). Now, at 98,000 miles, I can tell it is just about to go out. I am taking it to a used car lot this week and unloading it. BEWARE DO NOT BUY! I have been a Ford owner for over 35 years. I am going to stay away for a few years and may not ever go back.
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I love my new car!!
jwagg7483, 02/18/2012
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Coming from a GM family, I was a little nervous about driving a Ford. I love it! It's gorgeous, affordable, and fun to drive. I have noticed that it stalls when I first take off, but I am coming from a 6 cylinder and I probably try to push it too far at take-off. The car is small, so my 6'3", 300 lb step-son cannot ride comfortably, but my other kids (they're normal size) love it. Overall, it's a great car. I am happy with my decision and my father did not disown me. LOL!
Deceiving Car!
g_squared, 09/17/2013
2012 Ford Focus Titanium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Be warned! This car may look sleek and great but don't be fooled. This car has horrible build quality. I've had my '12 Focus Titanium Sedan for a year and a half and it has 16,650 miles. Since I bought the car I've had it in the shop so much it's a list: 1.Headliner disconnected (twice and is held on with Velcro) 2.Various interior rattles and squeaks (three times) 3.MyFord Touch and Bluetooth crashes (twice) 4.Transmission jerks and shutters (multiple) 5. Engine power loss (twice) 6. Electrical failure on the right side 7. Horn died 8. Driver door creaks unmercifully 9. Rear deck trim piece partially fell apart (behind the rear seats). Traded to an Edge. Don't buy the Focus!
2012 Focus SE A surprise to me
freelanceshots, 08/24/2012
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Don't have a lot of miles on my car just yet but I'm digging my focus. Transmission seems more then fine. I've got the auto 6 speed and from what I've been told the transmission shifts and does what it does so that it can get better fuel consumption. I'm not trying to drag race anymore so it does just great. It's a lot quieter then my Ford Taurus I was driving and I can really appreciate that. Looks pretty good in my opinion. First real time out on the highway I was pulling 45 mpg where it only gets better with the more miles you put on it. Accessories I plan to get include the stick-on keypad entry, rubberized mats, rear trunk mat and some ceramic window tint.
my 2012 FORD FOCUS "SFE EDITION"
badfocus, 01/14/2013
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2012 Ford Focus feburary 27,2012, at 5600 miles I get a RECALL letter on the "programing of the transmission" from then it was down hill for my little car. I took it back around 10,000 miles and i was adv nothing was wrong with the trans that this is the way it is to shift, the car was shifting like someone just learned how to drive a stick shift!!!!!, this went on for a month, i was so upset oneday i almost got hit by another car because of the way the car was shifting out, i put my big boy pants on and demanded they look at the car. well, what do you supose they found???? they found there was a problem!!!! it was the clutches, they replaced them, i drove the car 2 weeks and
Great Car, EXCEPT the transmission is horrible.
John, 11/06/2017
updated 11/16/2020
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Transmission went at 69K miles, dealer put in new trans which Ford paid for. Two months later my A/C pipe is broken, dealer broke it but denied it. $800 for A/C repair. Transmission is acting up again and the Ford dealers are useless. Trade in value is extremely low.
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Will spend huge amount of money on repairs.
FrustratedFordDude, 02/08/2017
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car at 100,000 from a used car dealership. Everything checked out fine, only 4 years old. My car started shuddering at acceleration, the dealership told me nothing was wrong. Had it for 6 months and my car eventually stopped shifting gears all together. Took it to Ford, they wouldn't cover it. The clutch had failed and the warranty I purchased wouldn't cover it. Costed me $1,800 to fix! Once they took the car apart they found more and more problems totaling another $1,000! It's been 2 months and this car is still being fixed. Ford won't even give me a loaner car. Once fixed, I plan to sell it and buy a non-ford car. Do not buy this car!
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One big POS
GregP, 07/01/2017
updated 01/07/2019
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Do not buy the 2012 Focus. I will not be buying another Focus ever. This was my second focus. The first one was a 2003, manual transmission and it was actually a good car. But in 2012 Ford went to the DCT transmission and it obviously wasn't ready for production release. I've had this car in the ford dealership 8 times in two and a half years. Finally got the TCM replaced after taking it in three times on the issue of 'No Start' where the TCM doesn't allow the car to start. This left me stranded a couple times and ford would not replace it because they weren't getting the "right codes" to read out when I would take it in, it was very frustrating. The transmission is the worst I've ever experienced in any car. It hesitates so badly that I've almost been in accidents because of it. There are other issues with the car as well that are more 'annoyances' and related to the overall poor quality of the car, for example, the factory stereo one day just decided to make really loud noises that you couldnt stop, then it quit altogether... so I had to drop a few hundred dollars for a new stereo that I didn't want to have to buy. Other cheaply constructed things were everywhere. for example, the flip up lid on the Widow washer fluid tank broke in to pieces once when I was trying to simply open it, etc.
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Don't even think about this car
treehewitt, 07/18/2013
updated 07/18/2016
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We have only had our 2012 focus about 6 months we have had it at the dealers 2 times. We only have 8000 miles the transmission is terrible feels like it is going to die on you and very bad at shifting. It is going back to the dealer today they need to fix this problem ASAP. It's gone we got rid of the thing I still don't reccomend it to anyone
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Miss my 08 Focus!!!
justford14, 08/01/2012
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have 2012 SE Hatch with 6sp auto with sports package. I traded in my 5spd manual 2008 Focus sedan with 115k milage for this. I have to tell you the style, performance and steering of the new focus is so much better, but from there honestly its all less quality, less mpg and disapppointment. I was getting 36-42 MPG in my 08, I can't beat 34 doing same drive. I have several very loud interior rattles that are pending dealer part orders and the transmission never knows what gear to be in. Worst at times u hit the gas from a stop and you just sit there for seconds before transmission engages. Oh and bluetooth audio quality not as good as 08 focus.
Disappointing
larry209, 06/04/2013
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
From the beginning I notice a transmission flaw but had to wait for the recall to have it repaired free of cost. The painting is falling apart each day, no one will do or say anything about it. The trunk was getting wet when it rain, it took a couple of months but Ford fixed that free of cost as well. It has been a nightmare, I bought a Suzuki in 2002 and I never had bad experiences until I got to 36,000 miles, with this Ford however I'm up to 10,000 miles and have visited the dealer complaining like 8 times already.
Worst car ever
rayon1784, 10/25/2019
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought it 2 years ago and have spent almost $5,000 in repairs. Tranny, wheel bearings, heater core.
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Crappy transmission
Steve, 06/30/2019
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Poor transmission design causes jerky start
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Worst car ive ever owned
William, 02/07/2018
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Ever since i got this car in october 2017, ive had several issues, my radio was completely broken and the dealer didnt tell me and now i cant listen to music cause i had to unhook my radio so it wouldnt blast static. Also my sun roof is leaking now and drenched my front passenger seat, dont recommend this car at all.
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Mixed emotions
isellthem1, 11/16/2013
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I am very impressed with the overall tightness of the platform and build quality is good. It is one of the best looking hatchbacks out there and I love the handling characteristics of this car but I am so pissed off at Ford for making such a fantastic vehicle and equipping it with an absolute joke of an automatic transmission. I love the concept of feeling the direct drive this torque converter-less transmission provides but the shifting dynamics are sub par. This unit should have never been introduced to the public in its current state. Opt for the 5 speed!
To loud
Don't buy ford, 06/13/2016
updated 12/14/2016
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The first things buyers should know about the 2012 hatchback at least, is that the upholstery material is not water or stain resistant. I live in Florida where it rains a lot, and the water stains from getting caught in a down pour are unforgiving. The interior of my car looks like it has giraffe spots. There isn't an upholstery cleaner out there that has removed these stains. What the heck was ford thinking!! Due to the close confines of the interior, the engine noise sounds extremely loud and it makes the car vibrate to much when sitting in park. This might be a nice, first car for a high school graduate to bump around in (it's a step up from a golf cart) but for mature driver's like myself who want a peaceful, quieter ride, Big mistake!
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Tranny Shakes, bad cusomer service
icantfocus, 08/06/2011
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
After buying the new focus 6 speed automatic hatchback with the extended warentee, I noticed that there is a tranny shudder at low speeds. I took it to the dealer and was told it was a "automatic clutch break in " problem, bring it back at 1000 miles. Brought it back, and was told let wait for 3000 miles. I called customer service and was told I will have to pay for a "transmission evaluation" and there was noting they could do about this. Shame on Ford for allowing this to happen. I thought buying an American made car was the only way to go, But... Im re thinking this, also the salesman insisted the car had cruise, and it did not. ( i feel stupid) Shame on me for not inspecting the car.
after 15,000 I can review it
va_car_teacher, 12/17/2012
2012 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 7 months it has 15000 miles and I never reset one of the MPG calculators and I have averaged 37.3 MPG over the 15000 miles and many fill up calculations agree. I have not experianced any of the issues some people have. My sync system has worked well not perfect some times it does not understand me but a cancell and try again works every time. I do have the automated manual trans and it took a little time to get used to. But on average I have no problems, just a harsh 1-2 shift once a month or so and every so often a minor shutter on take off or 1-2 shift. Got a rental the other day a Nissan and i do miss my car a lot. mine was built in april so maybee issues fixed.
Poor choice!!!
ericarras_81, 05/03/2015
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought a used focus hatchback and at first thought it was a fun ride, that is until it began to give me problems after 2 months of driving it. First, the keys wouldn't lock my car, then the car would jerk when I would come to a stop or switch gears. Afterwards, I would put the key into the ignition but it wouldn't start and after $750 and a week later, the dealership fixed some wires "causing the problem". I only had it a week and its at the dealership again because the car died at an intersection and even though it was in drive and on it would not kick into gear. They are "ordering the part" to fix it but Im ready to trade in. Buying a ford was a huge mistake!! Never again!!
Junk
Jerry, 03/14/2020
2012 Ford Focus Titanium 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car was a pain in the butt. In and out of the Dealership to have the transmission problems looked at. Constantly stalling when driving and unable to get about 15-20mph, making you late and also putting you at risk. Dealt with problem for six years, Ford never made it right or compensated me for troubles or time, which is more valuable. Can’t trust them. Will never never never again own a Ford. Worst purchase ever.
Too many issues
J, 07/11/2018
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The best part of having the SEL version was the entertainment system; the speakers were great, and I had a large touchscreen. The leather seats were a plus as well. The worst part is the issues I had to deal with. The shifting was horrible. Every time I accelerated, the car jumped several times. The motor also gave out on me at 80,000 miles. I had an extended full warranty, so I was able to fix those with it. The car had a few other issues (noises) that I didn’t have a chance to diagnose before selling the car because I was just tired of it.
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Major repairs
Linda, 04/09/2018
2012 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Steering went out while driving down the road when the car was 3 years old...$2,000 to fix. Transmission goes out 2 years later for $2,800, Never missed oil change and well-maintained. Never buying a Ford again.
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