62 of the
4,981 complaints about the 2012 Ford Focus are about the
braking system — 1% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
35,375 miles.
I was starting to pull away from a traffic light but the car would not go to second gear and was shaking violently this has happened more times then I can count and I take care of my [XXX] we travel 50 miles a day in this car on one of the most dangerous roads in the nation [XXX] ) there are places on this road with no emergency lanes in case my car stalls again or just won't go into gear and I have drivers bearing down on me at 70 miles an hour. I know for a fact these issues have come up with countless others that have bought this vehicle and I just don't understand why this isn't a big enough safety concern is it going to take the death of me and my grandson for a recall to be made on this piece of garbage ford calls a transmission? I don't have $ for another vehicle and if this one doesn't keep getting me to work I'll be out of a job and we will be homeless a friend helped me buy this car and I assumed he checked it out first and he only looked at the accident report but not the overall report on these vehicles which shouldn't even be on car lots for sale they are unsafe death traps and when people start dying in them which im sure has already happened those deaths are on ford and on this so called national highway safety because your not doing your job this recall should have happened years ago INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11666933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roland, IA
SERVICE BRAKES
Intermittent loss of brake pressure. ABS would activate and leave the brake pedal feeling soft and having low brake pressure. This problem would randomly fix itself and then randomly happen again while braking normally or after the ABS would engage. Sometime the problem would last for weeks until suddenly the brake pedal would be firm and have strong brake pressure.
NHTSA complaint #11575148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crofton, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
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
NHTSA complaint #11573168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gatesville, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
I received a recall dated June 2023 about my transmission. It is the first one I have ever received. I had it towed to Stanley Ford McGregor and service said that there wasn't anything wrong. I was told I need to pay them $165 for a recall review???? I don't feel safe driving it as it slips, bucks, jerks, shudders, delay when shifting as well as having difficulty in changing gears causing many "almost accidents." I just found out Ford settled on 2020 judgement and a 2022 judgement. I had no idea. It is plagued with numerous problems and safety concerns. I have written a letter to the General Manager, Mike F at Stanley Ford McGregor as well as sent copies to Jim Farley, CEO of Ford and FMC Customer Relationship Center. I asked them to get back with me as I will NOT pay that $165 and drive an unsafe car that I don't want to put my 1 yr old grandson at risk as well.
NHTSA complaint #11549844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Anover, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
[Two incidents involving the same ABS control module. Early January 2023 and Late May 2023] ABS control module failed while going downhill (valve stuck open). Resulted in the brake pedal going to the floor. Had to stop by downshifting and the using hand brake. Whenever brake pedal is pressed after this, it goes a random distance to the floor with no pressure before applying some brake. Ford quoted me a 1 year lead time on replacing the part (and mentioned this is part of a pending recall. This recall will come out after they redesign a new module). They refused my request for a rental/loaner vehicle until it is fixed. I brought it to an independent garage to get the unit replaced. After that, my brake pedal worked as expected for a few months. Last week, the pedal went to the floor again. I brought it to a Ford dealership, and they confirmed that the new module already experienced the same failure as the original one. It is currently at the dealership, who will not have a part to repair my car again until August. I was refused a loaner vehicle by both the dealership and corporate Ford over this PENDING SAFETY RECALL, where they are unable to fix my car. I was told by they dealership that they won't stop me from driving my car in the mean time if I feel safe doing so. It is not safe, so I am leaving the car at the dealership. I do not have a date for when a new revision module will be made, along with official recall. Ford is refusing to reimburse me for my initial repair until they get around to officially announcing the recall. I also found out from them that they reprogrammed the ABS control module back in March 2013 while they reprogrammed a different module (I only new about the TCM reprogram). This means they knew the ABS module had issues 10 years ago, a month after I bought the car. They did nothing for 10 years despite the Fusions having the exact same issue. This is a blatant disregard for the safety of their customers' safety.
NHTSA complaint #11525260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Andover, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
See incident 11525260 for details, as it describes both incidences where the ABS Control module failed. I am logging a second complaint so that the second module failure is recorded. Short version: The ABS control module failed again, leaving me with no brakes. The valve gets stuck open inside the module, making the brake pedal unpredictable and sometimes with no stopping power. Ford is unable to fix my car in a timely manner, and is refusing to provide a vehicle to drive until they fix it 2-3 months from now.
NHTSA complaint #11525263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesChampaign, ILCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The failure caused the vehicle to rear-end another vehicle. The contact sustained back injuries and scratches from the seat belt; however, medical attention was not yet received. A police report was filed. The contact then parked the vehicle in a parking lot, where it remained. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company due to a lapse in insurance coverage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle lost motive power with the ABS, TPMS, and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure, and the ABS, TPMS, and brake sensors were faulty, causing the battery to drain rapidly. The dealer replaced the transmission and the sensors for the ABS, TPMS, and brakes; however, the failure recurred. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11494727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes go to the floor due to a faulty abs module valve constantly bleeding off.
NHTSA complaint #11482585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the transmission module service now message displayed on the instrument cluster and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 20 mph and the transmission shifted independently into neutral. The contact stated the ABS and traction control activated independently with the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to exit to a nearby gas station at 5 mph and the hill ascent assist not available message was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact depressed the brake pedal and parked the vehicle on the hill. The contact waited 5 minutes before restarting the vehicle and stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were off. The contact continued to drive and while approaching her residence the vehicle began to decelerate again. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The dealer had no appointment availability until 2023. The contact called another local dealer, Ray Skillman Ford (1250 US-31, Greenwood, IN 46143, (317)885-9800) and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
NHTSA complaint #11467110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
This cars braking system is inconsistent enough to cause major damage or death. The ABS module sticks the same as in Fords previous recall "fsa 19s54" for 2006-2010 models Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ. They recalled a part causing ABS braking issues on those models and the EXACT same issue is happening in my 2012 Focus and will cost upwards of $2000 to fix, essentially making the car a lemon and not worth fixing. When the ABS fires as you brake over rough surfaces or bumps or rain, the brake pedal goes very deep and almost loses all braking ability. I had to swerve into another lane to avoid someone and was lucky enough that no oncoming traffic was there. Thankfully I'm a good enough driver not to have crashed. They can't stop making a car in an effort to avoid past carelessness. They must issue a recall or reimburse people for the part itself "ABS module" which is now 1.5 months backordered. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11425693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Punxsutawney PA, PACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
No warning lights intermittent brake loss called Ford told them what was going on and immediately told me hydraulic control unit the valves may stick open for short period of times then return to normal.but would have to take a look. had brakes replaced and bled ford has had this exact issue with other ford models having the hydraulic control unit a recall was issued for the others. But not all of their cars it lead to a crash by not being able to get stopped doing 40mph in a 40 mph zone issue happened year and half ago went had brakes checked out and re-bled the brakes almost lead to another crash then brakes are normal then no pedal at all
NHTSA complaint #11419595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zebulon, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 70 MILES PER HOUR, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN WHILE I WAS STEPPING ON THE GAS, UNTIL IT STOPPED AND THEN CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF I-40, WHILE OTHER CARS SPED BY ME SWERVING OUT OF THE WAY IN ORDER TO NOT CRASH INTO ME FROM BEHIND. I THEN TOOK THE 2012 FORD FOCUS SE TO MY MECHANIC, AND AFTER HE INVESTIGATED THE MALFUNCTION, HE SAID HE OBSERVED THE GAS TANK OF THE CAR "BREATHING IN AND OUT LIKE A DIAPHRAGM OR A LUNG" DUE TO AN EXCESSIVE VACUUM, WHICH HE THOUGHT HAD ALSO DAMAGED OTHER PARTS OF THE FUEL SYSTEM BEYOND JUST NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, RESULTING IN OTHER FUEL RELATED ERROR CODES. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME TO TAKE THE FORD FOCUS TO A FORD DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY, BECAUSE A FUEL TANK MOVING IN AND OUT THAT WAY, CAUSES FISSURE CRACKS TO DEVELOP INSIDE OF IT THAT COULD CAUSE A TANK TO LEAK GASOLINE OR RUPTURE DURING A CRASH, POTENTIALLY CAUSING AN EXPLOSION AND/OR FIRE. THE MECHANIC ALSO TOLD ME HE COULD NOT IMAGINE THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY WOULDN'T REMOVE AND THEN REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ON MY CAR, BECAUSE NOT DOING SO IN HIS OPINION WOULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE DEALERSHIP THAT IS REPRESENTING THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO WILL ULTIMATELY APPROVE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK OR NOT, ATTEMPTED TO AND WOULD HAVE GIVEN THE CAR BACK TO ME IN AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION RATHER THAN MAKING THE NECESSARY REPAIRS THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS BEING FORCED TO FIX BY THE US GOVERNMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11378086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesZebulon, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 70 MILES PER HOUR, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN WHILE I WAS STEPPING ON THE GAS, UNTIL IT STOPPED AND THEN CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF I-40, WHILE OTHER CARS SPED BY ME SWERVING OUT OF THE WAY IN ORDER TO NOT CRASH INTO ME FROM BEHIND. I THEN TOOK THE 2012 FORD FOCUS SE TO MY MECHANIC, AND AFTER HE INVESTIGATED THE MALFUNCTION, HE SAID HE OBSERVED THE GAS TANK OF THE CAR "BREATHING IN AND OUT LIKE A DIAPHRAGM OR A LUNG" DUE TO AN EXCESSIVE VACUUM, WHICH HE THOUGHT HAD ALSO DAMAGED OTHER PARTS OF THE FUEL SYSTEM BEYOND JUST NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME TO TAKE THE FORD FOCUS TO A FORD DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY, BECAUSE A FUEL TANK MOVING IN THAT WAY CAUSES FISSURE CRACKS TO DEVELOP INSIDE OF IT THAT COULD CAUSE A TANK TO LEAK GASOLINE OR RUPTURE DURING A CRASH, POTENTIALLY CAUSING AN EXPLOSION. THE MECHANIC ALSO TOLD ME HE COULD NOT IMAGINE THAT THE FORD DEALERSHIP WOULDN'T REMOVE AND THEN REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ON MY CAR, BECAUSE NOT DOING SO IN HIS OPINION WOULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP LOCATED AT: 2807 EAST MILLBROOK ROAD, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, 27604 - PHONE NUMBER: (984)232-7601, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT LOOKED FINE TO THEM, AND THAT THE CAR DOOR HINGES WERE ALSO UNDER RECALL AND THEY WEREN'T GOING TO REPLACE THOSE EITHER. THEN I TOLD THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT I'D ALREADY TAKEN THE CAR TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FIRST, AND THAT I THOUGHT THEY WERE TRYING TO REPAIR AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE AND DO AS LITTLE REPAIRS AS THEY COULD GET AWAY WITH; THEN I ASKED THEM TO REEXAM THE CAR AGAIN. BUT IF I HADN'T ALREADY TAKEN THAT VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC FIRST, THE FORD DEALERSHIP WOULD HAVE GIVEN IT BACK TO ME IN AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION RATHER THAN MAKING THE NECESSARY REPAIRS THAT FORD IS BEING FORCED TO DO BY THE GOVERNMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11376641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,289 milesSAN Diego, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
2012 FORD FOCUS KNOWN TO HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. BRAKES RUMBLE WHEN BEING PRESSED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE SEEN THAT FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. WHAT IS FORD DOING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11350151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesAnnandale,, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE CONTROL UNIT APPARENTLY STUCK OPEN AND RESULTED IN EXTENDED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL. I WAS SLOWLY TURNING AND THE RT WHEEL WENT OVER THE END OF A DRIVEWAY ABOUT 2 INCHES HIGH. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT A FORD DEALER WHO APPARENTLY WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROBLEM AND COST ABOUT $1100. I HAVE RECEIPTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.IT OCCURRED 9/24/18 WITH 31,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11309427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWaterford, ME
SERVICE BRAKES
WE HAVE A 2012 FORD FOCUS SFE, THE HIGH ECONOMY MODEL. THIS CAR EXHIBITS THE SAME SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED IN THE 'SOFT BRAKE PEDAL RECALL' ISSUED RECENTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL CAN BE APPLIED DIRECTLY TO THE FLOOR, NOT RELIABLY STOPPING THE CAR. SOMETIME IT CAN BE PUMPED UP, SOMETIMES NOT. IN OCTOBER THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $445.36 TO NO AVAIL. THEN THE ABS-ANTI SKID CONTROLLER BOX WAS REPLACED, AGAIN TO NO AVAIL. THEN THE REAR CALIPERS WERE REPLACED. ONCE MORE NO CURE. THE DEALER THEN APPLIED THE ENTIRE RECALL FIX. SO FAR IT HAS COST AN ADDITIONAL $1200+. THIS ISSUE HAS DRAGGED ON FOR THREE MONTHS WITH NO END IN SIGHT. MOST OF THE TIME THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER. MY WIFE AND I BOTH AFRAID TO DRIVE OR BE A PASSENGER IN THIS CAR. IT'S FAR TOO DANGEROUS. STEP ON THE BRAKES AND SOMETIMES THEY WORK WELL, SOMETIMES THEY WORK WITH YOUR FOOT PRESSED TO THE FLOOR SLOWING THE CAR BUT NOT RELIABLY STOPPING IT. FRANKLY, THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH CONTINUOUS MESSAGES TO FORD CORPORATE WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESPONSE. AT THE SAME TIME FORD CORPORATE WAS IDENTIFYING THE ISSUE AND PREPARING A RECALL. WHAT WOULD YOU DO? .
NHTSA complaint #11300893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesBrigham, UTCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
BREAKS FAILED. WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A CITY ROAD THAT IS ALSO DEEMED A HIGHWAY AND WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT. TRIED TO STOP GOING APPROX 15 MPH FELT A CLICK AND THEN NOTHING, BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11297424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,900 milesFlat Rock, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR ACCELORATATED FROM 58 TO 80. I HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES BEFORE IT FINALLY STOPPED. ANOTHER TIME I WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND PRESSED THE BRAKE AND IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, I PUMPED THE BRAKES AND IT FINALLY STOPPED. A WEEK LATER I PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND PRESSED THE GAS AND THE CAR DIDN'T GO ANYWHERE, HAD PUT IT BACK INTO PARK THEN DRIVE AND WHEN IMPRESSED THE GAS, IT WENT. A FEW TIMES I PRESSED THE BRAKES IT FELT LIKE SOMETHING WAS STUCK INSIDE THEM AND THEY WOULDN'T GRAB.
NHTSA complaint #11254295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesFrederick, MDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING SOUTHBOUND IN THE LEFT LANE ON I-495 FROM MD INTO VA, ABOUT TO GET TO THE EZ PASS CAMERA. I SELDOM USE THE PASS, THEREFORE IT IS NOT AFFIXED TO THE WINDSHIELD. I HAD PLACED IT ON THE DASHBOARD IN ANTICIPATION OF THE UPCOMING CAMERA. TRAFFIC WAS ALTERNATELY SLOWING DOWN AND SPEEDING UP TO APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE DRIVER AHEAD OF ME SUDDENLY SLOWED NEARLY TO A STOP, SO I PRESSED MY BRAKES, WHICH CAUSED THE EZ PASS TO SLIDE ACROSS THE DASHBOARD AND UP AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. UNABLE TO REACH IT WITH MY SEATBELT ON, AND BECAUSE THE CAR WAS BARELY MOVING, I UNFASTENED THE SEAT BELT TO RETRIEVE THE PASS. AT THE SAME TIME THE DRIVER AHEAD OF ME SLIGHTLY INCREASED HER SPEED, THEN SUDDENLY SLOWED AGAIN, WHICH I DID, TOO. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I HAD TO PUNCH THE BRAKE. IT WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR, MY CAR SPED UP, AND I WAS UNABLE TO AVOID REAR-ENDING THE CAR AHEAD. IT WAS SUCH A HELPLESS FEELING TO TRY AND STOP AND HAVE NO BRAKES! A "CRASH MODE" MESSAGE SHOWED UP ON SCREEN BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE SYNC SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY DIALED 911. THE OTHER DRIVER GOT OUT OF HER CAR AND WALKED BACK TO ASK IF I WAS OKAY. I WAS FINE, BUT BECAUSE TRAFFIC IN THE RIGHT LANE WAS SPEEDING PAST, AND SOME CARS WERE EVEN PASSING US ON THE SHOULDER, I DID NOT ATTEMPT TO GET OUT OF MY CAR. EVENTUALLY THE STATE POLICE, EMTS AND A TOW-TRUCK ARRIVED. MY STEERING NO LONGER WORKED, BUT ONCE THE OTHER CAR WAS TOWED OUT OF THE WAY THE RESPONDING OFFICER WAS ABLE TO WALK ALONGSIDE MY CAR, PUSHING IT ONTO THE SHOULDER WHILE I ATTEMPTED TO STEER. THE TOW DRIVER TOOK OVER FROM THERE. I RODE WITH HIM BACK TO MD TO THE BODY SHOP OF THE FORD DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2011 AND HAVE HAD ALL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED AND PREVIOUS CLUTCH ISSUES ADDRESSED. IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A MONTH. I ASKED IF THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES BUT WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF THAT.
NHTSA complaint #11232740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWest Lafayette, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO A "BRAKE LAMP BULB FAULT" DUE TO THE SHODDY WIRING AND WIRING HARNESS THAT AFFIXES THE WIRES TO THE TRUNK LID. AFTER MANY OPEN AND CLOSE ITERATIONS OF THE TRUNK LID, WIRES BECOME BRITTLE AND FRAY, AND EVENTUALLY FAULT. THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD THROUGHOUT THE FORUMS WITH MANY INDIVIDUALS RESORTING TO CUTTING THE CABLES AND RESOLDERING OR REATTACHING THEM WITH REDUCED WIRE TENSION. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND CAN CAUSE POTENTIAL REAR END ACCIDENTS WHEN THE BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS FAIL TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAULT APPEARS AS SOON AS THE CAR TURNS ON, AND CAN SPORADICALLY GO AWAY WHEN DRIVING. AS SPORADICALLY AS IT DISAPPEARS, IT REAPPEARS AND REMAINS. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A DESIGN FLAW WITH WIRING NOT SHIELDED IN ANY WAY AND SIMPLY WRAPPED IN TAPE.
NHTSA complaint #11208748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,576 milesWestland, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
ON 3 OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING DOWN A SIDE STREET WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 35MPH, A POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT NOTIFICATION APPEARED. ON ONE OCCASION IT PREVENTED MY BRAKE PEDAL FROM ENGAGING THE BRAKES. THE PARKING BRAKE STILL WORKED. THE VEHICLE HAS A 3RD PARTY WARRANTY THROUGH THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM, WHEN TAKEN TO THEIR MECHANICS IT WAS STATED THAT THEY COULD FIND NO TRACE OR CAUSE OF THE ISSUE AND COULD NOT REPLICATE.
NHTSA complaint #11141415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesGrants Pass, OR
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASING IT AS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE FOR MY DAUGHTER. THE STEREO WENT OUT COMPLETELY AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES BUT FORD SAYS THE PROBLEM IS NOT BAD ENOUGH WHEN HOOKED UP TO THE COMPUTER FOR IT TO BE REPLACED UNDER THEIR EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH FORD HAS PUT IN PLACE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY UP TO 100,000 MILES AND 7 YEARS. LASTLY TWICE WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS STARTING TO DRIVE THE CAR THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND BRAKES STOPPED WORKING. THE SECOND TIME THE CAR WAS IN REVERSE AND CONTINUED TO ROLL FORWARD. ITS A GOOD THING SHE KNEW TO USE HER EMERGENCY BRAKE OR SHE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP TO BE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. NEVER BUYING A FORD AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11130990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesWarren, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN HARD BRAKING AND HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL TRAVEL FURTHER, ALMOST TO THE FLOOR AND IT FEELS LIKE I WILL NOT STOP. FOR A WHILE AFTERWARDS THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL STILL TRAVEL FURTHER MAKING YOU FELL LIKE YOU WILL NOT STOP. TALKED TO THE DEALER (CREST FORD IN CENTER LINE, MI, MIKE) AND HE EXPLAINED THIS IS NORMAL. AFTER THE HARD BRAKE AND THE WHEELS LEAVE THE GROUND, THE ABS SYSTEM THINKS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND DOES A FULL DIAGNOSTICS, DURING WHICH TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL IS INCREASE UNTIL THE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK IS COMPLETE. NO OTHER CAR I HAVE OWN DOES THIS AND DO NOT THINK THIS IS SHOULD BE THIS WAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES LAST WINTER, THEN WHEN IT HAPPENED ON DRY PAYMENT I CALLED TO BRING IT IN AND THEY TOLD ME NOT TO
NHTSA complaint #11129230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesFrankfort, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN PLACING PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP YOU HEAR/FEEL A CRUNCHING SOUND. IT NEVER DID THAT BEFORE NOW IT DOES IT EVERY TIME YOU USE THE BRAKES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 3 DIFFERENT GARAGES TO BE CHECKED AND GOT BACK THAT MY BRAKES WAS FINE. ONE GARAGE SAID IT COULD BE THE ABS SYSTEM MAKING THE NOISE. NO POWER TO CLIMB A HILL OR IF YOU GET UP THE HILL THE ENGINE/MOTOR DOES NOT SHIFT LIKE IT SUPPOSE TO. THIS ALL TOOK PLACE IN AUGUST OF 2018.
NHTSA complaint #11128248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesLackawanna, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE REVERSING AT 4 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD, FAILING TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRASER FORD SALES LTD (815 KING ST W, OSHAWA, ON L1J 8N5, CANADA), BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER FLUSHED THE BRAKE LINES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO FRASER FORD SALES LTD, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER, BRAKE LINES, AND CALIPERS, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #11031794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesJohnson City, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE 2012 FORD FOCUS WITH ABOUT 85,000 MILES. SINCE 2014, I'VE HAD MY TCM REPROGRAMMED SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN REPLACED IN DEC 2015 UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AFTER IT COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO FORD AGAIN IN JULY 2017 BECAUSE MY STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO BACK UP IN A PARKING LOT. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE EPAS SYSTEM, AND IT WOULD COST ABOUT $1,800 TO REPLACE SINCE IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. AT THEIR INSISTENCE, I PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT. I ALSO MADE A COMPLAINT WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AT THAT TIME. SINCE JULY, I'VE HAVE BEEN BACK TO THREE FORD DEALERSHIPS - FIRST TWO TIMES BECAUSE OF A GRINDING NOISE (THEY COULDN'T DIAGNOSE IT THEN BUT HAVE SINCE SAID IT IS MY CLUTCH) AND A SECOND TIME THIS PAST TUESDAY (9/12) AFTER MY CAR BASICALLY SHORT CIRCUITED IN A PARKING LOT ON MONDAY AND IT STARTED LURCHING FORWARD WHILE TRYING TO REVERSE...SIMULTANEOUSLY MY BREAKS LOCKED UP AND MY STEERING LOCKED UP AGAIN (MY SOUND/RADIO DISPLAY/FRONT BUTTONS WERE ALSO INTERMITTENTLY NOT WORKING). JC FORD DID SOME "REPROGRAMMING" BUT SAID THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUES AND TOLD ME MY CLUTCH WOULD NEED REPLACED EVENTUALLY BUT FORD WOULD NOT COVER IT UNTIL IT GOT WORSE. THEY TOLD ME THESE PROBLEMS WERE UNRELATED DESPITE ME INSISTING THEY ALL FELT SIMILAR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. YESTERDAY (WEDS, 9/13), WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN ONTO A HIGHWAY, MY CAR AGAIN "STALLED"/SHORT-CIRCUITED (NOT SURE WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED - BUT THE SAME THING AS THE PREVIOUS TIMES) AND MY BREAKS LOCKED UP AND I COULDN'T MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OUT OF THE ROAD AFTER TURNING IT OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO A FORD NEARBY AND AM WAITING TO HEAR IF THEY FIND ANYTHING ELSE. I AM NOW SCARED TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE DESPITE FORD LOOKING AT IT AND "FIXING" IT SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11023403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,401 milesConcord, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
"DRIVER ASSIST FAULT" AGAIN. THIS IS THE 4TH INSTANCE THAT IS HAPPENED IN 3 WEEKS - WHERE MY CAR SUDDENLY POWERS OFF WHILE I AM BEHIND THE WHEEL. THE LAST THREE TIMES IT HAPPENED WHILE MY CAR WAS IN REVERSE MOTION. TODAY, IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS IN DRIVE BUT STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN DOWNTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC. SOMEONE HAD TO HELP ME PUSH MY CAR OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. OCCURRED ON MY WAY TO WORK AROUND 3:30 PM EST.
NHTSA complaint #10955324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,500 milesConcord, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I GOT IN MY CAR, BUT IT IN REVERSE AND BEGAN BACKING OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE WHEN MY SUDDENLY CAR LOST POWER. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION BUT THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED UP AND I COULD NOT STEER OR STOP MY CAR FROM GOING BACKWARDS AND I HIT A PARKED CAR IN THE PARKING DECK AT SCHOOL AS A RESULT. THE CODE ON MY DASH WAS (I) STEERING ASSIST FAIL. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL AND BREAK RELEASED AND I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR AGAIN. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IN 2 WEEKS IT HAS DONE THIS (JAN 28, FEB 2 AND FEB 8). ALL THREE TIMES THE CAR HAS BEEN IN MOTION AND IN REVERSE GEAR. I CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE OFFICES AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO UNLESS THE CAR DUPLICATES THE PROBLEM IN THEIR PRESENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10950343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,200 milesConcord, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I STARTED MY CAR THIS MORNING, PUT IT IN REVERSE AND BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR LOCKED UP AND LOST POWER. I COULD NOT STEER OR BRAKE AND THE CAR CONTINUED ROLLING BACKWARDS UNTIL IT HIT MY GARAGE AND STOPPED. THE LIGHTS CAME ON MY DASH READ "(I) STEERING ASSIST FAULT". I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED AND I WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND GAIN FULL CONTROL OF MY CAR AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY FORD DEALER IN KANNAPOLIS, NC (WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR) AND THEY SAID THE CAR WOULD NEED TO "DUPLICATE THE ERROR" BEFORE THEY COULD DIAGNOSE IT. I EXPLAINED THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE IN MOTION FOR THAT TO HAPPEN AND I CANNOT STOP THE CAR IF THAT HAPPENS AGAIN. I DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE AND I AM PETRIFIED THIS WILL HAPPEN WHILE I AM ON THE ROAD AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR. THE TECH SAID THERE HAVE BEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE LOSS OF STEERING POWER ON THESE FORDS, BUT THAT UNTIL FORD ISSUES AN OFFICIAL RECALL THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX IT. IT COULD BE AS SIMPLE AS A SOFTWARE UPDATE.
NHTSA complaint #10948117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesOtisco, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING AT NIGHT ON COUNTY ROAD APPROX 25-30 MPH DRY PAVEMENT WENT TO TURN THE WHEEL OF THE CAR TO FOLLOW THE ROAD AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL OR THE BRAKES. CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD HEADED FOR A TREE. WENT INTO DITCH BEFORE STEERING BECAME AVAILABLE AGAIN. IN INVESTIGATING THIS ISSUE ON MY OWN PRIOR TO TAKING TO DEALER. I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE AN ISSUE AND EVEN A NOTED INVESTIGATION LISTED OR AWARENESS OF THE HIGHWAY SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. I CAN TELL YOU THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY ZERO CONTROL OF THIS CAR AT THAT TIME. THESE CARS ARE VERY DANGEROUS ON MANY LEVELS AS THEY HAVE MULTIPLE DEFECTIVE PARTS. JUST CALL JIM O'NEAL IN SELLERSBURG INDIANA AS THEY HAVE ALL THE RECORDS OF SHOWING THEY HAVE ALMOST REBUILT MY ENTIRE CAR SINCE I BOUGHT NEW IN 2012. UPON BEING EVALUATED AND DRIVEN, WITH THIS OCCURRING TO THE TECHNICIAN AS WELL AT JIM O'NEAL FORD, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COMPONENT HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS CONCERN AS THERE HAVE BEEN 2 BULLETINS SENT TO THEIR DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS. DOCUMENTED IN RESEARCH IF YOU LOOK AND ALSO TOLD TO ME VERBALLY BY [XXX] THE SERVICE MANAGER AT JIM O'NEAL FORD. AT NO TIME IN THE MANY VISITS TO THE REPAIR SHOP AT FORD HAS ANYONE MENTIONED THE FACT THAT THIS COULD POSSIBLY OCCUR OR HAS THERE BEEN ANY PREVENTIVE CHECKS OF THE SYSTEM. I REALLY WOULD LIKE THIS INVESTIGATED AS I DO SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS HAD THIS ISSUE AND WAS JUST LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE NOT HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR DURING THIS LATEST FAILURE IN THIS CAR. FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR PRODUCING AND NOT UPHOLDING THEIR END OF THIS CAR AS PEOPLE ARE BEING SERIOUSLY INJURED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10930226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.