34 of the
4,981 complaints about the 2012 Ford Focus are about the
wheels — 1% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
53,000 miles.
14-Dec-2023, Brought my car into the tire repair store to have flat fixed. Was told the 5 lug nuts would have to be replaced because the original ones were corroded due to their design. This cost me $51.00 on this trip. 20-Aug-2020, Brought my car into the Ford dealership to have tires rotated. Was tolld 12 lug nuts would have be replace becaue the original ones were corroded due to their design. It cost me $82.08 on that trip. These lug nuts can break because of corrision, causing a serious accident.
NHTSA complaint #11560141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holland, MI
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
14-Dec-2023, Brought my car into the tire repair store to have flat fixed. Was told the 5 lug nuts would have to be replaced because the original ones were corroded due to their design. This cost me $51.00 on this trip. 20-Aug-2020, Brought my car into the Ford dealership to have tires rotated. Was tolld 12 lug nuts would have be replace becaue the original ones were corroded due to their design. It cost me $82.08 on that trip. These lug nuts can break because of corrision, causing a serious accident.
NHTSA complaint #11560141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
WHEELS
Was told my lug nuts are swollen and need to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11550854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Was told my lug nuts are swollen and need to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11550854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elkton, MD
WHEELS
I went to Ramsey Ford Dealer in Rising Sun, Maryland for tire rotation on 7/22/21 with 125,803 mileage. They told me that I needed new lug nuts because the old lug nuts were swollen. I bought 20 lug nuts @ $6.38 each totalling $127.60. I am going for 4 new tires to Walmart Auto tomorrow 9/19/23 and the mileage is 143,619 and I told them that all my lug nuts were swollen because I rotated the tires myself last year and I had to hammer a 19mm socket on each lug nut to remove them. Walmart told me that the lug nuts were going to cost over $5.50 each. The 20 lug nuts are going to cost me over $110. That's if the mechanic does not charge more for hammering them or drilling them off. It is what it is! I figured I would reporr it. I do have a hammer and sockets in my trunck if I get a flat tire. But I have seen on tge internet hundreds of people getting stranded on the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11545288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesTroy, NY
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while taking the vehicle to routine service at the dealer, the service tech stated that the vehicle needed a new set of lug nuts. The contact was informed that the lug nuts could not properly be tightened and therefore needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11480017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, NH
WHEELS
Lug nuts swelled, unable to remove without damaging, all 20 lugs nuts.
NHTSA complaint #11459060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesTrussville, AL
WHEELS
I WAS WONDERING ABOUT ANY RECALLS OR COMPLAINTS ON THE SUMITOMO TOUR PLUS LSV 215/50R17 TIRES. I PURCHASED A VEHICLE 2 MONTHS AGO THAT HAS A SET OF THESE AND BOTH FRONT TIRES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE CENTER BELT IN THE TIRE BEING BROKEN. BOTH TIRES WERE VISIBLY WARPED AND YOU CAN SEE WHERE IT SINKS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TIRE. UNFORTUNATELY THE CARS WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER THE TIRES AND I'M HAVING TO PAY TO REPLACE THEM SO JUST LOOKING FOR ANSWERS OR PROOF OF A FAULT SO I MIGHT CAN HAVE THEM REPLACED
NHTSA complaint #11350275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesAlexandria, VA
WHEELS
THE CAR USES TWO PART LUGS THAT SWELL AND DEGRADE OVER TIME, AND SOME POINT, CANNOT BE USED TO HOLD ON A WHEEL THAT HAS BEEN REMOVED. THAT CAN BE A HAZARD, FOR EXAMPLE, IF A PERSON NEEDS TO REPLACE A FLAT TIRE ON A HIGHWAY AND THEN CANNOT REATTACH THE LUG NUTS. I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE THE LUG NUTS FOR SAFETY REASONS, AND WHILE I COULD FIND ONES THAT FIT THE POST THEY SCREW ON TO, THEY WERE NOR WIDE ENOUGH TO HOLD THE WHEEL COVER.
NHTSA complaint #11343091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesManalapan, NJ
WHEELS
THE LUG NUTS THAT FORD USES ON MY CAR ARE POORLY DESIGNED, AND WILL SWELL. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE THEM (SUCH AS WHEN YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE) AND THEY NEED TO BE BROKEN OFF, AND NEW LUG NUTS PUT ON. IF YOU HAVE A FLAT, YOU HAVE TO GET YOUR CAR TOWED. FORD KNOWS THIS IS AN ISSUE AND REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING TO MAKE IT RIGHT, INFECT THEY STILL USE THIS FAULTY PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #11317222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oviedo, FL
WHEELS
MY CAR BEGAN MAKING REALLY LOUD HUMMING THAT GOT LOUDER AS I DROVE FASTER. ON OCCASION I WOULD FEEL IT 'SLIP' AT HIGH SPEEDS BUT I KNEW IT WASN'T THE TRANSMISSION. IT TURNED OUT THAT ALL 4 SETS OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE LOCKING UP . BECAUSE THE BEARINGS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE IN A SEALED ENVIRONMENT THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS FOR ONE, AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE WHEEL HUB FOR ALL 4 SINCE THE BEARINGS ALONE ARE NOT SERVICEABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11308869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portsmouth, VA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
2012 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE LUG NUTS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE LUG NUTS IN THE TIRES HAD SWOLLEN PREVENTING THE TIRES FROM BEING ROTATED
NHTSA complaint #11306110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesChapmanville., WV
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS WOBBLING. FURTHERMORE, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR TURNED OFF AND ON. THORNHILL FORD LINCOLN (U.S. 119 NORTH 500 FORD FAIRLANE, CHAPMANVILLE, WV 25508, (304) 855-8300) STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY COVERAGE; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V735000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH. THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE FOR ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
NHTSA complaint #11291999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesSantee, CA
WHEELS
LUGNUTS ON WHEELS ARE ROUNDED AND SWELLING MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE TOOL TO FIT OVER THEM TO REMOVE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THIS WILL PROLONG THE TIME A PERSON IS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD INCREASING THE CHANCE OF HARM.
NHTSA complaint #11258600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUN Prairie, WI
WHEELS
THIS CAR ALSO HAS THAT TERRIBLE TRANSMISSION, MINE REPLACED FOUR TIMES THE FUEL FLAPS BOTH GET STUCK AND IT FLOODS, WON'T START PROBLEMS WITH TIRE LUG NUTS, TWO PIECE DESIGN? WHO DESIGNED ME WHAT A PIECE!
NHTSA complaint #11244701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesBlanchard, MI
WHEELS
TAKATA RECALL I NOTICED THAT THIS VEHICLE "CHUGS" WHEN IT IS SITTING IDLE, AND THAT SOMETIMES IT FEELS AS IF IT WANTS TO STALL WHILE IDLING. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL OUT FOR THIS ISSUE BUT I HAVE NOT BEEN INFORMED OF IT. IT SAYS THAT 10/22/2018 THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. ONTO THE NEXT ISSUE, WITHOUT WARNING MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE (THIS CAR IS MY DAILY DRIVER) AND THEN I BEGAN TO HEAR WHINING WHENEVER I WOULD TURN! HELP!
NHTSA complaint #11209269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willoughby, OH
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
2012 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PROBLEMS WITH WHEEL LUG NUTS. *AS
NHTSA complaint #11186450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesRaleigh, NCCrashFire
WHEELS
WHEN GOING ABOUT 55 MPH MY CAR STARTS TO GET VERY LOUD, NOTHING SEEMS TO BE WRONG IT'S AS IF THERE'S A LEAF BLOWER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AS I SLOW DOWN, USE THE BRAKES, THE SOUND SLOWLY GETS MORE QUIET.
NHTSA complaint #11156522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesIndependence, MO
WHEELS
THE LUG NUTS ARE SWELLING AND SEPARATING. BECAUSE THEY ARE TWO PART CHROME COVERED. FOR THIS CAR, THE LUGNUTS ARE CUSTOM. IF THEY ARE PLACED BY STANDARD LUG NUTS, THEN THE WHEEL COVER CANNOT STAY ON. THE TWO PART CHROME LUG NUT IS NOT CARRIED AS A STOCK ITEM IN A DEALERSHIP. TIRES CANNOT BE REMOVED BY STANDARD LUG WRENCH, BECAUSE THE LUGNUT IS NOT A STANDARD SIZE. THE LUG NUT MUST BE CUT OFF. THEREFORE IF A TIRE BECOMES FLAT ON THE ROAD, IT MUST BE TOWED INTO A DEALERSHIP AND NOT FIXED AT ANY OTHER PLACE. I WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD TAKE OVER A WEEK TO GET A LUG NUT IN WITH A GREATLY INCREASED PRICE OF OVER $20 INSTEAD OF A STANDARD LUG NUT COST OF $4. RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING FROM THE DEALERSHIP GARY CROSSLEY: DEAR THOMAS, DURING YOUR RECENT VISIT, WE RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT SERVICE(S):' 'TIRES REQUIRE IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT. AT QUICK LANE AT GARY CROSSLEY FORD, OUR FACTORY-TRAINED TECHNICIANS CAN PROVIDE THIS SERVICE WHILE YOU WAIT. AND THERE'S NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY ' SIMPLY EXCELLENT SERVICE AT YOUR CONVENIENCE. STOP IN TODAY! SINCERELY, YOUR QUICK LANE SERVICE TEAM
NHTSA complaint #10986273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesRomeoville, ILCrash
WHEELS
MY SON GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH HIS 2012 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK AND HIS AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NONE WHATSOEVER HE ENDED UP WITH BRUISE SHOULDERS HIS FRIEND WITH A SCRAPED KNEE HIS CAR A TOTAL LOSS BUT NONE OF HIS AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10949541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moncks Corner, SC
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V643000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE SUPPLIED TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE RECALL NOTICE INDICATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2017. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES HAD LOW AIR CONSTANTLY. THE CONTACT WAS TO CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE AND WHEN THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD BE SCHEDULED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10918706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesJonesboro, GA
WHEELS
PURCHASED VEHICLE 6 MONTHS AGO FROM AUTO NATION FORD UNION CITY, GA. FIRST THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH TIRE, THEN THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH " BRAKE LAMP" THEN THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH " TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION". CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND STOPPED IN MID TRAFFIC. AUTO NATION "SAID" THEY REPAIRED AS A RESULT OF RECALL, BUT I DROVE THE CAR 8 HOURS AFTER I PICKED IT UP FROM AUTO NATION AND CAR STILL HAVING THE SAME " TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION" PROBLEM, I COULD NOT ACCELERATE, AND CAR STOPPED ON HIGHWAY. IN ADDITION, THE " BRAKE LAMP" MESSAGE ALSO FLASHED ON THE DASH. I TOOK CAR BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT REMAINS WITH AUTO NATION FORD, UNION CITY, GA. THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. FURTHERMORE, PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE DISHONEST SERVICE AND SALES PRACTICES AT THIS DEALERSHIP
NHTSA complaint #10790551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesAshland, PA
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN EXPLOSIVE ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACT NOTICED BURNT RUBBER AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE TIRE. THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES BLEW OUT AND WERE DEFLATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HBT BOLT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
NHTSA complaint #10789466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,419 milesSAN Francisco, CA
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 TO 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD ABNORMAL SOUND, THE TRANSMISSION SPUN, AND THE WHEELS DID NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE HAD TO BE UPDATED. THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,419.
NHTSA complaint #10767505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesBurlington, MA
WHEELS
WHILE TOWING THIS CAR BEHIND MY MOTORCOACH FOUR-TIRES DOWN, PER FORD MANUAL AND CURRENT RV SAFETY PRACTICES, THE FOCUS' PASSENGER-SIDE REAR TIRE HAD A BLOW OUT. THE TIRE CAME COMPLETELY OFF OF THE RIM. ALL FOUR FOCUS TIRES WERE CHECKED TWO DAYS BEFORE AND PRESSURES WERE AT SPEC. WITH NO SIGN OF LEAKS OR APPARENT DAMAGE. THE TIRES ARE MICHELIN DEFENDER TIRES WITH ABOUT 14,500 MILES ON THEM AND PURCHASED IN APRIL OF 2014. THIS BLOW OUT WAS A COMPLETE SURPRISE, FOR THE TIRES WERE IN APPARENTLY VERY GOOD CONDITION, I DID NOT RUN OVER ANY ROAD DEBRIS AND I WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE BLOWN OUT TIRE AND WILL PROVIDE THEM UPON REQUEST. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10713035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesFairview, TXCrash
WHEELS
WE HAD A PROBLEM WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY OVER OUR 2012 FORD FOCUS . AS BACKGROUND, WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING 40 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD THE CAR STEERING LOCKED AND PULLED HER INTO A CURB CAUSING A BROKEN WHEEL, RIM, AND TIE ROD (ESTIMATED AT $1500 TO REPAIR BY BOB TOMES FORD IN MCKINNEY TEXAS). AFTER THE CAR SETTING AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR WORD FROM FORD'S CORPORATE OFFICE FOR SEVEN WEEKS WE JUST FOUND OUT THEY ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE. IT'S PRETTY INCREDIBLE TO ME THAT IT TOOK FORD SEVEN WEEKS TO RESPOND WHILE I MADE TWO CAR PAYMENTS AND PAID FOR INSURANCE THROUGHOUT THAT TIME WITHOUT A CAR. WE HAD FOUND THROUGH RESEARCH ON THE WEB THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE REPORTING STEERING PROBLEMS ON THE 2012 FORD'S FOCUS. FOR YOUR INFORMATION WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE WITH THIS CAR AND ARE ASKING BOB TOMES FORD TO HELP US RESOLVE THE ISSUE LOCALLY SINCE FORD HAS NOT OFFERED ANY HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10588610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Cumberland, PA
WHEELS
THE CAR TEND TO MOVE BACKWARDS WHENEVER I STOP AT A STOPLIGHT WITH A SLIGHT ELEVATION.
NHTSA complaint #10583778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,890 milesHenderson, NV
WHEELS
DRIVING A 2012 FORD FOCUS AVIS RENTAL AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN A LOWE'S PARKING LOT. I TURNED TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND THE SIDEWALL OF THE LEFT FRONT TIRE, A CONTINENTAL -CONTI 215/55/16-CONTI PRO, BRUSHED THE CONCRETE CURBING AND THE SIDEWALL BLEW. THE TIRE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED, HAD TO BE REPLACED. AVIS WANTS $200+ TO REPLACE A TIRE THAT SEEMS TO HAVE A SERIOUS SIDEWALL PROBLEM; A TIRE THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON A RENTAL IN THE FIRST PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #10564155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesGriffith, IN
WHEELS
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A 35 MPH ROAD, TRYING TO PUSH THE GAS TO GET TO 35 MPH, BUT IT FAILED AND REVVED THE ENGINE AND RPM WITHOUT INCREASING MY SPEED. I WAS GOING 20 MPH AND WORRIED THAT MY SPEED WOULD AFFECT OTHER CARS BEHIND ME TO POSSIBLY HIT ME. THERE IS SOME NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IT HAPPENED THREE TIMES WITHIN LESS THAN A MILE SO I PULLED OVER OFF THE ROAD TO CHECK AND STILL UNSURE. THE CAR IS STILL BRAND NEW AND ONLY AT ALMOST 16,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10537070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesSilver Spring, MD
WHEELS
WHEN DRIVING HOME I HEARD A LOUD POP NOISE, THE STEERING BECAME HARD TO CONTROL AND WHEN I MADE A SLOW RIGHT HAND TURN THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE FELL OFF THE CAR. APPLE FORD IS TRYING TO TELL ME I HIT SOMETHING. I WOULD KNOW IF I HIT SOMETHING AND FOR ME TO HIT SOMETHING THAT LARGE I WOULD HAVE SEEN IT, IF THERE WAS A LARGE POT HOLE I WOULD HAVE SEEN IT... THERE IS NO BODY DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END BUMPER OF MY CAR.. I JUST HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED IN THIS CAR, THE SYNC MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACE SINCE I HAD IT.. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER THAT PICKED UP MY CAR EVEN SAID HE HAD JUST PICKED UP A 2013 FORD FUSION THAT HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.. AND THE DEALERSHIPS ARE TELLING PEOPLE THEY ARE HITTING SOMETHING!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10535852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.