2012 Ford Focus Reliability Issues

[dutd33]

Hi Ford Fanatics,

I recently had the opportunity to drive the 2012 Ford Focus sedan SEL as a rental car and I was thoroughly surprised! The ride, handling and technology in the car was simply amazing. So amazing that I'm considering purchasing one since my 1992 Camry is nearing the end (or at least I'm at the point where I don't want to put any more money into fixing it).

Any how, for all of you current owners, what is the reliability like? I've been reading online through this forum and reviews that there's a long break-in period with the tranny, and from some of the reviews I've read, sometimes the tranny has a mind of it's own (meaning it stays in a gear too long etc.). Is all of that true?

Thanks for all of your guys' help.

[Sponsor]

[willsim]

I have an early build SE Hatch. The dealer has done a couple of tranny updates and that is it.

[feta_mgp]

Love my Focus! Can count on one hand how many times it's been in for service. In the year+ I've owned this car, which mind you is from the first production run of the first year of a BRAND NEW generation, I haven't had any glaring issues that have made me regret my purchase.

MyFord Touch has it's issues, but that can be avoided entirely, and thus far SYNC owners haven't had much issue aside from features like AppLink (feature that allows control of apps like pandora through your radio rather than on your phone) not being available.

My bottom line? If you drove one and liked it, the new models have all the updates and TSB fixes applied from the factory, so you should be in great shape.

[VectorZ]

Don't want to be rude, but this exact question has been posted a dozen times. If you look around you'll find lots of positive and negative opinions from current and ex-owners.

[jellybean]

I have a titanium. Bought it in January. it has 16K on it and has been in the shop for the following:
1. Strut issues on 2 occasions
2. door trim moulding.
3. Transmission issues. Just yesterday it went in again for the transmission. I was driving, pulling off from a stop. Got to about 40mph and it just seemed to slip out of gear.

I also purchased a Mazda 3 Skyactiv Hatch for my wife last month. In my opinion, it may not has all the bells and whistles, but it feels way more solid on the road. No squeaks creeaks or rattles.
Do yourself a favor and go drive one.

I do like both cars, but if I could do it again, I would not have been sold on all the tech in the car and probably bought 2 mazdas. The MFT has a mind of its own. All I use it for now, is the bluetooth. I use my phone for everything. Maps, gps, music, calls, etc etc.

[oritpro]

The Focus is a fun car. Interior fit and finish is best in class, handling above average, and it's a real looker. MPG is pretty good and the car has plenty of power for everyday commuting.

On the other hand I am not thrilled with MFT or the way Ford is handling it, and the DCT can have a mind of it's own; especially when the weather gets into Summer like temps.

Based on problems reported by others I am also concerned about long-term reliability and the expenses involved in maintaining all this high tech "stuff" once the warranty expires. If I had it to do over again I would have purchased the SE Sport and skipped the MFT/DCT nightmare since that's where most of the problems seem to occur.

Shop the competition, check forums, take test drives, rent cars that interest you like you did with the Focus. Every vehicle has it's pro and cons. I plan on selling mine as soon as the MFT climate control issue is fixed and then I am buying a Subaru.

[RedfocusTL21]

Originally Posted by lifocus

My opinion and experience.....look elsewhere!

I have to agree with you on that my car has been in the shop multiple times and is currently in the shop again for the transmission and has been there for over a week now with now solution in sight. Also had my master Cylinder and brake booster replaced with only 13k on it and also had one of my wheel bearings replaced as well..... So with that said I am very disappointed and will never buy a Ford again as soon as I get my car back its getting traded in

Sent from my EVO using FF Mobile

[dbenney]

Originally Posted by RedfocusTL21

I have to agree with you on that my car has been in the shop multiple times and is currently in the shop again for the transmission and has been there for over a week now with now solution in sight. Also had my master Cylinder and brake booster replaced with only 13k on it and also had one of my wheel bearings replaced as well..... So with that said I am very disappointed and will never buy a Ford again as soon as I get my car back its getting traded in

Sent from my EVO using FF Mobile

just so you know... those issues you explained you can get with any manufacturer. Parts like wheel bearings are made by 1 or 2 companies for every Make. Those problems are sometimes not detected until a customer has the car... its too bad but the nature of the manufacturing process.

[cobie56]

Ive a '12 sel and at 10k miles not one problem, not with mft nor the dct. The only reason i brought it in for servicing was for an oil change a couple times and for fords dct updates. I didnt get the mft updated as the version 2.11 i have has always and continues to work as advertised with no problems.. All round its been a trouble free and fun car to drive. My mpgs consistently range between 25 or so city to low 40s hwy.

[dbenney]

to the op... i work at the plant and will give my hones assessment from assembly experience and experience from my SEL w 5k miles on it.
BAD:
1. The paint finish could use some improvement(orange peel on all colors due to new paint)...
2. MFT issues. I have had nothing major couple resets but nothing that has been too annoying.
3. early builds had some unique issues wheel bearing issues, DCT issues, steering rack issues
some complain of interior panel fit( i notice none of this on mine.
Good:
1. great gas milage(im getting 35MPG at 75MPH w air on with about 90% eway 10& city)
2. nice and quiet...both Engine and road noise
3. good power for a small car
4. sync recognizes about 95% of what I say and what it doesnt is mostly due to incorrect commands.
5. no DCT issues here
6. packed with features
in my honest opinion, this is a good car. there are a ton of features for the price. I am not at all concerned with reliability. thats what warranty is for. would i do it again... YES I would.