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]

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by lifocus

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

Why are you even here if all you do is trash talk a car you don't have anymore because the one you had gave you a few issues?

Is there such a thing as a perfect car? No, are most of the issues people complain about common, no not really. Is it annoying when the dealer won't tale you seriously and or won't fix things because they say they are not broken, yes. But the same thing is true of every single motor manufacture in one way or another.

[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.

[currentlyabsent]

Originally Posted by suss6052

Why are you even here if all you do is trash talk a car you don't have anymore because the one you had gave you a few issues?

Is there such a thing as a perfect car? No, are most of the issues people complain about common, no not really. Is it annoying when the dealer won't tale you seriously and or won't fix things because they say they are not broken, yes. But the same thing is true of every single motor manufacture in one way or another.

There is no need for this. dutd33 asked for honest opinions, and they were given. no need to object because his opinion differed from yours.

[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.

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by currentlyabsent

There is no need for this. dutd33 asked for honest opinions, and they were given. no need to object because his opinion differed from yours.

I'm not objecting based on a difference in opinion. I understand that they didn't like their car, but just saying a blanket statement like "avoid" isn't a good recommendation or explanation why.

The OP really needs to decide on their own, no amount of praise or cursing of the car will really change the mind of some one who either loves the car or hates it.

Check the head lamps and tail lamps for fitment against the body. Verify the heated seats if equipped get warm enough for your tastes.

The car drives well and gets good fuel economy, I would recommend one, but only without the cloth heated seats and to check the paint as those were the only two areas where I have concerns.

[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.

[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

[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.