2012 Ford Focus Reliability Issues

[RedfocusTL21]

Just got mine back from the dealer and so far so good I plan on taking it out for a long test drive tonight just to make sure everything is up to par.

Sent from my EVO using FF Mobile

[dutd33]

Thanks everyone for their comments and feedback!

I'm sorry to hear that the topic got a bit heated there and almost off-topic.

[Darketernal3]

I work at Ford and sadly, because I do I have a bit more dim view of them, mainly because management has their heads stuck up where the sun don't shine and have no clue what's going on... they only complain and expect numbers.
With that said, I love my Focus.
Though I can't say the same for any other owners, the focus I have has no major issues, the DCT needs to be broken in; and I wish I got a manual. The headlights were lack-luster (I replaced them twice, first with HID, then with phillips crystal visions); sound system is decent, but could use more boost.
But notice, these are nit-picks, of course every car could be better.
Oh, and I kinda wished I waited out for a ST :/
Go get yourself an ST.

[dutd33]

Originally Posted by Darketernal3

I work at Ford and sadly, because I do I have a bit more dim view of them, mainly because management has their heads stuck up where the sun don't shine and have no clue what's going on... they only complain and expect numbers.
With that said, I love my Focus.
Though I can't say the same for any other owners, the focus I have has no major issues, the DCT needs to be broken in; and I wish I got a manual. The headlights were lack-luster (I replaced them twice, first with HID, then with phillips crystal visions); sound system is decent, but could use more boost.
But notice, these are nit-picks, of course every car could be better.
Oh, and I kinda wished I waited out for a ST :/
Go get yourself an ST.

LOL no, I won't be getting an ST unfortunately, although it looks very sexy. I just need a practical car so I settled on the 2012 SEL trim.

Thanks for your response!

[unfocused1]

Originally Posted by Darketernal3

I work at Ford and sadly, because I do I have a bit more dim view of them, mainly because management has their heads stuck up where the sun don't shine and have no clue what's going on... they only complain and expect numbers.

That's modern day business in general. Detached and out of touch with (many aspects of) reality.

With that said, I love my Focus.
Though I can't say the same for any other owners, the focus I have has no major issues, the DCT needs to be broken in; and I wish I got a manual. The headlights were lack-luster (I replaced them twice, first with HID, then with phillips crystal visions); sound system is decent, but could use more boost.
But notice, these are nit-picks, of course every car could be better.
Oh, and I kinda wished I waited out for a ST :/
Go get yourself an ST.

The DCT can be quirky (mostly "the noise") but I've grown to love it more than any other transmission I've used in the past. It's smoother between gears, noise or no noise.

I love mine.

And since I can't drive a manual, the ST is out of the question...

Part of me wishes I bought the 2009 Focus with traction control and ABS, as I wouldn't have then upgraded in 2012, but everything else about the 2012 (aside from the chassis design; I loved the 2009 design) has been a massive improvement, so I have no major regrets. And I like the 2012's design as well... the 2009's looked more angular and the custom wheels (the diamond-shaped aluminum ones) were *nice*...

[oritpro]

I love my DCT, especially when it lags for a second or two before the engine red lines and I shoot out into traffic at light speed. Fortunately the car has really good brakes so I can just jam on those real quick before I crash into somebody. There's nothing like jamming on the brakes real hard when you've just had a big meal or have to pee really bad.

The best part of the DCT though is how it's efficiency increases with ambient air temperature. The hotter it gets the more reluctant it is to downshift which causes the engine to stall at stoplights after leaving the freeway and that saves me fuel! As they say, an engine not running burns no gas...or something like that. At least it has push button start so restarting the engine is as easy as punching the dashboard.

I love my DCT, yeah, just love it.

[SportyChick]

Originally Posted by oritpro

At least it has push button start so restarting the engine is as easy as punching the dashboard.

Not trying to make light of your situation but that was freaking funny!

I get the hesitation/shudder on mine when it goes from 1st to 2nd. I'm hoping that this eventually works itself out as I just got the update last week.

[xwhit3devilx]

For all I've complained in the past I see this vehicle holding up pretty well with time.The Duratec engine (TiVct is a modified 2.0 from last gen Foci/Mazda 3's) is fairly well proven having been around for a while now and shouldn't give you any major problems- provided you change your oil regularly of course. The only thing to consider long term would be the cost to replace the clutches in the DCT after the warranty is up, since it is very much like a manual it will have to be done eventually. Ford parts tend to be fairly inexpensive so if you want to keep it going for 10+ years you should be able to without too much expense.

My only gripe is the fact that since there are so many rental Foci out there, this might become a "beater" for reckless high school/college kids in a few years.

For the record I'm in college, but I drive like a sane person and have never been pulled over. Also, I paid for half of it so I don't want to hear it from people that I'm some kind of huge jerk.

[blackraven456]

I drive a titanium sedan and the only problem I've had with it is mft. It's simply the most poorly programmed electronic product I've ever used. Period. One day its fine, the next nothing works and the scary part is there is no warning and despite what they may tell you Ford has no fix. I don't think they ever will. If they tell you they do they are lying to your face. If they tell you to take it to your dealer, its usually code for i can't help you and you're about to waste your time. If they tell you to wait until the next release of the software that's code for go away now. Don't think you're immune, mft WILL fail you one way or another. Its a great shame because other then that its a wonderful car.

[oritpro]

Originally Posted by SportyChick

Not trying to make light of your situation but that was freaking funny!

I get the hesitation/shudder on mine when it goes from 1st to 2nd. I'm hoping that this eventually works itself out as I just got the update last week.

That's how my DCT acted for the first 7400 miles. It has 10.5k on the clock now and has been working pretty well, I hope it stays that way.

The car had 3800 miles on it when TSB 12B37 was applied so it's had to retrain twice.