How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Ford Focus?

NHTSA lists 606 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Focus, which is 16% of the 3,768 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Ford Focus engine?

No related recall is listed in the data for the engine component on the 2012 Focus.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2012 Focus?

The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2012 Focus is 56,000 miles.

How does the 2012 Focus compare to other years for engine complaints?

The 2012 Focus had 606 engine complaints (16% share), lower in share than 2017 (36%) and 2018 (44%), but higher in raw count than most other model years listed.

Were there any crashes or fires linked to engine complaints on the 2012 Focus?

Yes, NHTSA data tied to engine complaints for the 2012 Focus includes 19 crashes, 5 fires, and 6 injuries.

2012 Ford Focus Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 606 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Ford Focus, 16% of all 3,768 complaints filed for the model year, with a median failure mileage of 56,000 miles. No related recall is listed for this component on this model year.

Engine complaints: 606; 16% of 3,768
Crashes reported: 19
Fires reported: 5
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 56,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden, unintended acceleration where the car surged forward from a stop or while idling even with the brake applied, in some cases leading to a crash.
Some report loud noises, described as similar to a leaf blower, that grow louder at highway speeds like 55 mph and fade when slowing down.
A few describe smoke and fires starting in the engine compartment, in one case while the vehicle was parked with the engine off.
One owner reported engine mounts breaking after a low-speed curb impact, causing part of the engine to come loose from the car.
Several complaints describe stalling or near-stalling while coasting downhill, followed by unexpected acceleration when the driver pressed the pedal to prevent stalling.

When 2012 Ford Focus engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 5, 2011, latest Sep 1, 2026.

606 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q3 (41).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Ford Focus

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Focus model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201094 (33%)
201111 (10%)
2012606 (16%)
2013430 (20%)
2014560 (22%)
2015205 (20%)
2016303 (26%)
2017326 (36%)
2018364 (44%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Ford Focus?: NHTSA lists 606 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Focus, which is 16% of the 3,768 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Ford Focus engine?: No related recall is listed in the data for the engine component on the 2012 Focus.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2012 Focus?: The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2012 Focus is 56,000 miles.
How does the 2012 Focus compare to other years for engine complaints?: The 2012 Focus had 606 engine complaints (16% share), lower in share than 2017 (36%) and 2018 (44%), but higher in raw count than most other model years listed.
Were there any crashes or fires linked to engine complaints on the 2012 Focus?: Yes, NHTSA data tied to engine complaints for the 2012 Focus includes 19 crashes, 5 fires, and 6 injuries.