How many 2012 Ford Focus owners complained about visibility and wipers problems?

NHTSA lists 70 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2012 Ford Focus, which is 2% of its 3,768 total complaints for that year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Ford Focus wipers?

Yes. Recall 12V149000 covers a missing seal in the wiring harness connector to the passenger side wiper motor; Ford dealers inspect, clean, and reseal the connector as needed.

At what mileage do these visibility and wiper problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2012 Focus is 44,000 miles.

Did any of these complaints involve crashes or fires?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 2 fires among the 70 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2012 Focus, with 0 injuries reported.

How does the 2012 Focus compare to other years for this problem?

The 2012 Focus had 70 Visibility & Wipers complaints, far more than 2011's 2, 2013's 29, or 2014's 32, making it the peak year in this category.

2012 Ford Focus Visibility & Wipers Problems

The 2012 Ford Focus logged 70 Visibility & Wipers complaints, 2% of its 3,768 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 44,000. A related recall (12V149000) covers a missing seal on the passenger wiper motor wiring harness connector.

Visibility & Wipers complaints: 70; 2% of 3,768
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 44,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report

Windshields and rear windows reportedly cracked or shattered without apparent impact, sometimes at highway speed with a loud pop and cabin decompression.
Sunroofs and moonroofs reportedly shattered or exploded outward while driving or while parked, scattering glass into the cabin.
Windshield wipers reportedly activated on their own at various speeds, cycling through settings without driver input, and in some cases were followed by smoke or fire under the hood.
Owners reported windshield distortion with vertical and horizontal warping that affected outward visibility.
Rear window vent liners were reported to deteriorate, requiring rear deck replacement.

When 2012 Ford Focus visibility and wiper complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 15, 2012, latest Jun 18, 2026.

70 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q1 to 2026 Q2; peak 2014 Q3 (5).

Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2012 Ford Focus

NHTSA 12V149000Apr 5, 2012Visibility & Wipers140,310 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:switch/wiring
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 focus vehicles manufactured from august 1, 2010, through october 18, 2011. A seal in the wiring harness connector to the passenger side wiper motor may be missing.
Risk: Water or other contaminants may accumulate in the connector, resulting in an intermittent or inoperative passenger side wiper motor, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and as necessary, clean and properly seal the passenger side wiper motor connector. Any inoperative wiper motors will be replaced. This service will be provided free of charge. The safety recall began on may 21, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Visibility & Wipers complaints by Focus model year

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

20107 (2%)
20112 (2%)
201270 (2%)
201329 (1%)
201432 (1%)
201511 (1%)
201611 (1%)
20174 (0%)
20183 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2012 Ford Focus owners complained about visibility and wipers problems?: NHTSA lists 70 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2012 Ford Focus, which is 2% of its 3,768 total complaints for that year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Ford Focus wipers?: Yes. Recall 12V149000 covers a missing seal in the wiring harness connector to the passenger side wiper motor; Ford dealers inspect, clean, and reseal the connector as needed.
At what mileage do these visibility and wiper problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2012 Focus is 44,000 miles.
Did any of these complaints involve crashes or fires?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 2 fires among the 70 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2012 Focus, with 0 injuries reported.
How does the 2012 Focus compare to other years for this problem?: The 2012 Focus had 70 Visibility & Wipers complaints, far more than 2011's 2, 2013's 29, or 2014's 32, making it the peak year in this category.