The 2012 Ford Focus is a compact car offered as both a sedan and hatchback with a price range of $5,164 to $9,410. Questionable long-term reliability and expensive problems make the Focus a car buyers should avoid.
2012 Ford Focus: Quick Overview
- The 2012 Ford Focus is the first model year of the third generation with all-new styling, engines, and interiors.
- Reliability ratings are fair, according to J.D. Power, with more complaints than any other model year.
- Only one engine is available, and is a four-cylinder with average power for the class.
- Fuel economy is good, tying for 4th place out of 36 compact cars with a combined rating of up to 32 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are above average with four out of five stars in government crash tests and earning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award.
- The 2012 Ford Focus ranks 32nd out of 36 compact cars, based on owner reviews. There are just too many problems with the redesigned 2012 model to recommend it over better compact cars.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2012 Ford Focus Have?
The 2012 Ford Focus has more problems than other compact cars in the same price range. Significant quality improvements are missing until the 2015 model year. The 2012 Focus problems include transmission failure, stiff power steering, and broken door latches.
Transmission problems, including shuddering and vibrating when starting, are extremely common. Usually, the problem is caused by the dual-clutch assembly or the rear main seal. Replacements cost about $1,650 depending on local labor rates.
Power steering failures are another frequent problem. The electronic power steering motor is a weak component in the Focus, and the only solution is to replace the assembly with a new one. A complete replacement costs about $2,000.
Stereo problems are also mentioned by owners. There are software problems with the head unit which cause the system to lock up frequently. If there are hardware issues causing the system to lock up replacing the head unit costs about $400.
There are 10 recalls, which is worse than other cars from 2012. The recalls include the passenger-side wiper motor, rooftop rack, side lights, door chime, sudden loss of power, door latches, charge cord, and the canister purge valve. Most serious are problems with the canister purge valve, which can cause the vehicle to stall.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2012 Ford Focus is more affordable than other compact cars with a price range of $5,164 to $9,410, depending on mileage and model. The price range when new was $16,500 to $22,700. Depreciation is faster than average, dropping about 50% in value over the first five years of ownership.
- S is the entry-level model with 15-inch steel wheels, cloth seating, power locks and windows, and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system with AUX input.
- SE is next in the lineup and has 16-inch steel wheels, fog lights, automatic headlights, cruise control, and rear disc brakes.
- SEL adds features including 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, leather steering wheel, exterior trim improvements, and a six-speaker stereo system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
- Titanium is the flagship model with 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, improved suspension, keyless ignition, as well as an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 10-speaker Sony stereo.
How Long Will the 2012 Ford Focus Last?
A properly cared for 2012 Ford Focus will last about 150,000 miles, which is shorter than the competitors. The regular annual maintenance costs are much more expensive than other compact cars. Repair Pal estimates them to be $604 per year.
The 2012 ford focus sel is very reliable. My only complaint is that mine has a few minor issues which include the radio and speaker function. Other than that, I have no complaints.
Yes, it is reliable. I haven't had any issues with it. I drive long distances sometimes and no problem.
Yes, it is very reliable and does not have any problems. The only thing I noticed about the car is that it does not do great going up hilly areas.
Hasn't has any problem since the day I got it brought it used but drove like it brand new I would buy another one.
Yes it is very reliable. The only problem is it takes a while to go from 0 - 60 from a dead stop. Rides very well, windshield is extra wide so there are no blind spots. Good on gas and does not require much other than normal maintenance.
My 2012 ford focus se has been very reliable for me in the few months that I have owned it. No it does not have any problems other than the occasional transmission shudder.
Yes it is very reliable. I have never had any serious issues with it. I have only had to do the routine car things like oil change and tires.
It has been a very reliable vehicle. I have liked this vehicle so much this is the second one I have purchased.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Technology is average for a budget-friendly compact car, but is not impressive on the base models. There are decent upgrades available on the higher-end versions.
- Standard technology features include an AM/FM/CD stereo system with a 3.5mm AUX input port, and four speakers.
- Optional upgrades include an improved stereo system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Sync app integration, an eight-inch touchscreen with navigation, and six- or 10-speaker stereo systems depending on the model.
- Standard safety features include antilock brakes, airbags, stability and traction control, as well as Ford Sync crash notification. Optional upgrades include a rearview camera, parking sensors, and an automated parking system.
What Engine Options are Available?
There’s only one engine available in the 2012 Ford Focus, and is a 2.0L four-cylinder with 160 horsepower. Performance is average for a compact car, taking 8.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Focus?
The 2012 Ford Focus is a compact car, available as either a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. Passenger room is good in the back seats of the hatchback, but is more cramped in the sedan. Cargo space is good for the class with 13.2 cu. ft. of room in the sedan. The hatchback offers 23.8 cu. ft. of room with the seats up and 44.8 when folded flat, which is better than the rivals. There’s enough room for three suitcases in the sedan, and five in the hatchback.
How Does the 2012 Ford Focus Compare to Other Cars?
Ranking 32nd out of 36 compact cars, based on owner reviews, the 2012 Ford Focus is near the bottom of the class.
A higher-rated competitor is the more expensive Honda Civic. The Civic offers substantially better reliability, and is more responsive to drive. Where the Focus comes out ahead is with more horsepower on the entry-level model, and higher-quality interior materials. We recommend going with a Civic though, since they are much less of a headache to own.
One close competitor is the Nissan Versa, which is available in the same price range. The Versa has a bit more room in the backseats of the sedan, and fewer steering problems. The Focus offers better optional technology, and more cargo space in the hatchback. Overall, both cars have expensive transmission failures, and are bad choices.
Final Verdict: Is the 2012 Ford Focus a Good Car?
No, the 2012 Ford Focus is not a good car based on information from 1,207 verified owner reviews, and 17 government and automotive websites. Where the Focus wins some points is with a better interior than a lot of rivals, and more cargo room than competitors with the hatchback. The Focus loses out, though, with a lot of mechanical problems, and less passenger room in the backseats of the sedan. Overall, if you’re in the market for a compact car, there are much better choices than the Focus.