Total Complaints
53 filings
FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC · model year
53 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2012FORDFOCUS ELECTRIC carries 53 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 FOCUS ELECTRIC is power train with 13 filings, followed by electrical system (13) and steering (6). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2012 FOCUS ELECTRIC. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
53 filings
Crashes Reported
1 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 13 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 13 |
| STEERING | 6 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 4 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 3 |
| ENGINE | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
| AIR BAGS | 1 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HAND HEATER:WIRING HARNESS | 1 |
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Focus Electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through August 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a powertrain control module software problem may result in a stall-like condition.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Th
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles. Cords with part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus BEV. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that an unknown warning light was illuminated and remained illuminated for several days. The failure recurred several times. On one occasion, the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed failure with an electrical wiring harness kit and that the battery was drained. The dealer was able to replace the wiring harness however, the battery was not replaced due to the cost of a new battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Mileage: 92,000
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus BEV. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that an unknown warning light was illuminated and remained illuminated for several days. The failure recurred several times. On one occasion, the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed failure with an electrical wiring harness kit and that the battery was drained. The dealer was able to replace the wiring harness however, the battery was not replaced due to the cost of a new battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Mileage: 92,000
MY SHOCKS AND MY TRANSMISSION I BELIEVE
Mileage: 150,000
MY SHOCKS AND MY TRANSMISSION I BELIEVE
Mileage: 150,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO SWITCH GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO MAHWAH FORD (55 FRANKLIN TPK, MAHWAH, NJ 07430) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
Mileage: 26,000
MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A STOP SAFELY NOW MESSAGE WHILE DRIVING. POWER WERE CUT OFF AND THE VEHICLE STALLED IN MOVING TRAFFIC. MY VEHICLE HAD DONE A RECALL ON THE POWER HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE STOP SAFELY NOW ISSUE BUT I DON'T THINK THE RECALL FIXED IT COMPLETELY.
Mileage: 83,000
JERKING DURING TAKE OFF AND GEAR SHIFTING. WHILE DRIVING CAR WILL JERK AT LOW SPEED BUT RISE TO 4 SPEED. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP THEY SAY IT'S TRANSMISSION CLUTCH SHUDDER, MY THIRD REPLACEMENT AND IT'S A ISSUE THT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. $1400.00 REPAIR
JUST TURNED IN AN ORIGINAL CHARGING CORD UNDER RECALL (THE CORDS PLUG WOULD TEND TO OVERHEAT AND WAS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD) AND GOT A BRAND NEW CORD FROM KEN GRODY FORD, CARLSBAD, CA. MY FIRST THOUGHT WHEN LOOKING AT THE NEW CORD WAS THAT THE ELECTRICAL CORD (19' LONG PART) LOOKED UNUSUALLY THIN. WITH THE NEW CORD, THE APPROX 19' PART OF THE CORD GETS WARM, ALL 19 FEET! THEY OBVIOUSLY USED TOO SMALL OF A WIRE GAUGE IN THE NEW CORD, AND THIS IN ITSELF IS A SAFETY HAZARD IN MY OPINION. I SPECIALIZE IN SELLING ELECTRIC CARS, AND I'M ALWAYS CHARGING VARIOUS MAKES AND MODELS IN MY GARAGE ON A 15AMP/110V DEDICATED CIRCUIT, AND HAVE NO ISSUES WITH OTHER CHARGING CORDS.
Mileage: 48,122
THE STEERING WHEEL ON MY CAR IS STARTING TO LOCK UP WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING THE STEERLING WHEEL GETS STUCK AND ITS HARD TO CONTROL THE CAR,.
THE BATTERY WHICH IS FUNCTIONAL DISCHARGES EVEN AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN RECENTLY AND THE CAR WILL NOT START UNTIL THE BATTERY IS JUMPED. WHICH PRESENTS A PROBLEM IN THAT YOU CANNOT SURE IF YOU GET BACK FROM WHERE YOU HAVE GONE. THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ARE FUNCTIONING.
Mileage: 130,000
TWICE SINCE WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AFTER THE ENGINE IS STARTED. MY WIFE SAYS THERE IS A MESSAGE ON THE DASH DISPLAY ABOUT THE STEERING. BOTH TIMES SHE SHOWED ME THE STEERING BEING LOCKED UP IN THE DRIVEWAY OF OUR HOME. I WAS ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BY TURNING OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH AND RESTARTING. SHE TOLD ME THIS MORNING IT HAS HAPPENED TO HER WHILE DRIVING ONCE ON A HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH . SHE WAS ABLE TO STRONG ARM THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE SHOULDER. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I STILL OWE A LOT OF MONEY ON THIS CAR AND I CAN'T EVEN GIVE IT AWAY WITH THIS KIND OF PROBLEM.
Mileage: 80,000
THE FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC HAS TWO "DRIVE" MODES: "D" AND "L". THE LATTER IS MORE AGGRESSIVE IN REGENERATIVE BRAKING. WHEN I APPROACH A RIGHT TURN INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD, THERE IS A SHORT SEGMENT OF CEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO ASPHALT ROADS. I BELIEVE THE TRACTION/STEERING CONTROL GETS CONFUSED, AND THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING DISENGAGES, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AND LURCH FORWARD, EVEN IF I AM BRAKING/DECELERATING. STEERING BEHAVIOR ALSO SEEMS AFFECTED. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS VERY DISCONCERTING AS I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE STOPPED AT THE CROSS-STREET I WAS TURNING ONTO. I CAN REPRODUCE THIS CONSISTENTLY.
Mileage: 13,000
THE FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC HAS TWO "DRIVE" MODES: "D" AND "L". THE LATTER IS MORE AGGRESSIVE IN REGENERATIVE BRAKING. WHEN I APPROACH A RIGHT TURN INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD, THERE IS A SHORT SEGMENT OF CEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO ASPHALT ROADS. I BELIEVE THE TRACTION/STEERING CONTROL GETS CONFUSED, AND THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING DISENGAGES, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AND LURCH FORWARD, EVEN IF I AM BRAKING/DECELERATING. STEERING BEHAVIOR ALSO SEEMS AFFECTED. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS VERY DISCONCERTING AS I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE STOPPED AT THE CROSS-STREET I WAS TURNING ONTO. I CAN REPRODUCE THIS CONSISTENTLY.
Mileage: 13,000
THE FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC HAS TWO "DRIVE" MODES: "D" AND "L". THE LATTER IS MORE AGGRESSIVE IN REGENERATIVE BRAKING. WHEN I APPROACH A RIGHT TURN INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD, THERE IS A SHORT SEGMENT OF CEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO ASPHALT ROADS. I BELIEVE THE TRACTION/STEERING CONTROL GETS CONFUSED, AND THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING DISENGAGES, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AND LURCH FORWARD, EVEN IF I AM BRAKING/DECELERATING. STEERING BEHAVIOR ALSO SEEMS AFFECTED. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS VERY DISCONCERTING AS I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE STOPPED AT THE CROSS-STREET I WAS TURNING ONTO. I CAN REPRODUCE THIS CONSISTENTLY.
Mileage: 13,000
TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS.... GENERAL RECALL INQUIRY -- ELECTRIC STEERING LOCKED UP IN DRIVEWAY BEFORE LEAVING HOUSE TWICE WITHIN THE LAST WEEK... CONTACT CALLED DEALERSHIP AND DEALERSHIP STATED ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AND ELECTRIC STEERING SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CLUTCH WAS REPLACED TWICE ALREADY. 0 RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN CB
TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS.... GENERAL RECALL INQUIRY -- ELECTRIC STEERING LOCKED UP IN DRIVEWAY BEFORE LEAVING HOUSE TWICE WITHIN THE LAST WEEK... CONTACT CALLED DEALERSHIP AND DEALERSHIP STATED ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AND ELECTRIC STEERING SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CLUTCH WAS REPLACED TWICE ALREADY. 0 RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN CB
TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS.... GENERAL RECALL INQUIRY -- ELECTRIC STEERING LOCKED UP IN DRIVEWAY BEFORE LEAVING HOUSE TWICE WITHIN THE LAST WEEK... CONTACT CALLED DEALERSHIP AND DEALERSHIP STATED ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AND ELECTRIC STEERING SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CLUTCH WAS REPLACED TWICE ALREADY. 0 RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN CB
I STARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING MALFUNCTION ASSIST LIGHT WAS ON AND THE POWER STEERING WAS COMPLETELY OUT.
Mileage: 166,160
I STARTED THE CAR THIS MORNING AND THE STEERING WOULD NOT WORK. I CAME INSIDE THE HOUSE, LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM ON LINE AND FOUND A TERRIFIC AMOUNT OF HITS. I ALSO SAW THAT WITHOUT WARNING THE STEERING CAN STOP ALL TOGETHER CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I ALSO SAW THAT SOMETIMES YOU CAN GO BACK TO THE VEHICLE AND START IT UP AGAIN AND THE STEERING PROBLEM MAY GO AWAY. THIS IS VERY ALARMING. WHAT IF I AM DRIVING AND THE STEERING GOES OUT? THIS, OF COURSE, CAN LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH TO THE DRIVER OR TO OTHERS INVOLVED IN A CRASH.
Mileage: 70,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND AN ABNORMAL BURNING OF THE OUTLET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CHARGE CABLE AND CHARGE RING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,160. UPDATED 01/04/17*LJ
Mileage: 17,160
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.