2012 Ford Focus Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 61about this part
- Share
- 2%of 3,770 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 61 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Ford Focus, 2% of the 3,770 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles. 13 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The hydraulic brake control unit apparently stuck open and resulted in extended brake pedal travel. I was slowly turning and the rt wheel went over the end of a driveway about 2 inches high. I had it repaired at a Ford dealer who apparently was not familiar with this problem and cost about $1100. I have receipts and correspondence.it occurred 9/24/18 with 31,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11309427, filed 2020-02, 31,000 miles“On 3 occasions while driving down a side street with a speed limit of 35mph, a power steering assist fault notification appeared. On one occasion it prevented my brake pedal from engaging the brakes. The parking brake still worked. The vehicle has a 3rd party warranty through the dealer I bought it from, when taken to their mechanics it was stated that they could find no trace or cause of the issue and could not replicate.”
NHTSA complaint #11141415, filed 2018-10, 122,576 miles“2012 Ford Focus known to have transmission problems. Brakes rumble when being pressed. I am concerned about the safety of the transmission. I have seen that Ford has known about this problem. What is Ford doing to correct this problem”
NHTSA complaint #11350151, filed 2020-08, 86,289 miles“Driver assist fault again. This is the 4th instance that is happened in 3 weeks - where my car suddenly powers off while I am behind the wheel. The last three times it happened while my car was in reverse motion. Today, it happened while I was in drive but stopped at a red light in downtown charlotte, nc. Someone had to help me push my car out of the middle of the road. Occurred on my way to work around 3:30 pm est.”
NHTSA complaint #10955324, filed 2017-02, 89,401 miles“When placing pressure on the brakes to slow down or stop you hear/feel a crunching sound. It never did that before now it does it every time you use the brakes. I have taken it to 3 different garages to be checked and got back that my brakes was fine. One garage said it could be the ABS system making the noise. No power to climb a hill or if you get up the hill the engine/motor does not shift like it suppose to. This all took place in august of 2018.”
NHTSA complaint #11128248, filed 2018-09, 109,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10091151Oct 17, 2016Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service is…
- 10090681Oct 17, 2016Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service is…
- 10055324Mar 1, 2014Ford: there are multiple communication module diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) due to hs-can circuit located on underside of front passenger seat shorting to ground. Model…
- 10045086May 3, 2012Ford: see document search button for owner letter. Vehicle experience roll back when transitioning to accelerator pedal from brake pedal while on incline. Transmission would be…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 11 | 1% |
| 2016 | 13 | 1% |
| 2015 | 10 | 1% |
| 2014 | 32 | 1% |
| 2013 | 24 | 1% |
| 2012 | 61 | 2% |
| 2011 | 5 | 4% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 13 | 5% |
| 2007 | 20 | 5% |
| 2006 | 14 | 7% |
| 2005 | 30 | 7% |
| 2004 | 40 | 10% |
| 2003 | 62 | 6% |
| 2002 | 72 | 8% |
| 2001 | 199 | 11% |
| 2000 | 424 | 12% |
| 1999 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2012 Ford Focus
1,447 complaintsSteering
927 complaintsEngine
475 complaintsOther or unknown
363 complaintsElectrical system
352 complaintsFuel system
340 complaintsBody and structure
332 complaintsVehicle speed control
166 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
134 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
70 complaintsAir bags
55 complaintsElectronic stability control
48 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Ford Focus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology