2012 Ford Focus Electric
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 33 |
| 2013 | 69 |
| 2014 | 55 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
39% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR, THE CAR CHIMED A WARNING AND FLASHED "STOP SAFELY NOW" ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR LOST SPEED AND I COASTED TO A STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131004
39% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR, THE CAR CHIMED A WARNING AND FLASHED "STOP SAFELY NOW" ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR LOST SPEED AND I COASTED TO A STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131004
18% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I STARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING MALFUNCTION ASSIST LIGHT WAS ON AND THE POWER STEERING WAS COMPLETELY OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171113
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FOCUS.... GENERAL RECALL INQUIRY -- ELECTRIC STEERING LOCKED UP IN DRIVEWAY BEFORE LEAVING HOUSE TWICE WITHIN THE LAST WEEK...
NHTSA ODI report, 20171211
9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Electric powertrain propulsion failure
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 vehi
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-
Campaign 13V475000 — check if this car was fixed
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 mo
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the power control module, free of charge. The recall beganon November 22, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S09. Owners may contact Ford M
Campaign 13V523000 — check if this car was fixed
Door Latch Failure
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.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 18V592000 — check if this car was fixed
Door Latch Failures
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Ford Focus Electric — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V475000 (electrical system, equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V523000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V592000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2012 Ford Focus Electric reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Focus Electric?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Focus Electric have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.