2012 Ford Focus MPG
29–32 mpg combined across 9 EPA-rated versions. Best: Focus SFE FWD (FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 28 city / 39 hwy / 32 combined; lowest: Focus FWD (2.0L 4-cyl, M5) at 29. Includes 1 plug-in/electric version.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Electric (EV) | Electric | CVT | FWD | 110 | 99 | 105 · 76 mi range | $700 |
| Focus SFE FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | AM6 | FWD | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Focus SFE FWD FFV (FFV) | 2.0L 4-cyl | AM6 | FWD | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | AM6 | FWD | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Focus FWD FFV (FFV) | 2.0L 4-cyl | AM6 | FWD | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Focus FWD FFV (FFV) | 2.0L 4-cyl | AM6 | FWD | 27 | 36 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | AM6 | FWD | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | M5 | FWD | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Focus FWD FFV (FFV) | 2.0L 4-cyl | M5 | FWD | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
How it compares
- 2012 Compact Cars: class average 25.6 mpg over 159 versions; best Focus +6.4 (#9).
- 2011: 29 mpg best (+3 for 2012).
- 2013: 32 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $700–$2,300 a year ($1,600 difference).
- 2018 model: 34 mpg best (+2).
Safety
| Crash test | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Focus 5 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 11.7% risk |
| Ford Focus 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 11.7% risk |
3,802 owner complaints: Power Train 1460, Steering 933, Engine 477, Electrical System 366. Crashes 108, fires 15, injuries 88, deaths 5.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 1460 | 38% |
| Steering | 933 | 25% |
| Engine | 477 | 13% |
| Electrical System | 366 | 10% |
| Unknown Or Other | 359 | 9% |
| Structure | 332 | 9% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 287 | 8% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 170 | 4% |
Recent owner reports: Power Train
“Transmission overheating warning light Transmission clutch stuck open recommended to change out “actuator A” but did not solve. Clutch fork needs replacement”
“Rowe ford came stated he checked to see it the software was there also stated there were codes and said he was done. He never fixed the software cause i have u codes that state pcm and has locked my car into limp mode which means my car is immobilized due to the bad software. They closed Out the recall on there end with out the proper Fix. It was their mobile service.”
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart but failed to move. The message "Transmission Failure" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer.”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).
| Date | Component | Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 9, 2026 | Fuel System, Gasoline › storage › evaporative Emissions › canister | 26V369000 |
| Jun 8, 2020 | Latches/Locks/Linkages › doors › latch | 20V331000 |
| Jul 5, 2019 | Fuel System, Gasoline › storage | 19V515000 |
| Oct 22, 2018 | Fuel System, Gasoline › storage | 18V735000 |
| Sep 6, 2016 | Latches/Locks/Linkages › doors › latch | 16V643000 |
| Aug 1, 2013 | Exterior Lighting | 13V335000 |
| Oct 2, 2012 | Equipment | 12E035000 |
| Apr 5, 2012 | Visibility › windshield Wiper/Washer › switch/Wiring | 12V149000 |