Recall 12V149 affects 140,310 2012 Ford Focus vehicles for a passenger-side wiper connector seal defect. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 140,310 2012 Focus vehicles because a seal in the passenger-side wiper motor wiring connector is missing. Water or contaminants can collect in the connector and make that wiper work intermittently or stop working, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk; the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The passenger side windshield wiper motor on the 2012 Ford Focus moves the wiper arm across the glass and works with the driver side wiper to keep the windshield clear. Power and control signals reach that motor through a wiring harness connector. A small seal inside the connector is supposed to keep water and road moisture out of the electrical contacts.
On affected Focus vehicles, that seal in the passenger side wiper motor connector is missing. Without the seal, moisture can enter the connector and corrode or interrupt the electrical connection. Once that connection is damaged, the passenger side wiper motor can stop receiving steady power or commands, so the wiper can quit working when the windshield needs clearing.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the passenger side wiper stops moving, moves erratically, or works only intermittently, treat that as a sign the wiper system needs dealer inspection.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Ford Focus | wiper system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 140,310 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Water or other contaminants can collect in the passenger side wiper motor connector. That can make the wiper work intermittently or stop working, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. If the passenger side wiper fails, slow down, avoid heavy weather, and schedule service. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Ford Focus is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to ask whether the free passenger-side wiper motor connector inspection and sealing are open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 12V149 when you call, and bring any Ford notice you received.
- Avoid driving in heavy rain until the repair is complete if the passenger-side wiper works intermittently or stops working.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the passenger side wiper motor connector. If the connector needs service, the technician cleans it and seals it properly so the wiring harness connector matches Ford's recall repair. If the passenger side wiper motor is inoperative, the dealer replaces the motor. Ford's recall service began on May 21, 2012, and parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| April 5, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 21, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V149?
Recall 12V149 covers 140,310 2012 Ford Focus vehicles with a passenger side wiper motor wiring connector that can lack a seal. Water or contaminants can enter the connector, causing intermittent or lost wiper operation and increasing crash risk. Ford dealers inspect, clean, seal, or replace affected parts for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Ford Focus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Focus is included in recall 12V149. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall number 12V149000. The dealer will inspect the passenger side wiper motor connector, clean and seal it, and replace an inoperative wiper motor for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says this service is free. A franchised Ford dealer handles the connector inspection, cleaning, sealing, and any needed passenger side wiper motor replacement.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced visibility from intermittent or inoperative passenger side wiper operation. Water or contaminants can collect in the wiring connector when the seal is missing, which can stop that wiper motor from working correctly and increase crash risk. The dealer repair addresses the connector and affected motor.
When did Ford start this recall repair?
Ford began the safety recall on May 21, 2012. If your VIN is included and the repair has not been completed, call a franchised Ford dealer or Ford's Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 12V149000.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V149000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V149 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V149000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →