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I spoke to my local service advisor about this issue and he recommended waiting about 1,000 miles as the 12B37 is a complete re-flash that resets the computer. He mentioned "adaptive shift strategy" and that the car is adapting to how I drive. So, to me it is essentially like the car is new again. So I will wait the 1,000 miles. However I certainly wish that this was mentioned in my letter from Ford, dated May 2012 about the 12B37 "Customer Satisfaction Program". Had I known a little more I would not have been so concerned. I will keep everyone posted on what I find.

Just had the 12B37 done on August 7th. Up until this point I have been completely in love with my little Focus. Seriously, I could not name 1 fault with the little car. My focus has made me question why I wasn't driving a ford before. That is a VERY big statement for me. Background: Car has 16,000 miles, August 7th service was an oil change (full synthetic), tire rotation (nitrofil), recall 12S29 (pass. wiper) and the 12B37 update. Issues found after update: Rough Idle and transmission surging. Rough Idle: I noticed the rough idle at the dealership exit and it has been the same ever since. I consistently use Chevron with Techron (89 typically, 93 every 4th tank) and even I tried a chevron fuel injector cleaning product still nothing has changed. It almost feels like misfires initially, then a real shake like engine mounts, tach is completely stable during this time. It happens when it is cold and hot, no change, does it consistently at every light while idling. Transmission Surging: I noticed this more as I drove the car in different throttle positions / rpms, it took a day or two for me to really start to pin it down. But oddly enough what was really noticeable was the air-conditioning surging at different speeds (had the A/C surge before as well but was very, very slight in comparison), then I keyed into the power surging. The surging is funny, it feels as if you are losing 15-20% of engine power when you are slowly moving through the gears in automatic mode. Really noticeable in 2,3,4th gears. The surging is matched by the erratic A/C pulses. 12B37 Is defined as "Reprogramming PCM-TCM-ABS Modules" well those modules are certainly not communicating as fluidly as before as far as my Focus is concerned. Perhaps the PCM and TCM engineers did not have enough time to completely sort the issue's with 12B37? As far as I was concerned there were no issues with the software that I had (build date sept. 2011). Sure the first 1,000 miles were a bit akward on rare occasions but that is to be expected. Nevertheless, I will take my car to the dealer this weekend to see if I can retro program my car. Hopefully that will sort things out and I can go back to enjoying my little car.

Sorry, Vin # 1FAHP3J26CL213947 Thanks!

Great Info Guys!!

Cyberdman, Thanks so much for the last update. Would you be able to let me know what is happening with my little car now? Thanks again! Rhonda

^ That's a real shame just to use this site for tracking. I find that this forum is informative and has some great members who are pretty dedicated. This forum seems more professional and non abrasive than other focus or ford forums. Just my .02

^ Great news guys! Glad to hear about the window stickers. Cyberdman updated me yesterday and my build date was bumped back to the 11th. No window sticker yet but it's getting closer!! :hyper:

Cyberdman, Would you be so kind as to track the following information for me: Vin # 1FAHP3J26CL213947 Order # S01F Dealer # F24015 Thank you so much for your time, your efforts are greatly appreciated!!

Glad to hear about the priority 1, shame they couldn't give you a little more incentive but it's understandable with a new product. Perhaps they can throw in rubber mats or a cargo carrier?? Oh, Murphy lives at your house too I see. Funny you mentioned that, I am driving a 96' Saturn SL 2 which is a family "loaner" during the week and wouldn't you know it the A/C just died... I feel your pain. I only hope that serious piston / valve damage wasn't caused in your case.

Thanks for posting this aneekr, very interesting indeed. I will be interested to see next years study as I believe that the new Ford products like the fiesta, focus and explorer will position them much higher than their current rating. By next year almost all of the "bean counter" fords will be redesigned!!

OMG!! So excited!!! I just got my Vin # 1FAHP3J26CL213947 and the build date is august 8th according to Ford customer service....So if all goes well I hope to have my new little car at the end of next month!! :happy feet: :happy feet: Just to chronicle my time frame for information on my order: July 13th - Deposit put down July 14th - Price quote "Dora" signed off and returned July 19th - Official "Dora" with Order # and Dealer # received July 28th - Vin # issued Happy-Happy, Joy-Joy!!

I would have them reorder, give you a priority one and some more incentive ($$) as I would be gun shy to reorder with the same dealer. Out of curiosity, did they present you with the Dora sheet which you had to sign off on? At any rate, I hope the order get's rectified quickly for you.

· New phone for Focus – HTC Sensation 4G w/ Bluetooth 3.0 · Pick up rubber all weather mats from dealer, cargo net & coin holder · Pair the Ipod touch · Meguiars wash, clay bar, ultimate polish, ultimate wax, treat wheels then 2nd coat of wax · Photo shoot · Treat interior leather · Treat carpets with scotch guard · Tint: Llumar CTX 15 SR HPR in the rear and CTX 30 SR HPR in the front windows. Finish with AIR 80 on the front windshield · Venture Shield: hood, fenders, front bumper and mirrors. · Road trip: Short jaunt to a not so distant location varying the speeds to break in the new tranny. · Enjoy the new focus! Smiling all the way!!

Wonderful post. I believe it is becoming the norm unfortunately and not only with Ford to be fair. I have been in the same scenario countless times with several manufacturers. I have to say I was very lucky with my Ford salesperson. He was fairly knowledgeable and got back to me with the information that he couldn't answer. He was also very considerate on the test drives (did a few to ensure this was exactly what I was looking for). Your point cannot be stated enough. Consumers are very, very knowledgeable nowadays and sales people are getting paid for their product knowledge. Lack of it is simply unacceptable. Ford really needs to step up to the plate with these new platforms, there are alot of buyers coming from all walks of life for these new cars and if they play their cards right they can steal plenty of market share. However you have to have adequately trained sales staff!

Great solution! Now I know what to do should this happen to me. Thanks for the post.