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2012 Ford Focus Gas Tank Size & Fuel Capacity

Sedan 7 trims listed 3 fuel-system recalls ← 2011 2013 →

Fuel tank capacity

12.4gal · 47 L

The 2012 Ford Focus has a fuel tank capacity of 12.4 gallons (47 liters) on every trim.

A full tank is good for roughly 446–459 highway miles or 322–335 miles around town, going by the EPA ratings.

12.4 gal · Smaller than 94% of 2012 models we list.

Highway range
446–459 mi
City range
322–335 mi
Fuel
Flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA combined
31 MPG
EPA size class
Compact Cars

2012 Ford Focus fuel tank capacity by trim

What changes the tank sizeTap an option to filter the table

Engine
no difference

All 7 trims

MPG and range are city / highway.

TrimEngineDrive Tank MPG city / hwy Range city / hwy
S 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl 5M · FWD Flex-fuel MPG 26 / 36Range 322 / 446 mi 2.0L 4cyl 5M Flex-fuel FWD 12.4 gal47 L 26 / 36 322 / 446 mi
SE 4dr Hatchback 2.0L 4cyl 5M · FWD Flex-fuel MPG 26 / 36Range 322 / 446 mi 2.0L 4cyl 5M Flex-fuel FWD 12.4 gal47 L 26 / 36 322 / 446 mi
SE 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl 5M · FWD Flex-fuel MPG 26 / 36Range 322 / 446 mi 2.0L 4cyl 5M Flex-fuel FWD 12.4 gal47 L 26 / 36 322 / 446 mi
SEL 4dr Hatchback 2.0L 4cyl 6AM · FWD Flex-fuel MPG 27 / 37Range 335 / 459 mi 2.0L 4cyl 6AM Flex-fuel FWD 12.4 gal47 L 27 / 37 335 / 459 mi
SEL 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl 6AM · FWD Flex-fuel MPG 27 / 37Range 335 / 459 mi 2.0L 4cyl 6AM Flex-fuel FWD 12.4 gal47 L 27 / 37 335 / 459 mi
Titanium 4dr Hatchback 2.0L 4cyl 6AM · FWD Flex-fuel MPG 27 / 37Range 335 / 459 mi 2.0L 4cyl 6AM Flex-fuel FWD 12.4 gal47 L 27 / 37 335 / 459 mi
Titanium 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl 6AM · FWD Flex-fuel MPG 27 / 37Range 335 / 459 mi 2.0L 4cyl 6AM Flex-fuel FWD 12.4 gal47 L 27 / 37 335 / 459 mi

Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.

How far a 2012 Ford Focus goes on a tank

Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 31 MPG, a full 12.4-gallon tank covers about 384 miles.

GaugeGallonsHighway milesCity miles
Full12.4459335
3/49.3344251
1/26.2229167
1/43.111584
1/81.65742

Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 484 gallons, roughly 39 full tanks.

In real driving: owners who log fill-ups at fueleconomy.gov average 35 MPG in the Focus (7 drivers), about 434 miles on a full 12.4-gallon tank.

Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.

EPA combined
31 MPG
Tailpipe CO2
287 g/mi
Source
EPA ratings

What it costs to fill up a 2012 Ford Focus

$52.95 to fill the 12.4-gallon tank from empty with regular, at this week's US average of $4.27 a gallon.

TankFuelUS avg / galFrom emptyFrom 1/4 tank
12.4 galRegular$4.27$52.95$39.71
12.4 galE85 (flex-fuel trims)$3.31$41.04$30.78

By region, 12.4-gallon tank

RegionRegular / galFill from empty
East Coast$4.02$49.85
Midwest$4.27$52.95
Gulf CoastLowest$3.70$45.88
Rocky Mountain$4.46$55.30
West Coast$5.42$67.21
CaliforniaHighest$5.89$73.04

Prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail averages for the week of October 26, 2026. This week's prices by state and city.

Your own price

  • 12.4-gallon tank$52.95
  • A year of driving (15,000 mi)$2,066

Starts at the US average for regular; type in what your station charges. For other tank sizes, use the fill-up calculator.

Focus tank size in other years

The tank changed for 2012: 12.4 gal, down from 13.5 gal on the 2011 Focus.

Model yearTankLongest highway range
2017 Focus 12.4 gal 496 mi
2016 Focus 12.4 gal 496 mi
2015 Focus 12.4 gal 496 mi
2014 Focus 12.4 gal 459 mi
2013 Focus 12.4 gal 471 mi
2012 Focus 12.4 gal 459 mi
2011 Focus 13.5 gal 473 mi
2010 Focus 13.5 gal 473 mi
2009 Focus 13.5 gal 473 mi
2008 Focus 13.5 gal 473 mi
2007 Focus 14.0 gal 462 mi
Ford Focus fuel tank by model yearSmallest tank Larger tank options
2000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018
← 2011 Ford Focus Every Focus year 2013 Ford Focus →

2012 Ford Focus vs similar 2012 sedans

The Focus has the smallest tank of the seven 2012 sedans compared here: 12.4 gallons, against 15.9 for the Mazda 3.

2012 modelTankLongest highway range
Mazda 3 14.5–15.9 gal 580 mi
Buick Verano 15.6 gal 499 mi
Mitsubishi Lancer 14.5–15.5 gal 527 mi
Volkswagen Jetta 14.5 gal 609 mi
Honda Civic 13.2 gal 581 mi
Toyota Corolla 13.2 gal 449 mi
Ford Focus 12.4 gal 459 mi

Other 2012 sedans of a similar size, one model per brand.

2012 Ford Focus fuel system recalls

NHTSA lists 3 fuel-system recalls for the 2012 Ford Focus, out of 7 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.

Storage · Evaporative emissions · CanisterJun 9, 2026 · NHTSA 26V369000 · Ford Motor Company · 257,868 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.

Risk and remedy

Risk: An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.

StorageJul 5, 2019 · NHTSA 19V515000 · Ford Motor Company · 57,488 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.

Risk and remedy

Risk: The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.

StorageOct 22, 2018 · NHTSA 18V735000 · Ford Motor Company · 1,282,596 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.

Risk and remedy

Risk: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.

All Ford fuel recalls Look up your tank by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Ford Focus?

The 2012 Ford Focus holds 12.4 gallons (47 liters) on every trim we list.

How many gallons and liters does the 2012 Ford Focus gas tank hold?

The 2012 Ford Focus tank holds 47 liters, or 12.4 gallons in US gallons.

How far can a 2012 Ford Focus go on a full tank?

About 446–459 miles on the highway and 322–335 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.

How many miles can a 2012 Ford Focus go on a quarter tank?

About 115 highway miles or 84 in town from the 12.4-gallon tank, which has roughly 3.1 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.

How many miles does a 2012 Ford Focus really get on a tank?

Drivers who log their fill-ups at fueleconomy.gov average 35 MPG in the 2012 Ford Focus (7 drivers), which works out to about 434 miles on a full 12.4-gallon tank.

What gas does the 2012 Ford Focus take?

Flex-fuel (unleaded/E85). The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.

How much does it cost to fill up a 2012 Ford Focus?

At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 12.4-gallon tank from empty costs $52.95. It ranges from $45.88 in the Gulf Coast to $73.04 in California.

How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 2012 Ford Focus?

About 77 pounds for the 12.4-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.

Does the 2012 Ford Focus have a bigger gas tank than the Mitsubishi Lancer?

No. The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer holds up to 15.5 gallons; the 2012 Ford Focus holds up to 12.4.

Has the 2012 Ford Focus had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 fuel-system recalls for the 2012 Ford Focus: 26V369000 (storage · evaporative emissions · canister); 19V515000 (storage); 18V735000 (storage). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.

Sources

  • Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
  • MPG and range: EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov). Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
  • Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).
  • Recalls: NHTSA recall database (Ford fuel system recalls).
  • Real-world MPG: driver-reported fill-ups shared at fueleconomy.gov (My MPG).

Does your owner's manual say something different? Let us know and we'll fix it. More on how we check the numbers.

Other 2012 Ford models

E-Series Van33.0 gallons E-Series Wagon33.0 gallons Edge18.0–19.0 gallons Escape15.1–17.5 gallons Expedition28.0–33.5 gallons Explorer18.6 gallons F-15026.0–36.0 gallons F-250 Super Duty35.0 gallons F-350 Super Duty35.0 gallons F-450 Super Duty37.5 gallons Fiesta12.0 gallons Flex18.6 gallons