Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was traveling on a Highway on my way home and as I was turning in a curve at around 40 mph all of a sudden a message came up on my dash that steering assist fault which I didn't know at the time I was to busy trying not to wreck my steering wheel locked In place coming out of the curve which put me in to the other lane of travel and eventually into a ditch and and thank god not into another vehicle, if there is not some kind of safety recall or major issue that should be a recall the governor or someone should address this immediately I was lucky I did not die. 1. So the system that failed is steering assist fault & yes it is available for inspection. 2 my safety and anyone else that was traveling in oncoming lanes life was in serious risk. 3 the problem is still there can't get the steering to move to take it anywhere safely. …
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer across a parking lot. The contact stated after investigating the failure online, she turned off the vehicle for a moment. The contact then restarted the vehicle while turning the steering wheel and the vehicle responded as needed; however, the failure reoccurred increasingly while driving. The message "Loss of Power Steering Assist" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering rack and pinion and outer tie rod needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 15S08. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel failed to operate properly. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the steering wheel resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred twenty times. The contact felt it was unsafe to drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to reverse out of a parking space, the steering wheel ceased. The contact was unaware if there was a warning light illuminated. The contact cruised slowly in reverse out of the parking space but continued experiencing the failure while she drove to the used car dealer. The contact stated that the used car dealer took the vehicle to the local dealer and the local dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the power steering assist failed with the "Service Power Steering Now" message displayed. The contact's husband used excessive force to drive the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel ceased, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle however, the steering wheel was locked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed as power steering motor failure. The dealer replaced the power steering rack. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 66,103.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the steering wheel was stiff and difficult to be turned. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed as power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving and exceeding 25 MPH, the steering wheel was seized. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
It was a fateful day on June 16th, 2020 when our lives took an unexpected turn. Engaged in a peaceful drive, cruising at a steady 60mph with the assistance of the trusty cruise control, we were abruptly jolted towards the left, instantly relinquishing any grasp of control we had over our vehicle causing us to loose control and wreck our car in a corn field. Reason for mechanical failure unknown
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn while driving. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,604.
Steering complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2012 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 927 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Ford Focus, 25% of the model year's 3,770 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford Focus steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2012 Ford Focus, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford Focus steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 23 crashes, 2 fires and 25 injuries and 5 deaths to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.