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 2016 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph, she made a left turn and the steering wheel seized. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle crashed into the side of a house. There were people inside the house, however, they were not injured and medical attention was not received. The contact did not have her seat belt on and her face hit the dashboard upon impact. The air bags deployed. The contact did not receive medical attention on the scene but later went to the hospital for injuries sustained to her face. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,720.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the message "Steering Assist Fault. Service Required" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be charged a repair fee. The contact also stated that the hatchback had opened independently while driving and while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V698000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Structure). Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved to 4,000 but the vehicle failed to accelerate. Additionally, the transmission was slipping. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The message "Transmission Failure" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned on the hazard lights. The contact stated that the vehicle continuously lost and regained electrical power independently. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the transmission was malfunctioning, and the contact was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the TCM was replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Ford Campaign Number: 19N08. …
The car worked fine in the first couple months and slowly declined. The rpm will shoot up and down causing the car to jerk and not able to surpass certain speeds. It works sometimes, so when going to work in the freeway it was fine then it started acting up again, causing other cars to almost crash into me. I had to drive with hazards and luckily i was able to safely pull to the side. Instances like this occur a lot more now because the car doesn't act normal anymore. I took it to a mechanic and it was a gear issue and a module error. I had asked how i was to fix it, and they said only main dealerships can fix a module board. It's making my transmission overheat and now my steering wheel is stuck and won't move.
The contact called on behalf of his girlfriend, who owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact became aware that the steering wheel was extremely loose. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while reversing into the driveway, the power steering assist warning light illuminated, and the steering became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,500.
The transmission started failing in 2020 and part of it was repaired on a recall and part we had to pay out of pocket. The entire steering rack failed in July of 2022 requiring replacement. Reports suggest this is a known issue yet Ford offered nothing. Now the transmission is slipping and failing again less than two years since being repaired by Ford. This is a critical safety issue and they can't diagnose the car for 4-6 weeks and are offering no rental assistance for a known factory defect. These cars are dangerous and the fact that Ford won't do anything to jump on the problem when it happens means more liability for the drivers of these vehicles.
Car turned off while driving three times. Once when put in park it locked on a busy road. Replaced fuse to battery, still turned off while driving. Lights stay on and its a pretty new battery so thats nit the issue, when turning the key there is no noise, no clicking or grinding. Main issue is the fact it turns off while driving and the fact it locks up when put in park. That's helpful to no one. Windows can't be rolled up either which meant being trapped guarding a vehicle in 92 degree weather. Anti theft is literally so dumb and in annoying. Great thought, terrible in practice. Am currently waiting on tow truck. Open invention on what caused this now.
My 2016 Ford Focus SE is stalling at higher temperatures while driving at high speeds, which is very dangerous. This issue occurs primarily during hotter daily temperatures. I have previously taken the vehicle in for the recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000) related to the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) malfunction, which was supposed to address excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system. However, this did not resolve the stalling issue. This has stalled my car out at interstate highway speeds (75 MPH) which makes me lose power steering and acceleration and has nearly ended in accidents numerous of times due to this.
While driving my 2016 Ford Focus, the electric power steering suddenly failed. Instantly, it became extremely difficult to steer and fortunately, I was able to get the car off the road without causing an accident. A "steering assist fault" appeared on the information screen as well. This car has only 24300 miles on it. I firmly believe this is a serious safety issue and a recall is in order.
Steering complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2016 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Ford Focus, 4% of the model year's 1,183 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Ford Focus steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2016 Ford Focus, though it has 10 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 2016 Ford Focus steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries 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.