Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 30 | 4% | 48,000 miles |
| 2017 | 20 | 2% | 62,000 miles |
| 2016 | 45 | 4% | 48,000 miles |
| 2015 | 93 | 9% | 62,000 miles |
| 2014 | 222 | 9% | 52,000 miles |
| 2013 | 273 | 13% | 74,000 miles |
| 2012 | 927 | 25% | 78,000 miles |
| 2011 | 10 | 9% | 40,000 miles |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% | 58,000 miles |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% | 7,000 miles |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% | 29,000 miles |
| 2007 | 13 | 3% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% | 47,000 miles |
| 2005 | 18 | 4% | 68,000 miles |
| 2004 | 29 | 7% | 54,000 miles |
| 2003 | 73 | 7% | 71,000 miles |
| 2002 | 53 | 6% | 45,000 miles |
| 2001 | 86 | 5% | 41,000 miles |
| 2000 | 168 | 5% | 63,000 miles |
| 1999 | 1 | 9% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My vehicle seized up as I was driving it and I wrecked it aside a median. I had to tow it to the ford dealership for them to diagnose it as the recall stated. The recall wasn't officially out yet, so I had to tow my vehicle back to my house. This happened in February 2024. I have received a new engine, but had to continue to make payments on a car that I was not able to drive and only received a rental within the past 6 weeks since I have paid for new brakes, new battery, new tires, and an alignment. None of these things were covered for the recall except the engine. The dealership clearly states that because my car has been sitting I have to purchase these other items. I have reached out to corporate and the dealership and haven't gotten anywhere. I don't know if even doing this will help, but I definitely feel taken advantage of. …
The purge valve has been an ongoing continuous problem since we bought the vehicle. I have fixed it multiple times. It's caused the vehicle to stall after putting gas in the tank, and just recently stalled while driving, causing me to hit a curb leading to the passenger front tire popping, the rim being dented, the tire rod bent, alignment out of wack, and the valance ripped off. It also caused a dashboard light to pop up saying Hill Start is Not Available. I was in the car thankfully alone and not with my children. The windshield wipers are a fairly newer issue, they come on whenever they want with the switch being touch. But won't come on when I try to do it myself. I had my mom take a photo of the steering wheel/road while I was driving to show the severity of the alignment needed, it's causing extra wear and tear EXTREMELY fast on tires. …
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact also stated the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed, and the front driver's side tire experienced a blowout. The high engine temperature and the TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
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 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the steering wheel, the steering wheel was sticking and jerked abnormally, making it more difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The contact experienced resistance while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The contact stated that there was a rubbing, grinding, and scratching sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that the jerking had gotten progressively worse and occurred while accelerating from being idle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering gear and rack and pinion had failed. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering); that was related to the 2014 model vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. …
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. Four years ago, the contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, excessive force was needed to steer his vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the rack and pinion were replaced. Recently, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal creaking noise would emit from the power steering without warning. The vehicle was towed to Woody Sander Ford (235 W Mitchell Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232) and he was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle; the contact was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Related recalls (2)
Steering
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673.
Steering › Linkages
Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering knuckle pinch bolt for tightness and correct as necessary. Owner notification began February 10, 2003.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Focus years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (927), 2013 (273), 2014 (222), 2000 (168) and 2015 (93) model years. Steering complaints make up 25% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Ford Focus steering problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 14V-514 (steering, Aug 22, 2014); 02V-289 (linkages, Nov 6, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Focus steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 31% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the column locking › anti-theft device (70 mentions), followed by the column (49).
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.