FaultScore

2014 Ford Focus steering problems

221 of the 3,628 complaints about the 2014 Ford Focus are about the steering — 6% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 51,000 miles.

B

221

Complaints

12

Crashes

1

Fires

6

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Steering 215 97.3%
Rack AND Pinion 2 0.9%
Hydraulic Power Assist System 1 0.5%
TIE ROD Assembly 1 0.5%
Power Steering Fluid 1 0.5%
Electric Power Assist System 1 0.5%

Steering across every Ford Focus year

2000 173 8.3%
2001 86 4.1%
2002 53 2.5%
2003 76 3.6%
2004 29 1.4%
2005 18 0.9%
2007 13 0.6%
2008 12 0.6%
2010 13 0.6%
2011 10 0.5%
2012 928 44.3%
2013 274 13.1%
2014 221 10.5%
2015 94 4.5%
2016 45 2.1%
2017 20 1.0%
2018 30 1.4%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 83,000 miles Hephzibah, GA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The message "See the Dealer" was displayed, and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a slight loss of automotive power while driving uphill and the steering became very loose. The contact stated that while turning to the left or the right, the steering wheel failed to return to center. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failures with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V369000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 14V514000 (STEERING); as possible causes for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Greenville, TN

STEERING

When I turned on my car the power steering said at fault and normally I could turn it off then turn it back on and it worked but after that time it never turned back on

NHTSA complaint #11755369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Quapaw, OK

STEERING

I was driving down the road when the car dinged and a yellow light came on the bottom of the dash and it said steering loss please pull over for safety reasons so I pulled over shut the car off waited a couple minutes and then turned the car back on and the light turned red and I had no power steering at all.

NHTSA complaint #11743118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Temple, TX

STEERING

Lost steering

NHTSA complaint #11742008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bakersville, NC

STEERING

My power steering just suddenly stopped working

NHTSA complaint #11704965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 156,000 miles Springfield, MO

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel fractured. The contact stated that the steering wheel independently moved back and forth. The contact stated that the failure was persistent and a safety issue. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with a fractured steering wheel bolt. The contact was informed that the steering wheel bolt, nut, and seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was advised to contact the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

NHTSA complaint #11687433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 32,000 miles Fleming Island, FL

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the steering wheel gear needed to be replaced. The DTC: P3000 was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA complaint #11653593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Troy, NY

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that a dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electrical steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA complaint #11646516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 81,000 miles Laingsburg, MI

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic and the steering rack, steering gears, and the stabilizer bar were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA complaint #11639063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 81,000 miles Laingsburg, MI

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that an unknown message was displayed. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle as not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA complaint #11637279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,643 miles Stone Mountain, GA

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel becomes very difficult to maneuver as the "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required, Service Now" warning message was displayed. The local dealer was contacted, however, the vehicle was not diagnosed as the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,643.

NHTSA complaint #11634926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 167,000 miles Mequon, WI

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized, and felt very stiff. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000.

NHTSA complaint #11626602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chico, CA

STEERING

Car failed to turn

NHTSA complaint #11622015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Duncan, SC

STEERING

The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel, the steering became tight. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent and the contact was informed about a recall. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (STEERING). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact there was no recall coverage on the VIN. The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the steering gears needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11619142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 145,000 miles Piggott, AR

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH and pulling up to the fuel pump at a gas station, the steering wheel was turned to the right, and the contact could not release the key from the ignition. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited a while before restarting the vehicle. The contact attempted to turn the vehicle and noticed that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact checked the diagnostic app for the vehicle and noticed it had stated that the power steering assist had failed. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) but not in any recall regarding the power steering. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in a steering recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.

NHTSA complaint #11612990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,520 miles Philadelphia, PA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the "Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic also made the contact aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,520.

NHTSA complaint #11610207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 62,000 miles Paducah, KY

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering assist fault warning light illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel did not function as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently at first; however, the failure became persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA complaint #11586815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,000 miles Fairmont, NC

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while turning the steering wheel in either direction there was a grinding noise coming from the steering column. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA complaint #11582678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 135,610 miles Diamond Bar, CA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shake uncontrollably, and the vehicle was hesitant to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact also became aware that the clutch was slipping. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally failed to start with a clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 135,610.

NHTSA complaint #11555141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cokato, MN

STEERING

The power steering went out while driving it. She could hardly turn the vehicle to get it to a parking spot. Vehicle needs a new steering assembly. My daughter drives this. So many other concerns about steering issues on this type of vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11552289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pontiac, IL Crash 1 injured

STEERING

Unable to control vehicle in light rain conditions. Steering took me straight off the highway into a steel wire fence. Totalled the car with massive front end damage. Seat belt did not lock. Knocked window out with head during impact. The ONLY airbag to deploy was the knee airbag, shooting the hard plastic straight into my kneecap.

NHTSA complaint #11548551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,700 miles Aliquippa, PA

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 10-15 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 48,700.

NHTSA complaint #11545271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aquilla, TX

STEERING

Steering gear box failure. Open recall 14s18 for same month and year manufactured but Ford declines to repair.

NHTSA complaint #11542070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ellwood City, PA

STEERING

AsI drive down the road my car swerves back and forth hard to control the steering wheel. This has happened several times and gets worse every time. Very scary to drive down the road I took it to a mechanic he said that it was the rack and pinion part on the car. He also said that there was a recall on it in 2014, I have only had this car since 2018 so I don't know if it was fixed in the recall. This car is very dangerous to drive. The traction light came on and has not gone off since, also a message comes up that Hillside assist start not available . Would like to have this problem fixed if it a recall. I don't feel safe traveling in it.

NHTSA complaint #11539464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 147,000 miles Rotonda West, FL

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the “Power Steering Failure" message was displayed, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 147,000.

NHTSA complaint #11538449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 169,097 miles Iuka, MS

STEERING

POWER STEERING ASSIST, FAILURE: ENGINE FAILURE TO START: POWER BRAKE ASSIST, FAILURE: TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, FAILURE: CLUTCH FAILURE AND SHIFT ROUGHNESS:. CAR UNUSEABLE FOR THREE YEARS WITHOUT BECAUSE OF PARTS INAVAILABILITY: This type even happened mutiple times because of the transmission control module failure. The first sign of problems was shuddring and rough shifting beginning with about 30,000 miles on the vehicle Multiple trips to the Ford Dealerships resulted in Unsatisfactory action by Ford Motor company to repair the problem The result was safety problems like stalling and losing power steering and brake assist in traffic. It displayed multiple system failure warnings when it failed, Steering asist, Brake assist, ABS, transmission position light was in park while driving. We tried to get repairs done but they just kicked it down the road till we fought with the car to get 160,000 miles out of it because there was no other choice and they denied there was a problem. It was completely unserviceable beginning on the shown date because the clutch control and transmission control module have been faulty, It has started a few times but will not shift properly and the clutch is faulty because of the control module being bad. We paid to have the control module replaced when it became available, but the vehicle is not servicable because the clutch and flywheel are damaged from the module being faulty. This should have been a safety recall as soon as the problem was discovered, but it was hidden and the owners of these vehicles have had to deal with it over the last 10 years. Any of these cars on the road are just as dangerous as this one It.is still at the shop 4 months after they tried to patch it awaiting the determination of whether a clutch recall will fix it or not. These owners of these cars are driving time bombs if they are not able to react to the problems listed in traffic.

NHTSA complaint #11515515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Wainwright, AK

STEERING

The steering assist went out at approximately 27000 miles without any warning. I was heading out to work and the steering locked up and I had to manually turn the wheel but I needed a lot of strength to get it to turn. The vehicle went to a mechanic to be diagnosed, and I was told the steering rack and pinion had failed and needs replacing.

NHTSA complaint #11505733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Batavia, IA

STEERING

Driving down road car said power steering loss pulled over and restarted car and then said steering loss lost full steering going down highway at 70

NHTSA complaint #11499801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, TX

STEERING

When trying to accelerate, it hesitates. Not sure if it’s a transmission problem.

NHTSA complaint #11499453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 41,004 miles Hamburg, NY

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed and became inoperable and felt loose. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 41,004.

NHTSA complaint #11483275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2014 Ford Focus problems

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