2011 Ford Fiesta: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Oct 7, 2021 · 84,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the airbags sensor light illuminated, and the steering wheel was making abnormal clicking sounds while driving. The contact also stated that the driver’s side door could not be opened from inside as the door handle was broken. The dealer was made aware of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

Filed Jun 27, 2018 · Steering · 45,070 miles · CA

I had complained of a grinding or clunking sound when turning the steering wheel. Sound and shudder to steering wheel seemed like it was between steering wheel and steering gear. I looked up online articles and it mentioned steering by wire and other misdirection. Seemed to me to be something like a universal joint; but this is not my educated diagnosis, just a thought. Dealer service writers continued to say something akin to "yeah, that's what they do and it's normal for that vehicle/model/etc". On 6/11/18, when I go to pick up vehicle for another problem, [which had recalls and continues to cause problems that are fixed "under warrantee" see ford "customer satisfaction programs 14m01, 14m02" and ford "software update program 15b22] I am told I need to have recommended work done. This recommended work reads as follows: item 03 concern: steering column shaft clunking/binding when turing (side note: yes, written as "turing"!) left or right. Vehicle is equipped with old design steering column shaft. Updated parts available to corrrect and prevent concern from reappearing. Correction: customer does not want work done". [end of work recommended on form]. It is not that I don't want the work completed, it is that I have been bringing up this problem for at least 4 years; ie, under warrantee time and mileage. This is a safety issues, which brought me to your site. I have had no problem up until now other than the sound and creaking feel in steering wheel. What has me upset first is that all the sudden there is now!!! Updated parts available; previously, it was "normal sound and feel". From 6/20, until 6/27/18 daily, I called the ford west rep for calif central valley area @ 866/631-3788. The phone circle ends with options "leave a message" or "for operator, push 0" which cuts off the phone connection. This "normal" steering clunk appears to have now become a safety issue.

Filed Nov 5, 2017 · Steering · VT

Steering wheel flops and clunks during slow turns

Filed Aug 29, 2016 · Steering · 17,782 miles · MI

Clunk clunk noise when turning wheel forward & backwards, when moving. This was verified with dean seller dealer. Advised that steering wheel shaft needed to be replaced. Vehicle had 17,782 miles. Reported to ford motor 8/24/16. Received case #cas-10397672. No help from ford, even though I suggested a defaulted part was involved. They closed case, with no satisfaction from mfg. Or dealer.

Filed Aug 27, 2015 · Steering · 41,418 miles · OH

Began to hear a clunking noise in the steering accompanied by vibration in the steering wheel. This noise and vibration has steadily increased since first noticing it. Feels as though a bearing or bushing has failed or a tooth in the steering gear is missing. Please note: this car has been maintained in a timely fashion and all service has been performed by ford dealerships. Also I am 59 years old and treat the car with respect. I am worried that whatever it is may fail all-together and cause me to have an accident. Please note: there are other complaints of this problem posted on the internet.