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2013 Ford Focus steering complaints

Page 5 of 10: complaints 101 to 130 of 273, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2013 Ford Focus steering problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Mar 28, 2019 · Steering · 62,000 miles · WI

Complete failure of power steering making car impossible to drive. Per dealer rack / bolt failure. Estimate to repair $2200. Could have caused car crash. What happened warning light to pull over get service immediately followed by complete locking of steering. Even the tow truck person could barely get on to tow truck because could not move position of care.

Filed Mar 11, 2019 · Steering · 90,814 miles · OH

The steering failure was noticed driving at high way speed as it became very difficult to maintain a straight line of travel. Once I determined something was wrong I pulled over to run the cars built in diagnostic. The diagnostic claimed there was a steering fault and service was needed but appeared as if the vehicle was still functional. I then decided to shut the vehicle off and restart it, once restarted the error message "steering loss stop safely" appeared and the steering was effectively locked up

Filed Mar 10, 2019 · Steering · 112,000 miles · NC

While driving on the interstate received a warning 'power steering assist fault- service required'. Nearly wrecked, but was able to pull onto the shoulder, when I restarted the vehicle the error went away and power steering was back. Made it home (cautiously) and now the error comes up every time I start the vehicle and the wheel is nearly impossible to turn.

Filed Mar 1, 2019 · Steering · 96,000 miles · FL

Could happen while driving or when you turn on the car.... On the screen appears a message saying 'steering wheel problem, please contact service' and the wheel turns to be really hard to move, very dangerous..... The only way to fixed on the moment is to stop.... Turn off the car and on again. This is a automatic steering system, there is no way to add fluid or try to fix it by yourself.

Filed Feb 12, 2019 · Steering · 58,000 miles · DC

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the contact had to use excessive strength to steer the vehicle to safety. The power steering indicator illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to diehl's ford sales (11782 national pike, grantsville, md 21536, (301) 895-5135) where it was diagnosed that a new power steering system needed to be installed. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 58,000. The VIN was unknown.

Filed Feb 11, 2019 · Engine, Steering · 84,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. When the contact restarted the vehicle, the power steering assist warning message displayed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. After turning the engine off, the contact indicated that the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to ganley ford west (16100 lorain ave, cleveland, ohio) to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The failure mileage was 84,000.

Filed Feb 1, 2019 · Steering · 105,000 miles · UT

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. The contact stated that the power assist steering module malfunctioned and seized. Westland ford (3450 wall ave, ogden, ut 84401, (801) 629-5500) was able to replicate the failure and a module was reprogrammed, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they, with the help of the manufacturer, stated that the steering rack failed. The vehicle was not repaired again because the contact was informed that he would have to pay for the repairs. The failure mileage was 105,000...*bf consumer has had 2 occurrences with power steering. First time power steering did not rotate. Had the vehicle towed and reprogrammed the power assist module. Second time the same locked steering column issue recurred. Neither event was while driving. ?parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).?

Filed Jan 30, 2019 · Steering · 80,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering assist warning indicator illuminated. The following morning, the message center displayed "power steering lost, do not drive". The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jan 17, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 102,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the check engine indicator illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel failed and was difficult to turn. Also, the fuel gauge was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to jarrett scott ford of plant city (2000 e baker st, plant city, fl 33563 (877) 751-9729) to be diagnosed, but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle should be included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v735000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2019 · Steering · 127,853 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While attempting to make a right turn, the contact experienced difficulty turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an unknown ford dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering module needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,853. The VIN was not provided.

Filed Jan 15, 2019 · Steering · 97,000 miles · IN

I went to leave one day and my steering wheel was locked. It came unlocked itself. While we were driving home on the interstate at speeds of 70-75 MPH the power assist light comes on and lost power steering. No steering whatsoever. Mechanic checked out and its the rack and pinion. No recalls but all these same models with the same faulty steering. 97000 miles. Rack and pinion was replaced.

Filed Jan 1, 2019 · Steering · 139,000 miles · TN

The steering assist became in operable making it almost impossible to steer the car. It was parked at the time. But left my teenage daughter stranded

Filed Dec 21, 2018 · Steering · 93,000 miles · MA

Steering was catching while driving and I had to push hard to turn the wheel past certain points as it got caught at certain points. This happened while driving on the highway. That issue stopped but the wheel makes a grinding noise while turning the wheel at low speeds. I was told that the electrical rack and pinion steering needs to be replaced. The vehicle as about 93k miles on it.

Filed Dec 8, 2018 · Steering · 82,000 miles · TX

Electric steering rack malfunctions, failing to come on, and displays 'steering fault' on the information display. Lately it fails to turn on every time I start the vehicle, only working after I turn the car off and on again. I have had this problem for over a year, but until recently it was infrequent. I am now concerned I will be stranded or that it will fail while driving, potentially causing serious injury.

Filed Dec 3, 2018 · Steering · 72,000 miles · PA

Takata recall vehicle only has 72,000 miles n the electric power steering motor clanks can't replace motor have to replace whole rack system n at anytime while driving it can lock up n cause a accident

Filed Nov 28, 2018 · Steering · OH

Steering locked up while backing out of parking spot. Lucky was able to drive it forward back into spot. Steering fluid at appropriate level, more than just a fail in power steering. Twenty-four hours later car will start and even go into gear, but steering locked.

Filed Nov 22, 2018 · Steering · 74,000 miles · MA

Steering is locked and will not turn. Message appeared that stated steering loss stop safely. Vehicle is not drivable, if I was driving when this happened I would have crashed. Vehicle only has 74000 miles on it.

Filed Nov 22, 2018 · Steering · 105,000 miles · CA

Power steering assist failed for several minutes. Steering effort was extremely high during this period (far higher than old manual steering cars). Power assist recovered after stopping the car and re-starting.

Filed Nov 9, 2018 · Steering · 110,000 miles · IN · crash

My 2013 ford focus steering wheel has been locking up. I was driving 75 on a highway and my wheel locked up. I lost control of the car, spinning several times before landing in a ditch with my 7 year old in the backseat. We were not hurt thankfully, but it has caused some emotional trauma for my son who had to receive counseling. My car was checked by professionals through ford collision cener. I had to get new tires and an alignment, about $1000 worth of damage. Since no one could find anything wrong with my steering I thought maybe it was a freak accident. My steering wheel has locked up several times when putting it in reverse. It then locked up completely while making a left hand turn that almost ended in another wreck. It is the steering motor and will cost me $1800 to fix. I have filed a claim with ford and they refuse to take responsibility for this steering defect. Upon doing some research, the steering motor has been a problem with ford's from 2010-2014, with documented casualties due to the steering locking up. This is a serious issue and should not be ignored any longer. Recall the steering motors now, take action. I can't even trade this car in for another because the price of the vehicle deteriorates with every recall, including the recall of their faulty transmission issues. Get these cars off the roads, they are a hazard!

Filed Nov 5, 2018 · Steering · 85,900 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. When the vehicle was started, the power steering fault warning indicator illuminated and the steering ability seized. The contact turned the vehicle off and on, but the failure continued. The vehicle was unable to be driven. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,900.

Filed Nov 1, 2018 · Steering · 77,767 miles · OH

While driving to work on a city street my car just quit on me the dash indicated steering wheel default, I started the car up had no problems since four weeks ago he did the same thing my car had 77,767 miles at the time.

Filed Oct 31, 2018 · Steering · 63,000 miles · FL

Rack and pinion parts give out at 60,000 miles resulting in power steering failure. Gave out while stationary.

Filed Oct 29, 2018 · Engine, Steering · 84,000 miles · OH

Hill start assist light unavailable light and skid light came on. Car jolts in it's own direction all of a sudden. Clutch problem also. Car isn't driving properly or shifting in gears properly. Driving car on street. When turning car wants to go in it's own direction. Scary.

Filed Oct 22, 2018 · Steering · 100,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and failed to move. When the contact turned the vehicle off and on, the steering returned to normal. The power steering assist indicator displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Oct 22, 2018 · Fuel system, Steering · 110,000 miles · MO

Many people are aware of the transmission control module problem with the 2013 ford focus that has been recalled. However, I have had another problem with my ford focus that I researched and found that many more people are having the same or similar problem with their fuel tank collapsing and needing to replace most of the components in the entire fuel system. I had the purge valve replaced as an out of pocket expense as my extended warranty has expired, hoping this would fix the problem. I was informed by the mechanic that to fix my car completely, it would most likely need a new fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel line and of course the purge valve ( which I had replaced ). My car is only 5 years old and I do not know how or why I need to replace the entire fuel system. I have seen many posts describing the same situation on carcomplaints.com and know of someone locally who I know personally who has the exact same problem with their 2013 ford focus. When driving, my engine will shut off completely. From time to time, my oil light will come on as my engine stalls out and tries to 'die' and I can press the gas to 'revive' the engine and keep it from shutting off. This repair of the fuel system was estimated to cost $2,000 to repair and I just don't have it. I listed my car online for $5,400 as is and have no one interested in it at that price after I've invested nearly $20,000 in this car in the 4 years I've been making payments, maintenance and repairs on it. I've also had the power steering replaced on this vehicle when I had around 80,000 miles on it. The power steering failed while in motion and almost caused an accident. This particular vehicle is a dangerous one. Buyer beware.

Filed Oct 18, 2018 · Steering · 81,972 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel stalled and the steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (jones ford casa grande, 1932 n pinal ave, casa grande, az 85122) where it was diagnosed that the steering pump failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and contacted the dealer, but no further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 81,972.

Filed Oct 17, 2018 · Steering · 81,972 miles · AZ

Car was parked for about an hour and when we went to leave we did not have any steering. Car was fine before we parked it.

Filed Oct 14, 2018 · Steering · 113,750 miles · NC

Power steering assist failure, the steering wheel is incredibly hard to turn when the vehicle is stationary.

Filed Oct 2, 2018 · Steering · 78,000 miles · TX

About 5 months ago, upon starting my car after being left overnight received an error message of "steering assist fault" and the steering wheel was incredibly difficult to turn. I turned it off and restarted it and the error message was gone and the steering was normal again. This would happen again twice over the next 5 months but it always corrected itself once I restarted the car. Earlier this week the error came on again but wouldn't go away and my steering wheel was difficult to turn. With difficulty I was able to get it to the dealership where after several days I was told the entire steering rack needed to be replaced. This car is less than 5 years old and has just shy of 78,000 miles on it.

Filed Sep 24, 2018 · Steering, Transmission · 100,000 miles · PA

Bought this car - had less than 2 years and the transmission failed twice. The transmission issues were covered under a recall. Steering assist fault/malfunction was happening. You'd shut the car off and turn it back on and it would fix itself. The steering assist fault come one while my daughter was driving and she could no longer steer the vehicle. Thank god she wasn't involved in a car accident and was close to our house. This seems to be a well-known defect in the ford cars and ford is offering no help to fix the issues. They are going to get sued because, sadly, this defect is going to end up killing someone. They are lucky my daughter wasn't hurt. This steering issue should be recalled. Lives are at risk and no one seems to care (especially ford!). Now ford wants $2,500 to fix this defect. I don't think so! Ford will not get another red cent from me, ever! Their steering defect could have cost my daughter her life! I'm ready for a class action lawsuit. I'm ready to fight! What is it going to take to get this defect recalled? An innocent life, maybe two? What? Everyone is put on notice that there is a serious malfunction with this car and I know ford already knows about it. They've had issues with steering in their other vehicles that have been recalled and they've had 100s+ (if not more) of complaints with this vehicle in particular regarding the steering. Ford turning a blind eye is completely unacceptable!

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