2013 Ford Focus: steering wheel locks up

Filed Dec 14, 2021 · Steering · CA

Power steering assist failed while driving on the highway. I pulled over and turned off the car to investigate and the steering wheel locked up.

Filed Sep 26, 2021 · Steering · MI

On September 25, 2021 around 11:30pm, I was driving and the steering wheel happened to lock out of nowhere and I’m not able to turn correctly. It was a very dangerous situation and I couldn’t turn and the car was going straight. I was very close to get into a car accident. I bought car without any issues and I’ve been taking good care of it and out of nowhere the steering wheel locked on me and gave me a signal saying “steering loss stop safely” i went to advanced parts to have it tested on a Sunday and they said I needed to replace my catalyst system efficiency which I was aware of that needed to replaced but nothing else showed besides the code they gave me P0420. The vehicle hasn’t been Inspected or component by a insurance company or others.

Filed Jan 10, 2021 · Steering · IN

The steering locks up while driving and is very hard to turn. There is no light or code. It's very unsafe especially on the highway. If there is an accident ford will be hearing from our lawyers. This should've have been recalled along with the other models and years that had the same electric power steering problems.

Filed Jun 23, 2020 · Driver assistance, Transmission · 31,000 miles · IL

While driving a fully-charged 2013 ford focus bev, the "stop safely now" message appeared, resulting in the steering wheel locking as I slowed the car. Car had difficulty shifting to park once stopped.

Filed May 26, 2020 · Steering · 86,000 miles · FL

My electronic steering assist system failed, I was driving back from doing errands, pulled into my apartment complex and the yellow light came on and the error code came on, my steering locked up couldn't turn steer wheel, lucky I was going slow pulled in parking space..this has come on before but then just went off, I can't imagine going any faster and the steering cease up, I think its dangerous, I got towed to dealership,now is on backorder and is going to take some time, thank you *dt

Filed Jan 24, 2020 · Steering · 87,000 miles · CA

My power steering seized and went out while driving on the freeway with my child. We are so lucky that we did not crash and die! I have had nothing but problems with my 2013 ford focus! I just wanted a safe car for my child and I. Even after I fix it and pay over $2000.00 I will never feel safe in this car again! How can ford be ok with this. The car itself should be recalled! Power steering, transmission replacement, brake lines failing, radio has gone out, sync never worked, door latches failed, now I am told my gas tank is recalled! Ugggg!

Filed Sep 6, 2019 · Steering · 88,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the electric power steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle at a nearby fuel station and then drove home. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 88,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · TX · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2013 ford focus. When the contact's son started the vehicle, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact's son drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the vehicle had a defective canister purge valve (cpv). Later that day, the vehicle stalled and a fuel odor was detected. The following day, while the contact's son was driving 68 MPH, it was believed that the engine stalled and the steering seized. As a result, the vehicle crashed head on into a tree. The contact's son died instantly and the passenger was ejected from the vehicle through the windshield. Another motorist observed the crash and called 911. The passenger was airlifted to the hospital and received medical attention for their unknown injuries. The contact's son was pronounced dead on the scene. The air bags deployed upon impact. A police report was filed. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v735000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 19, 2019 · Steering · 131,000 miles · NC

After starting my vehicle, and putting it into gear, the steering wheel locks up and I get an error stating "steering fault assist service required". Turning the vehicle off and on again fixed this issue a few times before, but it worries me that the power steering could go out at any time. There are several recalls for other ford models having this issue, such as the fusion, but there is no recall for the focus.

Filed May 30, 2019 · Steering · 50,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. When the vehicle was started, the steering wheel seized and the steering assist fault indicator illuminated. The failure recurred. The contact called brandon ford at 813‑246‑3673 (located at 9090 e adamo dr, tampa, fl 33619) and scheduled an appointment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed May 7, 2019 · Steering · 120,000 miles · CA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While making a left turn, the steering wheel seized without warning and became difficult to turn. As a result, the contact crashed into a median. There were no injuries. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home as the power steering and oil warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Apr 16, 2019 · Steering · 61,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford focus. While the contact's daughter was driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The driver managed to steer the vehicle home. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred. The failure mileage was 61,000.