The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Steering Wheel Alert Malfunction" message displayed on the instrument panel, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was rendered inoperable. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01 (EPAS Steering Efforts); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 145,145.
Ford Focus steering lock-up problems
355 of the 22,111 owner complaints about the Ford Focus describe steering wheel locks up, most of them for the 2012 model year.
- owner complaints
- 355
- worst model year
- 2012
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,142
- typical mileage
- 72,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Engine failure 108Power steering loss 35Stalling 17Jerking 14Won't start 12Loss of power 9Grinding brakes 7Hesitation 5
Trouble codes mentioned
P3000 1P0420 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn while driving. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,604.
Steering system failure light came on and the Rack and pinion failed with no warning while I was driving on the highway at 75mph and the steering wheel locked up almost causing a potential fatal accident.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized momentarily, due to a sudden loss of power steering functionality, causing the vehicle to cross over to the other side of the road, eventually stopping in a patch of grass on the side of the road. The contact continued to drive the vehicle with manual steering. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall for the steering. The contact used a diagnostic tool and retrieved a power steering fault code. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering assist warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with electronic power steering assist module failure. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering assist module needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
I was traveling on a Highway on my way home and as I was turning in a curve at around 40 mph all of a sudden a message came up on my dash that steering assist fault which I didn’t know at the time I was to busy trying not to wreck my steering wheel locked In place coming out of the curve which put me in to the other lane of travel and eventually into a ditch and and thank god not into another vehicle, if there is not some kind of safety recall or major issue that should be a recall the governor or someone should address this immediately I was lucky I did not die. 1. So the system that failed is steering assist fault & yes it is available for inspection. 2 my safety and anyone else that was traveling in oncoming lanes life was in serious risk. 3 the problem is still there can’t get the steering to move to take it anywhere safely. 4 No it has not been inspected by anyone other than my brother to tow it home for me. 5 There was no warning lamps or malfunctions or symptoms at all until the incident happened the steering locked up I heard a tone and when I finally came to a stop these words where on the center dash display. Steering Assist Fault Service required.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The message "Transmission Failure" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned on the hazard lights. The contact stated that the vehicle continuously lost and regained electrical power independently. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the transmission was malfunctioning, and the contact was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the TCM was replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Ford Campaign Number: 19N08. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,069.
Driving down the windy mountain road and all power steering fails and the steering locks up and cause it to jerk hard. Can’t control vehicle at any speed. Not inspected but put on computer and it says steering module failure. 06/20/2023.
Related recalls
Steering
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. Ford's number for this recall is 14S18.
Recall number 14V514000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported.
- Risk
- Loose pinch bolts could exhibit noise, vibration and, in extreme cases if left uncorrected, separation of the joint or fracture of the ball joint stud, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering knuckle pinch bolt for tightness and correct as necessary. Owner notification began february 10, 2003. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332.
Recall number 02V289000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Focus steering lock-up
Which Ford Focus years have steering wheel locks up problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2012 (130 complaints), 2000 (57 complaints) and 2013 (34 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix steering wheel locks up on the Ford Focus?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,142 (median of 52 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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