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Ford Focus steering noise problems

27 of the 22,111 owner complaints about the Ford Focus describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 2001 model year.

owner complaints
27
worst model year
2001
typical mileage
61,070
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2018
    1
  • 2015
    3
  • 2014
    4
  • 2013
    4
  • 2012
    3
  • 2009
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2002
    2
  • 2001
    4
  • 2000
    3

What owners say

Filed Mar 20, 2025 · Fuel system, Steering · OK

Since I have had this vehicle, the message " steering assist fault" for my electronic steering has been popping up in the dash screen since as far back as 2016 when there were recalls on the Ford fusion. However, a simple fix would be to turn off the engine and restart the vehicle, and it was go away, only to return a few weeks, or a month later. I repeated the same steps. Now, it has gone out completely, a few months ago. Back then, they told me it would cost about $800, now they are saying $2500. It has occurred various times going back to 2016 until currently, which it is out. Keep in mind, this message has appeared since 2016 and I believe I have contacted you all, who told me that only the Ford Fusion, which has the same exact electrical steering system, went out and that the recall only covered the Ford Fusions models.

Filed Oct 16, 2022 · Steering · TX

I have a 2013 Ford Focus Titanium with 92k miles and have been experiencing problems with my electric steering rack. It’s making noises when turning the steering wheel. I have not had it replaced yet as I fill this something that should recalled and covered through Ford. It has not locked on me yet but this is something that should be recalled and fixed as I’m hearing multiple ford owners are experiencing the same issue.

Filed May 6, 2022 · Steering · PA

Steering rack failed while driving. Leaving parking lot steering started to make a grinding noise and almost immdeiatly locked in place when on the road.

Filed Nov 22, 2021 · 108,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made noises and locked up numerous times. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 100,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford focus. The contact stated that while driving, and turning the steering wheel in either direction, there was a clicking sound coming from the steering. Additionally, on several occasions the horn failed to function as designed. The vehicle was taken to auto park ford located at 1825 centerville rd, sturgis, mi 49091, who indicated that the steering rack was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2019 · Steering · 81,000 miles · MD

Impared steering/grinding noise when turning stationary or in motion, temporary loss of steering control, increasing risk of crash and poses an unreasonable risk to my safety. Please see the federal safety agency # 14v514000 ford recall # 14s18 .

Filed Mar 7, 2019 · Steering · 60,000 miles · OH

Steering developed a knocking noise when going over even small bumps at any speed. Coincided with increased play in the steering wheel. Vehicle has approximately 60000 miles. Was advised that power steering rack had an interior component in danger of breaking, estimated repair cost $1800.

Filed Jan 27, 2019 · Fuel system, Transmission · 24,000 miles · TX

Audible clicking noise when turning corners. Shuddering, sputtering when taking off from red light. Deceleration while driving in town, while driving gears changing without my knowledge, thrusting into gear while moving. Clutch replaced 2017. All of this started happening about 4 months after I bought car from you mentioned dealer, new. So, since 2015, ongoing issues stated above. Ford tells me it's all my imagination.

Filed Jan 2, 2019 · Fuel system, Steering · 84,000 miles · TX

The ford focus recall for the fuel tank deformation is not accurate. The recall letter we received said to maintain at least 1/2 tank of fuel, but my car has shut down multiple times while driving on the highway and at turnarounds despite having a full tank. The solution to this was previously announced for december 2018 and has been postponed until the first quarter of 2019. Ford needs to be further pressured to find a solution now as this poses a major crash risk. In addition to this, I've begun noticing issues with the steering wheel making a noise. Upon taking it to a mechanic, I was told that the steering rack and pinion had to be replaced and that several other owners of the same model had complained about their steering becoming unusable. Ford should issue a recall for this as well.

Filed Nov 18, 2018 · Steering · 16,230 miles · OH

Power steering rack noise backing car up steering car or just driving had to have car towed to repair shop

Related recalls

SteeringReported August 22, 2014 · 508 vehicles affected
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: linkagesReported November 6, 2002 · 446,569 vehicles affected
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 noise

Which Ford Focus years have clunking or noise when steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2001 (4 complaints), 2013 (4 complaints) and 2014 (4 complaints).

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