2004 Ford Focus Steering Problems
- 20
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 20 stored complaint records:
- 1 indicate a crash
- 1 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- steering wheel · 14 records
- ignition locked · 7 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 6 |
| 30–60k mi | 5 |
| 1–30k mi | 2 |
| 100–150k mi | 2 |
| 150–400k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. The contact stated that the steering column jammed without warning. The dealer (day ford, 3696 william penn hwy, monroeville, pa) and manufacturer were contacted, but did not assist because the vin was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
ODI 11111687
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting · Steering
My vehicle instrument cluster failed causing alternator to die and false readings on the dash with multiple alerts such as battery, airbag , oil and incorrect speed dial. The vehicle instrument failed at 30,000 miles and if you search it is a very common issue with the ford focus vehicle's. The vehicle staled and died while being drove in town and thank god it did not happen while on the highway.
ODI 11105102
Air Bags · Seat Belts · Steering
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 ford focus. While driving 45 mph, the steering wheel veered to the right and vibrated violently. The contact had to release the accelerator pedal and crashed into a ditch. The vehicle flipped over twice. The contact sustained second degree burns from the seat belt, whiplash, and burns to the right arm from the air bags. Medical attention was required. The rear driver side passenger…
Crash reported · 2 injuries
ODI 10904242
Steering
I parked the car over night. In the morning on my way to a medical appointment i inserted the key in the ignition and the steering was locked up. The key goes inside the ignition but it would not turn. I only imagine the same situation while i am driving the vehicle. The steering wheel would not move, can it happen? Has it happen? Let you be the judge.
ODI 10724798
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, an abnormal noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle as it abnormally began steering to the right. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing however, they could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
ODI 10588315
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. The contact stated that he could hear a whining sound whenever the steering wheel was turned and while driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was told that the noise was nothing to be concerned about. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 31,000. The vin was unavailable.
ODI 10395987
Electrical System · Steering
Attempted to start car and steering column and ignition was locked. I can't get either to turn. *tr
ODI 10384870
Steering
2004 ford focus wagon got into car to drive somewhere. The steering wheel was locked up, perfectly aligned, not askew. The key would not turn in the ignition. After remote starting and checking the fuses, the car did turn on. This seems to be a common problem based on research. *tr
ODI 10377923
Ignition · Steering
My key ignition has locked up on my 2004 ford focus leaving me stranded and costing me time from work not to mention the cost its going to be to fix it. I have read many many complaints on this problem and as of yet there is no recall. But i strongly suggest ford considering a recall because it is a safety issue.... Who feels safe stranded on interstate, bad area of town, at night or whatever the case may be! *tr
ODI 10354819
Electrical System · Steering
Ford focus 2004 ignition locked. Opened car as usual, inserted key in ignition to turn and steering wheel appeared to be locked. Tried to turn key and move steering wheel but both wouldn't move. Called dealership and was told the ignition was locked and that it was a common problem. Car now needs to be towed to be fixed. *tr
ODI 10308490
Latches/Locks/Linkages · Steering
No events pulled into parking lot left car for few minutes came back and the ignition was locked solid. From what i am told this is a common issue with the ford focus mine is a 2004. This is a safety hazard maybe not to me this time because i was in a parking lot and waited for over an hour for a tow truck however if i was broken down on the side of the road for a flat tire and this happened what then or is this not…
ODI 10295293
Ignition · Steering
I tried to start my 2004 ford focus zx3 one night only to find that the steering wheel and ignition were locked up. It felt as if the whole steering mechanism was frozen. I'm still researching how to deal with this issues since i can't drive my car. On-line resources have taught me that this is a common problem with the ford focus' yet there is no recall available and we are stuck paying hundreds of dollars to fix a…
ODI 10277284
Electrical System · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Steering
For about a month now, the ignition and/or steering wheel locks up when i try to put the key in to start my 2004 ford focus. I initially spent 20 minutes trying to figure out how to start the car. Now i realize i have to jiggle, turn, & finagle everything just right & i can get it the ignition to turn in a few minutes. It is ridiculous that i now think getting my car started in under 5 minutes is "good." this…
ODI 10257730
Seat Belts · Steering
The ignition on my 2004 ford focus has locked up in the past and i have been able to unlock it with a little jiggling of the steering wheel. Last night was not the same. After trying for 20 minutes, in 20 degree weather, with my 4 year old with me, i had to call a tow truck. They had to tow it to a ford dealership. After researching this problem, i am shocked to see the amount of people that have had this same issue…
ODI 10251778
Latches/Locks/Linkages · Steering
The ignition switch on my 2004 ford focus (manual trans) locked up the steering column. Luckily the car was not running and parked it still required the call of four tow trucks to get it into the dealer. Because the front wheels were locked in a slanted position when i parked the first flatbed truck wasn't able to load it. It required a second truck to tow it to my own mechanic. From there he required it to be towed…
ODI 10250409
Steering
I have a 2004 ford focus. I parked my vehicle at church on sunday and when i came out - i put my key in the ignition to start my car and it was locked up. No matter what i tried i couldn't turn the key or start my car. I called my brother-in-law to come help me. He tried to and nothing worked. He had the suggestion to look on the internet - to look up ford focus and key won't turn on google. I did just that - and…
ODI 10232014
Engine And Engine Cooling · Floor Shift · Rim · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Steering · Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. While driving 55-70 mph, the vehicle and the steering wheel both began to shake. When the speed is below 55 mph, the shaking will stop or decrease. When applying the brakes while driving, the contact heard metal on metal from the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side. The dealer stated that the brakes were fine. The current mileage was 54,019 and failure mileage was 50,759.…
ODI 10210391
Ignition · Steering
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle the key would not turn unless the steering wheel is turned at the same time. The problem occurs intermittently and has not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle is a 2004 ford focus. *ak
ODI 10157422
Ignition · Steering
Dt*: the contact stated for the past four months, while attempting to start the vehicle, the key will not turn unless the steering wheel and the key are turned at the same time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the lock assembly, ignition switch, and steering lock mechanism were replaced. This corrected the problem. Updated 05/30/2006. *ak
ODI 10157419
Equipment · Steering
I drove and parked the 2004 ford focus about 40 mins from my home. About 2 hours later, i went to get in my car and the steering wheel was locked. I inserted the key and it would not turn. Several people tried jiggling the steering wheel, stepping on the brake all to no avail. I called aaa and ford roadside and was told by both that it would need to be towed and that they could do nothing at this time (sat. Evening/…
ODI 10139148