2012 Ford Focus Steering Problems
- 791
- 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 791 stored complaint records:
- 20 indicate a crash
- 21 indicate injury
- 2 indicate fire
- 3 indicate a death
What owners report
- power steering · 103 records
- steering wheel · 44 records
- steering assist · 43 records
- assist fault · 15 records
- steering failed · 13 records
- failure mileage · 12 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 339 |
| 30–60k mi | 165 |
| 100–150k mi | 138 |
| 1–30k mi | 76 |
| 150–400k mi | 19 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Steering
Starting my car while parked, power steering malfunction indicated on dash, i would shut the car off and start it again and it would clear, however after multiple times of this occurring it is constant. I am unable to drive my car and will have to pay close to $2000 for the repair. My car has 55000 miles!
ODI 11160777
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford focus. While driving 25 mph, the power steering failed without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle became very difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate…
ODI 11161097
Steering
When i started my car, the steering felt like it locked up, and the steering assist fault light came on. I had to turn off my car, and turn it back on before it worked properly. It has done this two times now in the past three days
ODI 11156427
Steering
Car was in park. When i turned on the ignition and started to back out i couldn't turn the steering wheel and the power steering warning light came on. I put the car back in park, turned it off then back on after a couple of minutes and it was fine. This has happened at least 4 times within the past year.
ODI 11161286
Steering
2012 ford focus se power steering failure light comes on. Fixed power steering hard top steer. So replaced steering gear, steering wheel sensor and reprogramming steering wheel. Also alignment steering wheel sensor assembly. Told hard to get sensor and reprogram after repairs. Sop additional cost to fix.
ODI 11156102
Steering
The power steering assist malfunction light went on and power steering failed three times on my ford focus 2012. When i restarted the car, the malfunction light went away and power steering returned. Each time the vehicle was in a stationary position. The dealership service department said the rack and pinion module needed to be replaced. Thank goodness my vehicle was not in motion or serious injury or death could…
ODI 11156810
Electrical System · Power Train · Steering
For a few months now my power steering has been not working when i turn the car on sporadically. To fix this i have been just turning the car off then back on a few times and that seems to fix the problem. However, now it won't reset and i do not have power steering at all. I had it towed to the dealer and after they charged me 140 they tols me that it needs a new rack and pin and it would cost 2400!!! Ford issued a…
ODI 11165311
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford focus. While driving approximately 45 mph, the contact experienced difficulty steering the vehicle and the service power steering warning message illuminated. The contact stated that the failure began two years ago, but went away after awhile. However, the failure became worse over the past two weeks. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic…
ODI 11154233
Steering
I was turning my car (in motion) on a local street and my power steering assist stopped working completely, with my three year old in the back seat. I was unable to to make the turn adequately, and even pulled a muscle in my shoulder trying to force the steering wheel in the correct direction.
ODI 11155921
Electrical System · Steering
Sometimes when the car is started and you go to back up or even pull in to park the steering wheel locks up and does not allow you to turn it. The radio makes this horrible loud crackling noise and imposes a tremendous safety concern when you are driving down the road and the speakers cut on and off without you ever touching the stereo system, i feel for those who have sensitive hearing or even the elderly if it…
ODI 11186669
Steering
Steering assist fault - three times since the purchase of this vehicle it has displayed this message. It always went away after turning the car off and back on. The third time it has not gone away. The vehicle has no power steering. 6 years old/ bought new off the lot/ 92000 miles.
ODI 11153470
Steering
When i start the car a message comes on the dash that says steering assist malfunction and the car will not steer. I have to turn it off and wait a minute and try to start the car again.
ODI 11151533
Steering
Steering assist failure when wife was driving home almost lost control of the car leaving her work she had a horrible time controlling the vertical to make it home would not turn easy what so ever
ODI 11150880
Steering
When i start my car and get ready to drive off my steering wheel gets stuck and won't move. It is starting to do it alot.
ODI 11153261
Steering
Steering assist fault service required warning signal showing on dash board. Steer is very heavy, cannot turn. Cannot make right or left turn. If you are strong enough, and want to turn, you need always occupied reverse road. That's very dangerous. I'd like to say, it lost turn function, out of control. Dangerous for myself, and other vehicle. If you google this problem. A lot of focus 2012 have same issues. Below…
ODI 11150851
Electrical System · Steering · Suspension
I started engine today and got notification that "steering assist" needs attention. I just recently took my car to dealer for recalls on door latches, windshield wiper motor, and transmission. They kept it 2 weeks and i had to pay $393.00 for repair of broken motor mount and wiring diagnostic because linkage to computer failed due to short. I have attached the dealer invoice for these services. On seeing problem…
ODI 11150376
Steering
Vehicle was in motion with my son driving. Turning left at a protected green arrow, the power steering stopped working and the wheel effort skyrocketed. Car was jerked right, my son slammed on the brakes and he was able to pull over. Stopped, looked under the hood. Nothing seen. Restarted the car and a "power steering assist model fault" was illuminated. Turned the car off. Turned car back on and the fault was gone.…
ODI 11150909
Steering
Stearing fault is displayed and electronic power assistance stopped working. It happened in the parking lot driving very slow.
ODI 11144661
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized and a steering wheel assist warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed her to contact nhtsa. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. *tt consumer stated vehicle is undrivable. *jb
ODI 11143764
Steering
I have had this vehicle for three days (10-28-18) when the steering assist stopped working when it was started. The car was stationary and the message on the display said steering assist fault. When the car was turned off and restarted it was ok. This car has 71100 miles on it and was purchased as a first car for my son who is 17.
ODI 11143478
Steering
:steering assist malfunction" error on dashboard at start up. Power steering is not working -- steering wheel is locked up. This happened 3 times at startup. Car has 79,399 miles. Took to dealership and they informed me that electronic steering gear mechanism and rack need to be replaced at a cost of $1,800 and alignment for $99.95. I agreed to have dealership do the work as i was too scared to drive the car. This…
ODI 11142846
Steering
Power steering fault has been coming on and off for several months. An engine restart normally resets light. On october 23, 2018, the power steering light came on while in motion and completely disable my ability to control the car. The vehicle is now park and cannot be driven.
ODI 11142666
Electrical System · Fuel/Propulsion System · Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The driver was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was pushed into a nearby gas station to be diagnosed. The driver was informed that the fuel gauge was inoperable. The vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 18v735000 (fuel system, gasoline).…
ODI 11298118
Steering
Power assist steering fault comes and goes, as well as steering. This is extremely dangerous, needs to be addressed.
ODI 11141956
Steering
Upon ignition a message 'steering assist fault svc required' sometimes appears and the steering wheel is extremely difficult to turn. Problem is usually remedied by turning off the engine and restarting but can sometimes take three tries. Problem was intermittent but is becoming more frequent. So far it only happens when the vehicle is parked on level ground and slightly inclined driveways. Online research suggests…
ODI 11141574