2016 Ford Focus steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Apr 14, 2025154,000 miWISteering

   The contact called on behalf of his girlfriend, who owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact became aware that the steering wheel was extremely loose. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11654502 · source
2. Filed Sep 25, 2024AZElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering

   Electrical power steering goes in and out and the dash displays “steering assist fault” warning, and the power steering goes out entirely. You can still turn, but it takes a lot more physical effort to do so. Since it goes in and out, it can happen at any time and is very hard to get diagnosed through a diagnostic if the mechanic or dealer cannot replicate the issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11616319 · source
3. Filed Aug 6, 2024AZEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   My 2016 Ford Focus SE is stalling at higher temperatures while driving at high speeds, which is very dangerous. This issue occurs primarily during hotter daily temperatures. I have previously taken the vehicle in for the recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000) related to the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) malfunction, which was supposed to address excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system. However, this did not resolve the stalling issue. This has stalled my car out…

   NHTSA complaint #11606887 · source
4. Filed Jun 18, 2024WVSteering

   Power steering fault light came on and the vehicle is very hard to now drive because it is difficult to turn the steering wheel, which could cause an accident.

   NHTSA complaint #11595020 · source
5. Filed Apr 24, 202497,069 miMDTowedElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11584917 · source
6. Filed Oct 13, 2023NCSteering

   No issues with steering at all and then stopped for gas and when restarting the car got multiple messages regarding steering assist fault resulting in an inability to properly be able to control/steer the vehicle. Left stranded 5 hours away from home.

   NHTSA complaint #11549890 · source
7. Filed Sep 22, 2023125,000 miWIBody & StructureSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the message "Steering Assist Fault. Service Required" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be charged a repair fee. The contact also stated that the hatchback had opened independently while driving and while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that…

   NHTSA complaint #11546071 · source
8. Filed Aug 24, 2023IAElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering

   Car turned off while driving three times. Once when put in park it locked on a busy road. Replaced fuse to battery, still turned off while driving. Lights stay on and its a pretty new battery so thats nit the issue, when turning the key there is no noise, no clicking or grinding. Main issue is the fact it turns off while driving and the fact it locks up when put in park. That's helpful to no one. Windows can't be rolled up either which meant being trapped guarding a vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11540454 · source
9. Filed Jul 22, 2023106,200 miPAOther / UnknownSteering

   The car worked fine in the first couple months and slowly declined. The rpm will shoot up and down causing the car to jerk and not able to surpass certain speeds. It works sometimes, so when going to work in the freeway it was fine then it started acting up again, causing other cars to almost crash into me. I had to drive with hazards and luckily i was able to safely pull to the side. Instances like this occur a lot more now because the car doesn’t act normal anymore. I took…

   NHTSA complaint #11533784 · source
10. Filed Jul 14, 2023LASteering

    On my way to the gas station to fuel up. Turned off car and when turned back on power steering malfunction light came on making steering a lot harder. Ran codes to find out it was a water damage fault based off manufacture design after doing research

    NHTSA complaint #11532245 · source
11. Filed Jul 3, 2023AZSteering

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11530054 · source
12. Filed Mar 25, 2023TXFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteeringSuspension

    Car stalled at stop sign after filling up on gas. Completely shut off. Would not start back up for 30 seconds. No check engine lights on. It has done this multiple times and I have taken it to the shop but they can’t find a problem. I know there was a recall on the 2.0 but this is a 1.0

    NHTSA complaint #11513771 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology