2014 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 2,657 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 69 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 47 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, evaporative emissions, canisterJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJun 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJul 5, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.
Campaign 19V515000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageOct 22, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
Campaign 18V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hatchback/liftgate, lockSep 28, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.
Campaign 16V698000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchSep 6, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringDec 2, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17-S1.
Campaign 15V813000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJan 9, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S30.
Campaign 15V005000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, deliverySep 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 24, 2014, 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured on June 6, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to July 7, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack between the filter body and the filter cap, possibly resulting in low fuel pressure.
A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S20.
Campaign 14V525000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringDo not drive until repairedAug 22, 2014
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.
The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 14V514000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringAug 11, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.
Campaign 14V495000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
227 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Aug 18, 2015
THERE WAS A CRACKING/POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP FOR 2 WEEKS NOW (08/18/2015) BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY REPLACED THE "RACK" BUT THAT THE VEHICLE STILL HAD THE SAME STEERING PROBLEMS. THIS IS AFTER THEY REPLACED THE CLUTCHES AGAIN IN THIS VEHICLE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE EPAS (ELECTRIC POWER ASSISTED STEERING) IN THESE CARS. THIS CAR HAS MAJOR PROBLEMS.
Steering, Jul 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FOCUS. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE AT A LOW SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND THE MESSAGE STEERING ASSIST FAILURE, SERVICE REQUIRED WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Steering, Jul 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FOCUS. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THE MESSAGE STEERING ASSIST FAILURE WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,500. UPDATED 09/14/15*LJ UPDATED 11/3/2017*CN
Steering, Jun 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FOCUS. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THE MESSAGE STEERING ASSIST FAILURE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,500.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2015
THE 2014 FORD FOCUS SE. MY MOM AND I TRADED IN ANOTHER VEHICLE FOR THIS CAR. IT WAS WORKING FINE AT THE FIRST 3 MONTHS OF HAVING IT, BUT THEN AFTER THE SECOND MONTH, THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS CAR STARTED TO FAIL. IT WOULD START TO SHUTTER AND CAUSE YOU TO HAVE PROBLEMS ACCELERATING TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH THE CAR AHEAD OF ME AFTER EACH FULL STOP, OR DURING TRAFFIC HOURS ON A FREEWAY/HIGHWAY. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WHEN I WAS JUST BARELY GETTING ON THE FREEWAY I TRIED PUSHING THE GAS PEDDLES TO REACH 65MPH, BUT FOR SOME QUESTIONABLE REASON THE GEARS WERE HAVING TROUBLE SWITCHING AND AS I LOOK AT THE METER GAGE IT SHOWED 50MPH. I PUSH MORE ON THE GAS PEDDLE TO GET MORE SPEED AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE HIGHER THAN 55MPH. FOR SOME APPEARENT REASON IT STAYED STUCK AT 50-55MPH. I'M QUITE DISAPPOINTED ON THE DEALERS WHO SOLD US THE CAR WHICH THEY KNEW THE ISSUE OF THESE PARTICULAR VEHICLES, AND ALSO THE MANUFACTURERS WHO HAVE CAUSE CONCERN FOR WHO EVER HAD BOUGHT THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. I WOULD APPRECIATE IF THEY WOULD JUST RECALL ANY FORD FOCUS OR ANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT HAVE SUCH MALFUNCTIONING. AMERICA IS SUPPOSE TO BE AT THE TOP, BUT WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THIS ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED. I'M WAS BORN IN THE PHILIPPINES, BUT I WAS RAISE IN THE USA. I ALWAYS THOUGHT THE US WAS ONE TOP NOTCH PLACE TO LIVE. AMERICA IS THE LIFE AND I EXPECT ALOT FROM THEE HIGHER UP'S/BOSSES.. FOR SURE THOUGH, SAFETY FIRST FOR ALL VEHICLES DESIGNED AND CREATED AND MANUFACTURED HERE IN AMERICA OR WHEREVER THEY GOT THEIR VEHICLES.. THIS PLACE IS ONE GREAT PLACE TO LIVE. WE SHOULD LIVE UP TOWARDS TRUE FUTURE EXPECTATIONS OF ANY TYPE OF CRUCIAL DESIGNS OF WHAT SO EVER OR SOME SORT. AMERICA LETS STEP UP THE RICHTER SCALE OF EXCLUSIVENESS. GOD BLESS TO ALL WITH PEACE AND RESPECT ALWAYS.
Steering, May 31, 2015, crash
2 WEEKS AGO THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THERE WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT AT THAT TIME. TODAY 5-31-15 WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH A SMALL CURVE ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AGAIN AND CAUSED MY DAUGHTER TO STRIKE A BRICK MAIL BOX. LUCKILY, SHE IS OKAY. THE CAR HAS SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND WILL HAVE TO HAVE BODY WORK. WHEN THIS HAPPENED I STARTED TO LOOK TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS AND SAW THAT THE FORD FOCUS IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, HOWEVER IT IS INCLUDED IN A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT BECAUSE OF FORD'S FAILURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND HANDLE THE PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING. I HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAMAGE AND AM WILLING TO PROVIDE THEM TO YOU IF NECESSARY.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 20, 2015
THE STEERING IS VERY DANGEROUS AND WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS NO CENTERING THE WHEEL, IT CONSTANTLY DRIFTS BACK AND FORTH LEFT AND RIGHT, ON IT'S OWN WITH FLAT STRAIGHT ROAD AND PERFECT STRAIGHT LINE OF SIGHT. THE STEERING IS TOO SENSITIVE, IF I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL JUST A SLIGHT AMOUNT IT OVER CORRECTS AND CONTINUES TO MOVES THE CAR. THE DRIVE MUST CONSTANTLY COURSE CORRECT OR I WILL VEER OFF THE ROAD RIGHT/LEFT OR HIT ANOTHER CAR IN EITHER LANE, THE PROBLEM IS MULTIPLIED SEVERAL TIMES OVER WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SEARCHING THE INTERNET I SEE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM 2014 FOCUS OWNERS AND AM QUITE SHOCKED THIS ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN ESCALATED AND FIXED BY FORD, THE NEW ELECTRIC STEERING IS NOT WORKING AND A SAFETY HAZARD TO ANY DRIVER. I HAD THE CAR IN THE MATHEWS FORD COLLISION SHOP TO REPAIR A HIT TO THE FRONT END FROM A DEER, AND REPORTED THE STEERING ISSUE. THEY ACTED LIKE THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS REPORTING AND RECOMMENDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. I TOLD THEM THEY NEEDED TO DRIVE THE CAR AND WOULD FEEL AND EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. I PICKED THE CAR UP LAST WEEK AND THEY SAID THE STEERING COMPUTER WAS RESET AND RE-CALIBRATED, AND THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT WAS DONE. AS SOON AS I LEFT AND WAS DRIVING IT WAS ACTUALLY WORSE THAN BEFORE AND WHEN I TRAVELED ON THE HIGHWAY 2 DAYS LATER IT WAS VERY PRONOUNCED WITH VERY LITTLE WIND THAT DAY. I WENT BACK TO MATHEWS TODAY AND HAD ONE OF THEIR ESTIMATORS DRIVE THE CAR WITH ME IN IT AND HE ABSOLUTELY AGREED AND SAID THE CAR DRIFTED LEFT AND RIGHT ON ITS OWN, LIKE THE OLD FASHIONED CARS THAT RUN AT AMUSEMENT PARKS.THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO CONTACT ME ONCE THEY TALK TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEN I STARTED RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET AND WAS SHOCKED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, SO DECIDED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. THIS CAR WAS MANUFACTURED FEBRUARY 2014 AND CURRENTLY HAS ONLY 10,000 MILES. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 14, 2015
THIS MODEL HAS A "STICKY" STEERING WHEEL THAT WILL NOT ALWAYS RETURN TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION WITH OUT DRIVER ASSISTANCE AND NEEDS TO BE CONSTANTLY ADJUSTED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. YOU CAN ACTUALLY LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE GOING AROUND A GRADUAL CURVE IN THE ROAD AND THE CAR WILL FOLLOW THE CURVE THE WHOLE WAY WITHOUT BREAKING ITS ARCH. IT ALSO SUFFERS FROM DANGEROUS "TORQUE STEERING" WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE STEERING TO LOSE CONTROL WHEN YOU ACCELERATE AGGRESSIVELY. IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRIC STEERING REACTS POORLY WITH THE REGENERATIVE BREAKING. IF YOU NEED TO BREAK HARD, THE STEERING WILL SWERVE DANGEROUSLY AND INHIBIT DRIVER CONTROL. I'VE APPROACHED FORD ABOUT THIS AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAY THAT'S JUST THE WAY THE CAR IS. I'VE TALKED TO OTHER OWNERS OF THIS TYPE OF CAR AND NOT ALL BUT A GOOD PORTION HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. ONE MAN EVEN SAID HE'S AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR 1. FOR SAFETY, BUT 2. BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE DRIVING DRUNK BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO CONSTANTLY ADJUST THE STEERING JUST TO KEEP THE CAR IN LINE - LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE SWERVING. LASTLY, THE MILEAGE THEY SAY YOU CAN GET FROM A CHARGE ISN'T ACCURATE AND THEIR APP DOESN'T WORK IN ALL LOCATIONS. NEITHER OF WHICH THEY DISCLOSED BEFORE I LEASED THIS CAR. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS AS FORD DOESN'T CARE. I'M HAPPY TO ASSIST YOUR INVESTIGATION IN ANY WAY. THANKS! *TR
Steering, Engine, Mar 23, 2015
WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, CAR SHUTTERS. IT CAN HAPPEN WITH USING NO FORCE ON THE GAS OR USING FULL FORCE ON THE GAS. CAR SHUTTERS AND EVEN MAKES A RATTLING NOISE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 3, 2014
DURING DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND THE CAR HAD THE "STOP SAFELY" LIGHT COME ON AND IT STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I HAD MY KIDS WITH ME AND TRAFFIC BEHIND ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN A MATTER OF COUPLE OF HOURS. IT AGAIN HAPPENED ON DECEMBER 3, AS I BRAKED AT A RED LIGHT. *JS
Steering, Nov 8, 2014
WHILE PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. AN ALARM CHIMED BUT NO INFORMATION DISPLAYED. I WAS ONLY ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE USING ALL OF MY STRENGTH AND MY HUSBAND HAD TO DRIVE IT HOME. THE NEXT DAY THE STEERING WAS BACK TO NORMAL. THE SECOND TIME WAS DURING A K TURN. IT WAS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER OUT OF THE TURN BUT ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT THE STEERING RETURNED. NO ALARM OR INFORMATION DISPLAYED. THE THIRD TIME WAS TURNING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. AN ALARM CHIMED AND "STEERING ASSIST FAILURE" DISPLAYED. FORTUNATELY I WAS CLOSE TO A DEALERSHIP AND ABLE TO STEER IT THERE AS I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD THE STRENGTH TO STEER IT HOME THROUGH TOWN AND WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED TO RISK TRYING IT ON THE INTERSTATE. I'M WAITING TO FIND OUT WHAT THEY WILL SAY. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED DUE TO HESITATION OF ACCELERATION WHEN THE GAS IS PRESSED. *TR
Steering, Oct 29, 2014
THE STEERING IS VERY RESPONSIVE - THERE IS NO CENTER ON THE STEERING. YOU MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL 1/4" AND THE CAR WILL MOVE. WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELING YOU NEED TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT THE STEERING AND ARE OFTEN GOING BACK AND FORTH IN YOUR LANE. YOU CAN'T TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE ROAD FOR A SECOND OR YOU WILL BE OFF THE ROAD OR IN THE OPPOSITE LANE. I GLANCED OVER TO THE PASSENGER WINDOW TO SEE HOW FAR IT WAS DOWN AND I ALMOST HIT A STONE WALL ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY HUSBAND GLANCED DOWN TO SEE THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS AND WHEN HE LOOKED BACK UP HE WAS 3' ACROSS THE CENTER LINE. NEITHER TIME DID WE HAVE OUR EYES OFF THE ROAD FOR MORE THAN 1 SECOND. WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELING AT HIGHER SPEEDS THE HANDLING IS WORSE - ON THE MASS PIKE OR GARDEN STATE PARKWAY YOU HAVE TO FIGHT IT ALL THE TIME. IF YOU ARE CHANGING LANES YOU NEED TO BE VERY CAREFUL BECAUSE WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD TO CHECK YOUR SIDE MIRRORS BEFORE CHANGING THE CAR WILL OFTEN CROSS INTO ONE LANE OR THE OTHER. WHEN YOU PULL OUT TO PASS ON A 2 LANE ROAD YOU BETTER HAVE 2 HANDS ON THE WHEEL OR YOU WILL LOSE CONTROL - THE SAME GOES IF YOU NEED TO GET ON THE BRAKES HARD. THE CAR HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE TWO HANDS ON THE WHEEL YOU ARE LIABLE TO END UP HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE OR GOING OFF THE ROAD. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MY FORD DEALER AND THEY DROVE IT. THEY DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING, BUT WHEN YOU DRIVE 40 MILES ROUNDTRIP TO WORK EVERYDAY YOU NOTICE IT. THEY DID CHECK FOR RECALLS, ETC AND COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. THE LONGER THE TRIP THE WORSE IT IS. I TRADED IN A 2012 FOCUS FOR THIS CAR AND AM I EVER SORRY I DID. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE 3 YEAR LEASE TO BE UP AND JUST PRAY I DON'T HURT SOMEONE BECAUSE OF THE HANDLING. WE HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS EXACT OR VERY SIMILAR TO MINE AND THEY ARE ALL HAVING TO DO WITH THE 2014 FOCUS. *TR
Steering, Oct 14, 2014
HIS IS A FOCUS ST. UNABLE TO MAKE SMALL STEERING CORRECTIONS AT SPEED. IT'S AS IF THERE IS A "NOTCH" IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING. A SMALL CORRECTION BECOMES A LARGE ONE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER ACROSS THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Aug 12, 2014
2014 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION AND REQUESTS VEHICLE COMPENSATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED TWO DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AS SHE WAS PARALLEL PARKING ON A BUSY ROAD. *JB
Steering, Aug 5, 2014
I NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT "TRACKING" WELL ON HIGHWAYS AT THE RECOMMENDED CRUISING SPEED OF 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE APPEARS TO "DRIFT" FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITHIN THE LANE IN WHICH WE ARE TRAVELING. THIS REQUIRES CONSTANT ATTENTION AND CONCENTRATION IN CONTROLLING THE POSITION OF THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CAR GOING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. IT IS LESS NOTICEABLE AS THE HIGHWAY CURVES IN EITHER THE RIGHT OF LEFT DIRECTION. ONE GETS THE IMPRESSION THAT THERE IS FAR TOO MUCH "PLAY" IN THE STEERING WHEEL/COLUMN RELATIVE TO THE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE TRAIN MECHANISM. IN ADDITION, THE PROBLEM SEEMS EXAGGERATED DURING HIGHER WIND VELOCITIES. I ASKED MY WIFE TO DRIVE THE CAR AND SHE TOO NOTICED THE PROBLEM. I QUESTIONED THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP, AT THE TIME OF MY FIRST SCHEDULED SERVICE APPOINTMENT, AND ASKED IF THEY COULD DRIVE THE CAR AND "TIGHTEN" THE STEERING WHEEL TO REDUCE THE "PLAY" IN IT. HE TOLD ME THAT THE TEST DRIVE WAS PRETTY NORMAL, THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO ADJUST THE STEERING MECHANISM AND THAT THE "SPORT" SET-UP FOR THIS PARTICULAR MODEL RESULTS IN THAT "FEEL" DURING DRIVING. AS AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER OF 56 YEARS WHO HAS OWNED NUMEROUS AUTOMOBILES, INCLUDING SOME RATHER HIGH END SPORT CARS, THIS EXPLANATION MADE ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE WHAT-SO-EVER. HE OFFERED ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEST DRIVE A DIFFERENT VEHICLE OF THE SAME MODEL TYPE, BUT I DECLINED AS I SAW NO POINT TO THE EXERCISE. I HAD SEEN AN INVESTIGATIVE REPORT ON THE ABC NATIONAL NEWS PRESENTED BY [XXX] RELATIVE TO REPORTED PROBLEMS BY OTHERS IN THIS REGARD. UPON ACCESSING THIS SIGHT, I FOUND THAT THERE ARE REPORTS ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. MY PURPOSE IN SUBMITTING THIS NARRATIVE IS TO PLACE ON THE RECORD A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THIS FORD PRODUCT IN THE EVENT THAT SOMEONE IS INJURED AS A RESULT OF THE STEERING PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Jul 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWERVE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200.
Steering, Jul 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWERVE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200.
Steering, Power train, Jul 10, 2014
TRANSMISSION JERKS AND GRINDS AT 2200RPM IN FIRST GEAR, GRINDING NOISE WHILE GOING UP HILLS, TRANSMISSION SHAKES AND JERKS WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND, VERY ROUGH AND UNPREDICTABLE SHIFTS, SHIFTS INTO HIGHER GEARS WAY TO SOON THEN WILL DOWNSHIFT OR GO INTO NEUTRAL, HESITATION AND VIBRATION FROM LAUNCH, TRANSMISSION SLIPS AT RANDOM AND WILL NOT DOWNSHIFT , TRANSMISSION SURGES UNDER ACCELERATION ....STEERING SEEMS TO HAVE A MIND OF IT'S OWN WHEN TURNING ON TO STREET THE STEERING WHEEL WANTS TO STAY IN WHATEVER POSITION YOU HAVE IT TURNED AND IS VERY HARD TO KEEP STRAIGHT ON HIGHWAY..RATTLING NOISE LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE COMING FROM FRONT PASSENGER AREA WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS OR WHILE SITTING AT IDLE IT CAN BE HEARD HAS BEEN TO THE SHOP THREE TIME S FOR RATTLING NOISE AND IT IS STILL NOT FIXED AND HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR THE TRANSMISSION FOUR TIMES AND EVERY TIME THEY TELL ME THE DON'T EXPERIENCE IT OR IT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS OR THAT I AM DRIVING THE CAR WRONG...I HAVE A WIFE AND A THREE YEAR OLD AND I AM TERRIFIED FOR THEN TO BE IN THE CAR. *TR
Steering, Jun 30, 2014
POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS DRIVING AND TOTALLY WENT OUT. I COULD BARELY CONTROL THE CAR ENOUGH TO TURN THE CORNER TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH LESS THAT 4000 MILES ON IT AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, May 28, 2014
THERE WERE FOUR INCIDENTS ON MY BRAND NEW 2014 FORD FOCUS LEADING UP TO COMPLETE ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST STEERING FAILURE. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW ON A SATURDAY EVENING. I DROVE IT EVERYDAY SINCE THEN. I DROVE IT ABOUT 100 MILES SATURDAY NIGHT, THEN ANOTHER 100 ON SUNDAY. MONDAY AFTERNOON I LEFT FOR WORK. MY DRIVE CONSISTS OF ABOUT TWO MILES FROM MY RESIDENCE TO THE EXPRESSWAY THEN 18 MILES HIGHWAY AND LESS THAN A MILE TO THE PARKING LOT OFF THE EXIT. AS I GOT OFF THE EXIT I GOT INTO THE LEFT TURNING LANE WHICH CROSSES TWO SETS OF RAILROAD TRACKS AND TAKES A LONG SWOOPING LEFT HAND TURN TO A LIGHT. THEN THE PARKING LOT IS ABOUT A HALF MILE UP ON THE RIGHT. ACCELERATING OVER THE TRACKS AND IN MID TURN THE STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN THE INFORMATION BOX ON THE CLUSTER. I HAD NO POWER STEERING UP UNTIL I GOT IN THE PARKING LOT, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, OPENED THE DOOR, WAITED A MINUTE, THEN STARTED THE CAR BACK AND IT RESET. THEN TWO DAYS LATER, WEDNESDAY, THE SAME SCENARIO REPEATED ITSELF AND ONCE AGAIN ON FRIDAY. THEN SATURDAY EVENING I DROVE THE CAR TO A RESTAURANT FOR DINNER ABOUT 25 MILES FROM THE HOUSE, MOSTLY HIGHWAY, WITH NO ISSUES. ONCE WE LEFT THE RESTAURANT AND GOT BACK INTO TOWN THE STEERING FAILED ACCELERATING AROUND A TURN FROM A STOP LIGHT ABOUT 10 MILES FROM THE RESTAURANT. ONCE WE ARRIVED AT THE ICE CREAM PARLOR AND THEN LEFT AGAIN, IT RESET. WE LEFT THE PARLOR AND ABOUT 10 MILES FROM THE PARLOR I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, WENT TO ACCELERATE FROM THE LIGHT, DID NOT TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION, DRIVE PATH WAS STRAIGHT, AND NOTICED THE WARNING LIGHT APPEAR AGAIN WITH NO POWER STEERING THE REST OF THE WAY HOME. ONCE WE ARRIVED HOME I ASSUMED THAT IT WOULD RESET, HOWEVER THE NEXT MORNING (SUNDAY) I WENT TO START IT AND THE FIRST THING THAT POPPED UP WAS THE WARNING LIGHT AGAIN AND I HAVEN'T HAD POWER STEERING SINCE THEN. *TR
Steering, May 12, 2014
DRIVING MY NEW FOCUS IS A CHALLENGE, ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY,KEEPING THE CAR IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE CAR WANDERS IN EITHER DIRECTION, DEMANDING A CONSTANT GRIP ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP IT GOING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. WHEN THE CAR DRIFTS LEFT OR RIGHT, AND YOU SLIGHTLY STEER TO CORRECT, IT DARTS IN THE OTHER DIRECTION. THIS IS VERY SCARY DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE ARE CARS ON EITHER SIDE OF YOU. THE SERVICE DEPT AT MY DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. THE SALES DEPT. WANTS TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR TRADE AT A DISCOUNT OF $3500 AND I HAVE OWNED THE CAR A MONTH! I HAVE DRIVEN 3 OTHER FOCUSES, SAME TIRES, ETC AND THEY TRACK STRAIGHT WITHOUT THE CONSTANT CORRECTION/OVERCORRECTION ISSUE. ADVICE? I SEE OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE STRESSFUL AND UNSAFE! WHY SHOULD I LOSE THIS KIND OF MONEY, OR ACCEPT THIS ON A NEW VEHICLE, WHEN THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM I HAVE CREATED?! *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Apr 10, 2014
PURCHASED A 2014 FORD FOCUS SE ON JANUARY 4, 2014 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS SINCE DRIVING IT OFF THE DEALERSHIP PARKING LOT. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BOUNCES OR SWAYS BACK AND FORTH. THE FEEL IS SIMILAR TO WHEN IT IS WINDY AND THE CAR IS CAUGHT IN AN AIR GUST. WHEN DRIVING ANY DISTANCE OR A SPEED OVER 10 MPH, THE DRIVER MUST HOLD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE LANE OF TRAFFIC. THE STEERING WHEEL SWAYS ONE WAY AND ONCE YOU CORRECT IT IS NECESSARY TO CORRECT THE OPPOSITE WAY. THE CAR IS DRIVEN TO AND FROM WORK APPROXIMATELY 17 MILES ONE DAY DAILY. BY THE TIME I ARRIVE AT WORK OR HOME MY HANDS HURT FROM HOLDING THE STEERING WHEEL SO TIGHTLY. PRIOR TO THE THIRD VISIT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE STEERING ISSUE, A NEW PROBLEM AROSE. AFTER BREAKING TO STOP THE CAR, I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF OF THE BREAK, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD FAST ENOUGH TO SQUEAL THE TIRES. APPLIED THE BREAK AGAIN, STOPPED, REMOVED FOOT TO ACCELERATE AND CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AGAIN. THIS IS BECOMING AN ONGOING ISSUE. AS OF APRIL 9, 2014 THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES, EACH TIME TO BE TOLD THERE NO PROBLEMS CAN BE FOUND WITH THE CAR. IT DRIVES THE SAME AS EVERY OTHER VEHICLE OF THE SAME MAKE PER THE DEALERSHIP. I'VE BARELY MISSED HITTING THE CENTER BARRIER ON THE FREEWAY, TAKING OUT THE SIDE OF A DELIVERY TRUCK, ACCELERATED FORWARD AT A DANGEROUS SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND THE STEERING IS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE FOR THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY. FORD CONTINUES TO SAY THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN FEAR OF HURTING ANOTHER DRIVER OR MYSELF. *TR
Steering, Feb 27, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON SNOW COVERED ROADS THE WHEEL WELLS FOR THE CAR BECAME PACKED WITH SNOW AND ICE. THE CLEARANCE OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT ALLOW FOR BEING ABLE TO CLEAR THE BUILDUP. STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT AND THE SNOW AND ICE BUILD UP WAS RUBBING ON ALL THE TIRES. EVEN AFTER PLACING THE VEHICLE IN A GARAGE I WAS ONLY ABLE TO CLEAR THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS, THE REAR WHEEL WELLS HAVE A FELT TYPE LINING THAT STICKS IN THE SNOW AND ICE SO IT CANNOT BE REMOVED AND RUBS ON THE TIRES DECREASING THE HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2014
THE CAR WAS SCARY TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH UNCONTROLLABLE SWAYING HAD TO WHITE KNUCKLE THE STEERING WHEEL WITH COMPENSATION OF DARTY MOVEMENTS! BROUGHT TO THE DEALER THEY ALIGN IT 3 TIMES GOT BETTER BUT STILL NO COMPLETE REWARD. THEN FORD SAID REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ! TEST DROVE HOME WITH MI SNOW ON THE ROADS WOW WAS IT SCARY TO DRIVE IT HOME EXTRA DARTING FISH TAIL EXPERIENCE. SINCE LAST REPAIR IT SEEMS TO GETTING BAD AGAIN 11000 MILE LATER WHILE DRIVING ON BUMPY ROADS IT DARTS BAD AND SWAY STEERING ! I BELIEVE ITS A COMB OF PROGRAMMING ISSUE OF STEERING GEAR AND RACK AND ROLL CONTROL !!! NEXT WILL NEED ENGINEER TO LOOK AT IT! *TR
Steering, Feb 22, 2014
STEERING SOMETIMES WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS THE WHEELS SEEM TO WANDER LEFT OR RIGHT AND SMALL CORRECTIONS ARE NEEDED TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT IN THE LANE PROPER LEVEL OF CORRECTION IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE. AS YOU CORRECT IN ONE DIRECTION YOU NOW ARE WANDERING IN THAT DIRECTION. THIS CAUSES THE PROBLEM TO HAPPEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN. THE RESULT IS THE CAR "PING-PONGING" IN THE LANE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, PROBLEM IS MORE PRONOUNCED AT HIGHER SPEEDS PROBLEM SEEMS TO OCCUR AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR 40+ MINUTES PROBLEM IS NOT "TORQUE STEER", THE PROBLEM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THROTTLE INPUT WIND SEEMS TO BE UNRELATED TO WANDERING SENSATION ROAD SURFACE QUALITY SEEMS TO BE UNRELATED TO ISSUE WHEN MAKING MINOR CORRECTIONS ON THE HIGHWAY: IF I ATTEMPT NOT TO OVERCOMPENSATE THEN I WILL VEER TOO FAR IN THE DIRECTION THAT THE CAR WAS WANDERING IN THE FIRST PLACE. YOU CAN'T NOT OVERCOMPENSATE WITH THE WAY IT BEHAVES. IT'S LIKE YOU EITHER DON'T COMPENSATE AT ALL OR YOU OVERCOMPENSATE, NOTHING IN BETWEEN. *TR