2001 Ford Focus Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 86about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,761 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 86 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Ford Focus, 5% of the 1,761 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,000 miles. 15 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My last oil change I was inform the front subframe is badly rusted, to the point the mechanic could push a screw driver through it in spots. He informed me that driving it was a major safety risk, as the frame could fail, causing an accident. He said Ford has not issued a recall. They must be waiting for a higher body count when the front end of the car fails while going down the interstate.”
NHTSA complaint #10458073, filed 2012-05, 122,000 miles“No events to indicate failure. Went to vehicle after working to after dark. Put key into ignition and key would not turn. Simply would not turn! Several attempts were made over a 20 minute period. I, fortunately, was leaving my place of employment. However, it was still cold outside, dark and not a safe environmental situation. I feel fortunate that I was not stranded.”
NHTSA complaint #10296765, filed 2009-12, 99,000 miles“The device in the steering wheel housing that cancels the turn signal has failed for the third time since I bought the car. The part is obviously defecting in design. This failure results in my reluctance to use the turn signals since I must turn them off manually after completing the turn. And not using turn signals compromises driving safety.”
NHTSA complaint #10221618, filed 2008-03, 62,975 miles“I have a 2003 Ford Focus. Now I am having a problem with steering wheel lock-up. My search on the internet has shown that this is apparently a very common problem with the Focus. This problem will occur out of the blue and now I am beginning to think that it isn't just my key. There is a problem with this lock design. Ford needs to recall this.”
NHTSA complaint #10173062, filed 2006-11, 12,893 miles“Having problems when I put my key in the ignition (2001 Ford Focus). My steering wheel gets locked or something. I would get this problem every so often no I've had it since friday. It is very frustrating!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10317681, filed 2010-03, 120,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V289000Nov 6, 2002Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported.Covers: Ford Focus 2000–2001
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 30 | 4% |
| 2017 | 20 | 2% |
| 2016 | 45 | 4% |
| 2015 | 93 | 9% |
| 2014 | 223 | 9% |
| 2013 | 273 | 13% |
| 2012 | 927 | 25% |
| 2011 | 10 | 9% |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% |
| 2007 | 13 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 18 | 4% |
| 2004 | 29 | 7% |
| 2003 | 73 | 7% |
| 2002 | 53 | 6% |
| 2001 | 86 | 5% |
| 2000 | 168 | 5% |
| 1999 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Focus
496 complaintsFuel system
318 complaintsEngine cooling
243 complaintsBrakes
199 complaintsSuspension
150 complaintsAir bags
147 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
90 complaintsTires
74 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
66 complaintsVehicle speed control
66 complaintsBody and structure
60 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
59 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Focus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology