2002 Ford Focus Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 6%of 939 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,586miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Ford Focus, 6% of the 939 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,586 miles. 12 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Ok so I've had my Ford Focus for about 3 months now I fell in love with this little thing recently got struts changed in front and ball joints bushings and tires so I knew it would need an alignment so got that done now at speeds from 50-60 MPH this car starts fishtailing out of control I dont have alot of money I am not workin at present so I cant afford to take my used car to dealer much less to another auto shop. I travel 50 -70 miles each day to work and I'm scared its gonna fishtail me into a wreck. Mileage 134000 applke valley calif.”
NHTSA complaint #10905560, filed 2016-09, 134,000 miles“Have a 2002 Ford Focus that has had the steering wheel locked up again. Last time I was able to turn the wheel hard enough to get the key to turn and start the car. This time no such luck. Right now it's sitting in the parking garage at work. Guess I'll have to call sam packs Ford to come fix $$$$$.”
NHTSA complaint #10205556, filed 2007-10, 74,500 miles“I had to make a sharp maneuver to avoid a car changing lanes. My car a 2002 Ford Focus zx5 went into wild oscillations across 3 lanes. Back and forth. It took 3/4 of a mile to bring the car under control. This has never happened to any cat I ever drove before. It was only luck there was no accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10080821, filed 2004-07, 62,000 miles“My car has frequent problems with the steering column, ignition locking which became problematic when I stalled in traffic and nearly caused a multi car accident because I could not start the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10237952, filed 2008-08, 44,586 miles“Driving and the car started to make noise when the wheels were turned. Checked the power steering fluid and belt, and added more power steering fluid. The problem still continued. The power steering line was rubbing on the frame of the car, and rub open causing a leak in the line. This stopped the power steering from working. We took the line out, with a lot of effort, and time. Then bought a new part for $55 and then had to put it in. Although we have not got the part yet, but it seems as if putting it back in will not be easy.”
NHTSA complaint #10275391, filed 2009-06, 70,000 milesSteering: 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 2002 Ford Focus
277 complaintsSuspension
109 complaintsEngine cooling
103 complaintsAir bags
72 complaintsBrakes
72 complaintsFuel system
67 complaintsTires
62 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
58 complaintsBody and structure
51 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
45 complaintsWheels
36 complaintsOther or unknown
30 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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