2011 Ford Focus Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 9%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Ford Focus, 9% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Backing up the wheel barely turns and it locks up while backing up, making turns, the wheel locks up as I make turns left and right I'll bring it to the shop several times but this issue persists every year I buy a new power steering system every year. I have brought 3 power steering systems from Ford 3 years in a row.it's deadly!”
NHTSA complaint #11360025, filed 2020-09, 150,000 miles“Driving in the fast lane uphill in a mountainous area of freeway approx 65-70 miles per hour. While continuing driving up the uphill grade the roadway sharply curved to the right. I turned the steering wheel hard to the right to execute the curve, however, the steering wheel turned only so far to the right and then the steering wheel locked up and would not allow me to turn the wheel any further. I panicked because I was uncertain whether I would make the curve successfully. Luckily, I just barely made the curve and did not run off the roadway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10491456, filed 2013-01, 15,000 miles“Upon entering a school zone and decelerating to 35 MPH, while entering into a left curve the power steering locked up preventing the turn into the curve. This resulted in the vehicle running off the road and hitting a road sign causing damage to the passenger mirror and right rear door and quarter panel.”
NHTSA complaint #10730451, filed 2015-06, 40,000 miles“My car made grinding sounds when turning the steering wheel. My mechanic found a leak on Power Steering Pump & replaced it. My car has only 48,800 miles & there's a recall for Ford Trucks with the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11574454, filed 2024-02“My power steering turns on and off without warning. I have had tie rod ends, rack, pinion, power steering pump, and lines replaced. That has not fixed the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11133241, filed 2018-10Related service bulletins
- 10095995Nov 17, 2016Some 2010-2016 epas equipped vehicles may exhibit steering related noises. The workshop manual (wsm) diagnostic procedures have been updated in section 211-02. When diagnosing…
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 2011 Ford Focus
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
17 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsTires
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Ford Focus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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