2012 Ford Focus Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 927about this part
- Share
- 25%of 3,770 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 927 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Ford Focus, 25% of the 3,770 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 23 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The power steering went out on my car this morning when I started it. It flashed an error message. After turning it off and restarting it about 3 times, it began to work. I have read that this can occur as I am driving. I am terrified this car is going to kill me, and I just bought it used and am paying payments. The vehicle was not in motion...yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11297762, filed 2020-01, 110,000 miles“One day I went to start my car up, and tried to turn my wheel and it wouldn't turn. Somebody was able to loosen it up for me that time. Two days after that I attempted the same thing and it wouldn't not loosen up at all. The wheel is extremely hard to turn. I've done a little research and seen that they have had this problem with a number of these models.”
NHTSA complaint #11281818, filed 2019-11, 152,477 miles“I own a 2012 Ford Focus that has experiences a multitude of issues. However, I am specifically writing today about the steering wheel locking up. It happens when I first start the car up, often times requiring me to shut the car off and restarting. The car will also note a 'steering wheel malfunction' error message. I've reached out to Ford who will not repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11269126, filed 2019-10, 80,000 miles“When I went to drive my car out of the driveway the steering acted like it was locked. After trying multiple times of turning key on/off I finally called the mechanic to tow the vehicle to their shop. After a couple weeks of diagnosis it was determined it was the electric steering. Why have multiple other Ford vehicles had a recall for this problem but not the Focus?”
NHTSA complaint #11191293, filed 2019-03, 120,000 miles“It has only been a month since I bought my Ford Focus. And my steering wheel locked itself 6 times already. I am terrified of driving it anywhere. I read stories about people getting into accidents when their steering wheel locked itself. It only happens to me when I am in the parking lot, but I am scared of what would I do if the wheel locks itself when I am driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11257096, filed 2019-09, 115,260 milesRelated 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…
- 10044119Dec 12, 2011Ford: some vehicles may exhibit a steering wander at highway speeds over 72 km/h (45 mph). Customers may indicate they have to frequently adjust the steering wheel slightly to…
- 10039118May 4, 2011Ford: there may be steering assist warning lights as well as well as a stored trouble code. 2012 focus.
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 2012 Ford Focus
1,447 complaintsEngine
475 complaintsOther or unknown
363 complaintsElectrical system
352 complaintsFuel system
340 complaintsBody and structure
332 complaintsVehicle speed control
166 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
134 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
70 complaintsBrakes
61 complaintsAir bags
55 complaintsElectronic stability control
48 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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