NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
29 reportsClear category filter75,000 miles · Jul 16, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN JAMMED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER (DAY FORD, 3696 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA) AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN JAMMED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER (DAY FORD, 3696 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA) AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #11111687
30,000 miles · Jul 2, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteering
MY VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED CAUSING ALTERNATOR TO DIE AND FALSE READINGS ON THE DASH WITH MULTIPLE ALERTS SUCH AS BATTERY, AIRBAG , OIL AND INCORRECT SPEED DIAL. THE VEHICLE INSTRUMENT FAILED AT 30,000 MILES AND IF YOU SEARCH IT IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE FORD FOCUS VEHICLE'S. THE VEHICLE STALED AND DIED WHILE BEI…
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MY VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED CAUSING ALTERNATOR TO DIE AND FALSE READINGS ON THE DASH WITH MULTIPLE ALERTS SUCH AS BATTERY, AIRBAG , OIL AND INCORRECT SPEED DIAL. THE VEHICLE INSTRUMENT FAILED AT 30,000 MILES AND IF YOU SEARCH IT IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE FORD FOCUS VEHICLE'S. THE VEHICLE STALED AND DIED WHILE BEING DROVE IN TOWN AND THANK GOD IT DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11105102
170,000 miles · Sep 6, 2016
Air BagsSeat BeltsSteeringCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER TWICE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SECOND DEGREE BURNS FROM THE SEAT BELT, WHIPLASH, AND BURNS TO THE RIGHT AR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER TWICE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SECOND DEGREE BURNS FROM THE SEAT BELT, WHIPLASH, AND BURNS TO THE RIGHT ARM FROM THE AIR BAGS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND STOMACH BRUISES FROM THE SEAT BELT, WHICH ALSO REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA ODI #10904242
80,100 miles · Jun 11, 2015
Steering
I PARKED THE CAR OVER NIGHT. IN THE MORNING ON MY WAY TO A MEDICAL APPOINTMENT I INSERTED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE STEERING WAS LOCKED UP. THE KEY GOES INSIDE THE IGNITION BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN. I ONLY IMAGINE THE SAME SITUATION WHILE I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE, CAN IT HAPPEN? HAS IT …
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I PARKED THE CAR OVER NIGHT. IN THE MORNING ON MY WAY TO A MEDICAL APPOINTMENT I INSERTED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE STEERING WAS LOCKED UP. THE KEY GOES INSIDE THE IGNITION BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN. I ONLY IMAGINE THE SAME SITUATION WHILE I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE, CAN IT HAPPEN? HAS IT HAPPEN? LET YOU BE THE JUDGE.
NHTSA ODI #10724798
100,000 miles · May 14, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS IT ABNORMALLY BEGAN STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS IT ABNORMALLY BEGAN STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10588315
31,000 miles · Apr 15, 2011
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COULD HEAR A WHINING SOUND WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED AND WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE WAS NOTHING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COULD HEAR A WHINING SOUND WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED AND WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE WAS NOTHING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10395987
54,111 miles · Mar 1, 2011
Electrical SystemSteering
ATTEMPTED TO START CAR AND STEERING COLUMN AND IGNITION WAS LOCKED. I CAN'T GET EITHER TO TURN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10384870
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2011
Steering
2004 FORD FOCUS WAGON GOT INTO CAR TO DRIVE SOMEWHERE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP, PERFECTLY ALIGNED, NOT ASKEW. THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. AFTER REMOTE STARTING AND CHECKING THE FUSES, THE CAR DID TURN ON. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM BASED ON RESEARCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10377923
80,000 miles · Sep 10, 2010
Electrical SystemSteering
MY KEY IGNITION HAS LOCKED UP ON MY 2004 FORD FOCUS LEAVING ME STRANDED AND COSTING ME TIME FROM WORK NOT TO MENTION THE COST ITS GOING TO BE TO FIX IT. I HAVE READ MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM AND AS OF YET THERE IS NO RECALL. BUT I STRONGLY SUGGEST FORD CONSIDERING A RECALL BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE.... WHO FEELS …
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MY KEY IGNITION HAS LOCKED UP ON MY 2004 FORD FOCUS LEAVING ME STRANDED AND COSTING ME TIME FROM WORK NOT TO MENTION THE COST ITS GOING TO BE TO FIX IT. I HAVE READ MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM AND AS OF YET THERE IS NO RECALL. BUT I STRONGLY SUGGEST FORD CONSIDERING A RECALL BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE.... WHO FEELS SAFE STRANDED ON INTERSTATE, BAD AREA OF TOWN, AT NIGHT OR WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10354819
Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2010
Electrical SystemSteering
FORD FOCUS 2004 IGNITION LOCKED. OPENED CAR AS USUAL, INSERTED KEY IN IGNITION TO TURN AND STEERING WHEEL APPEARED TO BE LOCKED. TRIED TO TURN KEY AND MOVE STEERING WHEEL BUT BOTH WOULDN'T MOVE. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE IGNITION WAS LOCKED AND THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. CAR NOW NEEDS TO BE TOWED TO BE FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308490
Official recalls
1Feb 1, 2005
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL HAVE A LOWER ROCKER SEAL ADDED TO THE DOOR AND HAVE THE REAR DOOR LATCHES EVALUATED FREE OF CHARGE. A LATCH THAT PASSES THE EVALUATION WILL BE LUBRICATED TO PREVENT FUTURE CORROSION. A LATCH THAT DOES NOT PASS THE EVALUATION WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A STICKER WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE REAR DOORS ADVISING THE OWNERS TO USE THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.
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