SOME 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 AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford Focus steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Ford Focus have filed 273 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 76,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
273
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Focus | 9 |
| 2010 Focus | 13 |
| 2011 Focus | 10 |
| 2012 Focus | 932 |
| 2013 Focus (this page) | 273 |
| 2014 Focus | 225 |
| 2015 Focus | 96 |
| 2016 Focus | 45 |
| 2017 Focus | 20 |
7crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 273 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Ford Focus, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 273 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 14 model years of Ford Focus in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
FORD: AT LOW SPEED DRIVING OR PARKING LOT MANEUVER, VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE LOW POWER STEERING ASSIST AND THIS CONDITION CAN BE REPROGRAMMED TO LATEST CALIBRATION SOFTWARE. MODEL 2013 FOCUS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Ford Focus steering system generates two dominant failure patterns. First, the electronic power steering suddenly loses assist and locks up or becomes extremely difficult to turn, often with no warning or only a fleeting "steering assist fault" warning light. This happens at highway speeds (45–75 mph) and at rest. Owners report the wheel becomes nearly unmovable, demanding physical force to steer and creating immediate crash risk. Many describe turning the car off and back on as the temporary fix. Second, at highway speeds, steering becomes erratic and "sticky"—resisting small corrections then abruptly over-correcting, forcing zigzag driving and constant wheel correction. Owners describe it as notchy or fighting their steering input, especially on highway cruising. Some dealers claim this electrical behavior is "normal" for the system; independent diagnostics identify failing electronic power steering control modules, steering racks, and internal gears. Repair costs run $450–$2,600. Most complaints cite no factory warnings until failure is underway, and owners note similar issues exist across Ford Fusions, Explorers, and Lincolns that *have* been recalled, yet the Focus was not. A handful of crashes and near-misses are documented.
Same Ford Focus steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering Complete Loss or Lock-Up
Power steering assist fails entirely, either locking the steering column solid or rendering it so stiff that manual effort is required to steer. Often occurs without warning while driving or at startup. Restarting the vehicle sometimes temporarily restores function.
When: At highway speeds (45–75 mph) and at startup; mileage range 28,300 to 131,297 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes impossible or extremely difficult to turn; Steering wheel locks in position; "Power Steering Assist Failure" or "Steering Assist Fault" warning light illuminates (when present); Loss of power steering assist mid-drive; Heavy manual steering effort required
Codes mentioned: U3000:49-48, U3000:53-C8, P0420 (catalyst efficiency, co-reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic power steering control module reprogramming ($125–$450); full steering rack or rack-and-pinion replacement ($1,497–$2,600); steering column replacement; vehicle alignment; computer reset and re-flash. Many owners declined repairs due to cost or warranty denial.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealers attribute failures to impact/collision with no evidence; deny warranty coverage; offer half-cost assistance in isolated cases (complaint #44). Some dealers state no TSBs exist; others acknowledge similar issues in other Ford models.
Electronic Power Steering Erratic Behavior at Highway Speeds
Steering becomes unpredictable at highway speeds: resists small corrections (sticky/stiff feel), then abruptly overcorrects or releases suddenly, forcing the driver to make constant steering adjustments to maintain lane position. Described as notchy, with resistance breaking suddenly into excessive movement. Downtown and low-speed driving unaffected.
When: At highway speeds (50–75 mph); mileage range 5 years of ownership to 105,000+ miles; some owners report onset within months of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Steering feels sticky or resists turning from center; Dead spots in steering function with delayed response; Abrupt overcorrection after resistance releases; Notchy steering with discrete resistance points (~10–15 degrees from center); Vehicle drifts and requires constant micro-corrections; Steering wheel jerks from driver's hands; Vehicle pulls to one side under braking or lane crossings
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers often claim this is normal for electronic steering and deny defect; at least one owner was quoted $1,300 for EPAS (electric power-assist steering) replacement at 8,000 miles out of factory warranty. Independent diagnostics identify electronic steering gear failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service advisors deny issue and cite electronic steering as normal. No recalls issued; no TSBs cited. Owners note similar issues in other Ford models that *have* been recalled.
Combined Steering and Powertrain Electrical Cascade Failure
Steering fails as part of broader electrical shutdown: engine dies, transmission drops into wrong gear or locks, loss of power brakes and steering, multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously (check engine, traction control, seatbelt, etc.), hill-start-assist disables, vehicle may not restart immediately. Occurs during stop-and-go traffic or low-speed maneuvers; system may recover after 30–40 minutes parked.
When: During stop-and-go highway traffic, low-speed parking maneuvers, uphill transitions; mileage range 28,300–103,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Complete loss of power steering and power brakes mid-drive; Hill Start Assist warning message ("Hill Start Assist Not Available"); "Steering Assist Fault" or "Steering Failure" warning; Engine check light illuminates; Transmission shows "Drive" despite shift lever in Park; Inability to shift gears; Vehicle coasts backward or cannot restart for 30–40 minutes; Multiple dash warning lights activate simultaneously
Codes mentioned: EVAP code (fuel system related)
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealers initially misdiagnosed as battery failure ($400+) or EVAP/fuel system failure ($2,000 estimated parts: fuel tank, pump, filter, lines, purge valve), neither addressing steering problem. Actual diagnosis remains unclear per narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers blamed external factors (vehicle impact, fuel tank collapse) with no evidence; offered battery or fuel-system repairs unrelated to steering warning. Multiple owners report dealers found no codes or inability to replicate, delaying diagnosis.
Steering Motor/Gear Internal Mechanical Failure
Steering motor or internal gear assembly fails, sometimes after brief symptom-free periods of tight/jerky steering. May present with screeching or grinding sounds during turns. Locking and loss of steer-ability result from internal wear or seizing.
When: At various mileage points from 49,000 to 89,700 miles; onset can be sudden or preceded by tightness
Symptoms owners cite: Screeching or grinding noise from steering system during turns; Steering wheel becomes tight and jerky; Subsequent complete steering lock-up; Steering motor seizes
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering control module reprogramming ($450); steering motor replacement ($1,800); steering gear and vehicle alignment ($1,500 combined). At 89,700 miles, one owner faced potential replacement of both module and steering gear.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recall notice issued for transmission control module; no steering motor recall despite documented failures in 2010–2014 model range. Some owners report dealers offer repairs at full owner cost.
Intermittent Steering Assist Fault Warning and Temporary Reset-to-Normal
Steering assist fault warning appears sporadically during startup or while driving, accompanied by difficulty turning the wheel, but warning and symptoms clear when vehicle is shut off and restarted. Recurs days or weeks later without pattern.
When: Intermittent; multiple incidents over months or years; can occur within hours or weeks apart
Symptoms owners cite: "Steering Assist Fault" warning light illuminates; Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn; Warning light and symptom clear after shutdown and restart; No consistent trigger identified
Repairs/costs cited: Some owners defer repair due to intermittent nature and cost; dealers often cannot diagnose or replicate when warning is absent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge electronic steering defect in some cases; recommend waiting for problem to reoccur. No recalls or service bulletins proactively issued for this pattern.
Steering System Noise (Abnormal Grinding or Screeching)
Continuous or intermittent abnormal noise from steering system area since vehicle purchase or during steering operation. May originate from rack-and-pinion or related components. Persists across multiple dealership visits and diagnostics.
When: Intermittent, extended; some owners report from purchase onward; at least one vehicle stored for 2+ years due to unresolved noise
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or screeching noise from steering area; Noise continues during normal operation; Noise may accompany steering resistance or lock-up
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic suspected rack-and-pinion replacement needed; dealership unable to replicate or diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to replicate or identify root cause; no resolution offered.
Synthesized from 273 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The power steering stopped working while driving on a rural highway at 50 MPH and the steering became very stiff and difficult to maneuver the car. When I tried to drive the car to the dealership the next day the steering completely locked up and needed to be towed. The odometer was only at 31,870, but out of warranty. The repair bill was $2500 and took 10 days to fix.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford focus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle jerked violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 12,552. Updated 02/11/2014 *bf the consumer believed there may be a problem with the…
(1) google Ford transmission settlement. Incredibly dangerous problem with design. That's the biggest problem and although I took it in to the dealer and they "fixed" it I have no faith. (2) I had to have it towed to a dealer this morning for electronic power assist failure. Lost steering while driving. Googled that and found out about the massive problems with this issue. Contacted Ford and…
Had steering trouble with your 2013 Ford Focus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2013 Ford Focus?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 273 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 229 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 53,000 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 76,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 53,000; a quarter make it past 98,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Focus.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.