2012 Ford Focus Steering Problem

[Some Guy From NY]

Originally Posted by Dysan911

Yep. Exact same issue here!.

Big update;


I took it to ANOTHER dealer, probably the one I should have gone to in the first place - the one where I purchased the car.

This will be the FOURTH alignment from 3 different dealers-a 4th dealer test drove it and said "everything was normal- and while it only has been a few days, I think my problem is finally FIXED. It IS THE ALIGNMENT. My toe was out of spec again but the BIG problem was the THRUST ANGLE. it was "way off" from what the tech told me. He said my car was basically driving sideways down the road, and when I hit any type of bump it would make my car go crazy steering wise. Now my steering is "heavy". It takes some effort to turn the wheel and minor bumps and cracks do not cause my car to need constant correction. It will keep going straight. While it is not 100% better, it still sometimes likes to move left or right, it is exponentially better. I can now drive it with 1 finger again if i wanted too. I can live with it now.

So if you are having the same problem, keep going in for alignments and mention for them to check the toe and more importantly the thrust angle.

Right now I am very pleased with possibly having my problem resolved. Like others said, keep going to different dealers and if you haven't already, escalate your problem with Cory, he will get you in touch with your local regional customer service rep who will talk to your dealer.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by jlaves

I just picked up my 2013 Focus SE with the 17in wheels last week. I absolutly love it, with one caveat: I noticed that it is very hard to correct direction at highway speeds due to "notchy" steering feel...My dealer is looking at next week...

Welcome to the forum, Joerg; congratas on the new ride! As you can see, there’s a very helpful community here. I’m confident your dealer will take care of you.

Originally Posted by Sonicbluz

...My focus does the exact same thing you described. The result: "That's normal"...

Sonicbluz,

Does it feel worse than when you were last at the dealer? I have your info from before, so get a hold of me with your current mileage and I’ll have this reviewed for you.

Originally Posted by peridigm

...Mine has been a pleasure to drive since the rack was replaced. Feels like a totally different car...

It’s awesome you love how your Focus drives now, peridigm!

Originally Posted by Dysan911

Yep. Exact same issue here!.

Dysan911,

I want to see your concern taken care of. I’m able to send this up to your regional customer service manager. Please send me a PM with your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and dealer details.

Originally Posted by Some Guy From NY

...Right now I am very pleased with possibly having my problem resolved. Like others said, keep going to different dealers and if you haven't already, escalate your problem with Cory, he will get you in touch with your local regional customer service rep who will talk to your dealer.

Thanks so much for the shout-out, Some Guy From NY. Please keep me in the loop.

Cory

[scoobtothenoog]

I just purchased my 13 se. I'm currently in the middle of my 275 mile commute to work. I'm having the same problem at highway speeds. The steering is very notchy. Loads up with lots of resistance, then when it finally decides to go a direction it darts on me, then the wheel will not center itself. I have spent the last 3 hours sawing at the wheel to stay straight going down the highway. I'm exhausted from it!

[Some Guy From NY]

Originally Posted by scoobtothenoog

I just purchased my 13 se. I'm currently in the middle of my 275 mile commute to work. I'm having the same problem at highway speeds. The steering is very notchy. Loads up with lots of resistance, then when it finally decides to go a direction it darts on me, then the wheel will not center itself. I have spent the last 3 hours sawing at the wheel to stay straight going down the highway. I'm exhausted from it!

Welcome to Focus ownership!

[scoobtothenoog]

Is there a tsb out for this?

[sgmfocus]

Originally Posted by scoobtothenoog

Is there a tsb out for this?

not for 2013's that I've seen there's TSB 12-02-17 for steering wander on early build 2012 models http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=282053 would take in to dealer(pm Crystal ford customer service your name ,phone # ,VIN # and dealer info might help) info have them check things out ,have you checked tire pressure and sure it wasn't road ,few things dealer will ask / check, been dealing with mine for almost a year even after new steering rack GOOD LUCK

[scoobtothenoog]

FordCustomerService are you listening? Can you help me get a head start on this?

[dyn085]

Moved to MK3 TSB, Recall & Problems Archive.

[jcho250]

Hi all. I was referred here after doing a little Google search on "power assist failure" for the 2012 Focus.

The system warning message came on after the car was sitting in a parking lot all day during work hours. Turned car off and on a few times to see if it would go away as it had for a few others, but mine persisted. Left the Focus at work to take to local dealer the next day. Steering was extremely tough and didn't want to risk driving 30 miles home as it was.

Dealer today tells me that they have to replace the entire steering column. Not sure what that means exactly, but it's going to cost $2400. Our family's first Ford ever, and we are really regretting it.

Guess there's no chance of any sort of recall, right? Wish I had researched electronic power steering issues before all this. Forum seems great though.

[TboneZX3]

I don't understand why they would have to replace the entire column. There are two TRW-manufactured EPS units: the column-drive and the rack-drive units. The Focus has the rack-drive unit, where all of the power-assist function is located on the rack, vs. on the column for the other type.