YearToAvoid

2014 Ford Focus Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 221 steering complaints for the 2014 Ford Focus, 8% of all complaints for the year, with 12 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries reported. A related recall (14V514000) covers incorrectly assembled steering gears on some 2014 Focus and C-Max units.

Steering complaints
221
8% of 2,601
Crashes reported
12
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
6
Median mileage
51,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of power steering while backing out of driveways or making low-speed turns, sometimes leading to a collision.
  • Several complaints describe the power steering reverting to heavy manual steering without warning, making the car hard to turn.
  • Some drivers report the steering wheel locking up completely at speed, jerking the vehicle out of its lane.
  • Multiple owners describe an abnormal noise from the steering wheel followed by a sudden loss of assist and loss of control.
  • A few complaints note steering assist failures that recur after sitting or in wet conditions, sometimes tied to a burning smell or electrical fault.

When 2014 Ford Focus steering complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 22, 2013, latest Aug 11, 2026.

2014 Ford Focus steering complaints: complaints filed per quarter112013 Q42015 Q32017 Q22019 Q12020 Q42022 Q32024 Q32026 Q3
221 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2018 Q3 (11).

Steering recalls for the 2014 Ford Focus

  1. NHTSA 14V514000Aug 22, 2014Steering508 vehiclesDo Not Drive

    Steering

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled.

    Risk: The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S18.

Steering complaints by Focus model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200518 (4%)
  2. 20065 (2%)
  3. 200713 (3%)
  4. 200812 (5%)
  5. 20099 (4%)
  6. 201013 (5%)
  7. 201110 (9%)
  8. 2012927 (25%)
  9. 2013273 (13%)
  10. 2014221 (8%)
  11. 201593 (9%)
  12. 201645 (4%)
  13. 201720 (2%)
  14. 201830 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Ford Focus?
NHTSA lists 221 steering complaints for the 2014 Focus, which is 8% of all 2,601 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2014 Ford Focus?
Yes. Recall 14V514000 covers 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles built between August 8 and August 15, 2014, that may have incorrectly assembled steering gears; Ford replaces the steering gears free of charge.
How serious are the steering problems reported?
NHTSA data tied to steering complaints on the 2014 Focus include 12 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 51,000 miles.
How does the 2014 Focus compare to other model years for steering complaints?
The 2014 Focus had 221 steering complaints (8% share), lower than the 2012 Focus at 927 complaints (25% share) and the 2013 Focus at 273 complaints (13% share), but higher than the 2016-2018 Focus years.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.