2001 Ford Focus Steering Problems
Owners have filed 86 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the 2001 Ford Focus, 5% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 41,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “key turn” (12% of reports).
- 86steering complaints
- 41,000median miles at failure
- 15mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 58%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Key turn: mentioned in 10 of 86 complaints (12%)
- Please provide: mentioned in 7 of 86 complaints (8%)
- Rear end vibrated: mentioned in 6 of 86 complaints (7%)
- Steering linkages therefore: mentioned in 6 of 86 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 53 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 86 complaints, 15 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 6 an injury.
Ford Focus steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Focus | 30 | 4% | 47,500 |
| 2017 Focus | 20 | 2% | 61,800 |
| 2016 Focus | 45 | 4% | 48,000 |
| 2015 Focus | 93 | 9% | 61,610 |
| 2014 Focus | 221 | 8% | 51,000 |
| 2013 Focus | 273 | 13% | 74,000 |
| 2012 Focus | 927 | 25% | 78,000 |
| 2011 Focus | 10 | 9% | 40,000 |
| 2010 Focus | 13 | 5% | 58,000 |
| 2009 Focus | 9 | 4% | 6,500 |
| 2008 Focus | 12 | 5% | 23,000 |
| 2007 Focus | 13 | 3% | 59,360 |
| 2006 Focus | 5 | 2% | 47,073 |
| 2005 Focus | 18 | 4% | 60,133 |
| 2004 Focus | 29 | 7% | 54,111 |
| 2003 Focus | 73 | 7% | 70,500 |
| 2002 Focus | 53 | 6% | 44,586 |
| 2001 Focus | 86 | 5% | 41,000 |
| 2000 Focus | 168 | 5% | 61,574 |
| 1999 Focus | 1 | 9% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Steering:linkages
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported.
Risk: Loose pinch bolts could exhibit noise, vibration and, in extreme cases if left uncorrected, separation of the joint or fracture of the ball joint stud, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the steering knuckle pinch bolt for tightness and correct as necessary. Owner notification began february 10, 2003. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. While driving, the vehicle pulled to the right independently and the contact lost control of the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm, ball joint assembly, and axle needed to be…
As i was coming from dr's appt. With daughter and mom a roaring sound started in the rear. It kept getting louder and louder, car's rear would sway to the right side a little. But as i was driving down the street trying to at least get us all home safe. The rear driver side wheel came off and just…
Was driving my car at 55 mph at 11:20 pm on way home from work car made jerk lost all power no brakes no steering black smoke coming through vents to inside of car and flames coming from under hood car fully engulfed in flames blew up. *tr
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2001 Ford Focuss have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 86 owner complaints about steering for the 2001 Ford Focus (5% of the 1,761 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2001 Ford Focus steering?
Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do steering problems start?
The median reported mileage is 41,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about steering problems on the 2001 Ford Focus?
The most frequent phrase is “key turn”, in 10 of 86 complaints, followed by “please provide” (7).
Other 2001 Ford Focus problems
See all 2001 Ford Focus problems or steering problems across all Focus years.