Ford Focus Power Steering Malfunction – Mileage, Reasons, and Ways to Fix It

From Mk1 to Mk4, the evolution of Ford Focus, which spans over 20 years (broken into four generations), has offered excellent quality, a fantastic interior, and beautiful looks.

Yet, amidst every other aspect that makes it outstanding, the latest Ford Focus, Mk4, boasts Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS). Plus, it comes equipped with the SYNC 4 infotainment system. Both of these have been widely recognized for their easy-to-use layout.

Power steering malfunction message highlights

• Common reasons:dead 12V battery, problems with power steering
• How to fix:check the battery, read the codes with the scanner
• Possible consequences:car may not start
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$150-$500

This hydraulic power steering was excellent, but only for about 50 years. So apart from being considered somewhat a slight loss due to the requirement of power by the engine, EPAS, a better alternative, was introduced.

Yes, EPAS uses hydraulic fluid and a pump. But instead of an engine, it employs the battery for the electric pump to pressure the fluid to assist the steering.

You will only move the steering to get the process going. So, "power simply changed hands" from a hydraulic pump that had a belt attached to the engine (which, in turn, drew its power from the engine - a method that used up more energy) to an electric pump and hydraulic fluid that drew power from the battery, providing an efficient system. And for the new generation Ford Focus, the EPAS is the way to go. But even that is not all.

Problems You May Experience with Your Ford Focus Steering

Keep in mind that your car's steering system consists of the steering wheels, steering box, steering column, steering arms, steering assistance system, and front wheels. But also, being a smaller car, your Ford Focus is prone to more steering issues than larger cars.

And like most things that have upsides, there are downsides to the Ford Focus power steering. First, the Focus is a small car with smaller tires, wheels, and lighter suspension, making them more affected by potholes and bumps than oversized vehicles.

Whether you've experienced any of them or not, you need to know them and find out the reasons behind your steering issues. Well, here are a few:

Heavy or Stiff Steering

Remember that a Ford Focus older than 2010 uses a hydraulic power steering system. Now that it's out of the way, you should know that heavy steering on a hydraulic system should be checked. Why?

Its malfunction could result from an insufficient steering fluid to a severe steering rack issue. But, of course, the longer it lasts, the more expensive fixing it would be.

However, suppose your Ford Focus is newer than 2010. In that case, you know the steering system is electric-assisted. So if your steering feels heavy or hard, it points toward an electrical problem.

Electric problems with Focus' power steerings have often been linked to poor functioning sensors. But it could be something more. You can start by checking your engine for codes using your scanning tool. You may also visit your nearest Ford dealer.

Pulling to the Right When It's Heavily on Gas

A torque steer is usually the reason for your Focus to steer to the right, especially when high on gas. Yet, this issue is constant for cars with after-market power add-ons. If such a case, you may have to make peace that your high-performance car is an inevitable consequence.

Still, if your car hasn't been modified, then a torque steer could mean one of many things:

• A problem with the alignment
• Unevenly inflated tires/wear
• Parts of the steering rack, bearings, or linkage, are worn-out or loose.
• After-market wheels

To fix a torque steer, begin by looking at your tire pressure and suspension, or visit your mechanic.

Jumping Unpredictably in a Direction When You Move Over a Bump

A bump steer problem often comes to the fore when a car begins to move randomly after going over bumps. If that's the case, it is most likely a problem with its suspension modification or a damaged suspension.

You will first look under the car for any damage caused by road debris or get to a mechanic to help. Otherwise, you could be dealing with something as serious as a bent tie rod that could cause you to lose the car's control.

Nonetheless, if your car's suspension is modified, you may need to see your vehicle's bump steer kit or get advice from the manufacturer.

Earlier, two features were mentioned - EPAS and mileage. And now that some of the Ford Focus steering problems have been discussed, you are about to find out the mileage problems you may encounter with your car, their reasons, and how to fix them.

Having looked at some of the problems you may experience with your Ford Focus steering system, let us take a swing at when exactly to expect these problems (at what mileage they occur), why they happen, how to fix them, and the cost of repairing them, etc.

Ford Focus Power Steering Malfunction: Expected Mileage

The life expectancy of a Ford Focus is between 2000,000 - 250,000 miles under average conditions. However, the transmission can start to fail below 100,000 miles.

As for power steering malfunctions, you may experience them once your vehicle's mileage approaches 80,000 miles, as this is when they commonly occur.

Why Does it Happen?

A steering system is what affords a driver control over the car, so it stands to reason that when the steering system malfunctions, it must be investigated and fixed; or else, it becomes a disaster waiting to happen.

So, what are some of the major things that can cause a Ford Focus steering system to malfunction? Among other causes, manufacturing flaws and inherent design gaffs can malfunction or fail the power steering system. Other causes include lack of vehicle maintenance culture, pump malfunctions, fluid levels, blocked hoses, contaminated power steering fluids, or worn power steering belts.

These are some specific factors you can look to when there is a steering system failure.

Can a Power Steering System Malfunction be Prevented?

Yes, they can be prevented, and here are some ways to ensure your Ford Focus doesn't suffer a power steering system malfunction:

• A good power steering pump
• Clear passageways
• A good engine belts
• The proper amount of clean power steering fluids.

Unlike some mechanical problems, steering breakdowns do not happen without some warning signs, and you must pay close attention to these signs. They could be in the form of looseness and vibrations in the steering and tightness in the turning wheel. So, by noticing these signs and checking them out, a significant cost and potential disaster can be averted.

How Can It be fixed?

To fix a power steering system malfunction, you should start by identifying the exact problem we have listed above, down to the specific faulty part of the steering system. Then, suppose it is a mechanical problem like the ones we mentioned. In that case, you may attempt to fix it yourself, but if it is electrical, it is best left to mechanics and professionals at the manufacturers.

What is the Repair Cost?

The cost of repairing power steering averages between $800 and $1,200, and this sum is for power steering control module replacement. Labor cost comes in at around $100 and $300, while parts are priced at about $700.

These figures do not include tax and fees and do not factor in your unique location or specific vehicle model and other logistics that may be involved.

Power Steering in a Focus: Customers' Reviews

According to reviews, one of the most common problems faced by power steering systems is leaks. This is because of the system's high pressure combined with the soft hoses carrying the fluid. This makes it susceptible to leaks, which we know is unsuitable for the power steering system.

Most people also believe that electric power steering provides a better fuel consumption economy. However, as we know, Ford Focus models newer than 2010 are electric-assisted, while a hydraulic system powers older models.

While some prefer the electric-assisted power steering because of its fuel economy and efficiency (this method does not power from the engine and makes that car feel light to drive), others prefer the hydraulic system, and here is why.

The hydraulic power system gives the feeling of driving and total control. It doesn't mean that the newer systems are worse, but it's harder to set and prepare them ideally. And Ford failed to do it in a Focus.

In the end, Ford cars are indeed exceptional vehicles. But all your Ford's power and performance will vail nothing if you don't take care of it. It's often best to prevent matters before they can become debilitating.

Should you ever face power steering issues, we showed steps you can take or methods you can try to solve the problem. Professional help should always be your last resort because it will save you money.