The power steering ('epas' - electric power-assisted steering) system failed in my 2012 Ford Focus on 7/15/2016. The power loss was intermittent and unexpected at first, randomly shutting off upon vehicle start-up, or shortly thereafter. The power steering eventually experienced full failure on July 15th, 2016 and remains inoperable to this day, leaving me to deal with complete manual steering only. As a result of the failure, steering effort has increased tremendously during stationary and low speed maneuvering. It also makes controlling the steering wheel and vehicle under bumpy road conditions troublesome at all speeds, as well as avoiding lane drift at all speeds. The most concerning result of this power steering failure is dealing with bumpy road conditions, including potholes, which can jerk the steering wheel from my grip at times and veer the vehicle into another lane, or worse, an opposing lane of traffic. This has at times caused mild injury to my wrists and occasionally strain in my elbows when dealing with sudden jerks as well as the immense effort required to turn the steering wheel in stationary or low-speed maneuvering situations. I am a healthy and physically fit young man, & even I have trouble dealing with the steering wheel in these situations. Due to the enormous cost of repair, which can cost upwards of $2000, I have been unable to afford repair the steering, which has been inoperable for over a year. The NHTSA has already recalled the 2011-13 Ford Taurus and flex, 2011-13 Lincoln mks and mkt, 2011-12 Ford Fusion and Lincoln mkz, and 2011 Mercury Milan for the same epas steering failure, but nothing has been done for the Focus yet. I worry this issue will potentially cause serious injury or death to me or my loved ones.

- Culver City, CA, USA

In January, 2017 I had my 2012 Focus hatchback checked out for an ongoing grinding noise only present when turning. My local mechanic diagnosed this as a failing rack and pinion which needed complete replacement to avoid a catastrophic failure while driving. A $1700 repair for a major component on a 5 year old car with only ~40K miles. Very disappointed in Ford, currently looking at other brands for a new purchase.

- Quincy, MA, USA

Steering rack failure, vehicle is at 62,000 miles. Daughter lost what we thought was power steering control while driving thru a somewhat busy Suburban neighborhood road. Upon driving to a safe place, it was harder to steer than the traditional old school non-power steering cars. Was $1800 to replace.

- Austin, TX, USA

Power steering gear. My college student had the check steering message. We took car to dealership. They explained that the steering gear needed to be replaced and it would cost $1900. This is the same problem with their new electronic power steering that resulted in recalls on the Fusion, Taurus, and mlzs but the Focus is not recalled. I declined the repair and took it a local shop I use. They told me that they can't get the part because......Ford is purchasing every last one. There is a 2-3 month wait for the backorder. They also told that the part comes with a 15% surcharge so any saving that I would get not servicing at the Ford dealership would be lost as their price was also $1900. I did call in my complaint to Ford customer service and have a case number which I have yet to receive any response, that was 48 hours ago. The repair is approximately 40% of the net value of the car. For a problem that NHTSA dinged them on for the same system in other models. This is wrong. As an owner of an F150, Lincoln town car, and the Focus and a loyal Ford Motor Company customer, I am questioning my decision making!!!

- Bartlett, TN, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. While driving 75 mph, the power assist indicator illuminated and the steering wheel became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (automax Ford 3301 E. central Texas expy, killeen, tx, 76543) where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was not clear on the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Killeen, TX, USA

On way to local store power steering went out. Having to steer with much effort. Stopped and tried to turn ignition off several times and restart, but did not work. It initially went out while in motion on way to store after accelerating from stop sign. Noticed it when I had to make a right turn at next corner. And panel warning light came on.

- Franklin, LA, USA

After starting the Focus I would get a power steering fault alarm. Turning the car off and on would fix the issue. Now it stays off no matter what. This makes maneuvering extremely hard and dangerous.

- Louisville, KY, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. While driving 55 mph, the steering failed and the steering assist malfunction warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to spradley Ford (located at 2828 U.S. 50 pueblo, co 81088 719-545-0192) where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 60,258.

- Boone, CO, USA

I purchased this car used in 2016 for my 16 yr old daughter. In the month of June 2017 the power steering would intermittently go out and make it extremely difficult to turn. On July 11, the power steering completely failed and I took it to a local Ford dealership in chesterfield, mo. The dealership communicated to me that they were not aware of power steering issues with this care which is quite disappointing since there is significant content on the internet for this issue. The diagnosis is faulty power steering assembly and will cost me $2200 to fix. I am disappointed Ford is not taking this issue more seriously. I am lucky my daughter was not involved in an accident.

- Ofallon, MO, USA

My daughter was driving our 2012 Ford Focus on the freeway (with my 2 year old granddaughter in the car) at 65 mph when she had a complete loss of power steering. A message appeared "steering assist fault - service required"... no warning, this messaged just popped up at time of failure. My daughter struggled to get the car off the road and called me - refusing to drive the car for fear of endangering her or her daughter. I had to come get her.... I drove the car home - allthough there has not been a problem with the car in the 2 times I have driven it. My daughter will not drive it again. I have read that there have been several hundred others reporting this same problem - including a report in the NY times. Does somebody to die before there is a recall? the car has 75,000 miles on it.

- Rock Hill, SC, USA

While driving and making a left turn in front of oncoming traffic the power steering went out making it extremely difficult to steer.

- Bristol, PA, USA

For the last 2 years this car stops steering and has an error message that reads steering assist fault service required. The car stops steering when in motion and when parked and first started. The steering wheel is close to impossible to turn when this occurs and is very dangerous especially when this happens in motion. I have had it in for service at least 6 times regarding this issue and Ford will motor Corp is closing my case with no resolve. This is recalled on the Fusion from the same year for the same malfunction. I feel unsafe driving this vehicle. It now occurs daily. I also still have extended warranty and that does not cover this issue apparently.

- Carolina Beach, NC, USA

I don't know if my Ford Focus 2012 is included in the tamara airbag recall or not. My clutch has been replaced several times due to sudden acceleration when stopped or slowing down.: it's the powershift transmission. My door latches were replaced per Ford recall. New rear engine main seal replaced 7/12/17. Vehicle has only 32,746 miles on it. Tires already had to be replaced.

- Fairlawn, OH, USA

Power steering cuts out while vehicle is on. Steering becomes almost impossible. So far, it has only happened while stopped. Concerned it could happen while moving.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V340000 (steering) and 17V024000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts would become available. The contact experienced a steering failure while driving 45 mph, in which the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Houston, TX, USA

While out of town and attempting to reverse my vehicle in a parking lot, my power steering stopped working and my steering wheel locked up. I was unable to move the steering wheel and got a message saying "steering assist fault. Service required". fortunately, I was able to turn off my vehicle and restart it without the error message coming back. While driving home on the highway that night, I felt the car was having difficulties while idling, felt it was about to stall several times and was extremely fearful that the steering would go out suddenly again. I took my vehicle into Ford the next day and learned that the steering system needed replaced. The service manager said it was completely unsafe to drive home before a more than $1,700 repair and said the steering could go out at anytime. Due to several other recalls and issues with my transmission and other electrical components over the past five years, I contacted the corporate Ford customer service and asked for a solution. They refused to assist me with any type of discount or financial assistance for the $1,200 part that should not be suddenly going out in a five year old vehicle. They also refused to take any ownership over the many, many recalls on my vehicle and my fears regarding the safety of the vehicle. Due to the other recalls that Ford has had over steering concerns in recent years, I am extremely scared that my car is unsafe even after the repair due to several known problems in cars and parts that Ford makes.

- Johnson City, TN, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. While driving, the power steering failed and the steering assist indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering fluid needed to be flushed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 38,000.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

My car had absolutely no warning signs of any steering issues. I drove to the tanning bed with no problem and when I came out and started my car the "service alert" came up saying "steering assist fault service required." My car had been stationary for maybe 20 minutes. I tried backing out of my parking spot and it was extremely difficult to turn the wheel. I was able to drive home- my arms were very sore by the time I pulled in the driveway. I called Ford this morning to inquire about this issue and was advised it sounds like a leak in my steering system but the car is safe to drive. My biggest concern, aside from how much this is going to cost me, is that they said it was safe to drive?! if someone or something were to pull out in front of me or I needed to swerve out of the way for any reason it would literally be impossible to do so.

- Pittsford, NY, USA

I lost power steering without warning while driving my son to son to school. You can still steer the car but barely and I am a 200lb maintenance man. Brought it to the Ford dealer and it is going to costs 1700 to fix. I have read many other 2012 Focus owners have had the same problem. Very surprised it is not covered under a safety recall as it happens without warning and makes maneuvering the car almost impossible.

- Sherburne, NY, USA

I've had my Ford Focus for 6 months. I've experienced recalls on the transmission which I have fixed. Now my steering assist fault light is on and my power steering went out completely while turning into my driveway. This is a major issue. I have noticed that other people have the same issue and many people have been in horrible accidents. What if this was to happen to me and my children? it wouldn't just affect our lives but also our loved ones. I would love to know if there is a recall on this or there is an ability to get my money back on the car.

- Atoka, OK, USA