Recall 14V514 affects 508 2014 Ford C-Max and Focus vehicles for incorrectly assembled steering gears. Do not drive. Free repair at any franchised Ford dealer.
Impaired steering can include loss of steering control and increases crash risk. Do not drive the vehicle, including short trips; ask Ford about towing if it must move. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
Ford recall 14V514 covers 508 2014 C-Max and Focus vehicles with steering gears that were incorrectly assembled. Do not drive the vehicle if your VIN is included; the incorrectly manufactured steering gear can cause loss of steering control, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering gear in the 2014 Ford C-Max and Focus is the main mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front wheels. When you turn the wheel, the gear converts that input into left or right movement at the wheels. It has to be assembled correctly so the driver gets the steering response the vehicle was designed to provide.
In recall 14V514, Ford reported that the steering gears on the affected vehicles were incorrectly assembled. The problem is inside the steering gear assembly, not in normal wear or owner maintenance. An incorrectly assembled gear can interfere with the way steering force moves through the system, so the front wheels do not respond as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the steering gear stops working correctly, the driver can notice a sudden change in steering response only when the problem happens.
Who's affected?
C-Max and Focus are both included under the same steering-system component.
| 2014 Ford C-Max | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Ford Focus | steering system |
| Units affected | 508 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
Impaired steering can include loss of steering control and increases crash risk. Do not drive the vehicle, including short trips; ask Ford about towing if it must move. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Ford C-Max or Focus is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the vehicle until a Ford dealer completes the steering repair.
- Arrange a tow if the vehicle has to be moved to the dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free steering-gear replacement that fixes the incorrectly assembled steering gears.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford sent one. If not, reference recall number 14V514 when you call.
What happens at the repair
The recall record names the repair but does not mark the remedy status as available. Owner notices began on November 11, 2014. Once Ford confirms the repair for your VIN, a Ford technician replaces the incorrectly assembled steering gear on the affected 2014 C-Max or Focus. The dealer repair is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. Ask the Ford service desk to match the appointment to recall 14S18 so the correct steering gear repair is handled under the campaign.
Timeline
| August 22, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 11, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V514?
Recall 14V514 covers 508 2014 Ford C-Max and Focus vehicles with steering gears that were incorrectly assembled. The defect can impair steering, including loss of steering control, increasing crash risk. Do not drive an included vehicle until a Ford dealer replaces the steering gear for free.
What should I do if my 2014 Ford C-Max or Focus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V514. If it is, do not drive it. Call a franchised Ford dealer, reference Ford recall 14S18, and ask how to get the steering gear replacement completed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford dealers will replace the steering gear free of charge. Ford customer service is available at 1-800-392-3673, and Ford's recall number is 14S18.
What does do not drive mean for this Ford recall?
Do not drive means the vehicle should stay parked until the recall repair is complete. This includes short trips. Because this recall involves impaired steering and loss of steering control, ask the Ford dealer about towing or another safe way to move the vehicle.
When did Ford start this recall repair?
Ford began the recall on November 11, 2014. The repair path is a free steering gear replacement at a franchised Ford dealer. If your VIN is included and the repair is still open, call the dealer with recall number 14S18.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V514000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-800-392-3673 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V514 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V514000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →