Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel was loose and would move up and down. Upon inspection, it was discovered that a bolt was unsecured under the steering wheel cover. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact became aware that the steering wheel was very loose. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not provided to the contact. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,555.
I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE that affects the braking system and related electronics: 1.The ABS stopped functioning previously. 2.Recently, the car displayed a "Brake Malfunction" warning for the first time, which appears when making sharp turns. 3.The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) stopped working some time ago. These issues are extremely dangerous. The electronic brake booster and ABS module are critical for safe braking, especially in emergency situations. With the ABS and brake assist compromised, the pedal can suddenly become rock hard or soft, stopping distance increases dramatically, and traction control/ABS is unavailable during hard braking. I am concerned this is a systemic issue with the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE braking system and not isolated to my vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering was inoperable. The steering wheel detached from the steering column and the steering wheel was spinning at a 360-degree motion. The contact stated that there was no motion on the tires. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fractured steering bolt. The contact was advised that the extent of the failure had not been determined and could be provided only if the contact agreed to have repairs completed. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000(Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to report the failure to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while making a left turn, the steering wheel made a complete 360-degree turn; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. Additionally, the horn and the buttons on the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact pushed up on the steering wheel, applying a lot of pressure, to steer the vehicle while turning. Additionally, when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the failures were associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,600.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while making left or right turns, the contact noticed a lot of play in the steering wheel. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the bolt inside the steering wheel to be tightened. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was turned; however, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the trunk latch was independently unlocked. The contact stated that the trunk failure had started in 2023. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed rack and pinion. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
I drove the vehicle 2 miles to a nearby shopping center. I came out 15 minutes later and tried to start the car. Immediately flashing on the console was a large yellow wrench, message telling me to stop the vehicle immediately, pull over, errors with steering system, errors with side impact system and various other errors flashed. I tried to put the car in drive and it automatically went back into Accessory mode and flashed the same error messages telling me to stop driving. The steering was locked and unable to steer. Had it towed to the Ford dealer. They let it sit for 4 hours and then called to say they could see no issue as it started just fine. The next day they called and said they saw the issue 3 different times and saw communication errors in the car computer. They cleared the errors and let it sit over the weekend. …
NHTSA investigations
Power Steering Failure
On September 28th, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-011 to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles.ODI has received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at speed with no warning.During the PE16-011 investigation, Ford Motor Company…
Electric power steering failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate complaints of the loss of power steering while driving. The subject vehicles are equipped with a rack mounted Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) unit.Some of the complaints alleged that the steering assist failed and resulted in increased steering efforts that contributed to a loss of control and in some cases a crash.The…
Power Steering Failure
On September 28, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles. During the PE, ODI received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at various speeds with no warning.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Fusion Hybrid years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (138), 2011 (43), 2012 (36), 2013 (19) and 2015 (15) model years. Steering complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Ford Fusion Hybrid steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Ford Fusion Hybrid model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Fusion Hybrid steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles; 18% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the electric power assist system (1 mentions), followed by the rack and pinion (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.