Ford Fusion Steering Problems

Steering complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Electric power assist system
  44
• Rack and pinion
  33
• Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid
  12
• Rack and pinion › Rack
  7
• Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
  6
• Steering control module
  5
• Column
  4
• Hydraulic power assist system
  2

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  2967%
• 25k–50k
  56513%
• 50k–75k
  86019%
• 75k–100k
  88520%
• 100k–150k
  1,27929%
• 150k+
  59913%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while making a turn in either left or right direction, the Traction Control warning light had displayed, and the vehicle had reduced speed independently. During failure, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a mailbox. During the crash, no injuries were reported. No police report was filed and the vehicle was driven home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 81,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started pulling and veering to the right, while driving on uneven pavement. The power steering assist warning light illuminated while driving over 35 MPH. On another occasion, the steering wheel failed to respond, and the vehicle spun out and the vehicle came to a stop in the right lane. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure, and the vehicle was aligned. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a steering assist sensor fault. …

My car in February of 202: got stuck in park they said it was electrical issue, then months later I ended up with a coolant leak that then combusted my engine. New engine in August of 2023 fast forward to November 2023 my car is doing the same thing it stalled in the road with myself and newborn in the car, lost all speed and now it will not go in drive or reverse just like it did in February of 2023. It's been in the shop twice and now ongoing it's third time and I find this to be a severe issue because if my car is going to keep stalling while driving there is no reason to keep fixing this car. I'm aware past fusion's have been recalled for something of similar problems so it makes me wonder if this should be recalled as well.

The vehicle wheels and steering wheel bounce and shake when brakes are applied, regardless of the speed level; this felt like I am losing control of the vehicle and as if the wheels, and components of suspension or brake system will collapse all of the sudden. No warning lights came up in the dashboard. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership (Kearny Mesa Ford Service, 7303 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111) and they confirmed the problem, the problem still persisted after they performed checks and repairs, their response was "we are not sure what's causing the problem and we need more time to diagnose.".

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. the contact stated that there was excessive movement in the steering when the steering column was making a clicking sound while turning to the left. The contact stated that while turning to the left, the steering wheel was seized, and the contact had to use excessive force to turn the steering wheel to the left. While pulling out of a parking space, the advance track mode and power steering loss messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the steering had failed and replaced the lower control arm, tie rod, and rack and pinion on the driver's side of the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. …

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted, and the contact stated that the steering wheel was loose while operating the vehicle. The contact stated that the traction control warning light flashed on the instrument panel during one of the failures. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure of the vehicle. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the "Power Steering assist Fault" and "Service Advance Track" messages illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the steering wheel lost power steering and was significantly more difficult to steer. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for diagnostic testing. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 34,886.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 69,000.

Related recalls (5)

NHTSA investigations