Electric Power Assist Steering System problems of the 2011 Ford Fusion

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned on and while starting to drive the owner noticed that the power assist seized. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicles traction control system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was power assist need to be replaced. The owner referenced NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering) to the dealer and the manufacturer in which they stated that due to the mileage the owner would have to pay for the repair. The failure mileage was 158,000.

See attached document for complaint.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while making a u-turn in his driveway, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the electric steering fault and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the warning message "power assist failure" appeared on the instrument panel and the steering wheel was significantly difficult to maneuver. The contact was able to forcefully maneuver the steering wheel with assistance and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the failure as a steering module fault. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that an unknown recall repair had already been completed on the vehicle in the year 2016. The manufacturer also advised the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the message "power steering assist fault" illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering assist system needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering) because the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair since the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 213,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "power steering assist fault" displayed on the instrument panel and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally however, the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 160,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to restart the vehicle however, after restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality failed to return. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was notified of NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering). The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the recall repair was already performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing, the steering wheel locked up and failed to move. The vehicle was restarted and functioned as designed. The power assist warning indicator light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer where the diagnosis was the gearbox needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not covered under a warranty or a recall. The failure mileage was 102,000. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA campaign number 15v340000 (steering).

Tl the contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated received NHTSA campaign number: 13v227000 (fuel system, gasoline) and the vehicle was serviced at kirk auto company (235 state hwy 7 frontage rd, grenada, ms 38901). The contact stated the fuel tank was leaking fuel onto the ground. The contact also mention while driving approximately 5 mph the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver with the power steering warning light illuminating. The contact stated that the fuel tank was still leaking fuel as the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for service. The dealer diagnosed the failure as a cracked fuel tank that needs to be replaced. The contact mentioned that she sustained injuries to the right hand that required medical attention. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 234,069.

2011 Ford Fusion. Consumer states safety issues with vehicle related to driver controls and distractions, battery failure and loss of electric power steering capability the consumer stated there was no warning that the steering was about to freeze while driving. The consumer also stated it was difficult to read the instrument panel. The headlight control was located in an inconvenient place, the obstruction of the left side plastic molding inside the steering wheel prevented a clear view of object.