Steering Problems of Ford Fusion - part 1

Ford Fusion owners have reported 3,846 problems related to steering (under the steering category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Fusion based on all problems reported for the Fusion.

1 Steering problem of the 2016 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 05/07/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign numbers: 23v162000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and 19v632000 (steering), but the failure persisted. A month after the recall repairs were completed, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake warning light was illuminated and blinked, and the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact used force to veer the vehicle to the side of the road. Once the contact was able to pull to the side of the vehicle, the engine was turned off. The contact called her boyfriend, who drove to the site of the incident and assisted the contact and pushed the vehicle to the residence. The dealer was contacted and at first refused to inspect the vehicle. The contact called the dealer again, and the dealer sent a mobile mechanic to the residence. However, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test would be performed on the vehicle. However, the contact would be responsible for the bill. The vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.  .

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2 Steering problem of the 2012 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 05/06/2026

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering became inoperable with the electronic power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,020.

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3 Steering problem of the 2011 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 05/03/2026

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. In addition, the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact had to apply all of her strength to turn the steering wheel in the intended direction. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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4 Steering problem of the 2018 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 04/30/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph on the highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering functionality while decelerating. The vehicle jerked, and a driver assistance system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,017.

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5 Steering problem of the 2012 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 04/27/2026

Our 2012 Ford Fusion had a sudden and complete loss of power steering & “power steering assist fault’ flashed on dash. The steering immediately became extremely difficult to operate, requiring both hands and excessive physical force just to turn the wheel. It felt less like driving a passenger car and more like wrestling a fully loaded dump truck with flat tires. This created a serious safety concern because the failure occurred without warning and fundamentally affected our ability to steer the vehicle safely. Fortunately, my wife was not driving at the time. The amount of force suddenly required to turn the wheel could easily be overwhelming, particularly during an emergency maneuver, in traffic, or while entering an intersection. After the failure occurred, we discovered vehicle had previously been subject to recall 15v340000 and Ford safety recall 15s18, both involving the exact electric power steering control module (“pscm”) that has now failed. Under that recall, a Ford dealer performed only a software update on 10/17/2016. We opened a case with Ford, brought the vehicle to a local dealer & paid for a diagnostic inspection. Using Ford ids equipment, dealer confirmed the condition and documented ‘no communication with pscm’. The dealer report quoted “steering gear assembly - rack & pinion assembly replace: $3,215. 81. ” the diagnosis was reported directly to Ford under the active case number. Despite the recall history and confirmed failure of the same steering system covered by the prior recall, Ford denied assistance because the earlier software reprogramming had already been completed. Our position is that this is clearly a hardware failure involving the recalled electric power steering system itself — the precise condition the recall was intended to address. Ford’s own recall communications dated may 17, 2019 specifically instructed owners to retain recall documentation in the event this exact situation later occurred.

6 Steering problem of the 2016 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 04/22/2026

I took my car to have recalls fixed. The next time I drove it after that my power steering shut off while driving. The warning lights for "hill start assist not available" and "service advancetrac" came on. After some research it looks like I have the exact problem for recall 19s26. However when I called the dealership they couldn’t find the documentation if they fixed this or not on my vehicle. They said since it is not an open recall they do not have to fix it. Can you please open/reopen this recall for my vehicle so I can address this specific issue.

7 Steering problem of the 2011 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 04/19/2026

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "service power steering now" was displayed and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted and regained power steering functionality. The following day, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and an appointment was scheduled for the vehicle to be diagnosed and repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

8 Steering problem of the 2011 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 04/11/2026

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn left or right. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated, and the message "service power steering now" was displayed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn as needed. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

9 Steering problem of the 2011 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 04/10/2026

On my 2011 Ford Fusion the power steering has failed and it seems to be covered by 15v340000 (15s18), specially supplement 3 but the dealership doesn't wish to acknowledge the warranty replacement. Currently the vehicle cannot be driven safely. I have had several mechanics look at the vehicle including a Ford authorized dealership. The suggested fix is as explained in the 15v340000 (15s18) and 15n01.

10 Steering problem of the 2015 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 04/10/2026

I am reporting a serious and ongoing safety issue involving my 2015 Ford Fusion. The vehicle experiences intermittent power steering failure while driving. The steering assist will suddenly disengage and re-engage without warning, making the vehicle extremely difficult to control. This condition becomes even more dangerous in wet weather, where the vehicle is sometimes nearly undriveable. Additionally, I am now experiencing a popping noise in the steering wheel. This raises concern of a possible mechanical failure consistent with known recalls involving steering wheel bolt defects that could result in the steering wheel detaching. These issues are consistent with known recalls, including: - power steering failure recall (15v340000) - steering wheel bolt recall (18v167000 / 18s08) despite these known safety defects, Ford has refused to repair the issue, stating that the recall has expired. This presents a serious safety hazard, including risk of loss of steering control, crash, injury, or death. I am requesting immediate investigation and enforcement of manufacturer responsibility for this safety-related defect.

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11 Steering problem of the 2012 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 04/06/2026

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving, but the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the steering gear had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance due the manufacturing date of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

12 Steering problem of the 2015 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 04/02/2026

My steering wheel came detached as I was driving. Forest is refusing to pay to have it towed to the dealership to be fixed. I do not understand why I have to pay $160 for a tow that was a defect of Ford. At that point, it is no longer a free repair.

13 Steering problem of the 2013 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 04/01/2026

I was driving the vehicle and a warning message came on related to the power steering module not functioning correctly. Immediately after the steering column locked up and was stiff and to tough to continue driving. I looked into repairs and notice a recall # 19s26 was issued in 2019 with my specific vehicle in the list by year, brand and model for the exact problem described. When I contacted Ford, they advised me that my VIN # was not included in the recall. Wanted to file complaint due to the lack of coverage Ford offers for cars specifically covered under the recall.

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14 Steering problem of the 2012 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/25/2026

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. While the contact’s girlfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel jerked and pulled to the right. Due to the failure, the steering wheel seized, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. The driver was able to avoid striking the curve. An unknown code was displayed. The contact was called and went to the scene of the failure. The vehicle was driven back to the residence nearby. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. While researching, the contact became aware of NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering) and associated the failure with the recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

15 Steering problem of the 2016 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/24/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was making a left turn, the steering wheel lost steering capabilities, and the vehicle did not steer as intended. The vehicle then ran into a divider on the four-lane highway and then came to a full stop. The contact did not sustain any physical injuries, but his wife sustained emotional injuries. A police report was filed. The contact's wife did not receive medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was then returned to the residence. The contact was notified, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.

16 Steering problem of the 2016 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/24/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started to shake while driving at slower speeds, and the shaking ceased while driving at higher speeds. The message "steering fault - service now" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed an abs and power steering failure and determined that the power steering rack unit needed to be repaired. The independent mechanic scanned the vehicle and retrieved dtc: u0131, 87-48, c102d, 00-8a, and c200d, 49-08. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 19v632000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

17 Steering problem of the 2018 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/23/2026

Transmission is now not shifting out of park and this is after having issues with the engine allowing coolant to get in and causing damage with the cylinders. Would not pass the pressure test. When calling Ford customer service and headquarters telling me there is no way they can help with good will. Find this troublesome when they already know the ecoboost causing issues to the car and my car is not at 120,000 miles yet. After seeing the 2013-2016 models already have a recall for the exact same thing and you're going to say this is not related is beyond ignorant on the company's behalf.

18 Steering problem of the 2012 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/22/2026

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, and the power steering control module was updated under NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering); but the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

19 Steering problem of the 2016 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/20/2026

The steering gear went out causing the steering wheel to completely lock up. It’s costing thousands of dollars to repair. Not sure why this recall isn’t associated with my VIN number but other 2016 Ford Fusions. My car is in the shop now to be fixed and was quoted over 3k$.

20 Steering problem of the 2012 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/18/2026

The steering locked up and was completely unable to turn the wheel. This resulted in an accident that sent the car into a ditch. The safety recall for the steering was fixed and it failed again, in which it cost me 1700 to replace the same part again. It has again failed!!! this is extremely unsafe and should not fail on multiple occasions. This problem needs to be resolved!!!!.

21 Steering problem of the 2013 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/17/2026

The steering locked up while driving. I was unable to turn the steering wheel. My self and my brother were in the vehicle. At this time, I am contacting the dealer to look at the unit. It will not turn and is stuck in my driveway. I am being told the electronic steering rack may have failed. Why does this not break way and allow some turning like the old hydraulic models? if I had been driving highway speeds, this would have been a serious accident.

22 Steering problem of the 2011 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/14/2026

I experienced a complete loss of power steering on my 2011 Ford Fusion. Luckily I managed to avoid an accident and had the vehicle towed to my mechanic. When he told me what caused the issue, I looked up all recalls on this vehicle using my VIN for the 2011 Ford Fusion on both Ford's website and the NHTSA. Gov website. There was a recall in 2015 for loss of electric power steering assist NHTSA id number: 15v340000. Ford's number for this recall is 15s18. I called Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and they told me that this recall was no longer open. I bought this vehicle in 2020 and was not made aware of this recall at all, otherwise I would have gotten it fixed like I did for the airbag recalls. This was something that happened with no warning. The Ford customer service is refusing to acknowledge this recall or assist me on this.

23 Steering problem of the 2010 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/11/2026

All the sudden, the power steering stopped working as I was backing out of my parking spot at the grocery store. Luckily, I stopped before anything bad happened. I literally couldn't turn the steering wheel at all. I put the car in park, turned it off and turned it back on a couple of times and it started working. This happened maybe 3 or 4 times over maybe 2-4 months or so. It finally happened one day when my husband was with me so he was able to see what I had been talking about. We made it back home and he got online and after doing some research, apparently a lot of people have had this same problem. Apparently, it's something called the "power steering assist module" which is very expensive. I'm disabled and live on a very limited budget. {not much more than it costs just to buy the part to fix the car}.

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24 Steering problem of the 2011 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/11/2026

Vehicle: Ford Fusion 2011 component: steering mileage: 169600 description: while driving, the steering suddenly became very heavy and difficult to turn. The steering wheel feels stiff, and in some situations the wheels do not respond properly when turning the wheel. The issue appears related to a worn or failing rack and pinion steering system. This creates a dangerous situation where the vehicle is difficult to control, especially at low speeds or when making turns. This problem increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and could lead to an accident. There was no warning before the issue occurred. The vehicle has not been involved in any accident prior to this issue. This appears to be a mechanical failure.

25 Steering problem of the 2012 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/08/2026

The power steering assist fault notice keeps popping up on the dashboard screen. When this happens, the power steering is inoperable leaving me stranded. I've had my mechanic fix it several times (after the Ford recall on steering didn't properly repair the issue) costing an insane price. It's very unsafe to be on the road & have the power steering go out. It is unsafe not only for me & my family but also for the vehicles traveling around my vehicle. It causes mental distress & anxiety as I never know when I'm going to be left stranded. This time, I'm stranded at the laundromat, on a Sunday. Not knowing how I'm going to get home or to work tomorrow. My receipts for repairs are at home. Until Ford makes this right, I'll never see the Ford brand as a reliable manufacturer nor will I ever purchase or recommend the Ford brand.

26 Steering problem of the 2014 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/06/2026

While driving a 2014 Ford Fusion during a snowstorm, the vehicle displayed the warning message “steering assist fault – service required. ” immediately afterward, the steering became extremely difficult to turn, requiring significantly greater effort to control the vehicle. This sudden loss of power steering assist created a serious safety risk for myself and others on the road. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership, which confirmed diagnostic codes u3000 and c200d in the power steering control module and recommended replacement of the steering gear assembly and related components. The dealer noted that my VIN was not listed as included in the relevant recalls, although many vehicles from the same model year were included in Ford recall 19s26 (NHTSA 19v632000), which addresses corrosion or breakage of electric power steering gear motor bolts and potential loss of power steering assist. No prior symptoms were noted before the warning message appeared. The failure was sudden and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. The steering gear and related components are available for inspection. Based on the dealer’s assessment and the similarity to documented recall conditions, the cause appears to be a sudden failure of the electric power steering gear assembly.

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27 Steering problem of the 2014 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/05/2026

Subject: urgent complaint: deceptive practices/misrepresentation & services not rendered (woodhouse Ford of omaha) I. Actionable safety issue summary this complaint concerns fraudulent billing and dangerous misrepresentation by woodhouse Ford of omaha, which claimed a vehicle's 3rd rack and pinion system was "safe" on 2/19/2026 after a known safety issue, following a previous failure. They further charged $219. 22 for unrendered/improper abs programing repairs that was not successful because the electric rack and pinion is defective on 3/5/2026 and fabricated invoice records to shift liability. Ii. Parties involved •consumer: [xxx] •dealer/service provider: woodhouse Ford of omaha, service manager jeremy sullivan, technician anthony rubio. •financial institution: first national bank of omaha (regulated by occ). Iii. Nature of the dispute 1. Safety hazard/misrepresentation (2/19/2026): service manager jeremy sullivan and tech anthony rubio stated the vehicle’s rack and pinion was "safe" despite a prior failure. This misrepresentation has left me with a vehicle that has had the rack and pinion fail or require replacement three times in under a year. 2. Services not rendered (3/5/2026): charged $219. 22 for "programming the abs module" which was not rendered or not performed correctly. 3. Fabricated documentation: woodhouse Ford created fraudulent service invoices stating I diagnosed the abs fault and declined further diagnosis. This is an attempt to evade liability for ongoing, dangerous defects. Iv. Regulatory violations & requested action the described actions violate consumer protection laws, including: •dodd-frank udaap (12 usc § 5536): unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices. •fair credit billing act (15 usc § 1666): billing error/services not received. •regulation e (12 cfr 1005. 11): procedures for resolving errors. Requested action: initiate an investigation into woodhouse Ford of omaha’s service practices and safety diagnostics. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia),.

28 Steering problem of the 2013 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 03/01/2026

Power steering / power steering assist failure. Complete loss of power steering.

29 Steering problem of the 2016 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 02/27/2026

I get in my 2016 Fusion to go to dinner and I can barely turn my steering wheel. I put it in park and check the power steering fluid. Full. I tried resetting the power steering assist by starting the car and turning all the way left then right then center. Still can barely turn. Tried disconnecting the battery hoping it would be an electrical glitch. Come to find out it’s could be a steering assist motor on the steering column that’s going bad and can cause this problem while driving! that’s insane!.

30 Steering problem of the 2016 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 02/23/2026

I called way scarff Ford to have the safety recalls taken care. Got my appointment, stopped the car off in the morning. They kept the car for 3 days and after the 3rd day they said everything is good to go. Go there in auburn wa couldn't find my car. Took 4 people or including myself. Then it took another half hour to 45 min to find my car. Go get in the vehicle and something doesn't seem right. Everything still felt the same. I look under the hood and find that the the recalls for the cable bushing wasn't corrected so let led me to think that the other recalls were not completed. Befote calling Ford corporate to have this issue taken care of we called [xxx] in enumclaw to have this taken care of. Since the car was at way scarff my car started to act funny. Lean idle, really rough idle vibration with now a code p0299 which is the underboost. I do not think they hooked the hoses up correctly. So now my car is acting really funny. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

31 Steering problem of the 2014 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 02/22/2026

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel remained stuck in the direction turned and failed to return to center. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. Due to the failure, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle while driving back to the residence. The contact’s stepson used a code reader to diagnose the vehicle and performed a reset, and the power steering assist feature returned. Upon investigation, the contact's stepson discovered NHTSA campaign number: 19v632000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was informed that the repair was temporary and that the failure would return. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

32 Steering problem of the 2011 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 02/16/2026

Complete loss of power steering while driving, service power steering now warning light came on right after, service advance trac warning right after that. After doing some research this is a known issue to Ford and customer service agent confirmed this in chat, screenshot included.

33 Steering problem of the 2011 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 02/14/2026

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 mph and turning left into a driveway, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The contact stopped, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and drove back to the residence. The contact had researched online and associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering). An appointment was scheduled with a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact informed the service manager of the recall and was informed that the VIN was no longer covered under warranty, and that the vehicle was previously covered under manufacturer recall number: 15n01. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

34 Steering problem of the 2015 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 02/11/2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact heard an abnormally loud bang. The power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact diagnosed the vehicle with rack and pinion failure and detached bolts. The contact stated that the bolts were corroded, and the rack and pinion gear had detached. The contact stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 19v632000 (steering); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

35 Steering problem of the 2011 Ford Fusion

Failure Date: 02/06/2026

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the steering wheel, the steering wheel seized, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.



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