2011 Ford Fusion Steering
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
The power steering frequently stops working while driving the car, making the car very difficult to steer. This definitely puts the driver and others on the road at risk since it is unpredictable when the electric power steering will stop working and making emergency steering maneuvers is impossible when this condition occurs. The vehicle displays the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" when this condition occurs. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer or anyone else.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering was inoperable, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under an unknown recall repair a year prior and the power steering module was reprogrammed. The contact stated that the failure began after the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed steering rack. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the repair was not covered under the recall due to the mileage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the EPS was not functioning as needed. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that occasionally upon starting the vehicle or while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called two dealers Suppes Ford (101 Main St, Johnstown, PA 15901) and Luther Ford Ebensburg (3941 Admiral Peary Hwy, Ebensburg, PA 15931)] and neither dealer assisted with the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The electric steering power goes out while driving almost wrecked into someone at a light turning now ford won’t fix it because it’s been over 10 years but my miles are still under 100,000 miles
My power steering went out in my 2011 Ford Fusion. When researching the possible cause, I found out there was a recall on the power steering for the model of my car. However, there is a 10 year or 150k mile limit on this recall. I couldn't understand how Ford could put a statue of limitations on a dangerous and faulty product; so, I took my car to a Ford dealer to get this issue resolved. They denied me the recall but said they could fix the power steering for $1800. I cannot afford that price. I'm submitting a request on here in hopes there's something that can be done. I just don't understand how there is a limit on a safety recall.
The contact called on behalf of her mother who owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while her mother was starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the failure reoccurred within 6 months. The contact stated that whenever the failure occurred, her mother turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering would respond as needed. However, the failure later persisted upon turning off and restarting the vehicle. A message indicating a power steering failure was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
The contact's uncle owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his uncle was driving at highway speeds, the power steering assist failed, with the traction control and power steering assist messages displayed. The contact stated that his uncle used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the shoulder; however, the power steering assist returned, causing him to over correct the steering wheel nearly driving the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed and remained in dealer possession. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
Power steering assist failure.
Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding Ford Motor Company's Safety Recall 14S06 Dear NHTSA, I am writing to submit a safety complaint regarding the power steering issue covered under Safety Recall 14S06 issued by Ford Motor Company for certain 2011-2013 model year Ford Explorer vehicles. I own a 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid with a VIN 3FADP0L39BR178615 On 03/23, I experienced a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving my vehicle. The instrument cluster message center displayed a warning message, and a chime sounded to alert me of the issue. As a result, the steering effort significantly increased, particularly at lower speeds, which posed a safety risk and made it challenging to maneuver the vehicle safely. Upon investigation, I discovered that Ford Motor Company had issued Safety Recall 14S06 due to concerns related to power steering operation in affected vehicles. The recall mentioned that the power steering system might revert to manual steering mode due to a Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) detecting a motor position sensor fault. Unfortunately, my vehicle's mileage had exceeded 150,000 miles, and I was unaware of the recall at that time. I understand that the extended coverage provided under Program 15N01, as part of the recall, applies only up to 150,000 miles or within 10 years of service from the warranty start date, whichever comes first. Regrettably, my vehicle has surpassed the mileage limit specified in the extended coverage program. Given the safety implications and the number of affected vehicles, I kindly request the NHTSA to investigate this issue further and take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of all Ford Explorer owners affected by this power steering problem. I believe that th
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the steering wheel became firm, and the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer replaced the power steering control module, the diagnostic trouble codes was reset, and the power steering assist module was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while the contact was attempting to steer the vehicle into a parking lot. The contact stated that the "Power Steering – Service Now" message was displayed. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gear and the front driver’s side and rear passenger’s side tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 15N01 (EPAS Steering Efforts) had expired and the vehicle out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her son was pulling out a parking spot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became stiff. The service power steering assist message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was not available.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel became firm. The contact stated that the service power steering message was displayed. Due to the failure, the contact had to use excessive force to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING THE CAR.
While driving the power steering suddenly went out causing me to nearly crash. I was looking online and saw on their website that there was a safety issue and that they were fixing them. Since this was under the recall page and under the airbag recall, I had assumed that this was also under a recall. This was under campaign# 15N01. I went to a Ford Dealership (Veterans Ford) to get this and the airbag recall fixed. They then called me back and told me that not only was this issue not covered by a recall, that they would be charging me $250 dollars for the inspection. They also said it would cost $3900 dollars for the repair and that I had to have it done because it was a known safety issue. They said the fix was already done in 2015 when they reprogrammed the electric steering, when I took the car in for a warranty repair and airbag replacement (which was not done because they didn’t have it in). I then called FORD directly for some answers and the guy told me that they were not obligated to repair it because it was not an actual safety recall. I told him why was this under a safety recall page and why was I charged $250+ dollars and the guy kept repeating (like he had done this countless times) that it was not a safety recall and that there was nothing that they can do. Upon researching this issue online, it seems to be affecting thousands of people, all of whom say they nearly (or have) gotten into an accident. I’m sure there have been people seriously injured or killed by this sudden loss of control but not enough for anything to be done about it.
Complete steering gear failure, replaced by Witt Ford, I will request they keep the part for inspection. Driving down the highway when steering gear failed, no power steering placed driver and others on highway at risk. There were no warning lights or message until after failure of steering gear. Recall on steering issue 15v340000. I have never received any recall information or notified about any steering gear issue. Vehicle serviced by ford dealerships since October 2019 at least 10 times. Vehicle also registered with FordPass. Informed by dealer that recall and covered repairs expired at 10 years or 150000miles.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after his mother started the vehicle, an unknown error message had displayed and the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn in either direction, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 150,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the auto track assist warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the electric gearing system to be replaced. The contact stated the dealer informed him not to repair the electric gearing system until it completely failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated on 8/9/2022 while his son driving 35 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated the auto track assist warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the electric gearing system to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,500.
I was sitting in line at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change on Dixie Highway in Louisville, Kentucky. Due to the time waiting, I would turn my car off and restart when the line moved. After my last restart, the power steering no longer worked. I turned it off and restarted. Still no power steering. I went ahead and got the oil changed. Restarted to leave the bay area without power steering. I parked in the lot of the business and called for a wrecker service to tow my car home and had another family member pick me up. I noticed on the internet that this is not an unique problem. My car had 77,951 miles on it when the power steering went out. It happened 12/3/2021. I had the air bag recall worked done on 8/8/2022 and a diagnostic done on the power steering. They reported an internal component failure, along with loose outer tie rods. They said it was the steering gears (in other words, the rack and pinion). Fortunately, I was where I was at when it happened, as I am 82 years old. I could have very had an accident, because of the power steering failure.
Tucson, Arizona. The incident occurred on about June 10, 2022 around 10:00 a.m. The steering failed just after the car was started by the owner, the dash light "power steering assist fault"turned on and the car was nearly impossible to steer. The car was driven approximately 2 miles straight ahead and parked at home. The car was towed the next day to the AAA service center at 7060 Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85710. The owner researched recalls related to steering on the 2011 Ford Fusion; it seems NHTSA Campaign 15v340000/Ford Recall 15s18/393,623 vehicles affected by 06.23.2015. Steering complaints continue to roll in for the 2011 Ford Fusion, yet, the recall has not been extended. Steering issues appear be the same or similar to those issues covered by the previous recall. I wonder why NHTSA has not extended the recall.
I was driving home from school and all of a sudden I couldn’t turn the wheel. I didn’t know what was happening I called my grandmother terrified. She told me to go home and turn the wheel really hard to get it in the parking lot and park. I had the car towed to fire dealer. They said I need a steering assembly. My car was not on the recall list and the warranty was out 3 months. The cost would be $2,300. This is a safety issue and it’s the same issue as the 2011 Ford Fusion’s that were recalled. I want to upload the billing and need my vin added for the cost to be covered for repair. I thank you in advance for your assistance. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I have a 2011 ford fushion hybrid it has approximately 116,000 miles. I was driving on mountain roads. The power steering went out without warning. There was no warning sign. The power steering stopped working and the vehicle became difficult to steer even at minimal speed. The vehicle was unable to be repaired and had to be transported on a trailer home. After notifying a dealer, I was told of a customer satisfaction program recall that would service the Steering components however it had a 10 year or 150,000 miles expiration. My vehicle was more than 10 years from original purchase date and therefore, ford would not cover this under warranty. The vehicle remains unrepaired and inoperable due to this known unsafe issue.
The power steering system just failed/froze up on me one day. The car was barely able to be steered and took my entire strength to move the vehicle. I took it to the dealer and they are saying it is not covered by a recall. Ford recalled the power steering units in 2011 Ford Fusions pursuant to campaign number 15N01. Now Ford is claiming that it is not covered under the recall. I never received notice of any recall. If I had, I would have taken it in.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while pulling out of her garage, the vehicle lost power steering functionality temporarily. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The contact stated that on one occasion, the power steering became operable after turning off and restarting the vehicle. However, the last failure lasted for approximately 20 minutes. A message indicating power steering assist failure was displayed. The contact was able to continue driving by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) since the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The contact stated that they still drive the vehicle. It is also noted that the power steering takes about 3-10 seconds to become functional upon starting the vehicle.
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The 2011 Ford Fusion has 1,181 Steering complaints on file. 27 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.