About this problem
Most newer cars use electric power steering, where a motor on the steering column or rack helps turn the wheel. When the motor, its sensor or its control module fails, the assist switches off suddenly and the steering becomes very heavy. That usually happens while driving, often during a turn, which is why it is one of the most common serious complaints and the subject of several recalls.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Ford Fusion since 2012, 2,125 (18.9%) describe power steering failure, making it the most reported problem we track on the Fusion. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2014 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 1,339. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 50,000 and 118,000 miles. 57 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 3 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Fusion owners report the power steering suddenly cutting out, making the wheel heavy or seizing, often with a warning on the dash. It is the most common Fusion complaint, and it peaks on 2012 to 2014 cars. Ford recalled some cars for loss of steering assist.
How it gets fixed
The fix is usually a new steering gear or motor. Some cars were covered by recalls 15V340 and 19V632; others got extended coverage.
Typical cost: A steering gear costs about $1,200 to $2,000 out of warranty.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"When exiting onto the access road of a major freeway, my 2012 Ford Fusion's power steering locked up and I could not maneuver the wheel (there was no advance warning of the impending failure)..."
2012 Ford Fusion, 4,500 miles
"On december 10th, I went to pull off and while I was in drive, a warning came up that said "steering assist failure." and my steering locked on me."
2013 Ford Fusion, 19,500 miles
"On 12/12/2019 while backing downhill out of my driveway, several of my 2014 Ford Fusion hybrid's warning system alerts flashed on including: power steering assist failure, advancedtrac failure and hill start assist failure."
2014 Ford Fusion, 39,700 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Min
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to March 20, 2015, and 2015 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015, and originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, D
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Ford has sent dealers one bulletin that mention this problem on the Fusion. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Power steering control module (pscm) is exhibiting u0415 diagnostic trouble code (dtc), but clears and short time later, returns.
Government investigations
Engineering analysis EA17004 · 2012 · opened Nov 2017, closed Feb 2024
Preliminary evaluation PE13003 · 2012, 2013 · opened Feb 2013, closed Feb 2014
Preliminary evaluation PE14030 · 2012 · opened Oct 2014, closed Sep 2015
Before you buy a Fusion
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock with the car stopped and while parking; it should feel even and light.
- Watch for a power steering warning on the dash during the drive.
- Check by VIN for open steering recalls.
Questions
Which Ford Fusion years have power steering failure?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2014 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 1,339 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 80,000 miles, and half reported it between 50,000 and 118,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A steering gear costs about $1,200 to $2,000 out of warranty.