What 2,604 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Fusion Hev

all power steering died

NHTSA ODI 11647267

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. While the contact’s daughter was operating the vehicle, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction, with the message "Power Steering Malfunction" displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11646658

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, causing the steering wheel to become very stiff. The contact proceeded to coast the vehicle to a stop and the traction control light illuminated. Additionally, the messages "Service Power Steering Now" and "Advance Track System" were displayed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (STEERING); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 198,000.

NHTSA ODI 11646718

The power steering failed. The Ford dealership technician identified the power steering gear box was faulty. It is currently at Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights (Michigan) and available for inspection. The vehicle has approximately 84,000 miles and is good condition otherwise. This vehicle is used to transport our children to and from school. My wife was placed in danger because her ability to control her vehicle was eliminated. The vehicle had recall 15S18 completed in 2016, but, only the computer was updated. The faulty part was not replaced. The error message associated with this recall appeared on the dash, "Power Steering Assist Fault". We had the vehicle towed to the dealership for assessment. A technician at Suburban Ford Sterling Heights identified the faulty part was the same one associated with the recall. Ford Customer Support would not authorize repairs as part of the recall despite the fact the exact part involved in the recall, which was not replaced, has failed. The vehicle showed signs of malfunction starting Sunday, [XXX]. The power steering intermittently failed on Monday, [XXX]. Our insurance roadside assistance towed it from a commercial location on Monday, [XXX]. The vehicle has no other mechanical issues that could be attributed to this failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11645327

Power steering assist fault. While driving power steering stopped working. No matter what i do to reset it will not work Took to dealer found there was a recall the pscm had been previously flashed under 15s18 recall. The steering gear was not replaced which put it under 15n01 program Now the internal angle sensor on rack has gone out.so in short they did half the recall repair. Called ford they refuse to pay for repair saying its past 15n01 guideline's.which are 10 years 150,000 miles i only had 89k when it went out. Why are safety recalls allowed to expire? For dealer to fix its a $4k repair. The car isnt even worth that. Unfair for consumers!!

NHTSA ODI 11645057

EPAS, electronic power steering assist, not a question of "if" it will go out, but "when". Ford has acknowledged an issue but classified it as a "CSP" so they don't have to do anything about it as opposed to a recall, this issue effects multiple models in multiple years, the unit in question is near an exhaust manifold with a small heatshield, and over time the heat shield isn't enough to protect the components resulting in a failure, this failure is huge for losing control of a 3,500 lb , slowing reaction time at low speeds, i.e. parking lots or neighborhoods with kids as it takes immense effort to turn even slightly, for refuses to fix the issue but is aware how detrimental it is to the safety of its drivers. Owners that had the "software reset" had the previous "CSP" cleared (15S18) still failed, as a result they refuse to follow through on the related supplement #3, this needs to be re-opened, and a proper recall issued before life is lost.

NHTSA ODI 11644704

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to turn in either direction. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11644749

Ford issued recall 15s18 for electrical issue in sterring gear in 2015 Our fords power steering system failed on 01/13/2025 Huntington Ford dealership refused to repair after diagnostic shows a power steering system fail claiming that we are not covered for the recall

NHTSA ODI 11644800

Power-steering failed as well as received a warning on dash to "service advance trac, service power steering now" All warning came up during a approx. 1 hour drive and the power steering fully shut off after turning car off then back on at a gas station on the way. Lack of power steering puts lives at risk due to the difficulty the driver has in controlling the vehicle particularly at lower speeds where it is more likely there are pedestrians around.

NHTSA ODI 11643924

Power steering assist fault.

NHTSA ODI 11644025

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality upon starting the vehicle with the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message displayed. The contact stated that prior to the latest failure, the failure was intermittent; however, the power steering assist would return upon restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted after several attempts to restart the vehicle, and the contact used excessive force to drive the vehicle to the residence while a friend drove closely behind for assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer after providing an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11640362

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to function as intended and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed electric steering rack and pinion, and the right and the left outer tie rods. The contact was informed that the electric power steering rack and pinion and the right and left outer tie rods needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair; however, the contact was informed that the recall repair was not associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 222,354.

NHTSA ODI 11639582

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering fault assist warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no associated recalls and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

NHTSA ODI 11638998

Safety Recall 15S18 for the power steering control module on my 2012 Ford Fusion. I recently discovered that my vehicle is affected by this recall, and I would like to express my concern that I never received any notification about this important recall. I purchased my 2012 Ford Fusion on [XXX], and, since then, I have not been made aware of any issues related to the power steering control module. Unfortunately, my vehicle is now experiencing issues with the power steering, which has resulted in increased difficulty controlling the vehicle, creating a significant safety risk which has been confirmed by an independent service center. I am concerned that this malfunction could potentially lead to a crash, further amplifying the urgency of addressing this issue. I have taken my Ford to a dealership and spoke with multiple Ford representatives stating they will not honor the recall as is it past the date of recall actions. These safety recalls should not have an expiration and Ford should honor this recall and provide the necessary repairs at no cost to me, as my vehicle is clearly affected by this safety defect. My Case File with Ford is [XXX]. I can be reached at [XXX] or [XXX] if you need any additional information. I trust that Ford Motor Company values its customers and will address this situation in a timely and satisfactory manner. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt response. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11637127

Unexpected power steering failure, was driving on highway at 70MPH and my power steering failed, I was able to pull off and restart the vehicle, where an error code popped up for “Power Steering Assist Fault” when I begin driving I also get an error for “Service Advancetrac” this happening while driving is not only unsafe for me, but for other drivers on the road if I have to attempt to avoid and object in the road. There have been no outside factors for this, and the recall that was in effect during 2015 is no longer applicable to my vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11636942

Power steering went out while driving the vehicle. When I stopped at a light the tried to make a right hand turn. I could barely control the vehicle! It was very hard to move the front tires in the direction and space i needed to be in. I feel very lucky to have made it home, where the car is still parked! I do not dare drive it in this condition.

NHTSA ODI 11636232

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was hauled to the residence, where a mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering control module (PSCM) and motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

NHTSA ODI 11635718

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop where the tires were rotated; however, the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, a message indicating that the power steering was inoperable was displayed, and the steering wheel was seized. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the power steering became operable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering rack, the front stabilizer link, the passenger’s side outer tie rod, and the lower control arm had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) was previously reprogrammed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,529.

NHTSA ODI 11634608

I was going down the road around 50 mph and advancetrac lights came on , service power steering now . Showed up on dash . Couldn't steer vehicle almost crashed

NHTSA ODI 11632005

My car is showing power steering now and I was told it was just reset in September of 2015. I did not have the car around that time so I can’t confirm that it was except for what I’m being told.

NHTSA ODI 11631935

I was driving down the road around 50 mph and the steering wheel locked up on me and has not let goes in any electrical in the car keeps glitching radio the dash light

NHTSA ODI 11631896

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering motor sense fault message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel operated as needed; however, the contact was concerned about the message that was displayed and a possible failure while driving. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). Additionally, the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11631591

Lost power steering while turning into driveway causing impact with light pole.

NHTSA ODI 11630255

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH in a parking lot, the steering wheel failed to move and became inoperable. The steering fault message was displayed after the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was fifteen years old and there was no repair coverage available. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA ODI 11629908

I have recieved error messages on starting my car for the last few months about a power steering assist fault. I lose power steering and it becomes extremely difficult to steer at any speed, not to mention extremely dangerous and took it in to a dealer. They confirmed the error code and defective module. Because my car is outside the 10 year warranty window and the previous owner didn't take care of it, they had to submit an approval request to have it covered, which is declined. The car started at 28,000 miles and I have just over 80,000 and I am left with a car I can't drive safely because Ford won't cover their recall and the previous owner didn't take care of. This should be a class action lawsuit on Ford end and would like this escalated and covered if possible.

NHTSA ODI 11629158