What 1,948 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Fusion Hev

The steering wheel of my 2013 ford fusion S.E 2.5 Lm was tightly connected to the steering system until now. It has start wobbling over time and the problem have greatly increased as of 05\31\2026. I fear that if I can’t this problem fixed soon the whole steering wheel will disconnect one day. When I told a mechanic about the problem he told me there was a recall put out by Ford Fusion Motors on many Ford Fusion Sedans for similar issues. I truly believe my car had to miss the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11741108

While driving a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium (approximately 157,000 miles), the Electronic Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) system suddenly failed without warning during heavy rain in Philadelphia, PA. I was driving near the riverfront area by [XXX] when the steering immediately became extremely stiff and difficult to turn. No prior warning lights or steering-related symptoms were present before the failure. Due to wet road conditions and the sudden loss of steering assist, I temporarily lost the ability to maneuver the vehicle normally and nearly collided with roadside structures near the river. Considerable physical force was required to maintain directional control and safely move the vehicle. This created an immediate safety hazard to myself and nearby traffic. The vehicle has not been involved in a crash, but the failure created a near-miss situation. My VIN currently shows no open recall for this issue, despite similar steering-system failures reported in comparable Ford vehicles using EPAS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11739868

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while steering the vehicle at various speeds, an abnormal, grinding sound would emit from the vehicle without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact made an appointment and spoke with the dealer about the failure. The contact was informed by a dealer mechanic that the grinding noise was not related to brake system but the Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS). Upon further investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA ID Number: 15V250000(Steering) which the contact linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.

NHTSA ODI 11738162

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.

NHTSA ODI 11730945

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

NHTSA ODI 11727871

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.

NHTSA ODI 11725073

The power steering module/rack, passenger side air bag Safety is a risk due to steering not working properly/ seat belt constantly locking Yes Yes others inspected Seat belt sensor has been on several months Service steering assist/Lane keep system malfunction service required and steering assist fault - all came on when it got cold and steering won’t work now

NHTSA ODI 11717152

I had multiple electric power steering failures. the first in 2022, and the second in June of 2023. In 2023 we did a complete replacement that cost over $3000.

NHTSA ODI 11713742

A couple of weeks ago My Steering wheel locked up and the codes were reset which unlocked the wheel so i was able to turn it. Mechanic said it was moisture getting to the part and then the power steering light came on & it became Hard to turn the steering wheel while driving. There was no indication of a issue before it started.

NHTSA ODI 11708456

Unknown and it's whole electrical system is failing and constantly keeps shutting the car off saying no key detected and strands me more places than I can count it's stalled out in the middle of the road and said no key detected and I had to wait for it to basically let me start the car back up after like being shut off for 20 mins or if I unhooked the battery and hooked it back up then it would start and only go for a day or so and the heat only works if it's raining outside

NHTSA ODI 11698539

I believe my car was missed in the steering rack recall. There’s a decent amount of side to side play that just moves the steering wheel not the wheels. The car will be all over the road. Also when I’m accelerating with my foot on the gas the steering stiffness up & goes back to feeling like normal under load. As soon as there’s no driving load it loosens back up. Today it randomly almost felt like the steering got stuck for a second while going straight then quickly jerked itself to the right then went back to feeling loose. I’ve replaced controls arms, ball joints, tie rods.I do not want to crash because fords negligence on not including my car in the recall. I’m still making payments on the car and can not afford money out of pocket to fix fords mistakes. Please help! My car needs this recall! I have videos upon being needed, it will only let me upload pictures.

NHTSA ODI 11677238

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel felt loose and was wobbling abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11670159

Noise from steering column, took to local repair shop. Diagnosed as rack and pinion failure. No alarms or alerts of any kind other that noise that is easily heard when in parking lot or driving on a low speed street. Risk is loss of steering control, at highways speeds could lead to accidents or worse.

NHTSA ODI 11668793

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the power steering assist and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact pulled off the highway and turned off and restarted the vehicle to reset the steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel was still difficult to turn. The contact had not yet taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V232000 (Steering). The contact notified the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

NHTSA ODI 11667127

Right Front wheel speed Sensor replaced and problem continues due to pigtail coming from wiring harness that connects to top portion of wheel speed sensor Water enters the connector and short circuits the ABS system causing the car to disable ABS,Traction Control and Power steering all light illuminated as well

NHTSA ODI 11658776

The contact’s mother-in-law owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contacts mother-in-law received notification of an unknown recall in 2016. The remedy included replacing the bolts and applying a wax sealer to the bolts. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while receiving maintenance at an independent mechanic, the mechanic became aware that the electronic power steering rack bolts were fractured, and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, while the vehicle was turned off, the contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the power steering rack bolts were fractured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,450.

NHTSA ODI 11654524

One day, my steering wheel locked up, and I get the message across my dashboard that says service power steering now I almost had an accident because of it

NHTSA ODI 11649701

Car will stahl and lock steering wheel when yielding into traffic or driving. The advance trak light along with auto hill assist will pop up on dashboard stating to repair the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11642796

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn to the right or the left. The power steering failure message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.

NHTSA ODI 11639092

Steering stopped working during drive home. It is now at my house. Safety was impacted because it became problematic during the drive. I had an independent mechanic evaluate the car today, he stated that this make and model of a vehicle is known to have this problem, and diagnosed it with a need to replace the steering rack. A warning appeared during the drive right before we got home, now car won't turn on for safety reasons.

NHTSA ODI 11633357

Power steering fault.

NHTSA ODI 11629423

Steering wheel pulls to the right even after new alignment caused me to hit a curb

NHTSA ODI 11629058

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with power steering rack assembly failure. The contact was informed that the power steering rack assembly needed to be replaced and reprogrammed. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact stated that in July 2023 the first failure occurred, and the relays in the steering box were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recently reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V232000 (Steering); however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,510.

NHTSA ODI 11621256

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11620568

The steering wheel of this 2013 Ford Fusion SE, until now tightly connected to the rest of the steering system, has started wobbling. This problem has gradually been worsening over the past few days (as of today's date: 10/4/2025). If this problem is not addressed at some point by a mechanic, it appears that the steering wheel might eventually come loose and separate entirely from the steering column. This very same problem appears to have resulted in a recall and associated repairs by Ford Motor Company of many Ford Fusion sedans of model year 2014-2017. It may be that Ford Fusion sedans of the 2013 model year have the same or a similar problem that gave rise to the noted recall for 2014-2017 Ford Fusion sedans. If so, owners of 2013 Ford Fusion sedans could potentially benefit from a similar recall/repair.

NHTSA ODI 11618117