What 995 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Ford Fusion Energi

I changed my battery at 105,000 miles with everything working fine electronically for my 2015 Fusion. Been a great car up to this issue. After installing the correct battery, the power steering turned off and hasn't come back on. Took to dealership, they replaced a connection cable at their suggestion and still were unable to reset the power steering. That's where it should have ended tho. They want me to further come back to run more tests??? Something seems very defective to me and from social media reports of other Fusion owners and the nhtsa investigations, a power steering recall should be warranted. I have been a car owner for 40 years and never experienced this inconvenience. I think Ford is getting away with inferior electronics and passing the expense back to the consumer. It should be an easy fix but not one at $4000 (getting a new steering rack) just to change a battery?? :-( Please help!

NHTSA ODI 11668404

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the electrical rack and pinion needed to be replaced and recalibrated. In addition, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired due to costs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,008.

NHTSA ODI 11660403

The vehicle exhibited sudden loss of steering. Broken bolts on steering rack were discovered and vehicle was taken to dealer. Dealer bluespringsford.com refuses to fix vehicle under recall.

NHTSA ODI 11654224

Bolt on power steering unit corroded off

NHTSA ODI 11649424

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that after his wife had shifted into reverse and depressed the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle and the steering wheel failed to turn to the right or the left. The contact stated that his wife turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality had not returned. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering gears, rack, and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V250000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11635710

Power steering failed exactly as under recall 15S18 and 15N01 - however they say my car isn't included in the recall. The car is still at the dealer and broken, so the part is available at this moment. The steering warning came up while driving. Upon restarting, the car would only work in manual mode. The dealer has confirmed the problem. I have not contacted Ford yet, only talking to the dealer. There was no warning other than the one that came up when the failure occurred.

NHTSA ODI 11617760

Complete loss of power steering/ABS/Traction Control

NHTSA ODI 11612792

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under an unknown recall repair for the power steering module. The recall repair was completed, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer to be serviced for an alternator replacement. The contact stated that while at the dealer, the vehicle was started, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off. The vehicle was diagnosed with power steering module failure. The contact was informed that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer where the recall repair for the power steering module was completed. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer who completed the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not eligible for coverage under warranty for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown. 's

NHTSA ODI 11606117

While driving “steering fault. Service now” light illuminated. Next steering wheel locked up and displayed “steering loss stop safely” and “advance service trac”. Car could not be steering and had to be towed, now shop says rack and pinion needs replaced

NHTSA ODI 11604970

Power steering rack is completely destroyed and not safe to drive. I see recalls for other fusions for power steering , but not the 2015 fusion. I think this needs to be investigated.

NHTSA ODI 11603453

Got an "Steering Assist Fault" indication on my dash and I can no longer turn my steering wheel. This is a well documented recall with older models but mine was not included in the recall. I've taken it to the local dealer and been told it will require replacement of the entire assembly. Older online reports said this was a $2,200 repair. I was just quoted $2,900 by the dealer. This is outrageous. Ford should not be allowed to get away with this. They positioned the electric steering motor (with enclosed electronics) next to the exhaust manifold. The electronics can't handle the heat being so close even with the stupid heat shield between the two. The recall should be extended to all Ford vehicles that use this technology.

NHTSA ODI 11600537

The contact's niece owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his niece was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the failure occurred while his niece was making a right turn. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that in May 2024, NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering) and 19V632000 (Steering) recall repairs were completed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately, 93,326.

NHTSA ODI 11596398

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became loose and felt as if it might detach from the steering column. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred to the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering) which was linked to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11590391

Power steering went out and has a recall for it on the website but under the car doesn't, have it but it went out all of sudden

NHTSA ODI 11585136

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel began to wobble continuously. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering). The contact stated the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with steering gear motor which needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11584958

I took my vehicle into dealer because the steering was not smooth. It appeared to be hanging up and at times difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. The problem was diagnosed by the dealer as being “internal” to the steering rack. The vehicle only has 26,000 miles on it. A search of recalls was completed on the vehicle and two recalls were completed for “corrosion” to the steering box. One recall in 2015 and one in 2018. These recalls were performed on vehicles operating in states such as my own (Northeast Ohio) where road salt could cause the corrosion. I suspect that the corrosion entered my steering rack and is affecting the steering of the vehicle. Since two recalls were done involving the steering mechanism, maybe the whole mechanism should be replaced, as how can we be certain that the corrosion was limited to just the outside of the mechanism.

NHTSA ODI 11584434

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering failed to function properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V250000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 82,000.

NHTSA ODI 11581742

While attempting to pull out of a parking space, the electric power steering was not functioning properly and it was very difficult to turn the wheel. Warning lights were illuminated for "Hill Start Assist Not Available", "Service AdvanceTrac", and "Steering Assist Fault Service Required". The vehicle was undrivable and this could have been dangerous had this failed while driving. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, which replaced "faulty steering rack and rusted clamp" in addition to corresponding bolts. The car's mileage was 49,466. This appears to be the same problem as NHTSA complaints #11569485, #11569595, and others. Similarly, this failure seems related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering), which applies to other 2015 Ford Fusions, but not this specific VIN for unclear reasons. Ford was notified of the failure but said the only recourse was to file a complaint with the NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI 11574367

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Steering Loss Imminent," message was displayed. The contact became aware that electric power steering assist was inoperable after parking the vehicle. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering gear. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11572229

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel locked. The message “Steering Locked. Stop Safely” was displayed. The contact exited the highway, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and decelerated independently. Additionally, the steering wheel shuddered significantly. The contact drove to a parking lot and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering suspension and the steering column were locked. The dealer determined that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ODI 11571089

The steering wheel locked while driving the vehicle and warning lights immediately came on advising "Hillstart Assist Not Available" and "Service AdvanceTrac" leaving the vehicle undrivable and in a dangerous position. The steering wheel then began making mechanical whirring sounds and jerking left and right on its own. There were no warning lights or signs prior to this issue happening while driving, the issue was confirmed by the two truck driver who rescued the vehicle as well as the mechanic who tried to fix the car. Mechanic advises this car has a recall for this issue for vehicle's year, make and model, and state, but Ford says it does not apply to the vehicle. Mechanic disagrees and believes this to be a gross safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11569485

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to pull out of a parking space, she was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact became aware that the electric power steering assist was not functioning properly. The Hill Start Assist and Service Advance Traction Control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering gear motor. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11569595

My steering wheel locked up and was unable to move there was a recall 15V250000 that was allegedly completed by colonial ford in Danbury ct sometime in 08/2015. However the bolts have snapped and it is now at a dealership sunshine ford in Newburgh ny they stated the recall was never fixed and it is becoming an issue and could be a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11569043

Power steering goes out while driving. Usually the colder it is the more frequent. 5 instances of power steering loss. Warning lights about steering loss on dash come on. 1 trip to dealer found nothing wrong. Will start working again hours or up to a day later.

NHTSA ODI 11565409

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the ABS, air bag, and parking brake warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the windshield wipers and indicators started working erratically. Additionally, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.

NHTSA ODI 11551088