What 1,049 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Ford Fusion

I was driving down the road. And front wheels stopped working suddenly. It’s better that I was on streets. Otherwise I could have met with an accident. My mechanic told me that steering rack had gone. I never get any recall for that. I had driven 1400 miles till now.

NHTSA ODI 11745349

I am reporting a serious and ongoing safety issue involving my 2015 Ford Fusion. The vehicle experiences intermittent power steering failure while driving. The steering assist will suddenly disengage and re-engage without warning, making the vehicle extremely difficult to control. This condition becomes even more dangerous in wet weather, where the vehicle is sometimes nearly undriveable. Additionally, I am now experiencing a popping noise in the steering wheel. This raises concern of a possible mechanical failure consistent with known recalls involving steering wheel bolt defects that could result in the steering wheel detaching. These issues are consistent with known recalls, including: - Power Steering Failure Recall (15V340000) - Steering Wheel Bolt Recall (18V167000 / 18S08) Despite these known safety defects, Ford has refused to repair the issue, stating that the recall has expired. This presents a serious safety hazard, including risk of loss of steering control, crash, injury, or death. I am requesting immediate investigation and enforcement of manufacturer responsibility for this safety-related defect.

NHTSA ODI 11735316

My steering gear motor attachment bolts have fractured due to severe corrosion, which is the exact defect described in Safety Recall 19S26. This physical failure was confirmed by a Ford dealership technician on 1/11/2024. The technician documented the fractured bolts and recommended a full steering gear replacement. Despite this, Ford is denying the recall repair because this specific VIN was not included on the original mailing list. The vehicle is now undrivable due to a total loss of power steering assist. Before it failed completely, the car was making whining and grinding noises during low-speed turns. This failure occurred in Illinois, which is a high-corrosion 'Salt Belt' state specifically covered by the 19S26 bulletin. By denying this safety repair, Ford is forcing an unsafe vehicle to remain on the road or operate with manual steering, which is a major crash risk. The failure was physically confirmed and documented by a Ford dealer. I want to note that while the previous recall 18S08 for the steering wheel bolt was performed, that was an unrelated interior part and did not prevent this exterior motor bolt failure. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate why a vehicle with a confirmed 19S26 failure in a covered state is being denied the mandated safety remedy.

NHTSA ODI 11731165

My steering wheel came detached as I was driving. Forest is refusing to pay to have it towed to the dealership to be fixed. I do not understand why I have to pay $160 for a tow that was a defect of ford. At that point, it is no longer a free repair

NHTSA ODI 11728984

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact heard an abnormally loud bang. The power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact diagnosed the vehicle with rack and pinion failure and detached bolts. The contact stated that the bolts were corroded, and the rack and pinion gear had detached. The contact stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

NHTSA ODI 11717232

I have lost power steering in the vehicle. The dash is popping up Service Advance Trac and Hill assist unavailable. I was looking into sensors and rack and pinion when I seen a recall, 19S26, which was listed for 2013-2016 ford fusions and Lincolns, but the recall isn’t specific to my VIN. As of now, the dealership of course won’t fix what is an expensive repair, although it does appear that my car should be included. The information cited salt corrosion in winter as a contributor. It is now late December in Northeast Ohio.

NHTSA ODI 11707548

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