What 1,455 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Fusion Hev

Steering Wheel power steering no longer works. Can't turn the steering wheel. Became extremely difficult to turn before permanently parking. The 2016 Ford Fusion is currently at the dealership and they confirmed the issue. It's been inspected by a Ford Dealership Service Center. Yes, a light came on in the vehicle, but I do not remember which one. Nothing we did caused it to stop working. One day it just started jerking and catching while turning. Then it stopped working suddenly.

NHTSA ODI 11586332

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while pulling out of the driveway, he observed a popping noise emanating from the engine compartment and the power steering assist failure warning light illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel became stiff and did not operate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11585845

The steering wheel became wobbly and loose. Took it to the Whaling City Ford in New London CT. and they said that although this type of issue was the subject of a recall, this particular car/VIN was not part of that recall, and they would charge $60 just to diagnose the issue. Called Ford later in the day and they said the car had been repaired under the recall in 2018 and now it was not in warranty. Obviously the fix performed under the recall was not done properly, or it was otherwise ineffective. They refuse to fix it at their expense. I had it repaired elsewhere. at my own expense.

NHTSA ODI 11574975

This problem randomly occurred. My steering wheel stopped working & it took a severe amount of force to control the steering wheel. No prior problems with the vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11572727

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the steering wheel was very loose. The contact spoke with the dealer where and it was confirmed that the vehicle was included in two recalls not related to the steering. The dealer confirmed that the failure experienced was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V632000 (Steering) and 18V167000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 143,910.

NHTSA ODI 11570591

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the traction control warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering) however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ODI 11569026

Car initially showed a warning alert for failed traction control. Attempted to reset using steering wheel reset, failed. Tried backing car up and steering became extremely hard to do, requiring maximum effort to turn wheel. Steering power assist light lit up on dashboard. Parked car. Made appointment with Heritage Ford, South Burlington, VT. Upon subsequent investigation discovered that 2016 Fusion had been recalled #19V632000 but only when sold in Northern States where salt was being used or currently registered in (Vermont was included). I moved to Vermont to be with family in 2020. Failure occurred about [XXX]. 1). Had this failure occurred, while driving we could have had a fatal accident. 2). Shouldn’t there be provisions for folks who move into northern states originally identified or is Ford dictating these non recalled cars remain in non salt applying states for their life? Shouldn’t all cars have been recalled to prevent catastrophic failures? 3). Failing the recall shouldn’t the cars be supplied with warning placards saying that exposure to excessive road salt could result in catastrophic steering failure? 4). I recently asked the service rep (Amanda) at Heritage if there were any other recalls for this car and she said no. Does that mean this vehicle is exempt from the recall because it got to the state after some arbitrary deadline? Does allowing cars to travel the roads of any Northern state with this defect make sense? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11568897

When I was backing out of my apartment complex and tried to turn left the car just stopped and when you turn the wheel it says service advance trac and hill Start car hasn’t been drove since last Friday

NHTSA ODI 11566303

Steering fault indicator on dashboard and then steering loss displayed and now can not steer car

NHTSA ODI 11565526

First of all steering wheel came loose from steering column luckily I was pulling into a parking spot due to steering wheel feeling very loose and the electric steering went out also this could have resulted in terrible accident as I was driving back from working offshore approximately 45 miles away. The dealership replaced the steering wheel due to a bolt which was a recall item after 3 weeks of sitting at the dealership but they told me the electric steering issue was not a recall item on my vehicle. They also said they fixed something with break system and something with transmission shift linkage which they did say were recall items. While the vehicle was getting steering wheel changed out they did something to the steering system which allowed the vehicle steering system to operate normal but two weeks later the steering went out again. I had seen online somewhere that 2016 Fusion also had some wires in steering column short out due to loose steering wheel but dealer said they were not aware of that issue. Bohn Ford Lapalco Blvd. Marrero, La. performed the repair on the vehicle. I’m offshore Gulf of Mexico working so I don’t have repair paperwork.

NHTSA ODI 11557809

Date of first incident was Nov 19, 2023. I was driving home from taking my elderly mother to the doctor and my engine just shut off. I had plenty of gas, my oil and transmission had been changed, no warning lights came on my dash prior to the engine stopping. The only message I had on my car said the car is not in park. No one can seem to find out why. It has done this at a moderate rate of speed (45mph). My steering wheel locked and I can't steer the car giving me the option to get to a safe place on the road. I have to hit another vehicle or hit a pole. I have good insurance but I don't want to use it to fix body damage. I can't afford that with a 300 dollar car payment. My break sensor error light will come on as well and I went to have the breaks changed and fluid replaced but it doesn't work. I am afraid that I might get hurt or someone else will, but I can't afford another care to help care for my parents or get to the doctor. The Ford dealership will not let me trade it in unless I give them 7000 dollars. The transmission will Jerk when changing gears. I still owe 9000 dollars. I looked online to see if I could find a solution and multiple people are complaining about the same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11556322

On affected vehicles, the steering-wheel bolt may not maintain enough pressure, allowing it to loosen over time. As a result, the steering wheel may detach.

NHTSA ODI 11554457

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the steering wheel was not functioning properly and had become extremely loose. The contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, nearly causing a crash. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the retaining bolt was loose and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (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 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11551619

Was driving and my wheel was hard to turn the wheel. Had to get a tow truck to pull it to my house. No lights didn’t show on the board indicating that there were any issues but, I can’t and haven’t been able to drive my car since the wheel locked.

NHTSA ODI 11551040

The steering wheel has became severely loose to the point of almost detached. Ford claims there is no recall on this part for this model, however I've read that many people have had this problem. It is a high safety concern.

NHTSA ODI 11546864

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH and attempting to turn to the right, the steering wheel tightened as if the power steering assist had failed. The failure occurred and then self-corrected intermittently. The failure had become persistent over time. There were no warning lights illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering failed, and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN for the coverage of the repair. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.

NHTSA ODI 11543157

This incident has happened to me more than once in the past few months. I am driving along the highway and all of a sudden I lose my power steering. The dashboard reads STEERING ASSIST FAULT. Service required. As well as Service Advance Trac. Safety issue because going at moderate speed to get onto highway and losing all power steering could cause me to go off road if in bad weather like rain or snow. In each situation all it took was me pulling off road and resetting the car by turning engine off and then turning it back on. I have take it to a Ford dealership near me and they ran a full diagnostics but couldnt find anything really wrong with it but it continues to happen at least once a month. Ive read similar incidents with Ford Fusion owners on Google and they werent sure as I that if it was the brake sensor or ABS Module that needs to be replaced. Any assistance or advice you could give me would be appreciated.

NHTSA ODI 11542183

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became loosened. The contact stated that the failure increased significantly, and the vehicle had become undriveable. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not included in the recall. No further information was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11541725

I have an electric power, steering rack and assist and it failed on the way to Pennsylvania to visit my daughter and grandchildren. I had to drive an additional 42 miles with no power steering. There was a recall, supposedly completed for the bolts in the Assist, and I no longer have a warranty on this. it was fine until 5 hours into my trip.

NHTSA ODI 11539545

Power steering fault

NHTSA ODI 11535211

I was driving to a friends house when my car start to make a dinging sound, and on the dashboard it said that power steering was lost, and to pull over safely. When i tried to turn the car on and off again to see if it might have been a glitch, the wheel locked up and I couldn’t turn it, without almost breaking it. If i want going to my friends house when it happened, my car would have been in an accident on a highway going towards my house, possibly causing multiple injuries and accidents since it happened late in the afternoon almost night time. I went to have it looked at by a mechanic and they said it could possibly be the rack and pinion when they ran the codes. The only warning i got was that my car was saying that the hill assist parking was turned off, even though i never turned it off.

NHTSA ODI 11534820

When driving straight the steering wheel was turned to the right, after I turned the steering wheel a couple of turns the steering wheel and the car was driving straight. the stirring wheel was wobbly. I took it to a dealer they tightened up the steering wheel. no warning signs

NHTSA ODI 11530805

The steering wheel is suddenly incredibly loose and while in park the steering wheel will rotate but the tires do not move with the steering wheel. While driving the steering wheel suddenly gets caught on something and will hold the steering wheel in place while turning the steering wheel. I have not the slightest idea on why this is happening but it is very concerning.

NHTSA ODI 11530916

The power steering assist on my car completely shut off while I was on the highway. I almost got into multiple head-on collisions trying to get the car back home, and I have not been able to drive it since. The part that is faulty is very common in 2016 Ford Fusions, under the recall number #19S26. However, for some reason Ford is saying the recall is not available anymore to me, because it passed prior inspection two years ago when I bought the car. There were warnings as the steering shut off to stop the car, letting me know that I had power steering loss. I know from personal research that Ford should offer a recall for this, especially since they "inspected" it before letting me purchase the car, just 24 months ago. I spent $14000 on a relatively new car, and now they are charging $4500 to fix this part that was originally recalled. They either repaired it wrong, or there should be a recall administered for the repair. Thank you for your help

NHTSA ODI 11530485

WHILE DRIVING TRYING TO MAKE A TURN...MY STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND I ALMOST RAN INTO A PARKED CAR BECAUSE MY POWER STEERING JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN FAILED!!! HOW DOES THAT..JUST HAPPEN? SO MY POWER STEERING ASSIST AND MY SERVICE ADVANCED TRAC LIGHT CAME ON.. AFTER THIS HAPPENED..! UNACCEPTABLE..I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY VEHICLE..SO I SEE THERE WERE A WHOLE LOT OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING...AND WOULD LIKE FORD DEALER TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATLY...THIS IS UNSAFE. IM IN CHICAGO.

NHTSA ODI 11530555