What 1,639 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Fusion

After hitting 100,000 mile my car electronics failed and caused my steering to fail and all other safety equipment like airbags and brokering system

NHTSA ODI 11743385

I took my car to have recalls fixed. The next time I drove it after that my power steering shut off while driving. The warning lights for "Hill Start Assist Not Available" and "Service AdvanceTrac" came on. After some research it looks like I have the exact problem for recall 19S26. However when I called the dealership they couldn’t find the documentation if they fixed this or not on my vehicle. They said since it is not an open recall they do not have to fix it. Can you please open/reopen this recall for my vehicle so I can address this specific issue.

NHTSA ODI 11737774

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V162000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 19V632000 (STEERING), but the failure persisted. A month after the recall repairs were completed, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake warning light was illuminated and blinked, and the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact used force to veer the vehicle to the side of the road. Once the contact was able to pull to the side of the vehicle, the engine was turned off. The contact called her boyfriend, who drove to the site of the incident and assisted the contact and pushed the vehicle to the residence. The dealer was contacted and at first refused to inspect the vehicle. The contact called the dealer again, and the dealer sent a mobile mechanic to the residence. However, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test would be performed on the vehicle. However, the contact would be responsible for the bill. The vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. 

NHTSA ODI 11736657

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was making a left turn, the steering wheel lost steering capabilities, and the vehicle did not steer as intended. The vehicle then ran into a divider on the four-lane highway and then came to a full stop. The contact did not sustain any physical injuries, but his wife sustained emotional injuries. A police report was filed. The contact's wife did not receive medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was then returned to the residence. The contact was notified, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.

NHTSA ODI 11734057

I called way scarff ford to have the safety recalls taken care. Got my appointment, stopped the car off in the morning. They kept the car for 3 days and after the 3rd day they said everything is good to go. Go there in Auburn WA couldn't find my car. Took 4 people or including myself. Then it took another half hour to 45 min to find my car. Go get in the vehicle and something doesn't seem right. Everything still felt the same. I look under the hood and find that the the recalls for the cable bushing wasn't corrected so let led me to think that the other recalls were not completed. Befote calling ford corporate to have this issue taken care of we called [XXX] in enumclaw to have this taken care of. Since the car was at way scarff my car started to act funny. Lean idle, really rough idle vibration with now a code P0299 which is the underboost. I do not think they hooked the hoses up correctly. So now my car is acting really funny. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11729819

The steering gear went out causing the steering wheel to completely lock up. It’s costing thousands of dollars to repair. Not sure why this recall isn’t associated with my VIN number but other 2016 ford fusions. My car is in the shop now to be fixed and was quoted over 3k

NHTSA ODI 11728183

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started to shake while driving at slower speeds, and the shaking ceased while driving at higher speeds. The message "Steering Fault - Service Now" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed an ABS and power steering failure and determined that the power steering rack unit needed to be repaired. The independent mechanic scanned the vehicle and retrieved DTC: U0131, 87-48, C102D, 00-8a, and C200D, 49-08. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11727262

My 2016 Ford Fusion SE had a prior safety recall repair in 2020 involving replacement of the steering wheel retaining/attachment bolt with a longer bolt. The bolt now appears to be loosening again. This seems like a recurrence or failure of the prior recall remedy. The dealer told me I had to pay out of pocket and ford corporate said the repair only had a 12-month warranty, but this is a steering safety issue involving the same recalled condition. I am concerned the steering wheel could loosen or separate from the steering column.

NHTSA ODI 11723912

I get in my 2016 Fusion to go to dinner and I can barely turn my steering wheel. I put it in park and check the power steering fluid. FULL. I tried resetting the power steering assist by starting the car and turning all the way left then right then center. Still can barely turn. Tried disconnecting the battery hoping it would be an electrical glitch. Come to find out it’s could be a steering assist motor on the steering column that’s going bad and CAN CAUSE THIS PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING! That’s insane!

NHTSA ODI 11721074

STEERING WHEEL ALMOST DETACHED FROM STEERING CULLUM. THERE IS A RECALL ALREADY ATTACHED TO OTHER 2016 FORD FUSIONS BUT NOT MY TRIM MODEL (2016 FORD FUSION ENERGY PLUG IN HYBRID). THE VEH IS NOT DRIVABLE

NHTSA ODI 11713161

Transition light it pulls when put into gear and lost power when trying to accelerate when driving.

NHTSA ODI 11706207

Lost power in the steering wheel. My safety and others is at risk because the steering wheel locks up completely at slow speeds and it's difficult to turn the steering wheel when turning a corner or trying to back up. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. The component has only been inspected by an independent service center. On 12/5/25 I received a warning on the dashboard, Steering Assist Fault. I drove to work and parked the car. When I got in the car around noon and proceeded to drive the steering wheel was really difficult to turn and I started seeing other notifications that flashed on the screen. As I drove the steering wheel because more difficult to turn. At low speed the steering wheel locked up and I managed to pull the car over to get out of traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11703736

This is a notice for Ongoing consumer fraud and deceptive business practices that are negatively affecting the community and jeopardizing life and safety and through unsafe work practices that are negatively affecting the community’s safety and well being. When I returned to request official documentation of their unsafe work practices, I was lacked up by the employees and manager [XXX] , who thought it was hilarious that the wheel fell off my vehicle and then I could’ve been killed and The occurrence that happened to me is not a one time occurrence it is continuing to affect the community as a whole. This is a complaint regarding ongoing bad business practices that is not safe. would somebody please look into this and make sure that our community is safe and that unsafe work practices are corrected in the best interest and safety of the community in mind. 49 U.S.C. § 30101 (Purpose and policy) — defines the purpose of the Safety Act: to reduce traffic accidents, deaths, and injuries by prescribing safety standards, research, etc. As of October 18 of 2025 I pulled these off the Internet reviews reflect an ongoing pattern of unsafe business practices, from what people are saying and unethical business conduct. somebody please look into this and follow up on each review post and pull records from past customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11694342

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after her son started the vehicle, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11675265

Electric Power Steering Motor Attaching Bolts Corrode (NHTSA 19V-632, OEM 19S26): Corrosion of bolts in the electric power steering system can lead to loss of power steering assist in 2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles in certain states. Dealers will replace bolts and apply a sealant, or install a new steering gear.

NHTSA ODI 11670412

purchased a used vehicle. At the time of purchase, there were no visible issues with the car. However, approximately 20 days later, a significant jerking and knocking problem related to the transmission appeared. Due to this issue, I stopped using the vehicle for a while. After consulting with a mechanic, I was informed that the transmission needs to be replaced. As of now, the car is struggling significantly to move. When I turn the ignition, the engine starts, but the vehicle does not move. If I turn the ignition off and restart it, it may move slightly after shaking the vehicle, but then it quickly stops and displays an error again. In this condition, the vehicle is not drivable. Unfortunately, the person I bought the car from refused to accept any responsibility or take the car back, despite my clear communication about the issue. Additionally, the following issues have also started to occur: The steering wheel becomes stiff suddenly. This resolves temporarily after turning the ignition off and on again. The brake pedal sometimes vibrates as if it’s losing pressure. I can clearly feel this under my foot while braking. Sensor malfunctions have also started to appear. The current condition of the vehicle poses serious safety and functionality concerns. Unfortunately, I am not financially able to cover any additional repair costs. Therefore, I would like to know if there is anything legally or technically that can be done regarding this matter. Otherwise, I will be forced to sell this vehicle as scrap. Thank you in advance for your support and assistance. Sincerely,

NHTSA ODI 11669237

I purchased a 2016 Ford Fusion S new from the dealership in 2016. Earlier this year, multiple indicator lights turned on including "Service AdvanceTrac", ABS light, steering and hill assist lights. As time progressed, the Power Steering has become more of an issue to a point now that it is difficult to make tight turns going at low speed. I never received a recall notice, but when I did a search of the 2016 Ford Fusion S vehicle, there is an outstanding recall on similar models in 19V632000. The list of states include the state of Missouri which is where the vehicle was purchased from. At the time the recall notice was sent out (August 28, 2019), the vehicle would have been registered in Kansas. A search by the VIN number does not show a recall notice for it. Presently, the vehicle is registered in Iowa. I hope to get review of my VIN number to see if this recall should have included my vehicle as there are similar models distributed in similar states, with exact issues pertaining to my vehicle which was not included in the initial recall. I have service scheduled for this vehicle at an authorized Ford dealership on July 17th, 2025 which was the earliest I could get the car in. I'm concerned as this is a substantial issue that puts the vehicle at risk for a serious malfunction should the power steering fail completely while being operated. This is a relatively low mileage vehicle for the year which likely why the issue hasn't arose until this point. I appreciate your time and consideration on this matter.

NHTSA ODI 11667531

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the assist fault error and an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with steering gear failure. The contact was informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,263.

NHTSA ODI 11666814

My car is a 2016 Ford fusion and it was working fine until February of 2025. There was a message that appeared on the dashboard as soon as I started the car. The message was “steering loss, stop safely” making it extremely difficult to turn. The steering can’t even turn left or right. It’s locked in place. I had to get it towed and now it’s undrivable. I can’t even get it fixed because my specific VIN # is not listed for a recall and I’m unsure what to do. I need help what can I do?

NHTSA ODI 11661553

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the instrument cluster and the radio turned off unintendedly. The contact stated that the power train, hill assist, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was able to be restarted after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to two dealers; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ODI 11660528

The ABS module is faulty and light will come on at random times and makes steering hard and braking on right side of vehicle is hard. I have taken it to Raceway Ford of Hartsville and they are having a hard time getting the part due to it being called obsolete but I think it needs to be on the recall list as well due to it being a safety concern on my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11658864

I have never had this issue before with this car. I started the car up to go to the store and saw all these lights on my dash. I keep my car maintained well. Tires, oil, tune up etc… and when I saw the lights on the dash it said service advance trac and steering loss stop safely with 2 other icons above it. So I didn’t know what that was so I sent to get power fluid not knowing it wasn’t a reservoir. I know Ford had/has a recall on 2016 ford fusions model for THIS EXACT ISSUE! My steering cannot turn at all I need my car, PLEASE I am on disability and it’s not right that the recall won’t cover all ford of this model with this issue. I beg, I need my car fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11657721

I have had road salt contamination with the electrical wiring to the power steering causing the wires to become brittle and break causing a power steering failure in a right curve which caused the steering wheel to jerk the car to the left nearly causing a collision. The power steering failed again due to high friction inside steering gear and has a broken bolt on the EPAS motor to the steering gear.

NHTSA ODI 11651419

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11650994

The power steering failed suddenly while driving. The vehicle became nearly impossible to steer and control. Our safety and the safety of others vehicles or pedestrians was put at risk because the car could not be steered or controlled properly. The failure could have easily caused a serious and perhaps life threatening accident. Luckily, due to circumstances, we were able to pull over safely without causing an accident. It suddenly became extremely difficult to steer the car to a safe stop. No warning lamps were illuminated until the problem was actually happening. The warning lamps read "power steering assist fault; pull over safely immediately". The car was towed to a auto mechanic. The mechanic was able to "reset" the power steering but could not diagnose the problem. We then took the car to a Ford Dealer for further inspection. The Ford Dealer diagnosed the car and said it needs a new Power Steering Rack. We were told the original part is "failing" from the inside. The repair at the Ford Dealer is priced at $3170. The car is 9 years old and the mileage is approximately 80,000. For about two days before this incident we noticed that the steering occasionally felt slightly "jerky" while making turns but there was no warning lamps until the power steering completely failed.

NHTSA ODI 11649404