2012 Ford Fusion: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jan 30, 2025 · Steering · 222,354 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to function as intended and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed electric steering rack and pinion, and the right and the left outer tie rods. The contact was informed that the electric power steering rack and pinion and the right and left outer tie rods needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair; however, the contact was informed that the recall repair was not associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 222,354.

Filed Jan 7, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · 84,529 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop where the tires were rotated; however, the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, a message indicating that the power steering was inoperable was displayed, and the steering wheel was seized. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the power steering became operable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering rack, the front stabilizer link, the passenger’s side outer tie rod, and the lower control arm had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) was previously reprogrammed under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,529.

Filed Sep 3, 2024 · Steering · MO

One week ago I started experiencing a grinding noise when steering my vehicle, at any speed. The steering also catches in certain positions and becomes difficult to turn. The issue can be isolated to the electronic power steering gear in my vehicle: the grinding persists after disconnecting the tie rods, but disappears after disconnecting the steering column. I have a 2012 Ford Fusion with 104,000 miles on it. It has been well maintained and driven carefully for its whole life with zero accidents or failures. The steering issue appeared suddenly and spontaneously. There are no warning lights, or service codes, but the steering is clearly failing and making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Power steering failures at speed are unsafe and can cause accidents. Recall 15S18 and extended warranty 15N01 specifically address this faulty part in 2011-2012 Ford Fusions and many other vehicles. Because my vehicle is 2 months outside of the manufacture date range, it is not covered by this recall. However, it is built in the same plant with the same faulty part number. This leaves me with either a $2000+ repair, or I can drive with faulty power steering which is not only a major safety issue but one that is known to Ford as well as the federal safety agency. Ford is refusing to cover the cost of this repair and additionally want to charge me diagnostic labor which I don't think I should be responsible for. Please look into this issue further and hold manufacturers accountable for replacing their faulty parts. Thank you.

Filed Dec 29, 2023 · Steering · MA

At about 98500 miles, power steering stopped working. 2 alternating dash warning lights kept flashing; Service Advance Trac, Power Steering Assist Fault. This sounded like it related to a known recall for electronic steering problem for my year and model but, Ford said my Vin was not included. I brought it to the dealer, with white knuckles, as it was very hard to turn the wheel and if I had to make a quick steering move to avoid an accident, I don't think I would've been able to. The dealer (Balise Ford, Hyannis MA) performed an expensive repair as follows: They said steering angle sensor signal invalid and PSCM internal failure. They replaced steering rack, tie rods and jam nuts. They performed PMI and configured PCSM. Aligned vehicle. I still think my service should have been performed with compensation from Ford but, they did not.

Filed Feb 16, 2021 · Steering · 119,000 miles · CT

The power steering has failed on this vehicle 4 times in the last two years. In every case, it failed while driving. Three times on the highway and once in local traffic. When the power steering fails, it takes an enormous effort/strength to make a turn, change lanes, or park. Two of the times the power steering failed, the mechanic was able to clear the codes and the power steering was restored. The other two times required expensive repairs. One (october 2020) was for almost $1700 and replaced the control rods and tie rods. This restored the power steering for two months, then it went out again. Resetting the codes worked for two days, but then the steering went out again. The rack and pinion and control board were replaced in february 2021 at a cost of just under $2000. Loss of power steering when underway is a known issue for cars of this make and model, and there has been a recall affecting some 393,000 vehicles, but not all vins. Though my issue is exactly as described in the recall, ford maintains that my car is not covered. Checking online, I see that many others are in the same situation. Their fusion has exactly the same power steering issue as the recall, but ford says their VIN is not one of those recalled. It is clear that a larger number of vehicles were affected than first believed, and all those affected by this problem should be included in the recall.

Filed Jan 25, 2021 · Steering · 84,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford fusion. The contact stated that the power steering ceased operation while traveling at various speeds. The contact stated that the service trak, power steering, and check engine warning light remained illuminated on instrument panel. The contact called paul miller ford (975 e new circle rd, lexington, ky 40505) and was informed that VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v340000 (steering). The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that her vehicle needed an oem software update. The mechanic also informed her that the rack and pinion and the tie rods needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed the information provided by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Filed Jul 28, 2020 · Steering · 113,000 miles · GA

The steering gear failed for the second time at 113000 miles. Cost for replacement and four ball joints was $2000.00. Some ball joints replaced at approx 70000 miles and steering gear replaced under recall at approx 93000 miles. It only lasted 20000 miles. Online it looks like ford has had this problem for a number of years. The last time iit failed it was in motion. When is the federal safety agency going to force the repair of this item?

Filed Jul 11, 2019 · Body · 80,000 miles · PA

Squeaks and creaks heard while driving over bumps and turning can be caused be a couple common sources and should be carefully diagnosed. Possible weld issues on the lower control arms can cause the noise concern

Filed Jun 22, 2019 · Steering · 119,000 miles · WI

Steering locked up while driving, took into dealership said it was the control arms 2 weeks later same thing happened, steering locked up

Filed Mar 13, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 90,000 miles · FL

Vehicle was stationary when power steering went out and advance trac. Dealership fails to acknowledge why they advise a new power steering rack and new control arms. Was told control arms are seizing up putting too much stress on the power steering and shortening it out. Why not perform the recall work first to see if it fixes it rather than propose almost $4,000 worth of repairs? The recall I'm referring to is 15v340 and 15s18

Filed Mar 13, 2019 · Driver assistance, Steering · 131,070 miles · WA

On march 11, 2019 as I was driving on the highway, the steering wheel locked up and with all my strength was barely able to navigate my 2012 ford fusion safely to my home. During this incident I had the 'service power steering now' indication on the ipc (instrument panel cluster) as well and an advantrac (ford's traction control system) light. The following day I called and asked the ford service advisor if there had been a recall in the past for power steering issues on this model. He said no but for me to take the car in for a diagnostic check. I had my car towed to corwin ford on march 12 for a check-up. On such date I get a call from corwin ford noting they would need to replace epas and front suspension front and rear lower control arms for $3,420. And once again, the service advisor stated that there had never been a recall for this issue. I can't afford to fix this issue and will be having my car towed back to my house tomorrow. I paid ford $144 today for the service check.

Filed Mar 8, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 90,000 miles · FL

The low tire pressure light came on inside the dash as I was pulling into my driveway. So I drove about .01mile to get air. After I put air in the tire,started the car and immediately got a warning that power steering needed servicing. Then got another warning that advance track needed servicing. All happened at the same time and the power steering was completely gone out. The dealership quoted me $1809 to fix the steering rack. The service dept said the gear inside the power steering rack has gone bad and the control arms it sits on has worn out the gear therefore needing front lower control arms costing $1213.23