Ford Motor Company, a massive automotive manufacturer, sold a vehicle with a known, systemic defect that can cause a driver to suddenly lose power steering at highway speeds, while simultaneously disabling critical safety systems ABS and AdvanceTrac stability control. The vehicle's dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree, steering suddenly becomes incredibly heavy, and the safety nets designed to prevent a rollover or spin-out turn off at the exact same moment. Lives are absolutely being put at risk. Because Ford has chosen to handle this through expensive, individual part replacements rather than a massive federal recall, the burden of safety has been unfairly shifted onto the consumer. When the PSCM (Power Steering Control Module) lost communication, it simultaneously disabled my ABS and Traction Control systems. This caused a sudden, unexpected loss of critical safety and handling systems while driving, creating an immediate crash hazard. I have already fixed the vehicle, so I must log the failure. Ford’s network architecture turns a single component failure into a massive, vehicle-wide electrical blackout. I've analyzed the underlying mechanics, and it became clear why this specific cycle is happening and why it causes the entire dashboard to go haywire. The Ford does not use simple independent wires for different parts; it relies on a High-Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN). Think of this like a high-speed internet data rail that loops through the car, where the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM), the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and the Body Control Module (BCM) all "talk" to each other in real time. The steering gear houses the internal Steering Angle Sensor. The ABS module needs to know my exact steering angle dynamically to calculate how to apply the brakes or handle stability control (AdvanceTrac).
2014 Ford Fusion: sudden loss of power
69 of the 1,337 complaints about the 2014 Ford Fusion describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 69
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical repair cost reported
- $5,400
- typical mileage
- 72,000
- recalls
- 1
Sudden loss of power by model year
What owners say
Sudden Loss of Power Steering Assistance and Simultaneous ABS/AdvanceTrac System Faults I am submitting this complaint to document a serious vehicle safety incident involving my 2014 Ford Fusion SE. The vehicle experienced a loss of communication with the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM), accompanied by faults affecting the ABS and traction/stability control systems. During the incident, the dashboard illuminated multiple warning lights, and the steering suddenly became extremely difficult to operate. The simultaneous loss of power steering assistance and warnings involving critical vehicle safety systems created a serious potential crash hazard, particularly at highway speeds or during an emergency maneuver. Diagnostic scanning with FORScan revealed the following communication-related diagnostic trouble codes: • U0131 — Lost Communication with Power Steering Control Module. • U0121 — Lost Communication with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Module. • U0420 / U0415 — Invalid or implausible data received, as indicated by the recorded codes. I am concerned that an electrical, electronic, or component-level failure involving the power steering system may be associated with the simultaneous faults in other vehicle systems. I request that the federal safety agency review the incident and determine whether similar complaints involving the 2014 Ford Fusion SE indicate a broader safety concern. One concern is that the failure is intermittent. The steering and warning lights appear to recover after the vehicle is shut off, allowed to cool, or restarted. Such intermittent behavior make the problem difficult to reproduce and diagnose, even though the underlying safety concern remain.
I had a recall on my 2014 ford fusion se regarding powertrain control module software update. I took my vehicle in to Athens ford 6/8/26 to have this fixed then on Friday my car lost power while driving, would not go l, then when I cut it off & back on it was like it went in to failsafe or limp mode. I called Athens ford 5 times on Friday & got no answer, 3 on Monday with no answer then found the number of the lady I dealt with in June. If I paid to have it towed there they could run diagnostics on it she said bc the mobile technicians couldn’t come out and do it. So I log in to my ford account and it showed this recall on the recall I had done it June. I screenshot it and sent it to her and she said it didn’t show it I needed to contact customer care. They told me the same thing that it didn’t show it. So I done a screen recording today of me logging in to my ford account and this is what it showed. Sent that to her and all they can respond is contact customer care. So I’m reaching out with this proof of what it shows and that being exactly what my car done and ford refusing to help me. I ruptured my acl and had surgery and have drs appt and physical therapy twice a week and this is the “courtesy” I get from ford Joni Spikes 7067654293 I have the screen recording but I can’t attach it for some reason
coolant leaking into engine * sudden engine failure risk * overheating * loss of power * expensive engine replacement from known defect 2014 Ford Fusion EcoBoost is losing coolant internally into the engine. Ford dealership diagnosed coolant intrusion requiring full engine replacement costing approximately $14,000. This appears to be a known defect affecting many Ford EcoBoost vehicles. Vehicle experiences coolant loss and risk of engine failure.
While driving a 2014 Ford Fusion during a snowstorm, the vehicle displayed the warning message “Steering Assist Fault – Service Required.” Immediately afterward, the steering became extremely difficult to turn, requiring significantly greater effort to control the vehicle. This sudden loss of power steering assist created a serious safety risk for myself and others on the road. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership, which confirmed diagnostic codes U3000 and C200D in the Power Steering Control Module and recommended replacement of the steering gear assembly and related components. The dealer noted that my VIN was not listed as included in the relevant recalls, although many vehicles from the same model year were included in Ford recall 19S26 (the federal safety agency 19V632000), which addresses corrosion or breakage of electric power steering gear motor bolts and potential loss of power steering assist. No prior symptoms were noted before the warning message appeared. The failure was sudden and occurred while the vehicle was in motion. The steering gear and related components are available for inspection. Based on the dealer’s assessment and the similarity to documented recall conditions, the cause appears to be a sudden failure of the electric power steering gear assembly.
Was driving lost power steering shut my car off turned it back on all the lights were gone off the dash and it had power steering again . Parked went to work the next day and drove home fine parked and then all the same lights came on again and has lost all power steering .
I am submitting this complaint regarding a complete loss of power steering on my 2014 Ford Fusion. The issue occurred without warning and was accompanied by multiple dashboard alerts including: “Steering Loss – Stop Safely” “Service AdvanceTrac” “Hill Start Assist Not Available” The steering became extremely heavy and difficult to turn, creating a major safety concern—especially while driving at low speeds or attempting to park. I have since researched this issue and found numerous reports from other 2014 Ford Fusion owners experiencing the exact same failure. While Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction Program (15N01) covering similar issues on 2011–2013 Fusion models, no such support appears to be available for the 2014 model—even though the symptoms and system design are identical. Dealers are quoting repairs in excess of $3,500 to replace the rack-and-pinion steering system, which is believed to be the source of the failure. Given the abrupt and dangerous nature of the malfunction, I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this issue as a potential safety defect and consider whether Ford should expand coverage or issue a formal recall for affected 2014 vehicles. This is a critical steering safety issue that could easily lead to accidents or injury if it happens at higher speeds or in traffic. I urge the federal safety agency to take this seriously and evaluate Ford’s handling of this problem in 2014 Fusion models. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Our 2014 Ford Fusion was recalled under the federal safety agency Campaign Number 15V250000, issued June 24, 2015, for an issue with internal binding and corrosion in the power steering rack which could lead to a loss of power steering assist. In 2015, Brighton Ford (Livingston County, MI) performed the recall remedy. After that service, our vehicle's VIN was removed from the federal safety agency's active recall list. However, on [XXX], less than 10 years later, the exact same issue occurred again—the steering wheel froze and the front wheels did not respond. The "Steering Loss" warning appeared. Thankfully, no one was hurt. The car was diagnosed and repaired at Balise Ford of Wilbraham, MA. They retrieved DTC C102D:00 which indicates high friction in the power steering gear, a symptom specifically tied to internal binding caused by water ingress, as described in the original recall. The steering rack was replaced at our expense. The repair invoice and technician comments clearly describe the same failure mode the recall was meant to prevent. This indicates the original recall remedy was ineffective in our case. WHAT IS YOUR REQUEST TO the federal safety agency? We respectfully request that the federal safety agency: Reinstate our VIN on the 15V250000 recall list, acknowledging that the original repair was inadequate and the defect recurred. Enable us to seek reimbursement from Ford for the repair and towing costs now totaling over $5,400. This situation demonstrates that a single recall remedy does not always fully resolve the safety issue. We hope the federal safety agency will help ensure affected owners are protected and treated fairly. DEALERSHIPS INVOLVED Original Recall Service (2015): Brighton Ford Livingston County, Michigan Recent Repair (2025): Balise Ford of Wilbraham 1979 Boston Rd, Wilbraham, MA 01095 Phone: 413‑858‑6195 Service Advisor: John Gabriel Retrieved DTC: C102D:00 – High Friction in Power Steering Mileage at Repair: 60,468 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On May 15, 2025 I experience a loss of power steering assist in my vehicle due to steering gear bold corrosion. There is a recall for this exact same issue, 19S26/19V632, issued on 2019-10-11, however, Ford is telling me my VIN number is not included in this recall. They are also claiming this problem was fixed as part of their recall 19R02 back in 2015. As part of the more recent recall, the remedy calls for replacing the bolts and applying a corrosion inhibitor, but they obviously did not do when fixing recall 19R02 back in 2015.
Vehicle flexplate broke causing loss of power in rush hour traffic. Luckily was able to get to the side of the road without major incident or causing an accident. Broken flexplate also caused damage to transmission and ptu. Was informed this is a common issue wiith this yeat make and model but ford refuses to do anything about it. They would rather wait for some peopke to lose their life befor takiing responsibility. But who cares about peoples lives when you have stockholders to pay and ceo bonuses to hand out. Feel its worth mentioning i had the car at the dealership a couple times for other issues and had asked them about problems i suspected were precursors to this happening. They denied there was even an issue. They they told me the noises were normal and refused to even document my concerns let alone actually physically check the vehicle. I believe they were intentionally trying to hide the fact they knew exactly what was going on. Ford needs to take responsibility but since they wont you guys need to make them.
Slowing driving out of store parking lot, sudden heavy steering, loss of power steering, 'service advancetrac' & 'hill start assist unavailable ' traction control warning lights on
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while stopped in a parking lot with the engine running, the steering wheel independently started turning to the left. The contact stated that the Hill Start Assist, stabili-trak, and Loss of Power Steering Assist messages were displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact stated there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact turned off the vehicle and after opening the hood, the contact observed power steering fluid leaking onto the exhaust manifold. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer nor an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V250000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Some 2014-2020 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles may be equipped with a 1.5L Ecoboost engine that uses...
- Low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition with or without an illuminated...
- Some 2014-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2014-2020 Fusion plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2015-2017 MKZ/MKZ...
- Oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket
- This article supersedes TSB 19-2139 to update the production fix date
- Low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or runs rough condition with or without an illuminated...
- Some 2014-2019 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape with 1.5L engine may exhibit coolant usage and white smoke from...
- Some 2014-2019 Fusion and 2017-2019 Escape vehicles with 1.5L Ecoboost engine exhibiting coolant...
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
- Risk
- If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.
Recall number 17V209000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2014 Ford Fusion loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2014 Ford Fusion?
69 of 1,337 owner complaints about the 2014 Ford Fusion (5%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2010.
How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the 2014 Ford Fusion?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $5,400 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2014 Ford Fusion?
There is 1 recall and 28 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2014 Ford Fusion
Power steering loss 116Check engine light 90Stalling 84Door locks 74Overheating 61Engine failure 55Backup camera 40Jerking 34Steering lock-up 29Won't shift 27Transmission failure 26ABS 25Fire or smoke 24Misfire 21Hesitation 20Wipers 20Won't start 20Seat belt 19Brake failure 17Grinding brakes 15Airbag light 12Slipping 12Headlights 10Adaptive cruise 9Tire blowout 9No deployment 8Harsh shifting 8Warning lights 8Battery drain 7Knocking 7Key fob 7Shudder 7Ball joint 6Screen failure 6Power windows 5Pulling 5
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