2014 Ford Fusion: steering wheel locks up

Filed Jun 7, 2025 · Steering · MA

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)

Filed Jun 6, 2025 · Steering · 140,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and the steering wheel seized. The "Service Advancetrac" message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 150,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while leaving a parking lot at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle 3 times before being able to turn the steering wheel; however, the power steering functionality remained inoperable. The contact stated that the Service Advancetrac, Lane Keep Assis system malfunction, Hill Start Assist Not Available, Steering Assist Fault, and Service Required messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer suggested that the contact take the battery to be tested. The battery was tested and there was no failure found with the battery. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2024 · Steering · 119,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering wheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2024 · Steering · 120,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel had loosened. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The following day, the vehicle was started, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic power steering module. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jul 3, 2024 · Steering · 109,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There were two unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failure in the steering wheel. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was also contacted, and confirmed the vehicle was not under recall. The contact related the failure to NTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Filed Jun 20, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · 88,529 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH around a curve, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There were abnormal beeping and chiming sounds detected. Additionally, the mileage changed from 54,529 to 88,529 without the vehicle being driven. The contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the rack and pinion assembly and steering mechanism. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 88,529.

Filed Jun 1, 2023 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that an unknown sensor in the steering gear box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Dec 29, 2022 · Steering · 103,000 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that while reversing or driving forward, the steering wheel failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the federal safety agency Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

Filed Jun 6, 2022 · Steering · 124,607 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, he heard a crunching sound coming from the vehicle and then the steering wheel locked. The contact was able to stop the vehicle and move over to the side of the road. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gear was failing and the failure was similar to the failure in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed with the manufacturer. The manufacturer then referred the contact to the federal safety agency for assistance. The failure mileage was 124,607.

Filed Oct 11, 2021 · Steering · SC

While driving, my steering wheel locked and it felt as if I was driving a vehicle without power steering and it became hard to turn my wheel and two service lights came on; the stability control. It was normal road conditions on a straight road.

Filed Jul 19, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · GA

I was driving on expressway with my kids. When the steering wheel lock up mid driving and I couldnt control the wheel very dangerous. Especially happening on the expressway with my children aboard. Worst could have happen but thank god I was able to dodge an car an slow down to I stop an turn on hazzer lights and break. I couldnt turn the wheel at all it was very scary experience. It was displaying messages pwer steering failure and one other message. I tried turning car off and turning it back on but that didnt work. I had to get the car towed to ford dealership in union city, ga. Where they found out it was the pwersteering system that failed costing $2600 in repairs that I didnt have and I needed my car for work. So I had to come up with the money to fix an repair that shouldnt have happen. My kids and I could have been killed. This happen june 2020 I have called several times sudmitted documents of repairs and reciepts. Still no world on adding it to the recall list to save others knowning this has been an major issue in these cars as well as I was told that you all would reimburse me for repairs. Still no word yet and its been a year. Someone please help.