2017 Ford Fusion steering problems

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · SC

The automatic transmission failed at approximately 59,000 miles. The vehicle was delivered to an authorized Ford dealership on 09/04/2025 for warranty repair. The transmission was replaced. The vehicle remained at that dealership approximately eight months and was returned to me on or about 05/01/2026. After return, a grinding and clunking noise was present when accelerating, turning, braking and going over bumps. A power steering line failed within days of return and emitted smoke from the front of the vehicle while driving. A "Shift System Fault" message began appearing when shifting into reverse and continues to appear intermittently. The same dealership performed three further repair visits. Their repair orders document multiple loose bolts holding the transmission mount to the transmission, an improperly installed exhaust, and a loose right hand CV shaft nut. On 08/14/2026 I took the vehicle to a second, unaffiliated authorized Ford dealership for an independent inspection. On a lift they found all four subframe bolts loose, the right front subframe bolt not fully seated and cross threaded so that it could not be tightened further, and the four smaller rear subframe bolts missing entirely. They also documented that no one-time-use fasteners had been billed on the original transmission repair. They tightened the loose bolts, replaced the cross threaded bolt, installed the four missing bolts, and confirmed by road test that the noise was eliminated. The subframe carries the engine, transmission and front suspension. The vehicle was driven approximately 1,700 miles over roughly three months, including highway driving, in this condition before the loose and missing fasteners were found. Repair orders from both dealerships are available for inspection.

Filed Jun 27, 2026 · Engine, Steering · MI

I am the owner of a 2017 Ford Fusion with 61,000 miles on the odometer. Please note that I have always taken good care of my car, having it serviced promptly when required. In recent weeks, I have had to replace my complete steering rack (cost $4,500) and two weeks later, my 1.7-liter Ecoboost engine due to a coolant leak into the number two cylinder at a cost of $6,700. Ford has known about both problems for years and they have resulted in both class action and small claims suits against the company. Regarding the engine, Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, Technical Service Bulletin TSB 22-2134 and Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 - Supplement #4 to replace the car's engine short block. This covered cars for 7 years of service or 84,000 miles - with, as quoted in the Ford memo sent to dealers on June 9, 2022, "coverage automatically extended to subsequent owners," for presumably the life of the car. Since this is clearly a manufacturing error (as Ford admits in its June 9, 2022 memo to dealers) and not due to negligence on my part, I should be reimbursed for my expenses. the federal safety agency should also open a recall case on this matter for owners like myself.

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Steering · 50,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The vehicle was started; however, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact moved the gear shift lever to reverse(R), and the steering wheel seized. The tow truck driver had a difficult time trying to move the vehicle onto the flatbed truck. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that high friction on the gear and the entire steering alignment needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Steering · 90,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel detached and was left hanging. The driver moved over to the side of the highway. The contact stated that the steering wheel was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V167000 (STEERING); however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · NE

Car warning states “steering assist fault service required” total loss of power steering in the vehicle after sat parked for a week, vehicle started without issue, no warning codes can be found with OBDII scanner

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Steering · 100,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose. The contact was able to rock the steering wheel approximately 3/8 of an inch in either direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering). The contact called a local dealer and was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Aug 15, 2024 · Steering · 69,236 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and making a left turn, the power steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized and became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with rack and pinon failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,236.

Filed Mar 6, 2024 · Steering · 69,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 69,000.

Filed Feb 27, 2024 · Driver assistance, Steering · 86,720 miles · MA

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering assist, traction control, and hill stop assist warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,720.

Filed Feb 25, 2024 · Steering · NY

The shifter cable bushing was no longer present and the shifter cable detached, causing my car to be unable to move out of park. I was actively driving the vehicle, backing it out when this happened, leaving me and my car stuck in the middle of the lane. This problem has caused a recall on earlier years of the car, making it a known issue. There were no symptoms prior to the problem, but many warning lights on the dash claiming to need repairs immediately following the incident.