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2017 Ford Fusion: steering wheel locks up

6 of the 1,116 complaints about the 2017 Ford Fusion describe steering wheel locks up.

owner complaints
6
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Steering wheel locks up by model year

What owners say

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 May 18, 2023 · Engine · SC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the ABS warning light illuminated intermittently and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact there was a failure with the serpentine belt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 29, 2022 · Steering · MI · crash

Driving straight and the steering locked up causing the car to veer to the left and was not allowing her not to be able to turn the car. My 19 year old daughter ended up hitting a fence and totaling the car.

Filed Jul 15, 2022 · Steering · TX

Driving vehicle, Steering Assist Fault light comes on, steering wheel locks and vehicle becomes very difficult to operate. Locally, Ford dealership will not inspect as they will not take any calls in the service department. This is the second time this has happened to this vehicle. Vehicle has been previously taken to dealership, to which dealer was “unable to diagnose issue.” Vehicle was subsequently repaired, as an independent service center was able to diagnose issue and repair. Vehicle drove well for 4 months until today, when second incident occurred. In this situation, other vehicles on the road were in danger as I was unable to turn from turning lane, driving into outer tuning lane, almost striking another vehicle. Luckily, I had slowed down enough for vehicle to drive passed me without incident. There is something inherently wrong with the 2017 Fusion’s Power rack and Pinion Gear, and I implore Ford to do the right thing and look into this matter, as this issue is ongoing and widespread.

Filed Jun 18, 2018 · Steering · 5,800 miles · PA · crash

Tl* the contact owned a 2017 ford fusion. While driving at an unknown speed, a beeping noise was heard and the steering wheel seized. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and drove into a creek. The contact stated that there was an unknown error message on the navigation screen. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard and deemed a total loss. The contact called preston ford at 877‑834‑3396 (located at 4313 preston rd, hurlock, md 21643) after learning about the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v167000 (steering). The contact stated that the dealer hung up the phone. The contact was not sure whether the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,800.

Filed Nov 25, 2017 · Driver assistance · 13,000 miles · TX

Car wouldn't start after sitting in the driveway way for 2 straight days. Had it towed to dealer and after checking the vehicle out, was told I had a severe ant problem and the ants ate the wiring in the fusecond box. Had to replace fuse box out of pocket because I told it was not under warranty. I purchased my vehicle feb 2017. Picked up my vehicle after repairs and a few miles down the road while sitting at a red light, my vehicle shut down with no warning. Numerous error lights were on, but couldn't restart the car or put into gear. After 15-20 minutes I was able to start the car and move it off the street. Had it towed back to dealer. Dealer determined the battery cable was stripped and had it fixed . Assured me the problem was resolved. Week later while driving, car shut down with no warning. Steering locked, brakes not working. Was able to glide into a parking lot. Tried to start car and wouldn't start. Dealership was closed so had to get it towed to my residence. Next day had it towed to dealership. When tow truck driver tried to start the car it started with no problem. Vehicle is sitting at dealership to bd looked at. First tow, I had to pay for repairs out of pocket and for the rental. Second tow I was not charged for damage to the battery from the first repair. Third tow, I had to argue with the dealership to pay for the rental. Still waiting on determination of problem. First time vehicle was parked in driveway. Second and third time I was driving and on a city street

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported March 12, 2018 · 1,301,986 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Risk
A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.

Recall number 18V167000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2017 Ford Fusion steering lock-up

Is steering wheel locks up a common problem on the 2017 Ford Fusion?

6 of 1,116 owner complaints about the 2017 Ford Fusion (1%) mention steering wheel locks up. The model year with the most reports is 2010.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Ford Fusion?

There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2017 Ford Fusion

Check engine light 294Overheating 167Engine failure 148Misfire 126Stalling 82Won't shift 47Fire or smoke 46Loss of power 41Transmission failure 39Hesitation 31Jerking 31Won't start 26Shudder 19Brake failure 18Power steering loss 16Battery drain 11Harsh shifting 11ABS 8Grinding brakes 8No deployment 7Backup camera 7Slipping 7Wipers 7Airbag light 6Headlights 6Knocking 5Rollaway 5Start-stop 5

All model years of the Ford Fusion

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