Ford Fusion steering noise problems

Filed May 2, 2026 · Body, Fuel system · MI

I am reporting a serious and ongoing safety issue involving my 2015 Ford Fusion. The vehicle experiences intermittent power steering failure while driving. The steering assist will suddenly disengage and re-engage without warning, making the vehicle extremely difficult to control. This condition becomes even more dangerous in wet weather, where the vehicle is sometimes nearly undriveable. Additionally, I am now experiencing a popping noise in the steering wheel. This raises concern of a possible mechanical failure consistent with known recalls involving steering wheel bolt defects that could result in the steering wheel detaching. These issues are consistent with known recalls, including: - Power Steering Failure Recall (15V340000) - Steering Wheel Bolt Recall (18V167000 / 18S08) Despite these known safety defects, Ford has refused to repair the issue, stating that the recall has expired. This presents a serious safety hazard, including risk of loss of steering control, crash, injury, or death. I am requesting immediate investigation and enforcement of manufacturer responsibility for this safety-related defect.

Filed Mar 8, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · SC

The Power Steering Assist Fault notice keeps popping up on the dashboard screen. When this happens, the power steering is inoperable leaving me stranded. I've had my mechanic fix it several times (after the Ford Recall on steering didn't properly repair the issue) costing an insane price. It's very unsafe to be on the road & have the power steering go out. It is unsafe not only for me & my family but also for the vehicles traveling around my vehicle. It causes mental distress & anxiety as I never know when I'm going to be left stranded. This time, I'm stranded at the laundromat, on a Sunday. Not knowing how I'm going to get home or to work tomorrow. My receipts for repairs are at home. Until Ford makes this right, I'll never see the Ford brand as a reliable manufacturer nor will I ever purchase or recommend the Ford brand.

Filed May 12, 2025 · Steering · 214,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel started drifting and the contact was unable to keep steering wheel steady. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering wheel while turning the wheel in either direction. The contact stated that the "Service Power Steering Assist" and "Service Advancetrac" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the power steering module was electrical, and no repairs could be performed on the vehicle. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and contacted the manufacturer. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact was also provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.

Filed Feb 3, 2025 · Steering · 111,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. the contact stated that there was excessive movement in the steering when the steering column was making a clicking sound while turning to the left. The contact stated that while turning to the left, the steering wheel was seized, and the contact had to use excessive force to turn the steering wheel to the left. While pulling out of a parking space, the advance track mode and power steering loss messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the steering had failed and replaced the lower control arm, tie rod, and rack and pinion on the driver's side of the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Filed Sep 12, 2024 · Steering · MN

My 2016 Ford Fusion's power steering went out while driving, making it extremely difficult to turn effectively, especially at lower speeds. After the loss of power steering, the dashboard started showing warnings about "Hill Assist", "Powertrac" being unavailable and "Power steering loss - stop safely". The steering also feels "clunky" where the steering wheel jumps when turning. There are also clicks heard from near the engine compartment when turning. Now, the warnings on the dashboard display when first starting the car. I brought it to a Ford dealership who diagnosed the issue and determined that the steering gear needed to be replaced. They quoted $6000 to replace the entire power steering assembly. This issue seems to be part of Ford recall 19V632, however my VIN is not covered. I live in Minnesota and my car is in contact with road salt and other contaminants (especially in the winter) very often. There were no problems with steering prior to this issue.

Filed Apr 3, 2023 · Steering · CA

My vehicle steering has failed/is failing. While driving I had intermittent loss of power steering and a knocking noise when turning the wheel in any direction which has been confirmed by my local ford dealer. They have stated that the electric rack and pinion is the issue. I didn’t receive any notification on my dashboard. It seems this is an ongoing problem with my year vehicle in other states.

Filed Mar 15, 2023 · Steering · 76,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while making a right turn, there was a popping sound coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the electronic steering assist motor needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to contact a dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 76,000.

Filed Jan 25, 2023 · Steering · OH

I got in my 2017 Fusion SE to leave my house. As I started out of my driveway, I noticed that the steering was hard and I had a " Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" lamp on. I did not drive the car that day. The car drove fine the day before. I called my local mechanic to take my car into the shop to have him check the vehicle. As I drove the vehicle to the shop, I noticed that it was very hard to steer and the steering made a grinding noise. The shop called later and advised that the rack and pinion sensor was bad and needed replacing. The shop advised that the only way to repair it was to replace the rack and pinion. My mechanic advised that he has seen this problem with other 2017 Ford Fusions. The shop advised that the cost would be $3000.00. I was shocked at the cost, but I authorized the repair. The mileage on the vehicle was 39,650. I am just thankful that I was not driving the car on the road at the time that this went bad. There was no warning with this. I did look on this web sight and found that this is not an uncommon problem with the 2017 Fusions. I believe that because the sensor cannot be replaced on its own, that Ford should fix this dangerous problem and do a recall. How long until this happens a second time? Should I sell this vehicle before it happens again? I just hope I am not driving the next time the sensor goes out.

Filed Feb 26, 2021 · Steering · 189,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 ford fusion. The contact was driving at 10 MPH, when the steering wheel made grinding noises and became hard to maneuver. The power steering service light and traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure and stated that the power steering needed to be serviced. The vehicle was repaired twice however, the failure recurred. The contact informed an unknown ford dealer of the failure, and was directed to the manufacturer for assistance. The contact was informed by the manufacturer to contact the federal safety agency for assistance. The failure mileage was 189,000.

Filed Dec 14, 2020 · Locks · 110,000 miles · VA

Trunk popping open, steering recalls, fire hazard from charging cable. These are safefy issues I would like to get fixed!!