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CarComplaints.com Notes: Ford significantly updated the Fusion for the 2010 model year. We wish they hadn't

Throttle body issues have led to a ton of reports about a sudden deceleration and loss of power while driving. Ford issued a “customer satisfaction program” in March 2014 that, unsurprisingly, has left very few customers satisfied.

2010 is also the year we started seeing complaints about the power steering failing. Throttle and steering failure? Yeah, that’s why this is a clunker.

8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,610
Average Mileage:
108,850 miles
Total Complaints:
104 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (51 reports)
  2. completely replace power steering (22 reports)
  3. replace steering gear (11 reports)
  4. replace steering gear ($1,625.53) (9 reports)
  5. replace steering rack (7 reports)
  6. replace steering column (2 reports)
2010 Ford Fusion steering problems

steering problem

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2010 Ford Fusion Owner Comments (Page 3 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #64

May 182017

Fusion SE 2.5L 14

  • Manual transmission
  • 161,400 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I drove away from my home and proceeded to the stop sign at the end of the street with everything seeming to work properly with my vehicle and no warnings on my dash. I stopped at the end of my street and when safe began to make a left hand turn onto the main road. As I moved forward I suddenly had no steering capabilities. It took all my strength to turn the vehicle into the lane.

I glanced down at the dash lights and saw "Power Steering Assist Fault". I proceeded to a safe place and pulled off the highway. I turned the vehicle off and sat there for a few minutes while I contemplated what to do. My first thought was that I had somehow lost the power steering fluid but I had not noticed anything leaking. I did not realize my vehicle is equipped with and EPS system and that there is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.

After a few minutes I started the car. I was able to move the steering wheel easily and the warning light was gone. I returned home, parked the vehicle, and got out the owner's manual to see what it said about the power steering. There is a WARNING box describing the problem. At no time prior to this incident had a "SERVICE POWER STEERING", "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW", or a "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" warning light shown on my vehicle.

This could have been a very dangerous situation. Fortunately, I did not put myself or anyone else in an unfortunate situation this time but I am now afraid to drive my vehicle. Why was my vehicle not included in the recalls? Obviously, Ford knows of the problem because they included it in the manual. My biggest concern is that there was no warning, It happened while I was driving and with no warning. To suddenly have no steering capabilities is very dangerous!

I believe Ford should have to correct the problem at their expense because they knew there was an issue, hence the warning.

- Marsha B., Bieber, US

problem #63

May 062017

Fusion SEL 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

While I was driving on May 6th, my 2010 Ford fusion all of a sudden shows 'service power steering now'. Then I parked the car at the nearest gas station and checked what's going on with it. It looks like nothing went wrong and there was no noise at all. However, when I restart the engine, the steering system is fixed, I can hardly made any turns. I have no choice but to have my car towed to my apartment. Fortunately there was no big loss about the passengers, otherwise I would be super sad. Then I searched online about this problem of the vehicle. It seemed like there is no simple solution for the problem. If I went to the ford dealer, it would cost more than 1,400 dollars. That's really too much for me to afford. I heard there is recall about 2011 and 2012 ford fusion on this problem. But why there is no recall for this ford fusion 2010 on the same problem. I complained about this is because the problem may cause huge traffic accidents. What an awful experience.

Update from May 8, 2017: I haven't have it fixed yet. Since the dealer told me that I need to replace the whole steering gear, It will cost more than 1,900 dollars. That's so crazy and doesn't make any sense. It's the ford company that make this problem happens, they don't take any action and ask our customers to pay for it. This is the worst case I have ever seen. I will never trust the ford company any more.

- Guang L., Ann Arbor, US

problem #62

Jan 092017

Fusion SEL 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

There is a recall on the same parts on different model year Ford Fusions and Ford continues to ignore this problem on the 2010 model. I have had the same experience as most. My power steering was intermittent on start up for about 6 months, generally a shut down and restart would fix the issue. One day while driving through a turn the power steering completely gave out and nearly resulted in an accident. The power steering has not worked since. It gives off all the usual indications on the dash about the power steering assist being faulty. Ford Corporate customer service is unwilling to even offer a discount for a fix and they just tell you to report it to the DOT complaint site. This problem has already resulted in crashes for several people, it will only be a matter of time before it results in a fatality. Put this model year on RECALL FORD! The entire rack and pinion will cost approximately $1200. The Labor will be anywhere from $400 to $600 depending on where you go. This, of course, if they do not find anything else wrong....

- William H., Evans, GA, US

problem #61

Apr 202017

Fusion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,361 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

So this morning I had just dropped my son off at school and was making a turn onto the highway when out of nowhere my "SERVICE ADVANCETRAC" & "SERVICE POWER STEERING" lights came on. .no more than 3 minutes go by when the steering just locks and here I am on the freaking highway in morning traffic with no damn control over my car! Scariest feeling in the world, all I could think was 'thank God my son isn't with me because if I get in an accident at least it'll just be me'. What I can't seem to fathom is why Ford hasn't fixed this issue, do they need a body count or for 1 of their family members to be hurt in a situation like this before they put a recall? I work full time and support my family while my husband attends school, there is no way in y'all know where that I can afford the 1500+ that it'll cost to replace my power steering. I service my car regularly and know that this is not a result of anything that I have/have not done to this car! I read that the NHTSA opened an investigation on Ford for the issues with the 2010 fusion, so I hope and pray they get somewhere with that because w/o my car functioning properly I don't know how I'll get to/from work.

- Emily B., Littleton, CO, US

problem #60

Mar 212017

Fusion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 139,187 miles

The power steering of my Ford Fusion stopped working suddenly. It was a close call. I cannot go to my work without a car. Ford company does not have a good technology. They don't know how to manufacture safe and efficient cars. Never buy a Ford again. A very bad technology and worst customer service.

- Pam J., Winnipeg, MB, Canada

problem #59

Mar 062017

Fusion SE 2.5L 4cl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

Mostly happens when I start the car from a cold start. The dash display shows "Power Steering Assist Fault". Then I have manual steering. I shut the car off and then restart the engine and everything is fine. This has happened now about once every 1-2 months.

- A .., Irmo, SC, US

problem #58

Oct 162016

Fusion LS 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 184,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Power steering wheel locked up while driving home from work. Steering became extremely difficult at that point. Took the car to the dealership 3 days later confirm that the power steering gear was gone but the recall included 2011-2013 not the 2010 which has the same parts.

- ivananderson, Huger, SC, US

problem #57

Feb 072017

Fusion SE 2.5L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

Complete power steering failure almost resulting in accident - Due to manufacture defect - 2010 year should be included in recall campaign 15v340000

- Harris B., Okoboji, US

problem #56

Feb 072017

Fusion SE 2.5L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

I believe the 2010 year should have been included in the recall campaign 15v340000

I have meticulously maintained my vehicle, and this issue is due to manufacture defect.

- Harris B., Okoboji, US

problem #55

Oct 272016

Fusion SEL 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

Had the grandkids in the car,went to a trunk a treat turned in the parking lot that's when the warning came on. By the time I parked, complete loss of power steering. The next week took it to the shop,stayed there until 12-12-16, then it was my time to be worked on,he called me up and said everything was working fine, said he drove it around about ten miles. I picked it up and when my wife turned in the drive damn thing went out again. Ford really needs to do something. What would have happened if my grandkids or wife got hurt, who the hell would be to blame. Not to mention the money it's going to cost to fix and the time off work , money , and headache it's already cost.

- Roger C., Odenville, AL, US

problem #54

Nov 072016

Fusion S 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 133,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The EPS (Electric Power Steering) unit just failed on my 2010 Ford Fusion S. The problem indicator light has flashed on startup a few times over the past couple of months, but finally came on permanently yesterday, 01/26/2017. When the indicator text came onto the error screen it showed the following text and all power assist to my steering was gone:

POWER STEERING FAILURE AND ADVANCE TRACK FAILURE

My dealer has told me that this is a known issue on most Ford Fusion model years, but a recall has only been issued for the last few years and does not include mine! He described the issue as one where the ribbon cable that connects the EPS unit is prone to disintegration, as it was originally designed, and the fixed EPS units do not have this design flaw.

The fix for this is more than $2000 dollars, and should not be placed onto the consumer since this critical safety part will fail on ALL Ford Fusion models over time... Some sooner and some later. This is not an inconvenience like a broken radio or a leaking hose. This is a disastrous situation of the fist order. How many lives is Ford willing to sacrifice as steering failures occur around the world, before they decide to take action?

This known EPS failure on most Ford Fusion models is a class action lawsuit in the making.

- g_glass, Elkhart, IN, US

problem #53

Dec 262016

Fusion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,000 miles

This piece of crap Ford belongs to my elderly mother. The day after Christmas she was taking the grand kids for Ice cream, power steering went out completely. She lost control of the car and side swipped a pole. She was hysterically crying.

Took it to a friends shop, because I work in the automotive industry. I was told it was the steering wheel position sensor. I CAN NOT FIND THIS DAMN PART ANYWHERE. Ford refuses to acknowledge this problem. There is no fix because the parts are unavailable (steering wheel position sensor). Now my mother can not drive her crappy Ford. This is a huge problem, she has a lot of health problems and travels to many doctors both in town and out.

I help my mom who is on SS, but I can only help so much because I am a struggling single mom of 4, and no I do NOT get assistance from anybody nor do I receive child support. I also rely on her for rides, my ex husband took my car and will not give it back. I HATE FORD WITH A PASSION NOW!!!!! IF ANYBODY HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS I AM OPEN TO ANYTHING!!!!! ANY CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS I CAN BE PART OF AND REAM FORD??

- i hate fords now, Broken Arrow, OK, US

problem #52

Jan 222017

Fusion SEL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

The error is Power Steering Failure. From researching online this same issue has been a recall for 2011-2015 Ford Fusions. I think my 2010 should be part of the same recall. It is a $1500 repair for the same issue that the 2011 has.

- Keith B., Mesa, AZ, US

problem #51

Jan 082017

Fusion S 2.0L 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

While exiting a parking lot with my boyfriend the "SERVICE POWER STEERING" and "SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC" lights came on. We both just looked at each other and questioned what the lights had meant. He asked me if the car was steering incorrectly or felt tight and I said no. Thankfully we only live about 2 miles from the store we were at and we made it home safely. I did notice that as I pulled in the driveway that the steering was getting tough. The following day we were going to take it to the dealership, but we could not move the steering wheel at all. We didn't want to risk driving it and not being able to steer and causing an accident. We had to have it towed to the dealership, which is going to be about $80 - $90 and now we are waiting on the dealership to let us know what the problem is. I'm guessing from all the other complaints that I have read online that it is the rack and pinion that need to be fixed and that's going to cost about $1300. I don't know about anyone else, but it's pretty hard to pay this amount up front for a problem that Ford is obviously aware of. I like Ford, I think they are a great company, but I definitely think this is a huge problem. So many other cars have already been recalled for this same problem but still there is no recall for 2010's. I'm hoping that this issue will be resolved soon and hopefully there will not be anymore accidents added to the growing list.

- Vanessa G., Garden City, MI, US

problem #50

Jan 162017

Fusion SE 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,001 miles

Well at least I didn't get stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere at 10:30 pm, like I did when the electronic throttle body went out. Which leads me into this point, the investigation for the ETB was opened Feb 21 2013, closed Feb 28 2014, over a year of investigation, no recall issued, but if it goes out Ford will fix it only if its done by an authorized dealer. The Electronic Power Steering investigation opened September 28 2016, and is pending.

I can see waiting a year to make a call on the ETB, I mean so it goes out on someone driving late at night, in freezing temperatures, everyone has a cellphone to call for help right..... But why are you taking so long to investigate the EPS going out, I mean this is controlling the steering of the vehicle. Are the number of crashes not high enough to justify the cost? Does there have to be fatalities to justify the cost? I mean from a business point $1300 - $2000 depending on the dealership you take the vehicle to for the repair is very expensive, and the bottom line is everything. But at what point do you decide to do the right thing? What if you are in the vehicle when the EPS goes out, or a loved one? Do the right thing, don't disappoint me Ford!

- Robert B., Mapleton, IL, US

problem #49

Nov 282016

Fusion SE Vs

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles

While driving in a residential neighborhood, going 25-30 MPH I was alerted by sound and dash notification that there was a power steering and advancetrac failure and that the vehicle needed to be serviced accordingly. My car continued to operate per usual - It wasn't until I attempted to simultaneously make a left turn with another driver (almost resulting in an accident) no more than a minute later at a four-way intersection that I noticed the steering required excessive force.

1. The notification system could have properly warned me that my steering was not going to function normally, or more than a minute prior to losing power steering all together. This is not safe.

2. After bringing my vehicle to the Ford dealership I was informed that it would cost just short of $2000 to repair the issue - an unrealistic amount for any college student or middle-class citizen.

The case at hand speculates that Ford was aware of the faulty systems at play BEFORE the vehicle was released and that the issue may be inevitable and re-occurring.

This is my first and last Ford manufactured vehicle. If this company valued it's customers or their safety they would have already recalled the

issue instead of battling in the court of law.

- faultyford_furious, Waterloo, IA, US

problem #48

Nov 032016

Fusion SEL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

My mother purchased this 2010 Ford Fusion her dream car, and she was very happy. We had the general maintenance done according to the schedule service. My mother kept telling me it was driving funny, so after driving it, I thought it maybe needed an alignment. After the alignment was done it seemed things were back to normal, but my mom kept telling me she thought it was still not driving right.

The beginning of November is when we started seeing the "steering default assist warning". After the 2nd time we decided to take it, to the dealership. We were told we needed an appointment, it was Veterans Day weekend. After seeking assistance outside of the dealership, the problem still exist. We decided to try the dealership again thinking maybe we would have a better outcome. We now have a rental for the Thanksgivings weekend, and I just searched to see that this a larger problem. The service writer just called to inform us it's not under warranty, but why no recall when 500+ owners are having the same issue. We will know the cost on Monday, Ford should be ashamed of how they are treating faithful customers.

- winfred, Baltimore, MD, US

problem #47

Aug 112016

Fusion 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 389,889 miles

We went to the Dr.s for a scheduled appointment... Luckily, the parking lot was not crowded. As the car was pulled into a space,, the power steering went out completely... The car was pulled in to the first available spot and stopped. AAA took the car to Greenway Ford in Orlando and the car was repaired and returned to us on August 13th, 2016... After searching for information, we found that there was no recall on the Power Steering for the year 2010.. We know there have been recalls for the years after... We paid $1,1720.62, after a discount coupon was used.

- jhoffman103, Winter Park, FL, US

problem #46

Nov 152015

Fusion S 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

My power steering goes out each year, displaying on my dashboard to "service advancetrac" and service power steering. I have been having this issue for 3 years now. It is very difficult to turn the steering wheel. The first time this issue occurred, I paid Metro Ford five hundred dollars to repair my vehicle.

The second time this happened, I bought the car back, I was told this time the problem is much more severe and I will have to have my entire power steering unit replaced, which could cost between $2,000 - $3,000. I could not afford it. I drove around an entire year with a dysfunctional steering wheel. I received a letter in the mail stating to bring my vehicle in for a inspection, so I did. The inspection was complete and I was told, they also had reset the car (which solved the power steering issue).

- steneshaross, Chicago, IL, US

problem #45

Oct 252016

Fusion SE 2,5

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,006 miles

I know there were a recall on Ford Fusion 2011 and up what about the 2010 power steering issues? I started my car after long day at work light popped on POWER STEERING FAULT. I thought it needed power steering fluid, found out it doesn't use fluid. My complaint is if there was an recall on 2011 why NO RECALL ON 2010 FORD FUSION? This is a very serious issue and very expensive.The steering won't move today. I turned engine off and back on again and everything was normal. My biggest fear is having it lock up on me while I am driving. IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE? OR SHOULD I PARK IT UNTIL IT GETS FIXED? I APPRECIATE ANY FEED BACK ON THIS ISSUE

- Jurlene D., Oxford, NC, US

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