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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2011 Fusion builds off the 2010's reputation. That's not a good thing.

The first thing that jumps out is the ridiculous amount of power steering complaints. It grinds, it squeals, and it eventually just fails.

And if losing power steering isn’t enough for you, how about a sudden loss of engine power? That combination is enough to achieve clunker status.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
42 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
21 / 1
Average Mileage:
79,175 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Ford Fusion steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Ford Fusion Owner Comments (Page 1 of 66)

problem #1315

Jun 262024

Fusion

  • miles

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

My car now says power steering assist fault and is impossible to turn the wheels on.

- Lawson, MO, USA

problem #1314

Jun 112024

Fusion

  • 147,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was determined that the failure was related to the electric power steering assist. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because an unknown service campaign had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #1313

Feb 012024

Fusion

  • miles
Electronic steering control module no longer functions. Ford refuses to fix this issue due to this vehicle not being part of the recall that was put out for this. My car is essentially totaled. I cannot afford to buy another vehicle or fix this issue, so now I have to drive with no power steering.

- Greenfield, IN, USA

problem #1312

Jun 232023

Fusion

  • miles

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

In June 2023 I experienced sudden steering failure with my Fusion. Upon checking parts costs at my local dealer (North Star Ford) I was advised that there may be an extended recall. I checked with the service department who reportedly checked with Ford and advised me that the recall was still in effect if certain codes were met despite its 186,000 miles. I had to have the vehicle towed to North Start and they verified the proper codes. When they sent the claim to Ford it was denied. North Star was un-able to get an explanation as to why they were told it was covered or why it was denied. I was given a Ford customer service #. I had to have the vehicle towed again. Upon calling Case #CAS44009218 was assigned but was given no assistance. To date I haven't heard from either North Star or Ford. I have owned the Fusion since 2012 and have never received a recall notice. I would like to know what year or at what milleage this condition stopped being a dangerous hazzard.

- Saginaw, MN, USA

problem #1311

Apr 082024

Fusion

  • miles
Power steering assitt fault. Communication code U3000 for internal module failure for power steering. Had to replace power steering rack. Not sure why this is covered on some Ford Fusion's 2011 and 2012. It was covered on my 2012 Fusion VIN [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #1310

Oct 152023

Fusion

  • miles
This is in regard to programs 15S18/14S06 and 15N01 for power steering failures. Ford was addressing the recall by reprogramming the module instead of repairing the failing part. Customers (such as myself) who addressed the recall via this method were left bearing the cost of repairs when the part failed. Customers who did not address the recall by having the module reprogrammed are getting their steering gears replaced by Ford at no cost. I've had multiple Ford dealerships tell me that they don't feel it's right, but they are handcuffed by what Ford is instructing them to do in these situations. My vehicle has now been inspected and diagnosed by a Ford dealership, and I've paid to have the steering gear replaced. This is a very expensive repair. The dealership quoted $3200. My request is for the NHTSA to reassess this situation and recommend that Ford do the right thing and make sure to replace the steering gear or extend coverage for those owners who no longer have 15S18 open (those who have addressed the recall via reprogramming of the module).

- Johnston, IA, USA

problem #1309

May 242024

Fusion

  • 166,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became stiff, causing the vehicle to be very difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a failure in the power train. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

- Hazleton, PA, USA

problem #1308

Jun 022024

Fusion

  • 129,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000. The VIN was not available.

- Oakland, CA, USA

problem #1307

Jun 032024

Fusion

  • miles
Power steering stopped abruptly on busy road in town. Shows message service power steering now. Only code at parts store was for angle sensor.

- Prattville, AL, USA

problem #1306

May 072024

Fusion

  • miles
The "Power Steering Assist Fault" light came on when the car was started and the steering wheel was very heavy and hard to move. Simultaneously, the "Service AdvanceTrac" light also came on. The vehicle was later scanned and an internal component failure code "U-3000:04-68" was identified for the Power Steering Motor. This is an internal system failure. The safety risk was to the driver along with other drivers on the road due to the vehicle being harder to control. The failure happened during a 600 mile drive and the vehicle was driven home carefully as no other arrangements could be made. Driver sustained wrist injury and pain at the carpals from increased effort needed to manually steer vehicle. The "Power Steering Assist Fault" had previously appeared for a couple seconds upon vehicle start up but had not previously disabled the power steering. It had been originally reprogrammed with the recall in 2016 but the recall re-programming proved ineffective.

- Greenville, SC, USA

problem #1305

May 212024

Fusion

  • 130,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 4 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The contact stated the power steering warning light was illuminated after the power steering failed. The contact was able to turn into a parking lot and turned the vehicle off and on and the power steering functionality resumed. The contact stated that after driving for several more miles the power steering failure reoccurred. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering gear and sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 15N01 EPAS steering efforts (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

- Stanley, VA, USA

problem #1304

May 162024

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when her son started the vehicle and attempted to turn the steering wheel, the steering wheel had seized. The steering motor sensor warning light was illuminated. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000. The contact stated the vehicle is at the dealer and meets the criteria for the safety recall 15S18.

- Cypress, TX, USA

problem #1303

May 092024

Fusion

  • 61,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 61,000.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #1302

Nov 152023

Fusion

  • miles
the power steering failed and makes very hard to try to turn it is available for inspection. My safety and safety of others was put at risk because it so hard to turn steering wheel Yes it has be confirmed by the dealer it was inspected by ford dealer There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure they first appeared when the incident occurred

- Hewlett, NY, USA

problem #1301

Apr 302024

Fusion

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, the steering wheel became firm. The contact stated that the steering wheel warning light was illuminated, and the steering wheel remained firm. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

- Lake Forest, CA, USA

problem #1300

Apr 182024

Fusion

  • 155,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel momentarily turned 90 degrees to the left, but the vehicle continued to drive in a straight line. The vehicle was later taken to the local service center, but no failure was found. The contact stated that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver-??s side plastic mud flap had separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #1299

Apr 122024

Fusion

  • 93,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

- Clayton, OH, USA

problem #1298

Apr 142024

Fusion

  • miles
Since I have had this vehicle I have had power steering faults every other week sometimes multiple times a week sometimes they take a couple week break, but the power steering cuts out and I get a power steering assist fault or service advancetrac fault on the display and it cuts out the power steering. If I pull over and shut it off and turn it back on it will go away and I can continue with power steering again. Sometimes it does this before I get going and sometimes it does this while I-??m driving and the only solution is turning the ignition off and then waiting a bit and starting it again. Sometimes I have to do it 3-4 times but it will eventually behave normally again. However today, luckily while still at home, the service advancetrac will not go away and power steering is completely gone. Only after the complete failure have I now read about ford extending warranties to 10 years 150,000 miles which I am just out of time, I-??m well under 150,000 miles. No service center has reproduced it as it was such an intermittent issue I couldn-??t just leave my vehicle there for weeks.

- Belfield, ND, USA

problem #1297

Jan 012024

Fusion

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon start, the warning message "Power Assist Failure" was displayed, and the steering wheel became inoperable. The vehicle was restarted and the vehicle resumed to normal function. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated, diagnosed, or repaired. The failure recurred when the contact's spouse was driving at unknown speeds, the warning message "Power Assist Failure" was displayed, and the steering wheel became inoperable. The vehicle was maneuvered back to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was not duplicated, diagnosed, or repaired. The failure recurred and the contact turned the vehicle off and then turned it on, for the steering wheel to become operable. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was notified of the Customer Satisfaction Programs 15N01 for Epas steering efforts, and 13N03 for Electronic throttle body extended coverage when speaking to the manufacturer. The dealer stated that the vehicle had surpassed the mileage and the 10 years that the program allowed for the repair. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

- Lee's Summit, MO, USA

problem #1296

Mar 152020

Fusion

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the steering wheel unlocked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure was not able to be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

- Frankenmuth, MI, USA

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