NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
138 reportsClear category filter61,000 miles · Nov 29, 2014
Steering
THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON THE CAR TWICE. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AFTER THE 2ND EVENT AND THEY RESET THE SERVICE CODE TO CLEAR THE PROBLEM. THEY COULD NOT FIND A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL AUTO REPAIR FACILITY AND THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM BY REPLACIN…
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THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON THE CAR TWICE. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AFTER THE 2ND EVENT AND THEY RESET THE SERVICE CODE TO CLEAR THE PROBLEM. THEY COULD NOT FIND A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL AUTO REPAIR FACILITY AND THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE CAR BATTERY. THIS SOLVED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS AND THEN IT RECURRED. A GOOGLE SEARCH FOUND THIS PROBLEM OCCURS FREQUENTLY ON THE FORD FUSION AND MOST PEOPLE HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT HOW DANGEROUS THIS IS AS THE CAR IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER WITHOUT THE POWER STEERING. IN MY VIEW THIS IS A CRITICAL DESIGN FLAW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10661283
108,000 miles · Nov 4, 2014
Steering
HAPPENED 3-4 TIMES OVER THE PAST 3 MONTHS. WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING WOULD QUIT WORKING, MAKING DIFFICULT TO STEER. WARNING ON DASH "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT". WENT TO ROADSIDE AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE/RESTART AND THE PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY. I AM A RATHER STRONG MAN, IF A PERSON OF SMALL STATURE WERE DRIVING IT WOULD…
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HAPPENED 3-4 TIMES OVER THE PAST 3 MONTHS. WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING WOULD QUIT WORKING, MAKING DIFFICULT TO STEER. WARNING ON DASH "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT". WENT TO ROADSIDE AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE/RESTART AND THE PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY. I AM A RATHER STRONG MAN, IF A PERSON OF SMALL STATURE WERE DRIVING IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EVEN MORE DANGEROUS. ON 11/1/2014 THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITH THE SAME WARNING. ATTEMPTS TO TURN OF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE FORD DEALERSHIP STATED THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED, TOLD ME THAT IT WAS COMMON IN VEHICLES WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. COST FOR MY REPAIR WAS $1,900.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10652504
146,000 miles · Oct 27, 2014
Steering
I WAS LEAVING MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR MADE A CHIMING NOISE AND THE POWER STEERING CUT OUT. THE TRACTION CONTROL IS ALSO LOCKED ON ENGAGED. IT TAKES NOTICEABLE AND INCREASED EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE INABILITY TO MAKE SHARP TURNS. I OFTEN END UP PARTIALLY IN THE OTHER LANE BEFORE …
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I WAS LEAVING MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR MADE A CHIMING NOISE AND THE POWER STEERING CUT OUT. THE TRACTION CONTROL IS ALSO LOCKED ON ENGAGED. IT TAKES NOTICEABLE AND INCREASED EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE INABILITY TO MAKE SHARP TURNS. I OFTEN END UP PARTIALLY IN THE OTHER LANE BEFORE BEING ABLE TO COMPLETE A TURN. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF THREE CHILDREN AND IN COLLEGE. I HAVE HEARD THE REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO BE AROUND $1,900 AND THE ONLY PERSON IN TOWN WHO CAN FIX IT IS THE DEALER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10650240
81,866 miles · Oct 14, 2014
Steering
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE A STREET AT 45MPH AND A POWER STEERING FAULT OR FAILURE MESSAGE CAME ON MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ALSO THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AS IF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WAS OFF. MOST IMPORTANTLY I LOST MY POWER STEERING. WITH GREAT EFFORT I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AND PULL IT OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE …
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE A STREET AT 45MPH AND A POWER STEERING FAULT OR FAILURE MESSAGE CAME ON MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ALSO THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AS IF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WAS OFF. MOST IMPORTANTLY I LOST MY POWER STEERING. WITH GREAT EFFORT I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AND PULL IT OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS STILL ON BUT THE POWER STEERING CAME STARTED WORKING AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10644529
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2014
Steering
WE CAN'T STEER THE CAR, ELECTRIC POWER ASSISTED STEERING EPAS, HAD THE COMPUTER CODES RESET AND STILL DID NOT FIX MY CAR! I HAVE PUT ENOUGH MONEY INTO THIS CAR, AND NOW THE "COMPUTER" IS TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE A VERY EXPENSIVE PART THAT FORD IS ONLY COVERING FOR SOME OF THEIR [XXX] VEHICLES. THIS PART IS APPROX. $1600…
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WE CAN'T STEER THE CAR, ELECTRIC POWER ASSISTED STEERING EPAS, HAD THE COMPUTER CODES RESET AND STILL DID NOT FIX MY CAR! I HAVE PUT ENOUGH MONEY INTO THIS CAR, AND NOW THE "COMPUTER" IS TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE A VERY EXPENSIVE PART THAT FORD IS ONLY COVERING FOR SOME OF THEIR [XXX] VEHICLES. THIS PART IS APPROX. $1600 NOT HAPPY WITH FORD...THEY ARE GETTING AS BAD AS GM OWNING UP TO THEIR B.S.! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10643461
125,000 miles · Oct 6, 2014
Steering
POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS FAILED WITH DASH INDICATION ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS; THE FIRST WAS IN MAY 2013, THE 2ND IN JULY 2014, AND THE 3RD TIME IN SEPT. 2014. THE 1ST AND 3RD OCCASIONS WERE AT SLOW SPEEDS (>10 MPH) DURING A TURN; THE 2ND OCCASION OCCURRED AT 60 MPH ON A STRAIGHT (THANKFULLY) HIGHWAY. THAT COULD BECOME A SERIO…
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POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS FAILED WITH DASH INDICATION ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS; THE FIRST WAS IN MAY 2013, THE 2ND IN JULY 2014, AND THE 3RD TIME IN SEPT. 2014. THE 1ST AND 3RD OCCASIONS WERE AT SLOW SPEEDS (>10 MPH) DURING A TURN; THE 2ND OCCASION OCCURRED AT 60 MPH ON A STRAIGHT (THANKFULLY) HIGHWAY. THAT COULD BECOME A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN ON A CURVY FREEWAY AT HIGHER SPEEDS. AFTER THE 1ST OCCASION, WE TOOK IT INTO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO TOLD US THAT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM WITH OUR VEHICLE. ALL 3 OCCASIONS CLEARED AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN BACK ON. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 146,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10641718
49,000 miles · Oct 6, 2014
Steering
THE POWER STEERING HAS "GONE OUT" TWICE. THE MOST RECENT TIME IS AROUND 8/1/14 AT 69000 MI. THE DEALER IS ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, BUT CAN'T EXPLAIN THE CAUSE OR REMEDY ADEQUATELY. THEY'VE POINTED TO POSSIBLE TIRE PRESSURE ISSUES, BUT THE TIRE PRESSURE HAVE BEEN CLOSE TO IF NOT AT THE RECOMMENDED LEVEL AND WE GET THE IM…
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THE POWER STEERING HAS "GONE OUT" TWICE. THE MOST RECENT TIME IS AROUND 8/1/14 AT 69000 MI. THE DEALER IS ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, BUT CAN'T EXPLAIN THE CAUSE OR REMEDY ADEQUATELY. THEY'VE POINTED TO POSSIBLE TIRE PRESSURE ISSUES, BUT THE TIRE PRESSURE HAVE BEEN CLOSE TO IF NOT AT THE RECOMMENDED LEVEL AND WE GET THE IMPRESSION THAT THE PROBLEM FIXES ITSELF DURING SERVICING. THIS CAR HAS HAD A MULTITUDE OF "LITTLE" PROBLEMS - E.G. AIR BAG MALFUNCTION MESSAGE W/ NO APPARENT CAUSE, TIRE PRESSURE FAULT LIGHT ON WHEN TIRE PRESSURE IS CORRECT (THEY REPLACED A PART AND IT WAS CORRECTED), NOW THE AIR CONDITIONING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE INTERMITTENTLY WORKS AND INTERMITTENTLY SENDS OUT VERY HOT AIR INSTEAD OF COOL AIR WHILE THE VENTS ON THE DRIVER SIDE ARE BLOWING COLD AIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10641616
95,090 miles · Sep 25, 2014
Steering
ON 9/20/2014 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30PM, WHILE DRIVING HOME AT 45 MILES PER HOUR THE SERVICE POWER STEERING AND SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC ALERTS APPEAR ON THE SCREEN. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. NOW THE VEHICLE STARTS, MOVES EXTREMELY SLOW, THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY RIGID AND IS DI…
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ON 9/20/2014 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30PM, WHILE DRIVING HOME AT 45 MILES PER HOUR THE SERVICE POWER STEERING AND SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC ALERTS APPEAR ON THE SCREEN. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. NOW THE VEHICLE STARTS, MOVES EXTREMELY SLOW, THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY RIGID AND IS DIFFICULT TO HANDLE. I CAN'T OPERATE MY VEHICLE AND I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT CHECKED AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP FOR THE 3RD TIME. SIMILAR INCIDENTS TOOK PLACE IN MARCH 2013 AND MAY 2013. I PAID APPROXIMATELY $ 140 TWICE TO REPAIR THE SAME PROBLEM AT MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A MAJOR HAZARD AND COULD LEAD TO MAJOR ACCIDENT WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED. YET, THE REPAIR THAT WAS PROVIDED WAS UPDATE OF THE SOFTWARE. AND NO PERMANENT SOLUTION. WHEN AM SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHEN TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE?
NHTSA ODI #10639973
65,109 miles · Sep 23, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND ADVANCE TRAC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND ADVANCE TRAC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,109.
NHTSA ODI #10638527
96,000 miles · Aug 19, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering
WARNINGS TO "SERVICE POWER STEERING" AND TO "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL" STARTED BLINKING ALTERNATIVELY ON THE DASH BOARD WHILE DRIVING. AFTER THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF, ALL POWER STEERING WAS LOST. HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING TRACK AT ABOUT $1500 PERSONAL COST BECAUSE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. WITHIN FOUR WEEKS OF REPLACEMENT OF …
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WARNINGS TO "SERVICE POWER STEERING" AND TO "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL" STARTED BLINKING ALTERNATIVELY ON THE DASH BOARD WHILE DRIVING. AFTER THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF, ALL POWER STEERING WAS LOST. HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING TRACK AT ABOUT $1500 PERSONAL COST BECAUSE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. WITHIN FOUR WEEKS OF REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING SHAFT THE SAME WARNINGS CAME ON THE DASH AGAIN AND THE CAR HAS LOST ITS POWER STEERING AGAIN AFTER THE CUT WAS TURNED OFF. WHILE SUPPOSEDLY THIS REPLACEMENT SHAFT IS UNDER WARRANTY (BECAUSE IT IS ONLY 4 WEEKS OLD), THE TOWING AND OTHER COSTS ARE NOT. IT APPEARS BOTH THE ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT SHAFTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED AT THE COST OF FORD, NOT THE OWNER. (FORD ALREADY HAS NUMEROUS OTHER MODELS RECALLED FOR POWER STEERING PROBLEMS.) A REQUEST FOR SOME FORM OF FOLLOW UP IS PENDING WITH FORD, BUT NO OWNERSHIP OF THE ISSUE HAS BEEN MADE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10626397
NHTSA investigations
6DP26004 · Anti-lock Brake System (abs) Malfunction Indicator Lamp (mil) Illuminated
Opened Apr 9, 2026 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on December 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into the hydraulic control unit (HCU) for the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on the MY 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The petition alleges that an illuminated ABS MIL is associated with a failure of the ABS HCU, resulting in ABS malfunction, loss of traction and electronic stability control functions, and reduced braking performance, particularly on slippery road surfaces. A defect petition has been opened to evaluate the issue and determine whether to grant or deny the petition.The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11647929.
DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
EA17004 · Power Steering Failure
Opened Nov 20, 2017 · Closed Feb 9, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System; Steering:rack And Pinion; Steering:rack And Pinion:rack
On September 28, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles. During the PE, ODI received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at various speeds with no warning. Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1,851 unique reports and 1,720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem. It should be noted that as the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford conducted a safety recall (15V-340) ofMY 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist. On November 20, 2017, PE16-011 was upgraded to this Engineering Analysis (EA17-004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and consequence of this failure. This was based on an analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data that had indicated an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age. At the time, the rate of occurrence of this failure was comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030. During the EA, ODI’s analysis of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles identified the following: testing showed minor steering effort changes between “assist” and “no assist”, no root cause identified, a declining failure trend, the ramp-down or reduced assist provided when a DTC is set, a lower failure rate than the recalled Fusion vehicles, and the high age of the vehicles. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified. Accordingly, this Engineering Analysis is closed. See the attached Engineering Analysis Closing Report for details. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety defect does not exist, and ODI will take further actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Steering:electric Power Assist System
On September 28, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles. During the PE, ODI received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at various speeds with no warning. Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1,851 unique reports and 1,720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem. It should be noted that as the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford conducted a safety recall (15V-340) ofMY 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist. On November 20, 2017, PE16-011 was upgraded to this Engineering Analysis (EA17-004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and consequence of this failure. This was based on an analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data that had indicated an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age. At the time, the rate of occurrence of this failure was comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030. During the EA, ODI’s analysis of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles identified the following: testing showed minor steering effort changes between “assist” and “no assist”, no root cause identified, a declining failure trend, the ramp-down or reduced assist provided when a DTC is set, a lower failure rate than the recalled Fusion vehicles, and the high age of the vehicles. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified. Accordingly, this Engineering Analysis is closed. See the attached Engineering Analysis Closing Report for details. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety defect does not exist, and ODI will take further actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steering
On September 28, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles. During the PE, ODI received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at various speeds with no warning. Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1,851 unique reports and 1,720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem. It should be noted that as the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford conducted a safety recall (15V-340) ofMY 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist. On November 20, 2017, PE16-011 was upgraded to this Engineering Analysis (EA17-004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and consequence of this failure. This was based on an analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data that had indicated an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age. At the time, the rate of occurrence of this failure was comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030. During the EA, ODI’s analysis of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles identified the following: testing showed minor steering effort changes between “assist” and “no assist”, no root cause identified, a declining failure trend, the ramp-down or reduced assist provided when a DTC is set, a lower failure rate than the recalled Fusion vehicles, and the high age of the vehicles. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified. Accordingly, this Engineering Analysis is closed. See the attached Engineering Analysis Closing Report for details. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety defect does not exist, and ODI will take further actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steering:rack And Pinion
On September 28, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles. During the PE, ODI received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at various speeds with no warning. Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1,851 unique reports and 1,720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem. It should be noted that as the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford conducted a safety recall (15V-340) ofMY 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist. On November 20, 2017, PE16-011 was upgraded to this Engineering Analysis (EA17-004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and consequence of this failure. This was based on an analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data that had indicated an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age. At the time, the rate of occurrence of this failure was comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030. During the EA, ODI’s analysis of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles identified the following: testing showed minor steering effort changes between “assist” and “no assist”, no root cause identified, a declining failure trend, the ramp-down or reduced assist provided when a DTC is set, a lower failure rate than the recalled Fusion vehicles, and the high age of the vehicles. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified. Accordingly, this Engineering Analysis is closed. See the attached Engineering Analysis Closing Report for details. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety defect does not exist, and ODI will take further actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steering:rack And Pinion:rack
On September 28, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles. During the PE, ODI received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at various speeds with no warning. Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1,851 unique reports and 1,720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem. It should be noted that as the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford conducted a safety recall (15V-340) ofMY 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist. On November 20, 2017, PE16-011 was upgraded to this Engineering Analysis (EA17-004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and consequence of this failure. This was based on an analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data that had indicated an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age. At the time, the rate of occurrence of this failure was comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030. During the EA, ODI’s analysis of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles identified the following: testing showed minor steering effort changes between “assist” and “no assist”, no root cause identified, a declining failure trend, the ramp-down or reduced assist provided when a DTC is set, a lower failure rate than the recalled Fusion vehicles, and the high age of the vehicles. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified. Accordingly, this Engineering Analysis is closed. See the attached Engineering Analysis Closing Report for details. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety defect does not exist, and ODI will take further actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE16011 · Power Steering Failure
Opened Sep 28, 2016 · Closed Dec 25, 2017
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System
On September 28th, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-011 to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles.ODI has received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at speed with no warning.During the PE16-011 investigation, Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1851 unique reports and 1720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem.As the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford previously conducted a recall (15V-340) of the 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist.An analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data indicates an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age.The rate of occurrence of this failure is comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030.Therefore, the Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency and consequence of this failure. ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle under the identification (NHTSA ID) numbers found in the attached list.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:electric Power Assist System
On September 28th, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-011 to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles.ODI has received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at speed with no warning.During the PE16-011 investigation, Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1851 unique reports and 1720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem.As the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford previously conducted a recall (15V-340) of the 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist.An analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data indicates an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age.The rate of occurrence of this failure is comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030.Therefore, the Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency and consequence of this failure. ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle under the identification (NHTSA ID) numbers found in the attached list.
Steering
On September 28th, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-011 to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles.ODI has received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at speed with no warning.During the PE16-011 investigation, Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1851 unique reports and 1720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem.As the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford previously conducted a recall (15V-340) of the 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist.An analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data indicates an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age.The rate of occurrence of this failure is comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030.Therefore, the Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency and consequence of this failure. ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle under the identification (NHTSA ID) numbers found in the attached list.
PE14030 · Electric Power Steering Failure
Opened Oct 2, 2014 · Closed Sep 10, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate complaints of the loss of power steering while driving. The subject vehicles are equipped with a rack mounted Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) unit.Some of the complaints alleged that the steering assist failed and resulted in increased steering efforts that contributed to a loss of control and in some cases a crash.The EPAS system was manufactured by TRW Automotive for Ford and was designated as Generation I.These units were first produced and put into vehicle production in July 2008 beginning with the model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.The system is comprised of a mechanical steering rack-and-pinion gear with torque sensor, electric assist motor, motor position sensor and a power steering control module (PSCM). The PSCM is self-monitoring and designed to detect faults within the system and can store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if a problem is detected.There are 29 potential DTCs the system can detect.Many of these allow the system to go into reduced-assist steering mode by using the default vehicle speed signal should the live speed signal be lost, if voltage to EPAS system falls below 10.7 or goes above 17 volts, the temperature at the PSCM goes above 105C (221F), or if high friction is detected.Some DTCs will cause the system to go into manual steering mode (no assist). On July 1, 2015, Ford filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a safety related defect in TRW GEN I EPAS systems installed in some of the subject vehicles (NHTSA Recall 15V-340, Ford No. 15S18).The DIR indicated that intermittent electrical connections caused by quality issues associated with conformal coat contamination and ribbon cable pin misalignment within the steering gear motor may lead to a loss of the motor position sensor signal, resulting in a sudden loss of power assist while driving.The recall covers approximately 393,623 vehicles built from September 2010 through February 2012:2011-12 Fusion built SEP 2010 - FEB 2012; 2011-12 Lincoln MKZ built SEP 2010 - FEB 2012; 2011 Milan built SEP 2010 - DEC 2010; 2011-13 Taurus built SEP 2010 - FEB 2012; 2011-13 Flex with 3.5L GTDI engine built SEP 2010 - FEB 2012; and 2011-13 MKS, MKT with 3.5L GTDI engine built SEP 2010 - FEB 2012.The repair consists of updating the PSCM software to prevent a loss of steering assist while driving. The revised software will provide audible and visual warnings to the driver. If one or more of the following DTCs are stored, C1B00-62, C200B-2F, C200B-61, C200B-62, C200C-2F, C200D-49, U0300-00, U2011-49, U2011-61, U3000-46, U3000-49, U3000-61, U3000-72, U3000-96, P07AE-09, the dealer will replace the EPAS system at no charge to the owner.ODI's analysis of failure data for this PE identified a total of 2,584 complaints to ODI and Ford and 9,967 Ford warranty claims related to the alleged defect.The recalled vehicles account for 1,634 of the complaints and 7,311 of the warranty claims.ODI's analysis identified 40 complaints alleging crashes that may be related to loss of steering assist while driving, 20 of which involved vehicles included in Ford's recall.The information available for the alleged crashes were not sufficient to assess specific causes of the incidents or to verify EPAS malfunctions in each case.Most of the crashes were low-speed impacts with curbs or roadside objects resulting in wheel or minor body damage.None of the injury claims indicated medical attention was required.In addition, statistical modeling of the failure data by NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis projected 10-year failur
EA12009 · Floor Mat Interference With Accelerator
Opened Dec 12, 2012 · Closed Jun 12, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
On May 27, 2014, Ford Motor Company submitted recall 14E-028 (Ford recall #14S07) to correct a safety-related problem with certain driver's side Ford optional all-weather floor mats sold for use in model year 2006 through 2011 model year Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr, and Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant (HAP) from November 9, 2007, to October 31 ,2010.NHTSA testing determined that the original accessory all-weather mat with a single retention clip (Figure 1), may interfere with accelerator pedal return to idle with the mat retained by the clip and rotated clockwise.Both the single- and double-clip (Figure 2) all-weather floor mats may interfere with the accelerator pedal return to idle when the mats are not secured by the retention clip(s).Testing showed that this can occur if the mats are moved forward from the clipped position approximately two inches into a position in which the rear edge of the mats will abut the retention clip(s) when installed singly and align with the clip(s) when stacked on another floor mat.The pedal interference incidents reviewed by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) include 1 crash and 9 incidents with allegations of brake friction materials smoking and/or requiring repair for heat related damage.The crash incident occurred after the parking brake was applied at speed, resulting in loss-of-control vehicle yaw event caused by lock-up of the rear tires.The spin-out resulted in a side impact collision with an oncoming vehicle in an opposing lane of traffic. For the 29 incidents with sufficient information available to make an assessment; 23 (79%) were controlled by the driver either shifting to neutral, turning the engine off, or both; 4 (14%) were ended by the driver either kicking the pedal free (2) or pulling the mat away from the pedal (2); and 2 (7%) were ended by the pedal freeing itself from the mat with no apparent driver action.None of the drivers who reacted to the incident by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off reported any difficulties with either action.The subject mats were sold by Ford and Lincoln dealers directly to customers as an optional accessory equipment item or, beginning in November 2007, the mats were also available as a factory installed accessory if ordered with a new vehicle.Ford estimates that approximately 82,579 affected driver's side all weather floor mats were sold worldwide; either over the counter through Ford dealerships or as original equipment.Owners that purchased the subject all-weather floor mats as a factory installed accessory with their new vehicle will be notified to return their all weather floor mats to their Ford or Lincoln Dealership in exchange for replacement mats.Owners of all other potentially affected vehicles will be notified that, if they have an affected Ford driver's side all weather floor mat, they should return their mats to the dealership in exchange for replacement mats.The VOQs associated with the closing of this investigation are: 10327597, 10332233, 10334211, 10335336, 10339330, 10348772 (and duplicate 10342572), 10372674, 10379562, 10415911, 10426255, 10434107, 10521053, 10554966.This investigation is hereby closed.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
On May 27, 2014, Ford Motor Company submitted recall 14E-028 (Ford recall #14S07) to correct a safety-related problem with certain driver's side Ford optional all-weather floor mats sold for use in model year 2006 through 2011 model year Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr, and Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant (HAP) from November 9, 2007, to October 31 ,2010.NHTSA testing determined that the original accessory all-weather mat with a single retention clip (Figure 1), may interfere with accelerator pedal return to idle with the mat retained by the clip and rotated clockwise.Both the single- and double-clip (Figure 2) all-weather floor mats may interfere with the accelerator pedal return to idle when the mats are not secured by the retention clip(s).Testing showed that this can occur if the mats are moved forward from the clipped position approximately two inches into a position in which the rear edge of the mats will abut the retention clip(s) when installed singly and align with the clip(s) when stacked on another floor mat.The pedal interference incidents reviewed by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) include 1 crash and 9 incidents with allegations of brake friction materials smoking and/or requiring repair for heat related damage.The crash incident occurred after the parking brake was applied at speed, resulting in loss-of-control vehicle yaw event caused by lock-up of the rear tires.The spin-out resulted in a side impact collision with an oncoming vehicle in an opposing lane of traffic. For the 29 incidents with sufficient information available to make an assessment; 23 (79%) were controlled by the driver either shifting to neutral, turning the engine off, or both; 4 (14%) were ended by the driver either kicking the pedal free (2) or pulling the mat away from the pedal (2); and 2 (7%) were ended by the pedal freeing itself from the mat with no apparent driver action.None of the drivers who reacted to the incident by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off reported any difficulties with either action.The subject mats were sold by Ford and Lincoln dealers directly to customers as an optional accessory equipment item or, beginning in November 2007, the mats were also available as a factory installed accessory if ordered with a new vehicle.Ford estimates that approximately 82,579 affected driver's side all weather floor mats were sold worldwide; either over the counter through Ford dealerships or as original equipment.Owners that purchased the subject all-weather floor mats as a factory installed accessory with their new vehicle will be notified to return their all weather floor mats to their Ford or Lincoln Dealership in exchange for replacement mats.Owners of all other potentially affected vehicles will be notified that, if they have an affected Ford driver's side all weather floor mat, they should return their mats to the dealership in exchange for replacement mats.The VOQs associated with the closing of this investigation are: 10327597, 10332233, 10334211, 10335336, 10339330, 10348772 (and duplicate 10342572), 10372674, 10379562, 10415911, 10426255, 10434107, 10521053, 10554966.This investigation is hereby closed.
Vehicle Speed Control
On May 27, 2014, Ford Motor Company submitted recall 14E-028 (Ford recall #14S07) to correct a safety-related problem with certain driver's side Ford optional all-weather floor mats sold for use in model year 2006 through 2011 model year Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr, and Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant (HAP) from November 9, 2007, to October 31 ,2010.NHTSA testing determined that the original accessory all-weather mat with a single retention clip (Figure 1), may interfere with accelerator pedal return to idle with the mat retained by the clip and rotated clockwise.Both the single- and double-clip (Figure 2) all-weather floor mats may interfere with the accelerator pedal return to idle when the mats are not secured by the retention clip(s).Testing showed that this can occur if the mats are moved forward from the clipped position approximately two inches into a position in which the rear edge of the mats will abut the retention clip(s) when installed singly and align with the clip(s) when stacked on another floor mat.The pedal interference incidents reviewed by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) include 1 crash and 9 incidents with allegations of brake friction materials smoking and/or requiring repair for heat related damage.The crash incident occurred after the parking brake was applied at speed, resulting in loss-of-control vehicle yaw event caused by lock-up of the rear tires.The spin-out resulted in a side impact collision with an oncoming vehicle in an opposing lane of traffic. For the 29 incidents with sufficient information available to make an assessment; 23 (79%) were controlled by the driver either shifting to neutral, turning the engine off, or both; 4 (14%) were ended by the driver either kicking the pedal free (2) or pulling the mat away from the pedal (2); and 2 (7%) were ended by the pedal freeing itself from the mat with no apparent driver action.None of the drivers who reacted to the incident by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off reported any difficulties with either action.The subject mats were sold by Ford and Lincoln dealers directly to customers as an optional accessory equipment item or, beginning in November 2007, the mats were also available as a factory installed accessory if ordered with a new vehicle.Ford estimates that approximately 82,579 affected driver's side all weather floor mats were sold worldwide; either over the counter through Ford dealerships or as original equipment.Owners that purchased the subject all-weather floor mats as a factory installed accessory with their new vehicle will be notified to return their all weather floor mats to their Ford or Lincoln Dealership in exchange for replacement mats.Owners of all other potentially affected vehicles will be notified that, if they have an affected Ford driver's side all weather floor mat, they should return their mats to the dealership in exchange for replacement mats.The VOQs associated with the closing of this investigation are: 10327597, 10332233, 10334211, 10335336, 10339330, 10348772 (and duplicate 10342572), 10372674, 10379562, 10415911, 10426255, 10434107, 10521053, 10554966.This investigation is hereby closed.
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