NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
138 reportsClear category filter93,000 miles · Aug 11, 2017
Steering
MY 2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING ON 08/10/2017. THE 'SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW' WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. MY SON WAS FORTUNATELY IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT A HIGHWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED AS HE LOST ALL ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. I READ UP ABOUT RECALLS BUT TH…
Read full complaint
MY 2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING ON 08/10/2017. THE 'SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW' WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. MY SON WAS FORTUNATELY IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT A HIGHWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED AS HE LOST ALL ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. I READ UP ABOUT RECALLS BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS WAS ONLY FOR 2011 AND 2012 FORD FUSIONS. THE CAR HAS BEEN OPERATED ON ROADS AND HIGHWAYS THROUGHOUT AND NEVER TAKEN OFFROAD. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS I HAVE TO REPLACE THE THE STEERING GEAR AND RACK ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF $2000. THIS IS A FAULTY PART AND THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN WITHOUT A REPLACEMENT. I KNOW THERE IS AN OPEN NHTSA INVESTIGATION THAT HOPEFULLY WILL BE CONCLUDED SOON. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR AND HOPE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM FORD FOR THIS FAULTY PART LATER.
NHTSA ODI #11014677
140,000 miles · Aug 6, 2017
Steering
WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR. WE WERE TOLD THE POWER STEER NEEDS TO BE FIXED. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGN, IT JUST HAPPENED ALL OF A SUDDEN. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A WRECK BECAUSE MY 19 YEAR OLD WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME. IT IS ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT TO STEER WHILE PRESSING THE BRAKES. VERY UNSAF…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR. WE WERE TOLD THE POWER STEER NEEDS TO BE FIXED. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGN, IT JUST HAPPENED ALL OF A SUDDEN. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A WRECK BECAUSE MY 19 YEAR OLD WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME. IT IS ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT TO STEER WHILE PRESSING THE BRAKES. VERY UNSAFE.
NHTSA ODI #11013147
83,000 miles · Jul 28, 2017
SteeringUnknown Or Other
CAR TOLD ME TO PULL OVER SAFELY. EVERYTHING LOCKED UP. THE STEERING WHEEL GOT REAL TIGHT AND WOULD NOT TURN. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE FIXED AND THEY SAID THE POWER STEERING BOX WENT OUT. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK.
NHTSA ODI #11011360
142,300 miles · Jul 6, 2017
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
AS I WAS DRIVING TO THE STORE THE POWER STEERING SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC AND IT BECOME HARD TO STEER.. SO NOW ITS PARKED BECAUSE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD COST $1500 TO FIX WHICH I DON'T HAVE .. AFTER RESEARCH MOST MODELS JUST 2011 AND UP HAVE THIS RECALL. I THINK 2010 SHOULD ALSO BE A RECALL THEIR ARE…
Read full complaint
AS I WAS DRIVING TO THE STORE THE POWER STEERING SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC AND IT BECOME HARD TO STEER.. SO NOW ITS PARKED BECAUSE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD COST $1500 TO FIX WHICH I DON'T HAVE .. AFTER RESEARCH MOST MODELS JUST 2011 AND UP HAVE THIS RECALL. I THINK 2010 SHOULD ALSO BE A RECALL THEIR ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT
NHTSA ODI #11003274
135,000 miles · Jun 20, 2017
Steering
ON TWO OR THREE OCCASIONS AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE" AND I COULD TELL THE CAR HAD NO POWER STEERING. EACH TIME I WOULD SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND THE PROBLEM WAS RECTIFIED. ON JUNE 1, 2017, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED BUT THIS …
Read full complaint
ON TWO OR THREE OCCASIONS AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE" AND I COULD TELL THE CAR HAD NO POWER STEERING. EACH TIME I WOULD SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND THE PROBLEM WAS RECTIFIED. ON JUNE 1, 2017, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED BUT THIS TIME THE POWER STEERING NEVER RETURNED. I CALLED A FORD DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM AND A SERVICE TECHNICIAN GAVE ME A SUGGESTION TO DISCONNECT AND THEN CONNECT THE BATTERY. THIS DID NOT HELP. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR AND THEY FOUND THE WHOLE STEERING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED COSTING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $1750. AFTER READING NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET I DECIDED TO FILE A COMPLAINT TO FORD AND ALSO TO ANY CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCIES.
NHTSA ODI #11000128
75,000 miles · May 30, 2017
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID. WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WITHOUT WARNING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CYCLED OFF AND THEN ON; HOWEVER, THE POWER STEERING STILL FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID. WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WITHOUT WARNING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CYCLED OFF AND THEN ON; HOWEVER, THE POWER STEERING STILL FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #10992280
155,000 miles · Apr 8, 2017
Steering
IN COINCIDENCE WITH A FLAT FRONT TIRE BEING FIXED, THE DASH DISPLAY BEGAN TOGGLING BETWEEN ALERTS 'SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW' AND 'SERVICE ADVANCETRAC.' THE POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING, AND THE 'READY TO DRIVE' INDICATOR ON THIS HYBRID IS NOT ON. A FEW MINUTES OF INTERNET SEARCHING TURNED UP MANY SIMILAR REPORTS, INCLUDING …
Read full complaint
IN COINCIDENCE WITH A FLAT FRONT TIRE BEING FIXED, THE DASH DISPLAY BEGAN TOGGLING BETWEEN ALERTS 'SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW' AND 'SERVICE ADVANCETRAC.' THE POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING, AND THE 'READY TO DRIVE' INDICATOR ON THIS HYBRID IS NOT ON. A FEW MINUTES OF INTERNET SEARCHING TURNED UP MANY SIMILAR REPORTS, INCLUDING FORD HAVING RECALLED 2011-13 VEHICLES FOR THE SAME ISSUE, BUT NOT 2010 MODELS WITH SAME SYSTEM. (?) MANY OF THE REPORTED INCIDENTS HAPPENED AT DRIVING SPEED, SO MAYBE THEY'RE WAITING FOR MORE CRASHES/INJURIES/FATALITIES...PRETTY SAD IF SO.
NHTSA ODI #10971256
107,000 miles · Apr 8, 2017
Steering
WHILE DRIVING I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING WARNING INDICATORS ON THE DASHBOARD "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" AND "SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC" LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING ON LOCAL ROADS AND NOT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I CANNOT IMAGINE THE PANIC AND DANGER POSED TO MYSELF AND OTHERS IF I LOST POWER STEERING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS DEFINITELY A V…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING WARNING INDICATORS ON THE DASHBOARD "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" AND "SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC" LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING ON LOCAL ROADS AND NOT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I CANNOT IMAGINE THE PANIC AND DANGER POSED TO MYSELF AND OTHERS IF I LOST POWER STEERING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS DEFINITELY A VERY SERIOUS HAZARD AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE LOOSES THEIR LIFE.
NHTSA ODI #10971242
126,000 miles · Mar 21, 2017
Steering
WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE. THE DASHBOARD INDICATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAD FAILED. TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND IT WAS NORMAL. HOWEVER ON ARRIVING HOME SHOCKED TO SEE THE LEGIONS OF PEOPLE WITH 2010 FUSIONS COMPLAINING OF THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH REGULARITY SINCE THE NEW YEAR. …
Read full complaint
WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE. THE DASHBOARD INDICATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAD FAILED. TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND IT WAS NORMAL. HOWEVER ON ARRIVING HOME SHOCKED TO SEE THE LEGIONS OF PEOPLE WITH 2010 FUSIONS COMPLAINING OF THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH REGULARITY SINCE THE NEW YEAR. DON'T FEEL LIKE PUTTING MY FAMILY'S AS WELL AS OTHER STRANGERS LIVES IN DANGER BY DRIVING AS MANY PEOPLE CLAIMED THAT THE STEERING STOPPED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS MODEL JUST AS THEY HAVE THE 2011-2015 FUSIONS. I BELIEVE THE PARTS ARE THE SAME. THANK YOU ERIC
NHTSA ODI #10967619
76,081 miles · Mar 9, 2017
Steering
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, AN ERROR MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED INDICATING THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE SERVICED "NOW". AFTER I PARKED THE CAR, AND RETURNED TO IT SEVERAL HOURS LATER, AFTER STARTING IT, THE SAME ERROR DISPLAYED AND I NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER STEERING AT ALL. THANKFULLY I WAS NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME, O…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, AN ERROR MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED INDICATING THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE SERVICED "NOW". AFTER I PARKED THE CAR, AND RETURNED TO IT SEVERAL HOURS LATER, AFTER STARTING IT, THE SAME ERROR DISPLAYED AND I NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER STEERING AT ALL. THANKFULLY I WAS NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME, ON THE INTERSTATE WHICH IS MY NORMAL ROUTE. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE ISSUE WAS RELATED TO THE EPAS MOTOR MOUNTED ON THE RACK. I CONTACTED FORD TO INQUIRE ABOUT A RECALL FOR THIS PARTICULAR YEAR MODEL AS I NOTED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME MAKE/MODEL FOR 2011 AND 2012 YEAR MODELS. THE PART NUMBER FOR REPLACEMENT WAS IDENTICAL TO THE 2011 AND 2012 MODELS THAT ARE UNDER RECALL. THE ERROR MESSAGE AND SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ISSUE WAS IDENTICAL AS DESCRIBED. IT'S APPARENT TO ME THAT THIS IS RELATED TO THE SAME DEFECT YET FORD REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT AS SUCH. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS AND INCLUDE THE 2010 MODEL YEAR IN THE SAME RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10959746
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.
Illustration