2011 Ford Fusion

Do not drive

Owners filed 2,795 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 9 times.

Avoid One of the Ford Fusion years to avoid: 2.5× the complaints of a typical Fusion year. Which Ford Fusion years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
72,000 milesMedian miles at failure

2,083 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2011 Ford Fusion problems

1,300 of the 2,795 complaints (47%) are about the steering.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering1,276
31015
Air Bags · airbags317
15012
Engine187
011
Service Brakes · brakes161
611
Power Train · transmission158
210
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration126
902
Electrical System114
363
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system106
113
Unknown or Other67
102
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control42
301

2011 Ford Fusion steering problems

47% of all complaints

1,300 of the 2,795 complaints are about the steering. This is what owners describe:

  • sets off warning lights on the dash29% · 376
  • loses steering assist or the wheel locks27% · 352
  • loses power17% · 221

Share of the 1,300 steering complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
88,090 mi
median of 1,034 reports
Peak year of filing
2014
191 steering complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
31 · 0 · 15
in these complaints
Recalls on the steering
“The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist, nearly causing the contact to lose steering control as the steering locked up, and an audible warning chime sounded. The contact safely maintained control of the vehicle and observed that a power steering warning light was illuminated.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 13, 2026 at 100,000 miles
“The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and excessive force was needed to make a left or right turn. The power steering assist and Advancetrac warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and confirmed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 9, 2026 at 56,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2010: 1 complaints, 0 about the steering'102011: 35 complaints, 6 about the steering2012: 76 complaints, 20 about the steering'122013: 445 complaints, 57 about the steering2014: 286 complaints, 191 about the steering'142015: 247 complaints, 180 about the steering2016: 183 complaints, 71 about the steering'162017: 288 complaints, 86 about the steering2018: 268 complaints, 98 about the steering'182019: 250 complaints, 131 about the steering2020: 154 complaints, 86 about the steering'202021: 152 complaints, 91 about the steering2022: 129 complaints, 85 about the steering'222023: 105 complaints, 73 about the steering2024: 73 complaints, 53 about the steering'242025: 61 complaints, 44 about the steering2026: 42 complaints, 28 about the steering'26Recall 11V574000 (wheels)Recall 14E028000 (equipment)Recall 15V340000 (steering)Recall 15V793000 (fuel system)Recall 16V384000 (airbags)Recall 19V001000 (airbags)Recall 21V081000 (airbags)Recall 21E013000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation EA17004NHTSA investigation PE14030NHTSA investigation PE13003NHTSA investigation EA12009
All complaintsAbout the steeringRecall (red: the steering)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2011 Fusion peaked in 2013, with 445 filed that year. Owners had filed 390 complaints about the steering before the first recall that covers it, 15V340000 in June 2015; 910 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 42 so far.

9 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module21V158000
Filed Mar 10, 20212,602,668 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V081000
Filed Feb 16, 20211,067 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21E013000
Filed Feb 16, 2021249 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair. The parts include certain driver-side air bag inflators and/or modules, designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang and Mustang GT500. It also includes certain passenger-side air bag inflators and/or modules designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang, 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, 2010-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2011 Ford Ranger, and 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX vehicles. Please see Ford's recall report for the specific part numbers. These parts may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Ford will notify dealers that purchased the affected parts, and dealers will provide replacement parts to purchasers, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V001000Do not drive
Filed Jan 7, 2019782,384 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles and 2011-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Ford is also recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2010-2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, and 2010-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall 19S01.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V384000Do not drive
Filed May 31, 20161,892,343 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles and 2005-2008 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Any vehicle not included in "Zone A", or "Zone B" is not included in the safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank15V793000
Filed Nov 24, 2015411,205 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured July 21, 2008, to March 4, 2011, and 2010-2011 Mercury Milan vehicles manufactured July 23, 2008, to December 10, 2010. The affected vehicles have fuel vapor canisters whose purge valves may not operate properly resulting in abnormal pressure changes in the fuel tank.

Risk. The pressure changes may cause the tank to crack and leak fuel. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle powertrain control modules and inspect the vehicle for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for this issue and perform a leak test on the Canister Purge Valve (CPV). The fuel tank will be inspected for cracks. The CPV and fuel tank will be replaced as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S34.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System15V340000
Filed Jun 2, 2015393,623 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

Risk. If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

Equipment14E028000
Filed May 29, 201482,579 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain all weather driver side accessory floor mats sold for use in model year 2006-2011 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2007-2011 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 9, 2007, through October 31, 2010. The affected floor mats may move and possibly interfere with the accelerator pedal.

Risk. The floor mat could shift such that it could interfere with the accelerator pedal, preventing its return to an idle position, which could result in unintended vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new replacement mats, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S07. NOTE: Vehicles built after October 31, 2010, while potentially equipped with the same floor mats, are equipped with a Brake Over Accelerator (BOA) feature that prevents simultaneous accelerator and brake application, allowing the vehicle to be safely stopped by pressing firmly and steadily on the brake pedal.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs11V574000
Filed Dec 7, 2011128,616 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 FORD FUSION AND MERCURY MILAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH STEEL WHEELS AND BUILT FROM APRIL 1, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2009, AND FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009, THROUGH NOVEMBER 13, 2010. THE WHEEL STUDS MAY FRACTURE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING A WHEEL TO SEPARATE.

Risk. WHILE DRIVING, MULTIPLE STUD FRACTURES COULD OCCUR AT THE WHEEL LOCATION, AND THE OPERATOR MAY EXPERIENCE VEHICLE VIBRATION AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE DISC SURFACE FOR FLATNESS AND REPLACE THE DISCS AS NECESSARY. ADDITIONALLY, THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WILL BE REPLACED ON ALL FOUR WHEELS. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JANUARY 24, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

All 9 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 4 name the 2011 Fusion.

Power Steering FailureEngineering analysis EA17004Closed
Opened Nov 20, 2017Closed Feb 9, 2024steering

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 …

Electric power steering failurePreliminary evaluation PE14030Closed
Opened Oct 2, 2014Closed Sep 10, 2015Led to recall 15V340000steering

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 …

Electronic Throttle Body MalfunctionPreliminary evaluation PE13003Closed
Opened Feb 21, 2013Closed Feb 28, 2014engine

On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles. During this investigation, Ford identified a condition in subject vehicles equipped with 2.5L and 3.0L engines that may result in a sudden reduction of engine power.According to Ford, the ETB internal motor contacts may develop a high resistance material buildup condition on the commutator, resulting …

Floor mat interference with acceleratorEngineering analysis EA12009Closed
Opened Dec 12, 2012Closed Jun 12, 2014throttle and acceleration

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 …

Technical service bulletins

55 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2011 Fusion. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 15equipment 9electrical system 8transmission 8airbags 3steering 3visibility 3brakes 2
CSP-14N02Warranty extensionAug 26, 2014electrical system

FORD/LINCOLN: THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE LOSS OF ABS SPEED SIGNAL RELATED COMMUNICATION THAT DISABLE OBDII SYSTEM MONITORS FOR PCM REPROGRAMMING. MODEL 2011-14 F-SUPER DUTY, ESCAPE, TAURUS, FUSION, MKT, MKZ. *PE

SSM 51666Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 26, 2023steering

Some 2010-2012 Fusion/Milan and 2011-2012 MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.5L or 3.0L engine and electronic power assist steering (EPAS), a remanufactured replacement steering gear (MU2Z-3V504-ARM) is available which is significantly less expensive than a new replacement gear. When conducting repairs that are customer pay, offer the customer a remanufactured …

SSM 46210Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 17, 2016steering

SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.

AS-21778Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 1, 2011steering

FORD: THERE MAY BE A STEERING DRIFT WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT OR UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. 2010-2011 FUSION/MILAN/MKZ. THIS COULD BE NORMAL. *RM

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2011 Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★9.2%
2011 Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.5%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Oct 27, 2026MD

The power steering is messed up

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 15, 2026OH

The vehicle caught fire July 7, 2026 after it was parked and we were in bed, woke up to the front dash and under the steering wheel being melted. The ignition was melted severe damage to the entire driver's side

Steering
Filed Oct 13, 2026100,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist, nearly causing the contact to lose steering control as the steering locked up, and an audible warning chime sounded. The contact safely maintained control of the vehicle and observed that a power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 13, 2026KS

My mom’s 2011 Ford Fusion SEL experienced a loss of electric power steering assistance. I cannot determine the exact moment the failure occurred. When I started the vehicle and attempted to drive away, I noticed that the steering wheel was extremely stiff. The dashboard displayed a “Power Steering Assist Fault” warning. The steering assistance has not returned, including after replacing the vehicle’s battery. I diagnosed the vehicle using FORScan, which identified the following diagnostic trouble codes in the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM): U3000:96-C8 — Control Module, Component Internal Failure. C200C:2F-48 — Steering Shaft Torque Sensor 2, Signal Erratic. Both codes were recorded as previously set and not present at the time of the diagnostic request. However, the power steering warning remains displayed and the steering wheel remains extremely difficult to turn with the engine running. This vehicle was previously included in Ford Safety Recall 15S18 / NHTSA Recall 15V340, addressing loss of electric power steering assistance. Ford confirmed that the recall was completed in 2015 through reprogramming the Power Steering Control Module only rather than replacing the steering gear. The current diagnostic codes are specifically identified in Ford’s original recall service instructions as codes associated with steering gear replacement under the recall procedure. I contacted Ford customer service regarding the recurrence of loss of steering assistance. Ford opened a case

Steering
Filed Oct 9, 202656,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and excessive force was needed to make a left or right turn. The power steering assist and Advancetrac warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and confirmed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a local independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 9, 2026FL

I am filing an official complaint against Grieco Ford of Fort Lauderdale regarding Safety Recall 15S18 (NHTSA Campaign 15V340) for my 2011 Ford Fusion. The official recall status is 'Recall Incomplete'. The dealership refused to perform the mandatory safety repair, claiming that the vehicle's factory warranty has expired. According to federal law, safety recalls do not expire and must be performed free of charge regardless of warranty status. Because of this unlawful refusal, my vehicle remains deactivated on Lyft, causing me immediate loss of income. Please investigate this dealership's failure to remedy a federal safety recall.

Steering
Filed Oct 9, 2026211,000 milesOK

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 35 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle almost crashed into the neighbor's lawn because the steering wheel had seized. The contact's daughter stated that the steering wheel was firm and required extra effort to turn the steering wheel. Additionally, at the time of the failure, the contact's daughter claimed that there were three dinging sounds, like when putting the keys into the ignition of the vehicle. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 211,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 7, 2026MI

My steering got rough out of nowhere I just been driving regular I need help. Because I almost crashed

Steering
Filed Oct 2, 2026WA

Turning on my car and the message power steering asstist fault comes on. Turning g off the car would work for awhile but not now. We got a new battery and that didn't help. I had the recall done in 7/30/2015. I called Ford 10/2/2026 and they said even tho I had very low miles the 10 years had passed first so the one time fix wouldn't apply. Someone may call me from Ford to ask further details. Also advised to save receipts on any repairs I do in case there is a chance down the road I can be reimbursed! I said that's absurd Ford isn't standing behind this issue, knowing it's an ongoing problem with many of the cars since the recall was done!

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 24, 2026CA

Unknown

Steering
Filed Sep 15, 2026NM

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist, making the steering wheel difficult to turn and causing the vehicle to wobble from side to side. The message "Power Steering Assist" was displayed, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure posed a safety risk to the contact and her children. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to her parent's residence. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 2026PA

Unknown

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 20, 202658,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated while the brake pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 17, 2026MO

The vehicle experienced a sudden, complete failure of the electronic power steering assist while operating, resulting in a dangerous increase in steering effort and an immediate safety hazard. A professional OBD-II diagnostic scan retrieved active trouble codes C1277-20 (Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Signal Failure) and C1963-20 (Stability Control Inhibit Warning). This internal sensor failure matches the exact physical defect detailed in NHTSA Campaign Number 15V340000 (Ford Recall 15S18). Ford Corporate and the local dealership refuse to authorize a hardware replacement because they claim a software update completed in 2015 closed the recall on this VIN, despite the software patch failing to prevent the underlying physical hardware failure.

Steering
Filed Jul 15, 2026MN

Yesterday evening, my power steering went out (EPAS), it did that when the car had been parked for the night and not in motion thankfully so nobodies safety was at risk, but I don’t know if and when it’ll happen again. According to Ford, it has been a recurring problem with ford fusion modules similar to mine, that the EPAS has been defective, and therefore making it dangerous to drive. My exact car has been inspected by a mechanic, and while it has been looked at, there were no warnings of this error happening, the vehicle was driving fine and all of a sudden, the error occurred.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 6, 2026OH

On July 4, the electrical system under the dash caught fire and burned the ignition and dash, all the electrical under the dash

Steering
Filed Jun 25, 2026MD

See attached document for complaint.

Steering
Filed Jun 18, 2026OH

Having loss of power steering assist the advanced trac peering steering says service now I feel it should fall under a recall cause I took it to a mechanic shop and they told me they ford fusion have issues with the power assist steering cause it goes out

Steering
Filed Jun 5, 2026GA

The power steering keeps going out after it was brought in for recall years ago and the recall is up the the issue keeps goin on with the car I don't understand what to do because the shop i brought it to said the power steering is brand new they don't understand why it's even doin it and also they couldn't even reprogram the system I wanted to know why doesn't ford fix this and why wouldn't they want to help

Steering
Filed Jun 1, 2026165,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. While reversing, the steering wheel became inoperable but corrected itself. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The local dealer was called, who confirmed there were only certain vehicles covered. The dealer informed there was no recall coverage for his VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred him to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Steering
Filed May 4, 2026TN

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. In addition, the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact had to apply all of her strength to turn the steering wheel in the intended direction. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Steering
Filed Apr 28, 2026CA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the steering wheel started operating as intended. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Steering
Filed Apr 21, 202644,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Service Power Steering Now" was displayed and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted and regained power steering functionality. The following day, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and an appointment was scheduled for the vehicle to be diagnosed and repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 19, 2026VA

On my 2011 Ford Fusion the power steering has failed and it seems to be covered by 15V340000 (15S18), specially supplement 3 but the dealership doesn't wish to acknowledge the warranty replacement. Currently the vehicle cannot be driven safely. I have had several mechanics look at the vehicle including a Ford authorized dealership. The suggested fix is as explained in the 15V340000 (15S18) and 15N01.

Steering
Filed Apr 13, 2026120,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn left or right. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated, and the message "Service Power Steering Now" was displayed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn as needed. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 11, 2026AZ

2011 abs system module it’s supposed to go back to default and it didn’t and the brakes completely stop working my car didn’t want to start and there’s no light nor abs light no check engine light no code comes out to warn that the brakes are not working I have 119000 ABS module failure Brakes stopped working

Steering
Filed Apr 4, 2026NV

Power steering issue

Steering
Filed Mar 17, 2026NY

Vehicle: Ford Fusion 2011 Component: Steering Mileage: 169600 Description: While driving, the steering suddenly became very heavy and difficult to turn. The steering wheel feels stiff, and in some situations the wheels do not respond properly when turning the wheel. The issue appears related to a worn or failing rack and pinion steering system. This creates a dangerous situation where the vehicle is difficult to control, especially at low speeds or when making turns. This problem increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and could lead to an accident. There was no warning before the issue occurred. The vehicle has not been involved in any accident prior to this issue. This appears to be a mechanical failure.

Steering
Filed Mar 17, 2026MI

I experienced a complete loss of power steering on my 2011 Ford Fusion. Luckily I managed to avoid an accident and had the vehicle towed to my mechanic. When he told me what caused the issue, I looked up all recalls on this vehicle using my VIN for the 2011 Ford Fusion on both Ford's website and the nhtsa.gov website. There was a recall in 2015 for Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist NHTSA ID Number: 15V340000. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18. I called Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and they told me that this recall was no longer open. I bought this vehicle in 2020 and was not made aware of this recall at all, otherwise I would have gotten it fixed like I did for the airbag recalls. This was something that happened with no warning. The Ford customer service is refusing to acknowledge this recall or assist me on this.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 9, 2026OH

Car is leaking gas after being filled mostly up. When I look it up it said this specific car does have some problems with leaking fuel.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 6, 2026MO

Powertrain light came on and threw code p1450 and car went into limp mode. Car will stall at stops and lights and won't go over 40. Replaced the canister purge valve which turned light off but it immediately came back once trying to over 40 and went back into limp mode. Everything I have read and ai has said based on diagnostic information says it's the electronic throttle body which has a recall for this model and year of car but not this vin for some reason.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 4, 2026TN

Car continues to accelerate after applying the brake. Has happened numerous times. Usually at slow speed

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 27, 2026AZ

My fuel tank cracked due to the purge valve ann also once in a while the steering assist fails

Steering
Filed Feb 25, 202682,000 milesKS

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH and turning left into a driveway, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The contact stopped, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and drove back to the residence. The contact had researched online and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). An appointment was scheduled with a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact informed the service manager of the recall and was informed that the VIN was no longer covered under warranty, and that the vehicle was previously covered under Manufacturer Recall Number: 15N01. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Steering
Filed Feb 19, 2026KY

Complete loss of power steering while driving, Service Power Steering Now warning light came on right after, service advance trac warning right after that. After doing some research this is a known issue to Ford and customer service agent confirmed this in chat, screenshot included.

Steering
Filed Feb 6, 202665,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the steering wheel, the steering wheel seized, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 22, 2026GA

My 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid is dangerous to me and others on the road. When I drove my car, was coming to a stopping point and it didn't want to stop. It does it off and on. I took it to the dealership and was told I needed a abs module. They didn't have any because they was on back order. This was during the pandemic and as of 2026 they are still on back order. I also purchased two abs modules used for my vehicle and took it to the dealership to be programmed and was told it wouldn't program. Please I'm needing assistance with this situation

Steering
Filed Jan 15, 2026IA

Power steering failed, there is a recall (15S18/15V340) that was done in Jan 2017 but all they did was electrical reprogramming. My power steering system (referenced in the recall) mechanical issues failed and I took the vehicle to Ford and Ford Corporate denied the recall claim. I called Ford Recall department on 1/15/2026 at 4:36PM CT and requested to speak to a manager and got connected with the manager on 1/15/2026 at 5:08PM CT in which the manager ended up hanging up on me. Therefore, I called Ford Corporate Customer Service to file a complaint on 1/15/2026 at 5:38PM CT and the representative denied me my complaint and would not provide me the recording of my conversation with her or the representative and manager even though they all told me that our conversation would be recorded. The fact that this mechanical failure occured under the recall terms is dangerous to the public as I was on the highway when my power steering just failed, it was not a wear and tear problem. This recall needs to be seriously looked at again and a complaint should be issued to Ford customer service and Ford Recall Service. This should also be a class action lawsuit.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 9, 2026IL

UNKNOWN I WAS TOOD IT WAS DUE TOA RECALL AND EVEN WITH MY EXTENSED WARRANTY I AM BEING REFUSED AND MY VWHICLE HAS BEEN AT WILLOWBROOK FORD FOR TWO MONTHS, I cannot afford the repairs up front and sunbilt will only approve for $500 financing. Please help me if there are any solutions to fix my only means transportation and have the customer satisfaction service codes approved for repair

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 9, 2026IL

I need help to get the recalls done on the vehicle I purchased and was never warned of any issues and now stuck and ford service is dwnyinf the repair recalls and I cannot afford or find financing. Please help

Steering
Filed Jan 6, 2026AR

While driving on a state highway at approximately 45 miles per hour got a message on the dash saying “service power steering now”. Drove another mile and a half and then suddenly lost all power steering. Steering was stiff annd difficult but I was able to drive another half mile to home and then had the car towed to a mechanic for repair. Mechanic stated that my 2011 Ford Fusion has EPAS (electric power assisted steering) and the steering rack had to replaced to fix the issue at a cost of $1900. Apparently there is a recall for this issue on 2010-2012 Ford Fusions but my VIN was not included in the recall.

Steering
Filed Jan 3, 2026IN

I was driving down the highway, when my power steering failed it almost caused me to crash. I took it into a ford dealership and they are refusing to honor code 15S18 to replace the power steering box. Stating that it’s past warranty but for a safety recall it should not have an expiration date please help make this right.

Steering
Filed Dec 22, 2025MO

Turning into a parking lot, power steering disengaged and warning message "Power Steering Assist Fault" appeared. Took the vehicle to an O'Reilly's auto store to have the DTCs read and the printed sheet listed code C1277-20: steering angle sensor signal failure. This issue was dealt with under the recall 15S18 and then customer satisfaction 15N01 for Ford, but I can't tell after calling Ford if my vehicle was part of the recall or not and they say it's not covered. I can't get any real answers one way or another.

Steering
Filed Nov 5, 2025MI

Power steering no longer works.

Steering
Filed Oct 29, 2025SC

Electric power assisted steering failed while driving. There was no accident , but had to react quickly to avoid mishap. Back in 2015, there has been a recall for Ford Fusions (2010-2011) that were manufactured from the Hermosillo facility. My vehicle was built at the same location and is a 2011, but does not qualify for a recall based on the records of Ford. I can’t find any record if the previous owner the vehicle serviced or if Ford ever sent me notifications. Between 2015-2017, I was deployed to Afghanistan and then reassigned duty stations,in which I changed my registration to Louisiana to Arizona . Between being oversees and having different addresses, I am not sure if I was ever notified. Currently, I don’t qualify for the customer program due to being over 10’years and having over 150,000 miles. Please help me in any way possible and ensure this doesn’t happen to others.

Steering
Filed Oct 24, 2025CA

Am filing this complaint regarding a serious safety defect in my 2011 Ford Fusion. The vehicle’s electric power steering (EPAS) intermittently fails while driving, causing the steering to become extremely heavy and sometimes lock up. The dashboard displays a “Power Steering Assist Fault” warning. Restarting the car temporarily restores steering assist, but the problem recurs. This is a direct safety hazard. Driving the vehicle in this condition is dangerous, as the steering can fail at any time, including at highway speeds. They say The vehicle was previously repaired under recall but the issue has recurred. I have contacted Ford Customer Service and a Ford Safety Supervisor multiple times, and they refused to perform any further repair, citing that the recall occurred over 10 years ago and my VIN may not be in the current “recall bin.” I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this issue and require Ford to repair the electric power steering under a recall reoccurrence / safety escalation program, at no cost to me. This is a critical safety issue, and the current refusal by Ford puts me at risk of serious injury or death while driving.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 22, 2025OH

Abs module is bad

Steering
Filed Oct 21, 2025240,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty and was above the 150,000-mileage limit. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not associated. The contact stated that, fortunately, the vehicle was not being driven on the highway during the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 7, 202550,020 milesMD

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. Additionally, the contact was informed that the failure was the result of a computer and sensor failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The independent mechanic reset the fault codes; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,020.

Steering
Filed Oct 6, 2025VA

Complete Loss of Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist. This is a direct recurrence of the Federal Safety Defect under Recall 15S18 (NHTSA 15V-340), creating an immediate crash risk due to high steering effort at low speeds. Prior recall service (Feb 22, 2016) was only a software reprogram, which failed to correct the fundamental hardware defect. Current confirmed DTCs (U3000:49, U3000:72, U3000:96) mandate steering gear replacement. The replacement is covered under CSP 15N01, specifically Supplement #3, which requires a steering gear replacement, regardless of age/mileage limits, if replacement under Recall 15S18 is still required, which it is. [XXX] ht approval using Ford Corporate Case: CXH-05687349-N3W2T6. Ford SSSC denied the mandated repair, failing to remedy a safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Complaints 1-50 of 2,795, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2020185330Routine
2019316300Above average
2018444210Above average
20171,115480Above average
20161,6551360High concern
20159971350Above average
20141,3341990High concern
20131,79219911Fatalities reported
20122,517693Do not drive
2011 — this page2,7959111Do not drive
20105,1311391Do not drive
20091,023750Do not drive
20081,353660Do not drive
20071,064551Do not drive
2006730540Do not drive

Compare every Fusion year →

2011 Ford Fusion: questions buyers ask

Is the 2011 Ford Fusion a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Fusion years to avoid: owners filed 2,795 complaints, 2.5 times as many as a typical Fusion year. The most common complaint is about the steering (47%). In NHTSA crash tests it scored 4 stars overall.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Ford Fusion?

The steering: 1,300 of the 2,795 complaints (47%) are about it. Owners most often say it sets off warning lights on the dash (29%), loses steering assist or the wheel locks (27%) and loses power (17%). The typical report comes at 88,090 miles.

How many recalls does the 2011 Ford Fusion have?

9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Mar 10, 2021. 2 of them carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. The largest, 21V158000, covered 2,602,668 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2011 Ford Fusion problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 72,000 miles. For the steering the midpoint is 88,090 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2011 Ford Fusion?

Yes, 4 times. The latest, EA17004 ("Power Steering Failure"), was opened Nov 20, 2017 and closed Feb 9, 2024.

Are there service bulletins for the 2011 Ford Fusion?

The manufacturer filed 55 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (15), the electrical system (8) and the transmission (8). They include a warranty extension, CSP-14N02, filed Aug 26, 2014. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 10, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.