2017 Ford Fusion steering problems
65 of the 1,197 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Fusion name the steering (NHTSA’s “Steering” heading — the steering column, rack, pump and power assist). Filed under the same heading: 1 recall. Every figure below is a document in a federal file, linked; none is a failure rate, and none is a verdict on any one car.
What owners filed about the steering
Source: NHTSA complaint database6 of the 65 reports a crash · 0 a fire · 2 injuries. Self-reported, unverified.
Filed per year: 2017: 5 · 2018: 13 · 2019: 3 · 2020: 10 · 2021: 5 · 2022: 9 · 2023: 7 · 2024: 7 · 2025: 2 · 2026: 4
Half of the 41 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the steering problem between 22,000 and 70,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
1,197 complaints in all about the 2017 Ford Fusion, 4 filed in 2026. The whole picture, every system →
Counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many of these were sold; nothing here is a rate. NHTSA groups complaints coarsely, so “Steering” means the same area of the vehicle, not one fault.
Across model years: Ford Fusion steering problems, every year on file →
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the steering. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The rack and pinion has failed twice within 2 and a half years. The steering has completely gone out twice while driving, causing extremely unsafe circumstances that could put multiple people in danger.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, with the steering wheel feeling abnormally loose. No warning lights were illuminated.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that the steering wheel had fractured. The contact stated that due to the failure, the steering wheel had an abnormal up and down movement. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.
The steering wheel has been loose for a couple years and seems to be getting worse. There is a lot of play in the steering wheel. I know there have been recalls on other models and it seems like my car is affected as well
I had just left my sons school and was on my way to pick up my daughter. In the middle of making a left turn into oncoming traffic, my steering wheel locked on me making it hard to complete the turn. Cars were approaching from both directions and honking at me to get out the way.
What is on file about the steering
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall filed under this heading
- 18V167000 CriticalMar 12, 2018 · 1,301,986 vehicles
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Other systems with a record on the 2017 Ford Fusion
Source: the same files- engine problems 538 complaints
- transmission and drivetrain problems 336 complaints
- electrical problems 146 complaints
- brake problems 112 complaints
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsAre steering problems common on the 2017 Ford Fusion?
They are documented: NHTSA holds 65 owner complaints naming the steering on this model year (5% of everything owners filed about it), and 1 recall is filed under the same heading. Whether it is a problem on one particular car is a diagnosis, not a count, and a count says nothing about how many were sold.
Is there a recall for the steering on the 2017 Ford Fusion?
Yes — one campaign is filed under this heading: 18V167000. A recall is matched by VIN; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do steering problems show up on the 2017 Ford Fusion?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 41,930 miles; half of them between 22,000 and 70,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Steering" heading cover?
The steering column, rack, pump and power assist. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.