Ford Fusion steering problems, 2016–2020
302 of the 4,117 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Fusion 2016–2020 name the steering (NHTSA’s “Steering” heading — the steering column, rack, pump and power assist). The loudest years: 2016 (186), 2017 (65), 2018 (26). Filed under the same heading across these years: 2 recall campaigns, 1 NHTSA investigation. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Ford Fusion steering problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the steering | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 6% | — | — | the year → |
| 2019 | 12 | 3% | — | — | the year → |
| 2018 | 26 | 5% | 65k | 1 recall | the year → |
| 2017 in depth | 65 | 5% | 42k | 1 recall | the record → |
| 2016 in depth | 186 | 11% | 73k | 2 recalls · 1 investigation | the record → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the steering. Nothing here is a rate.
When the steering complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2016: 2 · 2017: 18 · 2018: 47 · 2019: 25 · 2020: 33 · 2021: 23 · 2022: 25 · 2023: 37 · 2024: 29 · 2025: 38 · 2026: 25
Across the model years, half of the 175 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the steering problem between 35,000 and 92,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the steering, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was turned; however, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the trunk latch was independently unlocked.
On may 28th, 2020 I took my 2016 Ford Fusion hybrid in for serving at 42,670 miles, because of my vehicles loss of power steering, steering wheel stutter and a winning sound while in motion on city street.
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 steering wheel is coming loose and is making it hard to drive. The car is becoming seriously dangerous. Others are having issues with this. Please let's fix these cars. I have children!
What is on file about the steering, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 19V632000 HighAug 29, 2019 · 116,160 vehicles
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
- 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.
NHTSA investigation
- PE17007 Steering Wheel Fastening Bolt Loosensopened Oct 23, 2017 · closed Apr 23, 2018
- On March 12th, 2018, Ford Motor Company submitted a Defect Information Report to NHTSA describing a defect in the steering wheel fastening system of approximately 1,301,986 model year (MY) Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. On March 1, 2018, Ford discovered a design change that affected the MY 2014-2018 subject vehicles. The affected population are MY 2014-2016 Fusion and MKZ with manual and power adjus…
Other systems with a record on the Ford Fusion
Source: the same files- electrical problems
- transmission and drivetrain problems
- engine problems
- brake problems
- backup camera and parking sensor problems
- fuel system problems
Every system, every model year: Ford Fusion problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Ford Fusion years have the most steering complaints?
2016, 186; 2017, 65; 2018, 26. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2016 (11%).
Is there a recall for the steering on the Ford Fusion?
Yes — 2 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 19V632000 (2016), 18V167000 (2018). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do steering problems show up on the Ford Fusion?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 66,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 35,000 and 92,000. 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.