RoadVitals

2013 Ford Fusion Steering Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Steering reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
388
Latest May 31, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
22%
of 1,784 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
14
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
3

What this page shows

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2013 Ford Fusion submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 388 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming steering

The 25 most recent of 388, in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed May 31, 2026

The steering wheel of my 2013 ford fusion S.E 2.5 Lm was tightly connected to the steering system until now. It has start wobbling over time and the problem have greatly increased as of 05\31\2026. I fear that if I can’t this problem fixed soon the whole steering wheel will disconnect one day. When I told a mechanic about the problem he told me there was a recall put out by Ford Fusion Motors on many Ford Fusion Sedans for similar issues. I truly believe my car had to miss the recall.

NHTSA ID
11741108
Incident
May 31, 2026
Steering
Filed May 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while steering the vehicle at various speeds, an abnormal, grinding sound would emit from the vehicle without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact made an appointment and spoke with the dealer about the failure. The contact was informed by a dealer mechanic that the grinding noise was not related to brake system but the Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS). Upon further investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA ID Number: 15V250000(Steering) which the contact linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.

NHTSA ID
11738162
Incident
May 1, 2026
Mileage
210,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 13, 2026

I was driving the vehicle and a warning message came on related to the power steering module not functioning correctly. Immediately after the steering column locked up and was stiff and to tough to continue driving. I looked into repairs and notice a recall # 19S26 was issued in 2019 with my specific vehicle in the list by year, brand and model for the exact problem described. When I contacted Ford, they advised me that my VIN # was not included in the recall. Wanted to file complaint due to the lack of coverage Ford offers for cars specifically covered under the recall.

NHTSA ID
11730945
Incident
Apr 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 30, 2026

Power steering / power steering assist failure. Complete loss of power steering

NHTSA ID
11727871
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 17, 2026

The steering locked up while driving. I was unable to turn the steering wheel. My self and my brother were in the vehicle. At this time, I am contacting the dealer to look at the unit. It will not turn and is stuck in my driveway. I am being told the electronic steering rack may have failed. Why does this not break way and allow some turning like the old hydraulic models? If I had been driving highway speeds, this would have been a serious accident.

NHTSA ID
11725073
Incident
Mar 17, 2026
AirbagsElectricalSteering
Filed Feb 10, 2026

The power steering module/rack, passenger side air bag Safety is a risk due to steering not working properly/ seat belt constantly locking Yes Yes others inspected Seat belt sensor has been on several months Service steering assist/Lane keep system malfunction service required and steering assist fault - all came on when it got cold and steering won’t work now

NHTSA ID
11717152
Incident
Jan 24, 2026
Steering
Filed Jan 27, 2026

I had multiple electric power steering failures. the first in 2022, and the second in June of 2023. In 2023 we did a complete replacement that cost over $3000.

NHTSA ID
11713742
Incident
Dec 12, 2022
Steering
Filed Jan 2, 2026

A couple of weeks ago My Steering wheel locked up and the codes were reset which unlocked the wheel so i was able to turn it. Mechanic said it was moisture getting to the part and then the power steering light came on & it became Hard to turn the steering wheel while driving. There was no indication of a issue before it started.

NHTSA ID
11708456
Incident
Dec 19, 2025
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Nov 10, 2025

Unknown and it's whole electrical system is failing and constantly keeps shutting the car off saying no key detected and strands me more places than I can count it's stalled out in the middle of the road and said no key detected and I had to wait for it to basically let me start the car back up after like being shut off for 20 mins or if I unhooked the battery and hooked it back up then it would start and only go for a day or so and the heat only works if it's raining outside

NHTSA ID
11698539
Incident
Aug 13, 2025
Steering
Filed Jul 30, 2025

I believe my car was missed in the steering rack recall. There’s a decent amount of side to side play that just moves the steering wheel not the wheels. The car will be all over the road. Also when I’m accelerating with my foot on the gas the steering stiffness up & goes back to feeling like normal under load. As soon as there’s no driving load it loosens back up. Today it randomly almost felt like the steering got stuck for a second while going straight then quickly jerked itself to the right then went back to feeling loose. I’ve replaced controls arms, ball joints, tie rods.I do not want to crash because fords negligence on not including my car in the recall. I’m still making payments on the car and can not afford money out of pocket to fix fords mistakes. Please help! My car needs this recall! I have videos upon being needed, it will only let me upload pictures.

NHTSA ID
11677238
Incident
Jul 29, 2025
Steering
Filed Jun 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel felt loose and was wobbling abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID
11670159
Incident
Jun 29, 2025
Mileage
140,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jun 24, 2025

Noise from steering column, took to local repair shop. Diagnosed as rack and pinion failure. No alarms or alerts of any kind other that noise that is easily heard when in parking lot or driving on a low speed street. Risk is loss of steering control, at highways speeds could lead to accidents or worse.

NHTSA ID
11668793
Incident
Jun 23, 2025
Steering
Filed Jun 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the power steering assist and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact pulled off the highway and turned off and restarted the vehicle to reset the steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel was still difficult to turn. The contact had not yet taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V232000 (Steering). The contact notified the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

NHTSA ID
11667127
Incident
Jun 14, 2025
Mileage
165,000 mi
AirbagsBrakesSteering
Filed May 4, 2025

Right Front wheel speed Sensor replaced and problem continues due to pigtail coming from wiring harness that connects to top portion of wheel speed sensor Water enters the connector and short circuits the ABS system causing the car to disable ABS,Traction Control and Power steering all light illuminated as well

NHTSA ID
11658776
Incident
May 2, 2025
Steering
Filed Apr 14, 2025

The contact’s mother-in-law owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contacts mother-in-law received notification of an unknown recall in 2016. The remedy included replacing the bolts and applying a wax sealer to the bolts. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while receiving maintenance at an independent mechanic, the mechanic became aware that the electronic power steering rack bolts were fractured, and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, while the vehicle was turned off, the contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the power steering rack bolts were fractured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,450.

NHTSA ID
11654524
Incident
Apr 7, 2025
Mileage
84,450 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 21, 2025

One day, my steering wheel locked up, and I get the message across my dashboard that says service power steering now I almost had an accident because of it

NHTSA ID
11649701
Incident
Mar 7, 2025
ElectricalPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Feb 14, 2025

Car will stahl and lock steering wheel when yielding into traffic or driving. The advance trak light along with auto hill assist will pop up on dashboard stating to repair the issue.

NHTSA ID
11642796
Incident
Oct 22, 2024
Steering
Filed Jan 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn to the right or the left. The power steering failure message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.

NHTSA ID
11639092
Incident
Dec 30, 2024
Mileage
161,000 mi
Steering
Filed Dec 31, 2024

Steering stopped working during drive home. It is now at my house. Safety was impacted because it became problematic during the drive. I had an independent mechanic evaluate the car today, he stated that this make and model of a vehicle is known to have this problem, and diagnosed it with a need to replace the steering rack. A warning appeared during the drive right before we got home, now car won't turn on for safety reasons.

NHTSA ID
11633357
Incident
Dec 27, 2024
Steering
Filed Dec 7, 2024

Power steering fault.

NHTSA ID
11629423
Incident
Oct 8, 2024
Steering
Filed Dec 5, 2024

Steering wheel pulls to the right even after new alignment caused me to hit a curb

NHTSA ID
11629058
Incident
Nov 11, 2024
Steering
Filed Oct 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with power steering rack assembly failure. The contact was informed that the power steering rack assembly needed to be replaced and reprogrammed. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact stated that in July 2023 the first failure occurred, and the relays in the steering box were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recently reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V232000 (Steering); however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,510.

NHTSA ID
11621256
Incident
Oct 1, 2024
Mileage
65,510 mi
Steering
Filed Oct 18, 2024

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11620568
Incident
Feb 29, 2024
Steering
Filed Oct 4, 2024

The steering wheel of this 2013 Ford Fusion SE, until now tightly connected to the rest of the steering system, has started wobbling. This problem has gradually been worsening over the past few days (as of today's date: 10/4/2025). If this problem is not addressed at some point by a mechanic, it appears that the steering wheel might eventually come loose and separate entirely from the steering column. This very same problem appears to have resulted in a recall and associated repairs by Ford Motor Company of many Ford Fusion sedans of model year 2014-2017. It may be that Ford Fusion sedans of the 2013 model year have the same or a similar problem that gave rise to the noted recall for 2014-2017 Ford Fusion sedans. If so, owners of 2013 Ford Fusion sedans could potentially benefit from a similar recall/repair.

NHTSA ID
11618117
Incident
Oct 2, 2024
Steering
Filed Sep 19, 2024

The steering wheel seems to have a sensor that makes the car goes side by side and it is really unsafe. I see there is a lot of recalls for Fusions on steering wheel problems but my car is not on this list. Really unsafe to drive. Is not a one time incident. The failure is every day

NHTSA ID
11615477
Incident
Sep 19, 2024

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data sources

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