2014 Ford Fusion Brakes Problems

Sudden Loss of Power Steering Assistance and Simultaneous ABS/AdvanceTrac System Faults I am submitting this complaint to document a serious vehicle safety incident involving my 2014 Ford Fusion SE. The vehicle experienced a loss of communication with the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM), accompanied by faults affecting the ABS and traction/stability control systems. During the incident, the dashboard illuminated multiple warning lights, and the steering suddenly became extremely difficult to operate. The simultaneous loss of power steering assistance and warnings involving critical vehicle safety systems created a serious potential crash hazard, particularly at highway speeds or during an emergency maneuver. Diagnostic scanning with FORScan revealed the following communication-related diagnostic trouble codes: • U0131 — Lost Communication with Power Steering Control Module. • U0121 — Lost Communication with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Module. • U0420 / U0415 — Invalid or implausible data received, as indicated by the recorded codes. I am concerned that an electrical, electronic, or component-level failure involving the power steering system may be associated with the simultaneous faults in other vehicle systems. I request that NHTSA review the incident and determine whether similar complaints involving the 2014 Ford Fusion SE indicate a broader safety concern. One concern is that the failure is intermittent. The steering and warning lights appear to recover after the vehicle is shut off, allowed to cool, or restarted. Such intermittent behavior make the problem difficult to reproduce and diagnose, even though the underlying safety concern remain.

NHTSA ID

11772002

Incident

Oct 19, 2026

Ford Motor Company, a massive automotive manufacturer, sold a vehicle with a known, systemic defect that can cause a driver to suddenly lose power steering at highway speeds, while simultaneously disabling critical safety systems ABS and AdvanceTrac stability control. The vehicle's dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree, steering suddenly becomes incredibly heavy, and the safety nets designed to prevent a rollover or spin-out turn off at the exact same moment. Lives are absolutely being put at risk. Because Ford has chosen to handle this through expensive, individual part replacements rather than a massive federal recall, the burden of safety has been unfairly shifted onto the consumer. When the PSCM (Power Steering Control Module) lost communication, it simultaneously disabled my ABS and Traction Control systems. This caused a sudden, unexpected loss of critical safety and handling systems while driving, creating an immediate crash hazard. I have already fixed the vehicle, so I must log the failure. Ford’s network architecture turns a single component failure into a massive, vehicle-wide electrical blackout. I've analyzed the underlying mechanics, and it became clear why this specific cycle is happening and why it causes the entire dashboard to go haywire. The Ford does not use simple independent wires for different parts; it relies on a High-Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN). Think of this like a high-speed internet data rail that loops through the car, where the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM), the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and the Body Control Module (BCM) all "talk" to each other in real time. The steering gear houses the internal Steering Angle Sensor. The ABS module needs to know my exact steering angle dynamically to calculate how to apply the brakes or handle stability control (AdvanceTrac).

NHTSA ID

11772001

Incident

Oct 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle entered limp mode and failed to accelerate as intended. The transmission ran poorly, making it difficult to merge, and the contact expressed concern regarding a potential crash. Following the failure, the hill brake assist turned off. The brake pedal bumper and stop pad fractured, causing the vehicle to enter limp mode. The contact called the dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test was required to determine the cause of the failure. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID

11764390

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

Mileage

106,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the brake pedal was not sending the correct signal to the ABS. The "Hill Assist" option was not operational while driving on a slope and the brake lights remained illuminated, even when the brake pedal was not depressed. An independent mechanic was contacted and associated the failure with the brake pedal failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V011000 (Services Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11759223

Incident

Aug 21, 2026

Mileage

200,000 mi

The brake pedal switch pad was recalled and failed after being fixed and tripped the whole ABS system which caused the whole transmission to not shift and I didn’t have traction. My taillights stayed on 24/7 and I had to disconnect my battery. Ford did nothing

NHTSA ID

11759208

Incident

Aug 21, 2026

The brake pedal switch pad was recalled and failed after being fixed and tripped the whole ABS system which caused the whole transmission to not shift and I didn’t have traction. My taillights stayed on 24/7 and I had to disconnect my battery. Ford did nothing

NHTSA ID

11759207

Incident

Aug 21, 2026

All brake lights are stuck on after turning the car off.

NHTSA ID

11750636

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

They back up camera works when it wants to

NHTSA ID

11747537

Incident

Jun 7, 2002

Complaint Description: I am filing a complaint regarding a severe brake assist failure in my 2014 Ford Fusion. The vehicle has experienced a repeated loss of brake assist, resulting in a hard brake pedal and increased stopping distance. Despite multiple visits to the dealership, only the vacuum pump was replaced, and the root cause was intally never fully diagnosed. Full diagnosis is still under dealersip review at Phil Long Ford of Denver. I am concerned that this is part of a larger, incomplete brake system failure. As several brake recalls have recently been fixed inclding replacing leaking brake lines and brake lights. While there are currently known recalls on certain Ford Fusion brake systems (such as brake hoses, brake lights etc), these recalls do not appear to cover critical components such as the vacuum pump, brake booster, hard brake lines, and camshaft. These omissions leave a gap in addressing a potentially life-threatening safety risk. The dealer’s incomplete diagnostic leaves me and others exposed to a dangerous failure. I urge NHTSA to open an investigation into these brake system components to ensure that a comprehensive recall is considered. The repeated failure, despite previous repair attempts, makes it imperative that all related brake components be thoroughly examined, as this is a life safety risk. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

NHTSA ID

11727430

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

My 2014 Ford Fusion caught fire on January 19, 2026, while parked and stationary inside my residential garage. The vehicle could not be shifted out of park during the incident. Emergency services responded, and an official fire department report was generated. I had owned the vehicle for less than one year and performed no mechanical, electrical, or aftermarket modifications. The vehicle had undergone parking brake service at a licensed dealer prior to delivery, with no work performed after I took possession.

NHTSA ID

11719846

Incident

Jan 20, 2026

The vehicle slowed down on the highway and had to pull over and get off the freeway. Brake lights stayed o On. was able to drive the car at max n No more then 40 mph. A part had broken off in the brake pedal area. Not sure where. But had to unplug the brake switch so my battery would not die. With out the brake switch connected the car will not shift into gear or drive. .

NHTSA ID

11716483

Incident

Feb 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact’s daughter attempted to turn off the vehicle, and the brake lights remained illuminated. Additionally, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated unintentionally while driving to the residence with smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed back to the independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that all four brakes had seized. The brakes were unlocked, and the brake switch was replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11695426

Incident

Sep 15, 2025

Mileage

200,000 mi

My brakes periodically engage autonomously, including when I have cruise control on, or at home, which respectively turns off cruise control, and leaves my brakes lights on, killing my battery. It is my understanding that my year make and model have a recall for the brake sensor switch, but does not show for my VIN. My car was located in Texas satisfying the hot/ humid condition of the existing recall.

NHTSA ID

11694251

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

AdvanceTrac stopped working in my car due a sensor. Had to get it replaced by Midas. When I went to turn on my car and put it in drive it started making an awful grinding sound and would not move and gave me an error code that just said service AdvanceTrac. It was insanely expensive to repair and thankfully didn't happen while I was driving.

NHTSA ID

11680812

Incident

Nov 10, 2024

My brake fluid line ruptured and the dealer refused repair and told me that even if they did repair it I would take 2 days and wouldn’t provide a loaner/rental so I had took to a different shop that I had to pay out of pocket for and was done in an hour.and also this is a recall for my year make and model and isn’t on my vin

NHTSA ID

11673107

Incident

Jun 20, 2025

While the car was moving in reverse, the brake pedal went to the floor, and the driving had to steer off the road and hit a tree to stop the vehicle. The driver side door and front door was damaged in the collision. After the collision, the driver noticed the parking brake indicator light was on.

NHTSA ID

11636537

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and turning to the right, the contact heard an audible chime. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake fluid reservoir was not properly filled. The mechanic topped off the brake fluid reservoir. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the loss of brake fluid had become a recurring failure. The vehicle had been taken to a local dealer in July 2023 to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the failure started after the recall repair was performed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

NHTSA ID

11626327

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

Mileage

175,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed brake pedal bumper switch. The contact was informed that the brake pedal bumper switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11615976

Incident

Sep 23, 2024

I currently believe that the break pedal bumper has failed. My brake tail lights are permanently on, even when the car is off & unoccupied. My cruise control has been disabled and throttle control has been sporadic. The accelerator pedal does not respond properly when driving, it will either give no response or a sudden surge of power (Usually up to 5000 RPM), cause unsafe driving conditions and the inability to maintain accurate control of the speed of the vehicle. This may be because the vehicle thinks the brake is constantly being pressed. The vehicle is also a push button start and I can start it without pressing the brake, which leads me to believe it thinks the brake is always on. I've read there was a recall previously for brake bumpers, but it did not cover my location. I believe that recall needs to be expanded. I have found a yellowed (from age, was probably clear) chunk of a rubber washer/gasket on my floor board under the brake pedal. I have my vehicle scheduled to be looked at by a Ford dealer on Tuesday the 18th. There are no warning lights, messages, or anything else that indicates that the vehicle believes there is an issue. I can instruct the Ford dealership to hold onto the part, if it is the issue and if the NHTSA wants it, assuming I get a response prior to my appointment.

NHTSA ID

11594622

Incident

Jun 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11583673

Incident

Apr 17, 2024

See attached document from complainant

NHTSA ID

11551798

Incident

Jul 25, 2023

See attached document from complainant

NHTSA ID

11550649

Incident

Dec 1, 2022

Turned vehicle on one day & the parking break light came on, attempted to disengage with the parking break button but nothing released the breaks. Wouldn’t let me move the car when in drive. After trying to disengage with the button many times, decided to undo the battery because its electric & i was hoping to reset it & wait 20 mins. After doing so the release parking break warning, park break malfunction warning & parking break light was still on & it still didn’t move for another 20 minutes then suddenly after putting it in drive again it let me move. Now the release parking break warning, park break malfunction warning & the parking break light stays on even when actively driving & beeps the entire drive. No auto shops I’ve been to knows how to fix this! HELP PLEASE

NHTSA ID

11543529

Incident

Apr 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear wheels. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the brake calipers seemed to be stuck in a partially closed position, causing excessive wear and tear to the rotors. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact repaired the vehicle himself. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the VIN was included, and the front brake hoses were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11541923

Incident

Nov 15, 2022

Mileage

70,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH and slowing down for a traffic signal, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to slow down as needed and almost causing the contact to run the stop sign. The contact stated that failure was intermittent at first but became a more frequent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 212,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11539473

Incident

May 13, 2023

Mileage

212,000 mi