2014 Ford Fusion Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Ford Fusion, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering33020.6%
- Engine23114.4%
- Powertrain (other)22914.3%
- Electrical16210.1%
- Brakes1227.6%
- Fuel system825.1%
- Driver assistance815.1%
- Seat belts764.7%
- Body & structure754.7%
- Interior & seats543.4%
- Airbags432.7%
- Other / unspecified402.5%
- Visibility291.8%
- Suspension181.1%
- Exterior lighting161.0%
- Transmission90.6%
- Tires & wheels60.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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).
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Shortly after purchasing the vehicle it began to loose oil seemingly out of nowhere, there were no visible leaks or drain spots on the ground where the vehicle would sit. Now my engine will not function properly because coolant is constantly mixing with the engine and causing overheating/stalls. The only fix I've been advised of is total engine replacement which I cannot afford and do not feel should be responsible for since this is a known issue with the engine model/year of vehicle.
Following the execution of mandatory Emissions Recall 25E01 (PCM Reprogramming) by a Ford dealership, my vehicle suffered a severe network software corruption causing unintended engine acceleration and a sticking throttle. The engine holds its RPMs and continues holding until I release my foot off the gas pedal and when the car is placed in reverse the car puts/jerks. Additionally, the electronic trunk latch fires spontaneously , causing the trunk lid to fly open while in motion and/or while the car is off and locked along with other electrical issues. When the trunk opens after I’ve locked and secured my car, it has caused my car battery to drain overnight and required multiple jumps before operating again, I have since received a new battery as a resort of this electrical disturbance.The dealership has confirmed drivetrain issues but refuses an immediate remedy. This is forcing me to operate a criminally non-compliant and unsafe vehicle that I notified the dealership immediately and same day in June 2026. More problems continuously presents itself.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. While the contact's husband was driving 80 MPH, the message “Transmission not in Park” was displayed and the engine seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving at night on a busy highway. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The battery was replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The contact was not satisfied with the diagnostic results. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to an another dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 57,650.
Following the execution of mandatory Emissions Recall 25E01 (PCM Reprogramming) by a Ford dealership, my vehicle suffered a severe network software corruption causing unintended engine acceleration and a sticking throttle. The engine holds its RPMs and continues holding until I release my foot off the gas pedal and when the car is placed in reverse the car puts/jerks. Additionally, the electronic trunk latch fires spontaneously , causing the trunk lid to fly open while in motion and/or while the car is off and locked along with other electrical issues. When the trunk opens after I’ve locked and secured my car, it has caused my car battery to drain overnight and required multiple jumps before operating again, I have since received a new battery as a resort of this electrical disturbance.The dealership has confirmed drivetrain issues but refuses an immediate remedy. This is forcing me to operate a criminally non-compliant and unsafe vehicle that I notified the dealership immediately and same day in June 2026. More problems continuously presents itself.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Following the execution of mandatory Emissions Recall 25E01 (PCM Reprogramming) by a Ford dealership, my vehicle suffered a severe network software corruption causing unintended engine acceleration and a sticking throttle. The engine holds its RPMs and continues holding until I release my foot off the gas pedal and when the car is placed in reverse the car puts/jerks. Additionally, the electronic trunk latch fires spontaneously , causing the trunk lid to fly open while in motion and/or while the car is off and locked along with other electrical issues. When the trunk opens after I’ve locked and secured my car, it has caused my car battery to drain overnight and required multiple jumps before operating again, I have since received a new battery as a resort of this electrical disturbance.The dealership has confirmed drivetrain issues but refuses an immediate remedy. This is forcing me to operate a criminally non-compliant and unsafe vehicle that I notified the dealership immediately and same day in June 2026. More problems continuously presents itself.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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).
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The failure persisted, and the fuel odor became stronger, causing the contact headaches while driving the vehicle. Upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic to determine the cause of the failure, the mechanic discovered that the fuel line was rusted. The mechanic informed the contact that he was unsure what had caused the failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The mechanic stated that had the contact continued driving the vehicle as-is, the vehicle could have caught on fire. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
There is a problem with the purge valve on the ford fusion. Car will not start after pumping gas. You have to step on the gas pedal several times and then the car will turn on. After doing research there seems to be several people with the same problem. The purge valve on the canister is getting stuck letting the fumes come in making the system run with extra fuel that’s escaping.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNKNOWN. No gas cap. Very unsafe to me.
Backup camera doesn’t work.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear seat belt plastic clasp has broken on both sides and no longer function. Additionally, replacement parts are not available. Children are no longer able to sit in the rear seat. This issue has been reported in online forums.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a front driver's side seat belt and seat belt retractor failure. The contact was informed that the front driver's side seat belt retractor and seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts needed to be ordered. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,500.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver side rear door handle broke off!
Driving down the road and the trunk popped open on its own. It has happened multiple times while driving. The trunk will just open up on its own without pushing the button or anything.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front driver's side door latch failed to operate as intended and the door failed to close securely. The contact stated that due to the failure the vehicle was driven to work with an open door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the front driver's door latch was inoperable. The contact was informed that the front driver's door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that a week later, the rear passenger's door latch failed to latch as intended. The vehicle was scheduled to be inspected. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V775000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,198.
I Had my car at Southgate Ford from 0ct 17- 20. During this time my car was to be serviced for the recalls. However upon receiving my car back. I was told the recall that is showing incomplete( door latches) was unable to be repaired due to the car only being registered in MI and PA. At this time it is showing my vin is still showing said recalls as incomplete.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Involved in collision between 35-45 at a speed of 35 to 45 mph. I had a car change lanes incorrectly causing me to rear end the vehicle. The front end of my car was crumpled in and mybairbags on my vehicle did not deploy as a result of the crash.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a front driver's side seat belt and seat belt retractor failure. The contact was informed that the front driver's side seat belt retractor and seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts needed to be ordered. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,500.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Power steering rack and pinion
We are the owners of a 2014 Ford Fusion model vehicle. We took this vehicle to a local Ford service dealer to have the tires rotated. Dealer service manager told us they could not do the tire rotate because the chrome plating on the wheel lug nuts had swollen and their wrench would not fit the lug nuts. The offered non OEM replacement lugs nuts for our cost of $134.95 plus tax. I believe this is a safety issue as we could be stranded along any roadway should we have a flat tire needing us to use our spare, and unable to remove the flat tire. Our vehicle has a total of about 60,813 miles shown on the odometer. Apparently this swollen lug nut issue is a known problem with this vehicle? Can you help us resolve this?
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
This is a report of the same issues that have been issued a recall for newer years of the same make and model, the Ford Fusion. The rear backup camera stopped working and directly impedes the safety and visibility when reversing the vehicle. An error/warning comes up to contact the dealership due to the malfunction. The 2014 was excluded from the recent recall for these same backup cameras on the 2016+ models. The recall needs to be extended to ALL years of the Ford Fusion.
The back-up safety camera has become at best intermittently functioning, sometimes will not come on at all when the transmission is placed in reverse. When it does come on with reverse, the camera will often cut out in the middle of a backing maneuver while the vehicle is in motion. From the checking I've done online this appears to be a common issue with ford's back-up cameras, and I am surprised a safety recall is not already in effect, considering these cameras came on the vehicles as required safety equipment.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
One day the car was fine, next morning went to start car and was greeted by multiple failure warnings - Adaptive Cruise Control Not Available, Service AdvanceTrac, Steering Assist Fault Service Required, and Hill Start Assist Not Available. Efforts to restart without errors failed. Power Steering lost and unable to turn the wheel without great effort. Parked car and towed to dealer, Failure of Electronic Rack and Pinion Steering per the dealership at a cost of $2500 - $3000. Car Donated to Charity. Concern in submitting is a record of other recent failures of this year, make and model failing in much more dangerous situation than mine but appears that this part has reached its useful life without identification from Ford of the likelihood of failure on these older cars.
transmission fluid leaks through the left side axel. when filled several times and changed the axel and the seal, it continued to leak. I checked it in with a transmission shop and they said to me that many fusions have been leaking and they will try to change the pushing inside the cup.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Took car in May to hemborg ford they replaced my brake bumper it was on recall. Took car back on August 3 of 2026 brake lights staying on. Had them recheck the recall again thought it might be that. I was told it was not the issue. I needed to change out brake switch and had to pay diagnostic fee so a total of just under 300. My brake lights stay on while driving my car and when we park the car. they had my car 3 days then picked up my car on August 5 Drove it home and immediately noticed still having the same issues.Brake lights on even after I Called dealer and brought car back in. They kept my car 2 more days then I received a call it would be 200 for a brake flush they were confident that it would fix the light issue. And now we would we have to pay for another repair. A brake flush for brake lights staying on didn’t make sense. We felt we were being upsold for something we didn’t need and they had no answere for us! We declined the second repair and picked up car on 8/07/2026 and still the brake lights are staying on while driving the car. We woke up to looking out our window and noticed lights were on . Mind you the car had not been driven for hrs and the lights turned themselves on while car was parked. Skip to Sunday driving home from in laws and dash lights up. It says hillside assist and yellow wrench pops up. I fear my daughters safety and feel it is unsafe now. Called Ford to make a complaint. But meanwhile I have a car that we need but feel unsafe to drive. Our car is having more issues than when we took it in to the dealer. I need a resolution but what I really need is my money back so that I can take the car elsewhere! I feel car was misdiagnosed and I should not have to pay for their mistake.No options were given just to pay for more repairs. We asked for past invoices to be printed so I can keep a copy. Was told they cannot print past invoices. I felt we were taken advantage of we should get our money back for a diagnosis that was not repaired.
They back up camera works when it wants to
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was not driving properly. The contact stated that later that day, while the vehicle was parked, the contact saw fluid on the ground underneath the front driver’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission fluid leak and half shaft seal failure. The contact was informed that either the half-shaft seal or the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of an unknown recall repair; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,098.
The Car seems to always have a strange issue with power. I have taken it for all services and recall but nothing has every fixed that issue. From talking to other Ford fusion 2013-2014 owners the transmission is bad on these cars from the start. It would be bad to loose or have the transmission go out on any major road people could get hurt. I am now getting p0744,p0741. I believe it is related to other issue suck as car clutch assembly malfunction causing high rev because car pop into wrong gears while driving. This should be a ford issue and google search and you will find everyone who own a ford fusion having this problem.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tire kept going low, and I took it to Walmart since I was closer to them and was told by the technician that the tire was separating at the rim area and it’s a manufacturer’s defect. They sealed the tire and told me it need to be replaced. He said it had good tread and shouldn’t do that. I informed him that I bought from Meineke. So I took it back to Meineke and was told that there was nothing they could do since it was sealed somewhere else.
My child and I were traveling. We were getting off an exit to put some gas.That exit was a bit Icy with snow but when we saw it was to late to stop. On that exit their was a huge pot hole impossible to see and for me to stop in time, my speed was 35 mph and slowing down on the exit. When i went down the exit and hit the pot hole it sounded horrible my son started to panic and i pulled over right away. My tire pressure light turn on as soon as we hit the pot hole. I was very lucky that a man saw everything and came to help. He has stated that the same thing had happened to his wife the day before. My original tire was a Nexen 235/40R19 Dot UAM3 CMBR 1921.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .