2017 Ford Fusion Steering Problems

I am the owner of a 2017 Ford Fusion with 61,000 miles on the odometer. Please note that I have always taken good care of my car, having it serviced promptly when required. In recent weeks, I have had to replace my complete steering rack (cost $4,500) and two weeks later, my 1.7-liter Ecoboost engine due to a coolant leak into the number two cylinder at a cost of $6,700. Ford has known about both problems for years and they have resulted in both class action and small claims suits against the company. Regarding the engine, Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12, Technical Service Bulletin TSB 22-2134 and Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 - Supplement #4 to replace the car's engine short block. This covered cars for 7 years of service or 84,000 miles - with, as quoted in the Ford memo sent to dealers on June 9, 2022, "coverage automatically extended to subsequent owners," for presumably the life of the car. Since this is clearly a manufacturing error (as Ford admits in its June 9, 2022 memo to dealers) and not due to negligence on my part, I should be reimbursed for my expenses. The NHTSA should also open a recall case on this matter for owners like myself.

NHTSA ID

11746906

Incident

Apr 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The vehicle was started; however, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact moved the gear shift lever to reverse(R), and the steering wheel seized. The tow truck driver had a difficult time trying to move the vehicle onto the flatbed truck. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that high friction on the gear and the entire steering alignment needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11720997

Incident

Jul 7, 2025

Mileage

50,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel detached and was left hanging. The driver moved over to the side of the highway. The contact stated that the steering wheel was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (STEERING); however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11718878

Incident

Jan 29, 2026

Mileage

90,000 mi

Car warning states “steering assist fault service required” total loss of power steering in the vehicle after sat parked for a week, vehicle started without issue, no warning codes can be found with OBDII scanner

NHTSA ID

11707501

Incident

Dec 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose. The contact was able to rock the steering wheel approximately 3/8 of an inch in either direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering). The contact called a local dealer and was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11699017

Incident

Sep 16, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and making a left turn, the power steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized and became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with rack and pinon failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,236.

NHTSA ID

11608789

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

Mileage

69,236 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 69,000.

NHTSA ID

11575817

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

Mileage

69,000 mi

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering assist, traction control, and hill stop assist warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,720.

NHTSA ID

11574308

Incident

Feb 18, 2024

Mileage

86,720 mi

The shifter cable bushing was no longer present and the shifter cable detached, causing my car to be unable to move out of park. I was actively driving the vehicle, backing it out when this happened, leaving me and my car stuck in the middle of the lane. This problem has caused a recall on earlier years of the car, making it a known issue. There were no symptoms prior to the problem, but many warning lights on the dash claiming to need repairs immediately following the incident.

NHTSA ID

11573873

Incident

Feb 23, 2024

I was driving my car one day and the power steering fault message popped up on my dash of my car. So I turned around and went home. I turned the car off and then turn the car back on. Then the power steering fault message showed up with other warning messages. So I tried turning the steering wheel and noticed there was no power steering at all. So the next day I had it towed to the Ford dealer to have them look at it and fix the issue. They ended up replacing the rack and pinion and the power steering motor. When I picked the car up I asked the service person if it was a common part that broke on the car and he said it was a common part that broke. I was surprised that they had that specific part in stock when they told me the problem. Also I was not happy that I had to $4,400.00 to fix it. In my mind if it is a common part that breaks then why hasn't been a recall on that part.

NHTSA ID

11560456

Incident

Dec 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was extremely loose, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11554224

Incident

Oct 23, 2023

Mileage

82,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while reversing, the steering wheel was significantly loose. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering) was previously completed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the recall remedy failed to fix the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11537843

Incident

Aug 7, 2023

Mileage

90,000 mi

ACCIDENT

NHTSA ID

11526487

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

I got in my 2017 Fusion SE to leave my house. As I started out of my driveway, I noticed that the steering was hard and I had a " Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" lamp on. I did not drive the car that day. The car drove fine the day before. I called my local mechanic to take my car into the shop to have him check the vehicle. As I drove the vehicle to the shop, I noticed that it was very hard to steer and the steering made a grinding noise. The shop called later and advised that the rack and pinion sensor was bad and needed replacing. The shop advised that the only way to repair it was to replace the rack and pinion. My mechanic advised that he has seen this problem with other 2017 Ford Fusions. The shop advised that the cost would be $3000.00. I was shocked at the cost, but I authorized the repair. The mileage on the vehicle was 39,650. I am just thankful that I was not driving the car on the road at the time that this went bad. There was no warning with this. I did look on this web sight and found that this is not an uncommon problem with the 2017 Fusions. I believe that because the sensor cannot be replaced on its own, that Ford should fix this dangerous problem and do a recall. How long until this happens a second time? Should I sell this vehicle before it happens again? I just hope I am not driving the next time the sensor goes out.

NHTSA ID

11503646

Incident

Nov 16, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after his son came to a stop at a stop signal, there was a loss of power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The TPMS warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module needed to be updated and the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,250.

NHTSA ID

11498319

Incident

Sep 16, 2022

Mileage

59,250 mi

Driving straight and the steering locked up causing the car to veer to the left and was not allowing her not to be able to turn the car. My 19 year old daughter ended up hitting a fence and totaling the car.

NHTSA ID

11491463

Incident

Oct 24, 2022

Driving vehicle, Steering Assist Fault light comes on, steering wheel locks and vehicle becomes very difficult to operate. Locally, Ford dealership will not inspect as they will not take any calls in the service department. This is the second time this has happened to this vehicle. Vehicle has been previously taken to dealership, to which dealer was “unable to diagnose issue.” Vehicle was subsequently repaired, as an independent service center was able to diagnose issue and repair. Vehicle drove well for 4 months until today, when second incident occurred. In this situation, other vehicles on the road were in danger as I was unable to turn from turning lane, driving into outer tuning lane, almost striking another vehicle. Luckily, I had slowed down enough for vehicle to drive passed me without incident. There is something inherently wrong with the 2017 Fusion’s Power rack and Pinion Gear, and I implore Ford to do the right thing and look into this matter, as this issue is ongoing and widespread.

NHTSA ID

11474065

Incident

Jul 15, 2022

Steering wheel wobbles and is loose. Can pivot up, or right / left about an inch. NOT a rotational loose (like worn bushings). Pivot point is right behind the wheel itself, as if it was the bolt that is part of other recalls (but 'not applicable' to my VIN???). Only 33k miles on car. 2017 year Fusion. Taking to dealer to "fix" today. Issue noticed during light morning commute on 5/18/2022 No other inspection to date. No warning lamps, messages, or other notices, now, or prior.

NHTSA ID

11465372

Incident

May 18, 2022

Power Steering became difficult to turn and handle while driving, this just suddenly happened without warning, my Son's safety was at risk by not being able to handle the steering, shortly after the Steering Assist Fault warning light came on, Service Traction Advance warning light and Hill Assist not working light came on. He shut the car off for about 10 mins and restarted the same lights are on. He is unable to drive it due to the steering is so hard. About 2 weeks prior to the above incident, transmission went out (it was repaired). Waiting to hear back from warranty company

NHTSA ID

11455733

Incident

Mar 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the service advancetrac and another unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact was informed that NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering) was not associated to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,748.

NHTSA ID

11455614

Incident

Dec 20, 2021

Mileage

132,748 mi

I drove about 11 miles total to get on the interstate, when I was about 7-9miles into my drive, my steering wheel started to lock up. I slammed on my breaks, and kept twisting and turning my steering wheel for about 2 miles to the nearest gas station. I had tons of lights pop up on my dash and they said my steering system is failed. Something along those lines. It said something about my shifter being messed up as well? I have had 0 lights on, 0 warnings, nothing. If I was going any faster than I was I could’ve been seriously injured. I almost ran straight into a bridge before I slammed my breaks on to ensure I wouldn’t hurt myself or wreck the car. Not sure why my steering would just all-of-the-sudden go out? I haven’t had any problems previous to this situation so it’s very unsafe and honestly terrifying. This situation could’ve gone south really fast, if I would’ve been on the interstate it could’ve been fatal.

NHTSA ID

11445901

Incident

Jan 2, 2022

On the highway we lost the steering assist function. The dash lit up with steering assist failure. Due to this system failing on the highway, I almost had an accident while in a turn, I went across the rumble strips toward the wall and just barley missed hitting the wall. When the power assist failed this made the vehicle harder to control then a standard manual steering car, it took a great deal of force to control the car.

NHTSA ID

11445041

Incident

Dec 26, 2021

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the "Power Steering assist Fault" and "Service Advance Track" messages illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the steering wheel lost power steering and was significantly more difficult to steer. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for diagnostic testing. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 34,886.

NHTSA ID

11438674

Incident

Oct 29, 2021

Mileage

34,886 mi

OUT OF NO WHERE, I LOOSE POWER STEERING. MY LIGHT ARE NOW ON- POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. SOMETIMES WHEN I TURN MY CAR ON AND OFF- IT WORKS, BUT LATELY THAT IS NOT EVEN HELPING. IT SEEMS - LIKE IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE- SO I TOOK IT TO FORD AND THEY WANTED 2,000 DOLLARS TO FIX MY LEASE THAT I AM SUPPOSE TO TURN OVER IN 6 MONTHS, BUT I AM SO FAR OVER MILEAGE- I WILL HAVE TO BUY THIS CAR OUT I GUESS. (YA) COME ON FORD! RECALL THE ISSUE!

NHTSA ID

11398984

Incident

Feb 15, 2021

Mileage

58,000 mi

TURNING INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD AT ABOUT 10-15 MPH THE LEFT WHEEL AND HUB FELL OFF CAUSING THE CAR TO CRASH INTO THE PAVEMENT. THIS CAUSED ALOT OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER AND FENDERS. AND THE LINKAGE TO THE RIGHT WHEEL. FORD SAID IT WAS BECAUSE I HIT SOMETHING BUT I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AND MY CAR STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID

11389280

Incident

Oct 29, 2020

Mileage

44,543 mi