NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
138 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 14, 2026
Steering
The power steering has failed twice recently while driving and the dashboard warning displayed as follows: power steering assist fault. This makes it very hard to steer, dangerous and scary when this happens. Can a recall be issued for my vehicle? I am very disappointed that my 2010 ford fusion hybrid vehicle was left out of th…
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The power steering has failed twice recently while driving and the dashboard warning displayed as follows: power steering assist fault. This makes it very hard to steer, dangerous and scary when this happens. Can a recall be issued for my vehicle? I am very disappointed that my 2010 ford fusion hybrid vehicle was left out of the recall even though it was manufactured at the same plant as the 2011 - 2013 models that were recalled. I found this online: Investigation and Recall ContextFederal Probes: The NHTSA investigated 2010–2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models for sudden loss of electric power steering, logging thousands of complaints.Exclusion of the 2010 Model: Ford issued recalls (such as campaign 15S18) for 2011–2013 models to update power steering control modules or fix motor sensor faults, leaving 2010 models uncovered by the official action.Closure: The NHTSA officially closed its investigation into the 2010 Fusion steering complaints after concluding the failure trend did not warrant a mandatory safety recall, noting drivers could still revert to manual steering.
NHTSA ODI #11757063
150,000 miles · Apr 1, 2025
Steering
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while reversing into a parking space at 2 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became significantly difficult to turn. The contact could not recall whether a warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle…
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The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while reversing into a parking space at 2 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became significantly difficult to turn. The contact could not recall whether a warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Tire Kingdom, where it was diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 15S18. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #11651967
99,000 miles · Jan 14, 2025
Steering
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the vehicle to the left or the right, the steering wheel seized. The failure occurred intermittently but had become more pronounced and constant. The vehicle was now only able to be driven in a straight direction, whether going forward o…
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The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the vehicle to the left or the right, the steering wheel seized. The failure occurred intermittently but had become more pronounced and constant. The vehicle was now only able to be driven in a straight direction, whether going forward or in reverse. The steering assist failure light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic who confirmed the diagnostic result. The mechanic informed the contact of an unstated recall and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall or under warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.
NHTSA ODI #11635861
229,875 miles · Jan 3, 2025
Steering
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the driver's side front tire. The contact was able to exit the highway and drove to a tire store and had the tire replaced. The contact stated that after the tire was replaced while leavin…
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The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the driver's side front tire. The contact was able to exit the highway and drove to a tire store and had the tire replaced. The contact stated that after the tire was replaced while leaving the store parking lot, the check engine and power steering assist warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence but turning the steering wheel was extremely difficult, requiring extra effort to turn the steering wheel. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to a closed NHTSA Action Number: EA17004 (Steering). The failure mileage was 229,875.
NHTSA ODI #11633869
240,000 miles · Jan 23, 2024
Steering
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering fault message was displayed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact was able to continue driving by using extra force to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The…
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The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering fault message was displayed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact was able to continue driving by using extra force to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure increased significantly while driving from a complete stop, while driving at slow speeds, and while turning. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: EA17004 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
NHTSA ODI #11567289
199,000 miles · Apr 21, 2022
Steering
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and turning to exit the highway, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel to the right before stopping on the highway offramp. The contact stated that …
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The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and turning to exit the highway, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel to the right before stopping on the highway offramp. The contact stated that the "power steering" and "advance track service" warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the following day she drove the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice in the past, requiring the steering gear assembly to be replaced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.
NHTSA ODI #11461661
153,307 miles · Jan 16, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY SCHEDULE STEERING SERVICE CAME UP ON THE DASHBOARD. JUST AFTER PULLING OVER THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING AS IT WAS SUDDENLY EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH APPARENTLY BOTH FORD AND THE SAFETY BOARD ARE…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY SCHEDULE STEERING SERVICE CAME UP ON THE DASHBOARD. JUST AFTER PULLING OVER THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING AS IT WAS SUDDENLY EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH APPARENTLY BOTH FORD AND THE SAFETY BOARD ARE AWARE OF. WHY ON EARTH WOULD THE 2011 MODELS BE RECALLED FOR THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM, BUT NOT THE 2010 MODELS WITH THE SAME PART. MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED- WOULD THAT HAVE TRIGGERED A RECALL ?
NHTSA ODI #11299910
Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TWO LIGHTS CAME ON THAT SAID SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW AND TRACTION CONTROL. IT BECAME HARDER TO STEER
NHTSA ODI #11228636
107,440 miles · May 22, 2019
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT CALLED TEAM FORD LINCOLN (LOCATED AT 5445…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT CALLED TEAM FORD LINCOLN (LOCATED AT 5445 DREXEL RD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89130, (702) 395-5100) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,440. THE VIN WAS INVALID. *TR*JB
NHTSA ODI #11209249
138,000 miles · May 14, 2019
Steering
DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD AT <30MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE POWER STEERING SERVICE NOW LIGHT CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT. THANK GOODNESS IT HAPPENED ON A SIDE ROAD AND NOT 5 MINUTES LATER WHEN WE WERE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. SEARCHED THE ISSUE ONLINE AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF …
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DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD AT <30MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE POWER STEERING SERVICE NOW LIGHT CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT. THANK GOODNESS IT HAPPENED ON A SIDE ROAD AND NOT 5 MINUTES LATER WHEN WE WERE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. SEARCHED THE ISSUE ONLINE AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. THEN CALLED FORD (CASE # CAS86858), AND THEY DO NOT HAVE A RECALL FOR THE 2010 (BUT THEY DO FOR THE 2011 AND ABOVE). PLEASE ISSUE THE RECALL TO INCLUDE THE 2010 AS WELL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND IS A HUGE COST TO THE FORD OWNERS. MORE COMPLAINTS CAN BE FOUND HERE: HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/FORD/FUSIONHYBRID/2010/LOSE-POWER-STEERING-PROBLEMS.PHP
NHTSA ODI #11207567
NHTSA investigations
6DP26004 · Anti-lock Brake System (abs) Malfunction Indicator Lamp (mil) Illuminated
Opened Apr 9, 2026 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on December 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into the hydraulic control unit (HCU) for the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on the MY 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The petition alleges that an illuminated ABS MIL is associated with a failure of the ABS HCU, resulting in ABS malfunction, loss of traction and electronic stability control functions, and reduced braking performance, particularly on slippery road surfaces. A defect petition has been opened to evaluate the issue and determine whether to grant or deny the petition.The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11647929.
DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
EA17004 · Power Steering Failure
Opened Nov 20, 2017 · Closed Feb 9, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System; Steering:rack And Pinion; Steering:rack And Pinion:rack
On September 28, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles. During the PE, ODI received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at various speeds with no warning. Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1,851 unique reports and 1,720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem. It should be noted that as the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford conducted a safety recall (15V-340) ofMY 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist. On November 20, 2017, PE16-011 was upgraded to this Engineering Analysis (EA17-004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and consequence of this failure. This was based on an analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data that had indicated an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age. At the time, the rate of occurrence of this failure was comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030. During the EA, ODI’s analysis of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles identified the following: testing showed minor steering effort changes between “assist” and “no assist”, no root cause identified, a declining failure trend, the ramp-down or reduced assist provided when a DTC is set, a lower failure rate than the recalled Fusion vehicles, and the high age of the vehicles. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified. Accordingly, this Engineering Analysis is closed. See the attached Engineering Analysis Closing Report for details. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety defect does not exist, and ODI will take further actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Steering:electric Power Assist System
On September 28, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles. During the PE, ODI received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at various speeds with no warning. Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1,851 unique reports and 1,720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem. It should be noted that as the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford conducted a safety recall (15V-340) ofMY 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist. On November 20, 2017, PE16-011 was upgraded to this Engineering Analysis (EA17-004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and consequence of this failure. This was based on an analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data that had indicated an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age. At the time, the rate of occurrence of this failure was comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030. During the EA, ODI’s analysis of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles identified the following: testing showed minor steering effort changes between “assist” and “no assist”, no root cause identified, a declining failure trend, the ramp-down or reduced assist provided when a DTC is set, a lower failure rate than the recalled Fusion vehicles, and the high age of the vehicles. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified. Accordingly, this Engineering Analysis is closed. See the attached Engineering Analysis Closing Report for details. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety defect does not exist, and ODI will take further actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steering
On September 28, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles. During the PE, ODI received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at various speeds with no warning. Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1,851 unique reports and 1,720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem. It should be noted that as the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford conducted a safety recall (15V-340) ofMY 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist. On November 20, 2017, PE16-011 was upgraded to this Engineering Analysis (EA17-004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and consequence of this failure. This was based on an analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data that had indicated an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age. At the time, the rate of occurrence of this failure was comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030. During the EA, ODI’s analysis of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles identified the following: testing showed minor steering effort changes between “assist” and “no assist”, no root cause identified, a declining failure trend, the ramp-down or reduced assist provided when a DTC is set, a lower failure rate than the recalled Fusion vehicles, and the high age of the vehicles. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified. Accordingly, this Engineering Analysis is closed. See the attached Engineering Analysis Closing Report for details. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety defect does not exist, and ODI will take further actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steering:rack And Pinion
On September 28, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles. During the PE, ODI received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at various speeds with no warning. Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1,851 unique reports and 1,720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem. It should be noted that as the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford conducted a safety recall (15V-340) ofMY 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist. On November 20, 2017, PE16-011 was upgraded to this Engineering Analysis (EA17-004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and consequence of this failure. This was based on an analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data that had indicated an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age. At the time, the rate of occurrence of this failure was comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030. During the EA, ODI’s analysis of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles identified the following: testing showed minor steering effort changes between “assist” and “no assist”, no root cause identified, a declining failure trend, the ramp-down or reduced assist provided when a DTC is set, a lower failure rate than the recalled Fusion vehicles, and the high age of the vehicles. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified. Accordingly, this Engineering Analysis is closed. See the attached Engineering Analysis Closing Report for details. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety defect does not exist, and ODI will take further actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steering:rack And Pinion:rack
On September 28, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles. During the PE, ODI received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at various speeds with no warning. Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1,851 unique reports and 1,720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem. It should be noted that as the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford conducted a safety recall (15V-340) ofMY 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist. On November 20, 2017, PE16-011 was upgraded to this Engineering Analysis (EA17-004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and consequence of this failure. This was based on an analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data that had indicated an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age. At the time, the rate of occurrence of this failure was comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030. During the EA, ODI’s analysis of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles identified the following: testing showed minor steering effort changes between “assist” and “no assist”, no root cause identified, a declining failure trend, the ramp-down or reduced assist provided when a DTC is set, a lower failure rate than the recalled Fusion vehicles, and the high age of the vehicles. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified. Accordingly, this Engineering Analysis is closed. See the attached Engineering Analysis Closing Report for details. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety defect does not exist, and ODI will take further actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE16011 · Power Steering Failure
Opened Sep 28, 2016 · Closed Dec 25, 2017
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System
On September 28th, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-011 to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles.ODI has received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at speed with no warning.During the PE16-011 investigation, Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1851 unique reports and 1720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem.As the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford previously conducted a recall (15V-340) of the 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist.An analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data indicates an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age.The rate of occurrence of this failure is comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030.Therefore, the Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency and consequence of this failure. ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle under the identification (NHTSA ID) numbers found in the attached list.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:electric Power Assist System
On September 28th, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-011 to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles.ODI has received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at speed with no warning.During the PE16-011 investigation, Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1851 unique reports and 1720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem.As the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford previously conducted a recall (15V-340) of the 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist.An analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data indicates an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age.The rate of occurrence of this failure is comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030.Therefore, the Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency and consequence of this failure. ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle under the identification (NHTSA ID) numbers found in the attached list.
Steering
On September 28th, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-011 to investigate claims of power steering assist loss on model year 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles.ODI has received 718 unique claims related to the alleged problem with 598 reports indicating the power steering assist failed while driving at speed with no warning.During the PE16-011 investigation, Ford Motor Company (Ford) provided 1851 unique reports and 1720 warranty claims related to the alleged problem.As the result of investigation PE14-030, Ford previously conducted a recall (15V-340) of the 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and other vehicles using the same electric power assist steering unit to rectify incidents of loss of power steering assist.An analysis of the subject vehicle complaint data indicates an increased likelihood of failure as the vehicles age.The rate of occurrence of this failure is comparable to previous investigations involving loss of power steering assist including the previously mentioned PE14-030.Therefore, the Preliminary Evaluation (PE16-011) has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency and consequence of this failure. ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle under the identification (NHTSA ID) numbers found in the attached list.
PE14030 · Electric Power Steering Failure
Opened Oct 2, 2014 · Closed Sep 10, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate complaints of the loss of power steering while driving. The subject vehicles are equipped with a rack mounted Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) unit.Some of the complaints alleged that the steering assist failed and resulted in increased steering efforts that contributed to a loss of control and in some cases a crash.The EPAS system was manufactured by TRW Automotive for Ford and was designated as Generation I.These units were first produced and put into vehicle production in July 2008 beginning with the model year (MY) 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.The system is comprised of a mechanical steering rack-and-pinion gear with torque sensor, electric assist motor, motor position sensor and a power steering control module (PSCM). The PSCM is self-monitoring and designed to detect faults within the system and can store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if a problem is detected.There are 29 potential DTCs the system can detect.Many of these allow the system to go into reduced-assist steering mode by using the default vehicle speed signal should the live speed signal be lost, if voltage to EPAS system falls below 10.7 or goes above 17 volts, the temperature at the PSCM goes above 105C (221F), or if high friction is detected.Some DTCs will cause the system to go into manual steering mode (no assist). On July 1, 2015, Ford filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a safety related defect in TRW GEN I EPAS systems installed in some of the subject vehicles (NHTSA Recall 15V-340, Ford No. 15S18).The DIR indicated that intermittent electrical connections caused by quality issues associated with conformal coat contamination and ribbon cable pin misalignment within the steering gear motor may lead to a loss of the motor position sensor signal, resulting in a sudden loss of power assist while driving.The recall covers approximately 393,623 vehicles built from September 2010 through February 2012:2011-12 Fusion built SEP 2010 - FEB 2012; 2011-12 Lincoln MKZ built SEP 2010 - FEB 2012; 2011 Milan built SEP 2010 - DEC 2010; 2011-13 Taurus built SEP 2010 - FEB 2012; 2011-13 Flex with 3.5L GTDI engine built SEP 2010 - FEB 2012; and 2011-13 MKS, MKT with 3.5L GTDI engine built SEP 2010 - FEB 2012.The repair consists of updating the PSCM software to prevent a loss of steering assist while driving. The revised software will provide audible and visual warnings to the driver. If one or more of the following DTCs are stored, C1B00-62, C200B-2F, C200B-61, C200B-62, C200C-2F, C200D-49, U0300-00, U2011-49, U2011-61, U3000-46, U3000-49, U3000-61, U3000-72, U3000-96, P07AE-09, the dealer will replace the EPAS system at no charge to the owner.ODI's analysis of failure data for this PE identified a total of 2,584 complaints to ODI and Ford and 9,967 Ford warranty claims related to the alleged defect.The recalled vehicles account for 1,634 of the complaints and 7,311 of the warranty claims.ODI's analysis identified 40 complaints alleging crashes that may be related to loss of steering assist while driving, 20 of which involved vehicles included in Ford's recall.The information available for the alleged crashes were not sufficient to assess specific causes of the incidents or to verify EPAS malfunctions in each case.Most of the crashes were low-speed impacts with curbs or roadside objects resulting in wheel or minor body damage.None of the injury claims indicated medical attention was required.In addition, statistical modeling of the failure data by NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis projected 10-year failur
EA12009 · Floor Mat Interference With Accelerator
Opened Dec 12, 2012 · Closed Jun 12, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
On May 27, 2014, Ford Motor Company submitted recall 14E-028 (Ford recall #14S07) to correct a safety-related problem with certain driver's side Ford optional all-weather floor mats sold for use in model year 2006 through 2011 model year Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr, and Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant (HAP) from November 9, 2007, to October 31 ,2010.NHTSA testing determined that the original accessory all-weather mat with a single retention clip (Figure 1), may interfere with accelerator pedal return to idle with the mat retained by the clip and rotated clockwise.Both the single- and double-clip (Figure 2) all-weather floor mats may interfere with the accelerator pedal return to idle when the mats are not secured by the retention clip(s).Testing showed that this can occur if the mats are moved forward from the clipped position approximately two inches into a position in which the rear edge of the mats will abut the retention clip(s) when installed singly and align with the clip(s) when stacked on another floor mat.The pedal interference incidents reviewed by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) include 1 crash and 9 incidents with allegations of brake friction materials smoking and/or requiring repair for heat related damage.The crash incident occurred after the parking brake was applied at speed, resulting in loss-of-control vehicle yaw event caused by lock-up of the rear tires.The spin-out resulted in a side impact collision with an oncoming vehicle in an opposing lane of traffic. For the 29 incidents with sufficient information available to make an assessment; 23 (79%) were controlled by the driver either shifting to neutral, turning the engine off, or both; 4 (14%) were ended by the driver either kicking the pedal free (2) or pulling the mat away from the pedal (2); and 2 (7%) were ended by the pedal freeing itself from the mat with no apparent driver action.None of the drivers who reacted to the incident by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off reported any difficulties with either action.The subject mats were sold by Ford and Lincoln dealers directly to customers as an optional accessory equipment item or, beginning in November 2007, the mats were also available as a factory installed accessory if ordered with a new vehicle.Ford estimates that approximately 82,579 affected driver's side all weather floor mats were sold worldwide; either over the counter through Ford dealerships or as original equipment.Owners that purchased the subject all-weather floor mats as a factory installed accessory with their new vehicle will be notified to return their all weather floor mats to their Ford or Lincoln Dealership in exchange for replacement mats.Owners of all other potentially affected vehicles will be notified that, if they have an affected Ford driver's side all weather floor mat, they should return their mats to the dealership in exchange for replacement mats.The VOQs associated with the closing of this investigation are: 10327597, 10332233, 10334211, 10335336, 10339330, 10348772 (and duplicate 10342572), 10372674, 10379562, 10415911, 10426255, 10434107, 10521053, 10554966.This investigation is hereby closed.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
On May 27, 2014, Ford Motor Company submitted recall 14E-028 (Ford recall #14S07) to correct a safety-related problem with certain driver's side Ford optional all-weather floor mats sold for use in model year 2006 through 2011 model year Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr, and Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant (HAP) from November 9, 2007, to October 31 ,2010.NHTSA testing determined that the original accessory all-weather mat with a single retention clip (Figure 1), may interfere with accelerator pedal return to idle with the mat retained by the clip and rotated clockwise.Both the single- and double-clip (Figure 2) all-weather floor mats may interfere with the accelerator pedal return to idle when the mats are not secured by the retention clip(s).Testing showed that this can occur if the mats are moved forward from the clipped position approximately two inches into a position in which the rear edge of the mats will abut the retention clip(s) when installed singly and align with the clip(s) when stacked on another floor mat.The pedal interference incidents reviewed by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) include 1 crash and 9 incidents with allegations of brake friction materials smoking and/or requiring repair for heat related damage.The crash incident occurred after the parking brake was applied at speed, resulting in loss-of-control vehicle yaw event caused by lock-up of the rear tires.The spin-out resulted in a side impact collision with an oncoming vehicle in an opposing lane of traffic. For the 29 incidents with sufficient information available to make an assessment; 23 (79%) were controlled by the driver either shifting to neutral, turning the engine off, or both; 4 (14%) were ended by the driver either kicking the pedal free (2) or pulling the mat away from the pedal (2); and 2 (7%) were ended by the pedal freeing itself from the mat with no apparent driver action.None of the drivers who reacted to the incident by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off reported any difficulties with either action.The subject mats were sold by Ford and Lincoln dealers directly to customers as an optional accessory equipment item or, beginning in November 2007, the mats were also available as a factory installed accessory if ordered with a new vehicle.Ford estimates that approximately 82,579 affected driver's side all weather floor mats were sold worldwide; either over the counter through Ford dealerships or as original equipment.Owners that purchased the subject all-weather floor mats as a factory installed accessory with their new vehicle will be notified to return their all weather floor mats to their Ford or Lincoln Dealership in exchange for replacement mats.Owners of all other potentially affected vehicles will be notified that, if they have an affected Ford driver's side all weather floor mat, they should return their mats to the dealership in exchange for replacement mats.The VOQs associated with the closing of this investigation are: 10327597, 10332233, 10334211, 10335336, 10339330, 10348772 (and duplicate 10342572), 10372674, 10379562, 10415911, 10426255, 10434107, 10521053, 10554966.This investigation is hereby closed.
Vehicle Speed Control
On May 27, 2014, Ford Motor Company submitted recall 14E-028 (Ford recall #14S07) to correct a safety-related problem with certain driver's side Ford optional all-weather floor mats sold for use in model year 2006 through 2011 model year Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr, and Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant (HAP) from November 9, 2007, to October 31 ,2010.NHTSA testing determined that the original accessory all-weather mat with a single retention clip (Figure 1), may interfere with accelerator pedal return to idle with the mat retained by the clip and rotated clockwise.Both the single- and double-clip (Figure 2) all-weather floor mats may interfere with the accelerator pedal return to idle when the mats are not secured by the retention clip(s).Testing showed that this can occur if the mats are moved forward from the clipped position approximately two inches into a position in which the rear edge of the mats will abut the retention clip(s) when installed singly and align with the clip(s) when stacked on another floor mat.The pedal interference incidents reviewed by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) include 1 crash and 9 incidents with allegations of brake friction materials smoking and/or requiring repair for heat related damage.The crash incident occurred after the parking brake was applied at speed, resulting in loss-of-control vehicle yaw event caused by lock-up of the rear tires.The spin-out resulted in a side impact collision with an oncoming vehicle in an opposing lane of traffic. For the 29 incidents with sufficient information available to make an assessment; 23 (79%) were controlled by the driver either shifting to neutral, turning the engine off, or both; 4 (14%) were ended by the driver either kicking the pedal free (2) or pulling the mat away from the pedal (2); and 2 (7%) were ended by the pedal freeing itself from the mat with no apparent driver action.None of the drivers who reacted to the incident by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off reported any difficulties with either action.The subject mats were sold by Ford and Lincoln dealers directly to customers as an optional accessory equipment item or, beginning in November 2007, the mats were also available as a factory installed accessory if ordered with a new vehicle.Ford estimates that approximately 82,579 affected driver's side all weather floor mats were sold worldwide; either over the counter through Ford dealerships or as original equipment.Owners that purchased the subject all-weather floor mats as a factory installed accessory with their new vehicle will be notified to return their all weather floor mats to their Ford or Lincoln Dealership in exchange for replacement mats.Owners of all other potentially affected vehicles will be notified that, if they have an affected Ford driver's side all weather floor mat, they should return their mats to the dealership in exchange for replacement mats.The VOQs associated with the closing of this investigation are: 10327597, 10332233, 10334211, 10335336, 10339330, 10348772 (and duplicate 10342572), 10372674, 10379562, 10415911, 10426255, 10434107, 10521053, 10554966.This investigation is hereby closed.