NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
8 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 11, 2026
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other
While driving my 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid (VIN: [XXX]), the braking system suddenly failed. When applying the brake pedal, there was completely zero brake resistance, and the vehicle failed to engage proper braking power, creating an extremely hazardous driving condition. The vehicle was inspected by a certified Ford dealership (…
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While driving my 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid (VIN: [XXX]), the braking system suddenly failed. When applying the brake pedal, there was completely zero brake resistance, and the vehicle failed to engage proper braking power, creating an extremely hazardous driving condition. The vehicle was inspected by a certified Ford dealership (Lithia), which officially documented that the vehicle is "UNSAFE TO DRIVE due to having no brake resistance." The diagnostics confirmed that the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), the ABS module, and the Brake Master Cylinder have failed and require total replacement. The dealership also noted that the necessary braking parts are currently completely unavailable (backordered/no parts available). This is the exact same safety defect covered under Ford's previous Safety Recall 19S54 (NHTSA Campaign 19V904) for older Fusion models. However, the recall was never expanded to include the 2012 models, despite them using the same problematic braking infrastructure and experiencing identical catastrophic failures. NHTSA needs to investigate and force Ford to expand the recall to 2011-2012 models before this braking defect causes fatal accidents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11763530
128,275 miles · Jan 13, 2019
Unknown Or Other
AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH, MY CONTROL PANEL STARTING LIGHTING UP WITH A BRAKE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT. I WAS TERRIFIED THAT I WASN'T GOING TO BE ABLE TO STOP. AS I APPROACHED THE NEXT EXIT, I TRIED STEPPING ON THE BRAKES BUT IT WAS LIKE PUSHING ON AIR FOR A GOOD 10-15 SECONDS BEFORE MY CAR …
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AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH, MY CONTROL PANEL STARTING LIGHTING UP WITH A BRAKE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT. I WAS TERRIFIED THAT I WASN'T GOING TO BE ABLE TO STOP. AS I APPROACHED THE NEXT EXIT, I TRIED STEPPING ON THE BRAKES BUT IT WAS LIKE PUSHING ON AIR FOR A GOOD 10-15 SECONDS BEFORE MY CAR WOULD COME TO A STOP. ONCE THE CAR STOPPED IT WOULD CONTINUE TO ROLL SLIGHTLY. I HAPPEN TO BE TAKING IT FOR AN OIL CHANGE THAT DAY SO I HAD THEM LOOK AT IT. I HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE OF WHAT THE CODES READ FOR THEM. MY REGULAR MECHANIC ASKED THAT I TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR TO WORK FOR A FEW DAYS BECAUSE I AM A TEACHER AND HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET IT TO A FORD DELAERSHIP. AFTER READING ARTICLES ONLINE AND FINDING THIS SPECIFIC ARTICLE HTTPS://WWW.FORBES.COM/SITES/JENSEN/2018/04/24/BRAKE-FAILURE-FEDS-INVESTIGATE-WHETHER-FORD-SHOULD-RECALL-ONE-MILLION-SEDANS/#CA8321370C67 I FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS VERY DANGEROUS, SCARY PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11166712
80,000 miles · Oct 28, 2018
Unknown Or Other
ISSUE WITH BLOWER MOTOR SHORTING OUT AND SMELL OF MELTING PLASTIC FROM BLOWER MOTOR CABLING. BLOWER MOTOR REPLACED ONCE AND HAS SINCE GONE OUT AGAIN DUE TO SAME ISSUE IN LESS THAN 1 YEAR.
NHTSA ODI #11143520
72,799 miles · Mar 1, 2018
Unknown Or Other
ON 2/27, WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR TO GET OUT OF MY CAR, THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. I TRIED UNLOCKING IT TO NO AVAIL. I HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND USE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE TO GET OUT. (CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT) WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, I WAS TOLD EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER REPAIR…
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ON 2/27, WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR TO GET OUT OF MY CAR, THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. I TRIED UNLOCKING IT TO NO AVAIL. I HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND USE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE TO GET OUT. (CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT) WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, I WAS TOLD EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER REPAIR, AS THERE IS NO RECALL AND IT IS NOT A MECHANICAL FAILURE, READ YOUR CONTRACT. SO APPARENTLY SAFETY IS NOT AN ISSUE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT.
NHTSA ODI #11075750
139,000 miles · Feb 19, 2018
Unknown Or Other
DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH IS BROKEN AND NOT SECURE. WE SEE A RECALL TO INCLUDE 2013-2014 FORD FUSION, BUT OURS IS A 2012. IT LOOKS LIKE SAME ISSUE. COMPLAINTS.COM SHOWS A COMPLAINT LIST HERE: HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/FUSION/2012/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/DOOR_HANDLE_FAILURE.SHTML
NHTSA ODI #11073537
85,500 miles · Dec 8, 2015
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other
WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR FROM PARK ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER. LET CAR RESET, AND ABLE TO TURN IT OVER. FORD SELF SYSTEM CHECK VIA DASH CLUSTER WILL SHOW BRAKE AND HYBRID ELECTRIC CHARGING SYSTEM PROBLEMS BUT WILL RESET ITSELF AFTER NEXT KEY CYCLE. NOT ABLE TO FIND CODES FOR PROBLEM. OWNED CAR AP…
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WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR FROM PARK ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER. LET CAR RESET, AND ABLE TO TURN IT OVER. FORD SELF SYSTEM CHECK VIA DASH CLUSTER WILL SHOW BRAKE AND HYBRID ELECTRIC CHARGING SYSTEM PROBLEMS BUT WILL RESET ITSELF AFTER NEXT KEY CYCLE. NOT ABLE TO FIND CODES FOR PROBLEM. OWNED CAR APPROX 8 MONTHS, EXPERIENCED PROBLEM 4 TIMES ALL WITHIN 1 MONTH.
NHTSA ODI #10808946
15,500 miles · Nov 5, 2015
Unknown Or Other
I HAVE 15,500 MILES ON MY FUSION AND WAS INFORMED BY FORD (WINDOW STICKER) THAT I WOULD HAVE 41 MILES PER GALLON IN THE CITY AND 36 MILES PER GALLON ON THE HIGHWAY. A SAVING FOR THE INCREASED PRICES OF THE HYBRID OF $1,421 EACH AND EVERY YEARS. I WAS LIED TO BY THE STAFF AT THE SKILLMAN FORD DEALERSHIP, I AM LUCKY TO GET 32 MILE…
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I HAVE 15,500 MILES ON MY FUSION AND WAS INFORMED BY FORD (WINDOW STICKER) THAT I WOULD HAVE 41 MILES PER GALLON IN THE CITY AND 36 MILES PER GALLON ON THE HIGHWAY. A SAVING FOR THE INCREASED PRICES OF THE HYBRID OF $1,421 EACH AND EVERY YEARS. I WAS LIED TO BY THE STAFF AT THE SKILLMAN FORD DEALERSHIP, I AM LUCKY TO GET 32 MILES PER GALLON, THE SAME AS A REGULAR FUSION. I LOST MONEY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SELL THE VEHICLE FOR THE PRICE OF A HYBRID. FORD MOTOR COMPANY CHEATED ME OUT OF MONEY AND LIED ON THE WINDOW STICKER.
NHTSA ODI #10788711
7,500 miles · Jan 11, 2015
Unknown Or Other
ABOVE DATE AND MILEAGE IS AN ESTIMATE. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 11-29-14. STOP SAFETY HAZARD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. (INDICATES HYBRID COMPONENT FAULT/FAILURE THAT WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN, FAIL TO START OR ENTER INTO A LIMITED OPERATING MODE). VEHICLE LOOSES POWER. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. TURNED IGNITION O…
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ABOVE DATE AND MILEAGE IS AN ESTIMATE. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 11-29-14. STOP SAFETY HAZARD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. (INDICATES HYBRID COMPONENT FAULT/FAILURE THAT WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN, FAIL TO START OR ENTER INTO A LIMITED OPERATING MODE). VEHICLE LOOSES POWER. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. TURNED IGNITION OFF. WAITED A FEW MINUTES. RESTARTED CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE TWO YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE INITIAL TIME WAS LESS THAN A YEAR PRIOR TO THE SECOND INCIDENT DRIVING AT THE SAME SPEED. VEHICLE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,234. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT FOR CHECK. DESCRIPTION OF WORK DONE: -SEVERAL SCANS WERE DONE -CODE HYBRID POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE WAS DISABLED. -NO REASON WHY. COULD NOT REPLICATE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SO IT IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. IT IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD IN TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10671641
NHTSA investigations
4DP22005 · 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.
EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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.
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
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