Should I buy a 2006 Ford Fusion with documented steering problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented steering issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2006 Ford Fusion steering problems

severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →

Failure mileage

Complaints

Recalls

Avg fix

$700

1crash

4injuries

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.

Service Bulletin 0713 Dec 2007

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS FROM STEERING RACK AND PUMP ATTACHMENT JOINTS. UPDATED 2/27/08.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

The failure pattern owners describe

Owners describe two main steering-related problems in 2006 Fusions. The first involves power steering system failure—complete loss of power assist while driving, sometimes accompanied by loud noises (bang, humming) or fluid leaks. Some report the steering wheel locking up solid, making the vehicle undrivable mid-turn. One owner claims to have replaced the power steering pump six times since 2011. Another reports the power steering tension pulley disconnected at 90,000 miles.

The second issue centers on CV-joint wear in the front axle. Ford issued TSB 06-24-7 (and a related bulletin about CV-joint noise in cold weather below 20°F) noting that grease breakdown allows metal-to-metal contact. Owners report momentary clicking, grinding, rubbing, or crackling noise when first accelerating after sitting in cold, which Ford's bulletin says goes away after a few wheel rotations. One complaint mentions a cracked subframe related to steering control that carries TSB 06-24-7.

Several complaints also reference steering wheel sticking or pulling to one side with enough force to cause accidents. Owners cite difficulty turning, needing both hands to steer, and one incident where a stuck steering wheel led to a collision at 60 mph on US Route 52. Another owner reports the steering wheel getting stuck repeatedly.

Same Ford Fusion steering reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009

Failure modes owners describe

Power steering system failure / loss of assist

Complete or progressive loss of power steering assistance, sometimes with fluid loss or pulley disconnection. Steering wheel may lock up solid mid-turn or become extremely difficult to move.

When: Various mileages: 54,000 miles (fluid leak incident), 90,000+ miles (pulley disconnection); one owner reports recurring failures every 5-6 months since 2011

Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist lost while driving; Steering wheel locked up solid and would not turn wheels; Steering became progressively harder during drive cycle; Loud bang followed by abrupt lane change; Power steering fluid leaked onto driveway; Required two hands to turn steering wheel

Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced power steering pump six times between 2011 and complaint date (every 5-6 months); power steering tension pulley disconnected in one case; Ford advised bringing vehicle in for repair

CV-joint wear and noise (cold-start condition)

Premature wear of front CV-joint grease allowing metal-to-metal contact. TSB issued for 2006/2007 Fusion/Milan vehicles built on or before 7/16/2007. Noise typically temporary on first acceleration after cold soak but indicates underlying degradation.

When: Occurs after vehicle sits in ambient temperatures below 20°F; manifests on first acceleration; no mileage specified in narratives

Symptoms owners cite: Momentary clicking, grinding, rubbing, or crackling noise when first accelerating after sitting in cold; Noise lasts a few wheel rotations then stops

Repairs/costs cited: TSB corrective action is replacing the axle shafts

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 06-24-7 posted for 2006 Fusion/Milan/Zephyr vehicles built on or before 7/16/2007; Ford did not issue recall despite TSB; warranty coverage disputed in at least one case where dealer charged $2,100 for repairs

Steering wheel sticking / steering control loss

Steering wheel becomes stuck or steering system loses directional control, forcing vehicle to pull sharply in one direction. May relate to subframe cracking or internal steering column issues.

When: One incident at 60 mph on US Route 52; one owner reports wife felt car pulling to right on another occasion with a 'pop' sound

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel stuck and would not turn; Vehicle pulling to the right uncontrollably; Felt something pop followed by restoration of steering control; Something loose in steering column when turning left

Repairs/costs cited: One complaint mentions cracked subframe affecting steering control; dealer estimated $2,100 for repair and denied warranty coverage

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 06-24-7 mentions cracked subframe affecting steering; states repair eligible under New Vehicle Limited Warranty, but warranty coverage was disputed by dealers in field

Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Had steering trouble with your 2006 Ford Fusion? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Ford Fusion?

It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.

At what mileage does the steering typically fail?

Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 52,000 and 148,000 miles, with the median around 90,126. A quarter of owners report trouble before 52,000; a quarter make it past 148,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to steering?

No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Ford/Fusion. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.