Some 2010-2012 Fusion/Milan and 2011-2012 MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.5L or 3.0L engine and electronic power assist steering (EPAS), a remanufactured replacement steering gear (MU2Z-3V504-ARM) is available which is significantly less expensive than a new replacement gear. When conducting repairs that are customer pay, offer the customer a remanufactured gear when possible. This would include vehicles not included in field service action (FSA) 15N01 (built on or before 7-Sep-2010) or vehicles included in FSA 15N01 that have exceeded the 10 year/150,000 mile terms of the program.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Ford Fusion steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Ford Fusion have filed 1,657 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 102,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
1,657
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 Fusion | 12 |
| 2007 Fusion | 21 |
| 2008 Fusion | 11 |
| 2009 Fusion | 16 |
| 2010 Fusion (this page) | 1,657 |
| 2011 Fusion | 1,422 |
| 2012 Fusion | 1,502 |
| 2013 Fusion | 417 |
| 2014 Fusion | 342 |
32crashes
1fire
19injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 1,657 steering complaints filed for the 2010 Ford Fusion, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 15 model years of Ford Fusion we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 1,657.
Steering accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
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.
SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: THERE MAY BE A STEERING DRIFT WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT OR UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. 2010-2011 FUSION/MILAN/MKZ. THIS COULD BE NORMAL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2010 Ford Fusion's electronic power steering system is failing without warning across hundreds of documented cases. Owners describe the steering wheel suddenly locking up or becoming immovable during highway driving, low-speed turns, and parking—with dashboard alerts appearing only after the failure has already begun. Some vehicles experience intermittent faults over years before complete failure; others lose steering suddenly with no prior indication.
The system disables itself completely when it detects a fault, leaving drivers to manually force the wheel with all their strength. Restarting the engine sometimes restores function temporarily, but the pattern repeats. Dealerships typically charge $1,500–$2,500 to replace the steering rack and pinion, though replacement parts fail again within months or years. Many owners report dealers claiming the 2010 is not under recall despite Ford issuing identical-component recalls for 2011–2013 models.
Diagnostic resets clear warning codes temporarily without fixing the underlying issue. Ford has acknowledged this as a "common issue" with the Fusion but has not expanded the recall to cover 2010 models, leaving owners responsible for repairs that often prove ineffective. An NHTSA investigation into the 2010 model's steering has been ongoing since at least 2016 with no resolution.
Same Ford Fusion steering reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering Module/Rack Failure with Complete Loss of Assist
The electronic power steering system loses all assist function, typically triggered by warning messages ('SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW', 'POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT', 'SERVICE ADVANCETRAC'). Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and nearly impossible to turn manually. Failures occur suddenly during operation or upon vehicle startup with no mechanical warning beforehand.
When: Various mileage and timing patterns reported; incidents between 42k-109k miles, occurring at startup, during highway driving (30-75 mph), and low-speed maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assist with steering wheel lock-up or extreme stiffness; Dashboard warning messages: 'SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW', 'POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT', 'SERVICE ADVANCETRAC'; Audible chime or warning alert accompanying failure; Failure occurs without warning or diagnostic codes stored in computer; Turning vehicle off and restarting sometimes temporarily restores function; Recurring intermittent failures over months or years
Codes mentioned: P1450 (evaporative purge system), Code 100410 (unable to communicate with power steering system), Permanent codes that do not clear with scan tools
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacements include steering rack and pinion assembly (~$1,500–$2,200), power steering module/PSCM updates, steering angle sensor/clockspring replacement, and occasional wiring harness work. Multiple owners report the same part failing repeatedly within months despite replacement. Parts frequently on back order.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2011–2013 Fusion models were recalled for electronic power steering failure; 2010 models excluded despite identical steering components. NHTSA investigation opened and re-opened; no recall issued for 2010 model year. Ford dealers claim inability to replicate faults when no stored codes present. Some owners report Ford Customer Service denying awareness of the issue despite multiple complaints online.
Intermittent Power Steering Fault Messages with Temporary Loss of Assist
Warning messages appear intermittently, often clearing after engine restart, but power steering assist becomes increasingly difficult or stiff when the fault is present. Problem may persist for years with increasing frequency before complete failure occurs.
When: Patterns vary from weekly to daily occurrences over 3–5 year periods; some incidents tied to rough road surfaces, pothole impacts, or cruise control engagement
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent 'POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT' or 'SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW' warnings; Steering becomes stiff or difficult to turn when warning is active; Problem resolves temporarily after turning engine off and restarting; Warnings disappear on restart but reoccur unpredictably; Frequency increases over time (from occasional to multiple times per week); No trouble codes stored or codes clear after diagnostic reset
Codes mentioned: No stored codes in many cases despite recurring warnings, Steering angle sensor/clockspring faults (when diagnosed)
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary fixes include code resets at dealerships or independent shops (costing $100–$500), computer resets, or steering wheel manipulation to restore function. Permanent repairs require steering rack/module replacement ($1,400–$2,500). Resets often fail to provide lasting relief.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers perform diagnostic resets without identifying root cause. Ford acknowledges this as a 'common issue' with the Fusion but declines warranty coverage outside recall parameters. No TSB issued for 2010 models. Some dealers suggest the vehicle is still drivable with manual steering.
Steering System Failure Related to Ignition Reset or Battery/Sensor Issues
Power steering faults are linked to dead batteries, tire pressure sensor faults, evaporative system codes, and steering angle sensor failures within the airbag clockspring. Owners report that Ford programming may intentionally disable power steering when check engine lights are ignored, creating a secondary safety hazard.
When: Failures occur after extended periods of ignoring warning lights, upon vehicle startup following battery drain, or in cold weather (tire pressure sensor sensitivity)
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering loss following battery replacement or discharge; Steering angle sensor fault in clockspring under steering wheel; Evaporative system codes (e.g., P1450) triggering power steering disable; Tire pressure sensor faults triggering steering loss; Power steering disabled intentionally by Ford ECM when check engine light ignored for extended periods
Codes mentioned: P1450 (evaporative purge system fault), Steering angle sensor faults, Battery/electrical codes
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include battery replacement (~$100–$200), steering angle sensor/clockspring replacement (~$200–$300), evaporative system repairs, and tire pressure sensor replacement. Software resets and drive cycles (100–200 miles over several days) required for permanent code clearing. FORscan or FORDsys proprietary software needed to reset ECM on some vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford acknowledges programming that disables power steering when check engine lights are ignored; no formal TSB or recall addresses this practice. Manufacturers recommend extended drive cycles for ECM reset; consumers report this fails in many cases. No warranty coverage offered.
Power Steering Failure After Braking or Hard Maneuvers
Steering wheel locks up or loses assist during braking, turning, or when encountering road surface irregularities (potholes, rough pavement). Some owners report the steering angle sensor triggering a false fault when rough road contact occurs.
When: Occurs at speeds of 25–75 mph; triggered by braking, turning, or hitting road surface imperfections
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden steering wheel lock or stiffness during or immediately after braking; Loss of power steering during turning maneuvers at low to moderate speeds; Steering fault triggered by road surface contact (potholes, rough pavement); Steering returns to normal after turning engine off and restarting
Codes mentioned: Steering angle sensor faults, Advance Trac (stability control) fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Steering angle sensor calibration or replacement; steering rack and pinion replacement. Some owners report repeated failures despite multiple replacements, suggesting sensor recalibration may be the actual fix rather than hardware replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers recommend sensor recalibration after road salt or mud contamination. No recall or TSB issued. One dealer suggested washing undercarriage to remove contaminants; problem reoccurred a third time.
Synthesized from 1,657 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the messages "Tract Off" and "Service Power Steering" were displayed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was…
While driving the steering failed, was able to avoid crashing into power pole!!!
Went to crank it one day after changing a tire on the front and the power steering quit working when I got back in it and cranked it up and hasn't worked since.
I was moving my vehicle from outside drive into my garage. When steering assist message appeared. At this point power steering failed. Was able to drive vehicle inside. I had vehicle towed to Ford dealer were the steering power pack module was replaced.
Complete loss of power steering while driving on a major highway at 55mph. An indicator message came on at that time, reading "service power steering now" as well as "service advance track now" and due to loss of steering and inability to turn the steering wheel, I was able to pull off the road to avoid an accident. Diagnostics at Ford certified repair center indicated a faulty sensor in the…
I went to pick up my car from the Ford dealership after dropping it off, again, on friday, 12/27 to fix the same exact issue I brought it in for the day before. The steering got incredibly stiff and the "service power steering now" light came on as well as the "service advancetrac" light. The first time they replaced the steering rack. Second time they blamed the wiring. I brought the car in…
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH in a parking lot, the power steering lost functionality. The contact stated that the "Service Power Steering Now" warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle in the parking lot and turned off and on restarted the vehicle several times; however, the power steering assist failed to resume…
The vehicle was stationary, when I went to turn it on it had a power steering assist fault. Ended up having to take it into the dealership who are working on it right now. Total cost of the work is about $1,800 and looking online it's obvious many others have had this issue. When I brought up the recall on 2010 Ford fusions (recall 15s18) I was told that only applied to cars built in september of…
I went to drive my car and lost all steering capabilities...the power steering was lost. I still had to get my car home which was still a safety issue without the power steering I was close to home and I was in a panic without the steering capabilities. The car was in motion to get it home. This was a very scary situation. If I had been on a major road this would of been a serious situation…
I have a 2010 Ford fusion se 4drv6 and was driving my vehicle down a highway and my low tire pressure light came on. Unable to pull over immediately I drove to the nearest good year which offers free tire repair when out of no where the traction stability control kicked in on my car and my service screen said "service power steering now" I maintained control of the vehicle until I got to good…
Had steering trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Ford Fusion?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 1657 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 1371 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 76,000 and 130,458 miles, with the median around 102,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 76,000; a quarter make it past 130,458. 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.
Related
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/2010/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.