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 ↗2011 Mercury Milan steering problems
moderate 74 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
74
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 74 steering complaints filed for the 2011 Mercury Milan, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
Steering accounts for 40% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 74 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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 2011 Mercury Milan's electric power steering system fails without warning, leaving drivers unable to steer. Owners describe the steering wheel suddenly becoming rock-hard—some say it seizes completely—with dashboard warnings appearing only as the failure occurs. The loss of assist happens at any speed: highway merging, low-speed turns, parking, even at startup. One owner nearly crashed while exiting a 72 mph freeway turn. Another's wife was nearly hit by a truck while turning into a mall parking lot. Several owners report the steering warning clears after an engine restart, then returns permanently days or weeks later, forcing manual steering that takes strength many drivers don't have.
The core issue: a faulty electric power steering control module or motor sensor. Ford issued Recall 15V340000 in 2015 to address this exact problem, but the recall covers only vehicles built within a narrow VIN range (nominally September 2010–February 2012). Owners whose vehicles are identical—same year, make, model, identical symptoms—but built one week outside the window are excluded. Repairs, when covered by recall, came with only a 1-year/12,000-mile warranty, while regular repairs come with 2-year/50,000-mile coverage. One owner had the recall repair fail within 15,311 miles and was denied warranty coverage. Ford has refused to expand the recall or honor warranty claims after the recall period expired, citing federal warranty windows that consumers and mechanics say should not apply to unresolved safety defects.
Same Mercury Milan steering reports on nearby years: 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Failure with Loss of Assist
The electric power steering system loses assist capability, forcing drivers to steer manually with significantly increased effort. Often accompanied by warning messages ('Service Power Steering Now,' 'Power Steering Assist Fault,' 'Service Advance Trac') and traction control indicators. Failures can be sudden or intermittent, sometimes clearing after engine restart.
When: Varies widely: at startup, during highway driving (35–75 mph), low-speed maneuvering, and parking. Some owners report failures recurring over months before becoming permanent.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn; Loss of power steering assist with no warning or with dashboard alert; Steering wheel may seize or stick at certain angles; Service Power Steering Now / Power Steering Assist Fault / Service Advance Trac warning lights; Traction control light illumination; Intermittent failures that clear after restart, then become permanent; Excessive steering effort required, making vehicle unsafe to control; Abnormal grinding or 'bone-breaking' noise from front end during turns
Codes mentioned: U3000-49, U3000-96, C2000D-49, Power Steering Assist Fault code, Power Steering Control Module error, Steering Angle Sensor Fault
Repairs/costs cited: Full electric power steering system or steering gear replacement required. Owner estimates range $1,200–$3,000; dealerships quote $1,400–$2,300. Some owners report steering rack and pinion replacement. Labor typically 2–3 hours. Recall repair parts covered under NHTSA Campaign 15V340000 (and related 15S18, 15N01, 15V34) had warranty of only 1 year/12,000 miles; non-recall repairs offered 2 years/50,000 miles. One owner reported recall repair failed and reoccurred within 15,311 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued NHTSA Recall 15V340000 (and companion campaigns 15S18, 15N01) targeting 2011 Mercury Milans with EPAS systems, but coverage is limited by VIN and manufacturing date (nominally September 2010–February 2012). Many owners whose vehicles are identical year/make/model with identical failures report being excluded from recall due to exact manufacture date (e.g., vehicle made 9/2/2010 excluded; recall begins 9/7/2010). Ford has declined repairs for out-of-warranty vehicles and refused to honor recalls on vehicles not in VIN range. A 'Customer Satisfaction Program' exists as alternative to expired recall warranty but requires out-of-pocket payment (~$3,000).
Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) Malfunction
The steering control module malfunctions, triggering power steering failure and warning codes. Some owners report the part was addressed under recall in 2015–2016 but has failed again, with Ford refusing warranty coverage citing expiration of recall period despite federal law prohibiting warranty expiration on safety recalls.
When: Failures reported at various mileages from 49,000 to 180,000+ miles. One owner received recall repair in 2016 at ~94,000 miles; part failed again at ~109,000 miles (within 15,311 miles of repair).
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist loss without warning or with fault indicator; Steering wheel becomes difficult or impossible to turn; Power Steering Control Module error code displayed; Intermittent failures clearing after restart; Permanent failure after repeated intermittent incidents
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Control Module error, PSCM malfunction code
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of power steering control module. Cost not separately itemized by owners but typically included in full EPS system replacement ($1,200–$3,000). One owner found recall-covered repair warranted for only 1 year/12,000 miles, failing again shortly after.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V340000 and related campaigns addressed PSCM. However, Ford has cited 10-year window expiration and mileage restrictions to deny repairs on same-model vehicles outside recall VIN range. One owner reported Ford declined repair in 2016 when vehicle was within 10-year window and mileage restriction, then denied repair again in 2024 citing warranty expiration, despite federal law against such expiration on safety recalls.
Steering Rack/Pinion and Front-End Mechanical Failure
Steering rack, pinion, lower control arms, and tie rods fail or require replacement after power steering loss, sometimes as secondary consequences of PSCM/EPS failure.
When: Reported at mileages from 23,000 to 150,000+. Some occurred during initial power steering failures; others developed after earlier failures recurred.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal grinding or loud noise from front end during turns (described as 'bones breaking' sound); Steering wheel seizes or becomes stuck at specific angles; Excessive effort to steer; Lower control arms loose or worn; Tie rod end wear requiring replacement
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light (unspecified codes in some reports)
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack and pinion replacement ($1,500–$1,800 for part alone). Tie rod replacement and wheel alignment performed. Lower control arm replacement. One owner reported gear assembly and both right-side control arms needed replacement for $2,213.08. Another owner had vehicle repaired multiple times at dealer but failure recurred.
Synthesized from 74 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
The first symptom was the steering wheels failure to return to center after going around a corner. That went on for about 3 weeks before the Service Advance Trac warning came on. The vehicle started to have a terrible noise when turning the wheel which can only be described as the sound of bones breaking. The sound is increasing louder at slow speeds. Then the Advance Trac System Failure message…
Ive had loss of power steering . When car comp reset I had power steering again. Power steering rack was just replaced feb 2017 tail light replaced..flickered on n off like strobe light. Airbag light on
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercury milan. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off and when the key was turned over, there was a warning indicator for the power steering. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was at the dealers for longer than three weeks as the contact was waiting for a permanent repair remedy. The vehicle was not included in…
The contact owns a 2011 Mercury Milan. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing power steering failure. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The messages "Power Steering Assist Fault" and "Service Advancetrac" were displayed. The contact stated that she was unable to turn the steering…
As I was driving a low traction warning light came on and then the steering became impossible while pulling into my driveway and went through our grass leaving ruts in it. Apparently once the power steering went out and a warning sign came on in vehicle it now will not go off and its impossible to turn. There is a recall on certain VIN cars of our make, year and model however not specifically…
While driving normally, suddenly my power steering turned off on the highway and SERVICE Advancetrac and SERVICE Power steering came in with no warning or dashboard indicator lights. This caused serious driving issues and I was barely able to get home safely. This issue was addressed in the 2015 15S18 recall but the issue is still there.
The contact owns a 2011 Mercury Milan. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the front-end of the vehicle, and the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The "Service Power Steering Now" and "Service Advance Track" messages were displayed. Additionally, the traction control warning light was illuminated. The…
Getting power steering assist code. Was able to turn car off and restart and it would clear thus allowing the steering wheel to turn as expected. But now it won't clear. Lucky I was able to drive car from 7-eleven to work which was not too far from my job. When looking up issue on line I came across recall, but when I looked up my VIN it says there are no recall for my vehicle!!! This is…
Electronic steering rack and pinion caused car to lose steering. Some 2011 models have previously had this concern. First the ABS brake started pulsating than check brake light came on and than car lost the power steering. Dealership diagnostics show the electronic steering rack and pinion has stopped working.
Had steering trouble with your 2011 Mercury Milan?
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 2011 Mercury Milan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 74 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 56 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 74,000 and 140,000 miles, with the median around 100,200. A quarter of owners report trouble before 74,000; a quarter make it past 140,000. 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.
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/2011/Mercury/Milan.
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.