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moderate 417 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Of the 417 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Ford Fusion, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
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.
Steering accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 417 steering complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 417 complaints per campaign.
This could result in impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Buyer takeaway: The 2013 Ford Fusion has a serious, well-documented electronic power steering defect that strikes without warning and renders the vehicle dangerous or undriveable. Many owners face repair bills of $1,800–$4,400 for steering rack replacement; Ford's recall program is fragmented and excludes many vehicles built at the same plants during the same timeframe, leaving owners to pay out of pocket even when experiencing identical failures to recalled models.
The 2013 Ford Fusion's electronic power steering system fails with alarming frequency and unpredictability. Most commonly, the power steering rack loses assist function entirely or intermittently, forcing owners to manually steer a vehicle that becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn at low speeds. Warning messages like "Steering Assist Fault" or "Steering Loss Stop Safely" appear on the dash, sometimes with no diagnostic codes present. Failures strike at mileages ranging from under 3,000 miles on new cars to over 130,000 miles, with clusters occurring between 30,000 and 75,000 miles—often just after warranty expires.
Owners report steering wheels that lock solid, require two hands and maximum effort to turn, or suddenly regain function after a restart (temporarily). Some experience complete electrical system failure alongside steering loss: brakes, parking brake, and airbags all stop working simultaneously due to ABS module malfunction or corroded wiring at wheel sensors.
Repair costs run $1,800 to $4,400 for electronic rack replacement. Ford's recall program covers certain model batches and VINs but deliberately excludes thousands of 2013 Fusions built at identical plants during the same periods, even Energi hybrids with the same failure signature. Dealerships and Ford consistently refuse assistance to owners not on the official recall list, despite the defect being well-known across forums and consumer databases. Replacement parts are frequently on backorder, leaving owners without transportation for weeks.
Same Ford Fusion steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
The electronic power steering rack or gear module fails, either suddenly or intermittently, causing complete or near-complete loss of power steering assist. Owners report the steering wheel becoming extremely difficult to turn, sometimes impossible at low speeds. Failures occur both at startup and while driving. Some owners report brief regain of function after restart; others report permanent loss.
When: Failures reported across a wide mileage range: as low as 2,800 miles on a new vehicle, typically between 30,000–75,000 miles, but also at 133,000+ miles. Some failures occur shortly after warranty expiration (33,000–36,000 miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn; Complete loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel seizure or lock; Warning light: 'Power Steering Assist Fault,' 'Steering Assist Malfunction Service Required,' or 'Steering Loss Stop Safely'; Intermittent loss of assist that may reset after vehicle restart (temporary); No warning codes detected in some cases despite failure; Steering wheel jerks or shudders on startup before seizing
Codes mentioned: No codes (many owners report clean diagnostics despite failure), NHTSA Campaign 13V232000, NHTSA Campaign 15V250000, NHTSA Campaign 19V632000, NHTSA Campaign 19S26
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic power steering rack and pinion assembly replacement required. Owner-cited costs range from $1,800 to $4,396, with most repairs in the $1,900–$2,300 range. Requires reprogramming or module recalibration. Parts often on backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recalls 13S06 (13V232000), 15S14 (15V250000), 19S26, and others issued for 2011–2013 model years, but many affected 2013 Fusions (especially Energi hybrids) are excluded from recalls despite being built at same plant and timeframe. Ford denies assistance to owners not covered by recall VIN lists, even when vehicles exhibit identical failures. Ford directed owners to pay for diagnosis and repair.
ABS module or related electrical failure causes steering assist to disable along with brakes, parking brake, and airbag systems. Owners report multiple warning lights illuminating (ABS, AdvanceTrac, Blind Spot, Stability Control, Front Airbag). The steering becomes extremely difficult because the electronic assist is integrated with the ABS system. Corrosion in wiring harnesses at the wheel speed sensor areas is suspected.
When: Primarily during cold/wet weather or shortly after snowfall. Reported at varying mileages; one incident at 70,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights on dashboard (ABS, AdvanceTrac, Stability Control, Blind Spot, Front Airbag); Steering becomes very difficult; electrical assist disabled; Brakes fail or become unresponsive; Parking brake disabled; Airbags do not deploy during collision; Vehicle may shut down completely while driving; Loss of braking and steering control simultaneously
Codes mentioned: ABS module failure, Speed sensor corrosion (suspected)
Repairs/costs cited: Speed sensor and hub replacement ($635 in one case). Wiring harness inspection and repair for corrosion. One repair involved corroded or malfunctioning wire in ABS driver/passenger side wheel well area.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls specifically addressing this electrical/ABS integration issue. Owners directed to dealer for diagnosis and repair at own expense.
Vehicle engine stalls unexpectedly while driving or backing, causing simultaneous loss of power steering, brake assist, and other control systems (no hydraulic or electrical power available). When the engine shuts off, the steering wheel locks and brakes fail. This is distinct from the electronic rack failure—it is a consequence of total engine shutdown.
When: Multiple stall events reported at varying times and mileages. One owner reported stalls at 25 mph and 75 mph on interstate.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly shuts down while driving or reversing; Steering wheel locks completely; Brakes become unresponsive or require extreme force; Message: 'Press Brake to Start'; Vehicle rolls uncontrollably; Multiple warning lights illuminate; Vehicle difficult or impossible to restart immediately
Codes mentioned: Throttle body malfunction (related: Customer Satisfaction Program 13N03, now expired)
Repairs/costs cited: Related to intermittent engine stalls. Throttle body inspected/replaced under expired CSP 13N03. Root cause of stalls not definitively resolved in many cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford told owners to continue driving until issue recurs. CSP 13N03 (throttle body) has expired; no warranty or compensation available. No steering-specific recall for stall-related control loss.
The steering rack develops internal mechanical failure without loss of function initially, manifesting as grinding sounds, periodic catching when turning, and wheel seizure risk. Grinding sound similar to traditional power steering system losing fluid. Condition progresses; wheel may lock up without warning while driving.
When: Failures occur as low as 53,000–60,000 miles with no apparent abuse. One case at 161,546 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noises when starting car and pulling out of parking spot; Steering wheel periodically catches during turns; Wheel may lock up without warning; Initially subtle symptoms that worsen rapidly
Codes mentioned: No codes in many cases
Repairs/costs cited: Complete steering rack and pinion assembly replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall on rack and pinion issued for some model years, but VINs from same plant and timeframe often excluded from recall lists. Owners denied warranty coverage.
Steering wheel becomes loose and wobbles side to side during driving, feeling as though it is about to come off. This is distinct from power steering loss and represents a mechanical fastener or hub failure at the steering column.
When: Reported on 2013 model at undisclosed mileage. Recall 18S08 issued for 2014–2018 models but not 2013, even though vehicles were manufactured at same plant.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel wobbles side to side; Steering wheel feels loose and unsecured; Wheel feels unstable while driving, especially on expressway
Codes mentioned: Recall 18S08 (for 2014–2018 models, not 2013)
Repairs/costs cited: Steering wheel and/or hub fasteners require tightening or replacement. Owners had to pay out of pocket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18S08 issued for 2014–2018 models but not extended to 2013 despite identical defect and same manufacturing plant. Ford refused to cover repair on 2013 model.
Recall work (15S14) performed on steering gear motor mounting bolts (corrosion inspection and anti-rust wax application) was insufficient. Bolts found intact, only surface treatment applied. However, complete steering gear assembly replacement was required per Ford directive if bolts were broken/missing. Vehicle failed later at low mileage.
When: Recall work performed at 30,000 miles; power steering failed shortly after purchase at ~60,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete power steering failure after recall repair deemed 'complete'; No warning before failure
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 15S14 / 15V250000 (steering gear motor corrosion)
Repairs/costs cited: Ford directive was to replace entire steering gear assembly if bolts were compromised; merely applying anti-rust wax was deemed insufficient by later failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15S14 performed (visual inspection + anti-rust wax). Ford refused further assistance after failure, stating recall was completed. Owner and dealer both stated Ford would not assist with steering repair.
Synthesized from 417 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Steering stopped working during drive home. It is now at my house. Safety was impacted because it became problematic during the drive. I had an independent mechanic evaluate the car today, he stated that this make and model of a vehicle is known to have this problem, and diagnosed it with a need to replace the steering rack. A warning appeared during the drive right before we got home, now car…
My 2013 Ford fusion power steering failed, get power assist failure message as well as lane assist failure message very dangerous
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford fusion. While driving 35 MPH, the contact had to use excessive strength to turn the steering wheel and the low power steering warning indicator illuminated, the vehicle was taken to paul cerame Ford (11400 new halls ferry road, florissant, mo 63033, (314) 838-2400) where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford fusion. The contact stated that the power steering failed. The power steering warning light illuminated indicating service power steering now. The vehicle was taken to herb chambers Ford of westborough (310 turnpike rd, rte. 9, westborough, ma 01581) but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact was referred by the dealer to the manufacturer for assistance. The…
While driving the car in a commercial are the wheel stopped steering. I could not move the wheel left or right and got stuck in an intersection. A police officer came and sat with me while we waited for a tow truck. The car was towed to the Ford dealership and was looked at when they opened after the weekend. They put in a request to Ford to allow the piece to be replaced under current recalls…
I parked my 2013 Ford fusion with 52,000 miles on it for 3 days in my driveway and when I started it a message saying power steering assist fault came on and there isn't any power steering. I contacted Ford and they said they will look at it but I had to pay for the tech's time, I then looked on the web and it said there was a recall on this for over 445k Ford cars, but my VIN was not part of it…
This is a case of multiple incidents, first incident with significant issue was on 12/11/2014. As I was pulling out of my driveway and reversing across two lanes of traffic, my car turned off and said "press brake to start" (I have the push-start-ignition). The car turned off as I was revering across the street, I had to put the car in park in order to restart the car. I restarted the car and…
Power Steering warning light came on while I was driving. I was still able to steer the car. After I shut the car off and turned it back on I could barely steer the car. The warning light came on again. I left the car at a nearby garage, but they are closed until Jan 2, because of the holiday. I could have gotten into an accident. Other vehicles were flashing their lights and honking as I had to…
While driving on a highway at around 40 MPH, about to cross a bridge, I lost power steering and it immediately became very difficult to turn the wheel.
The steering wheel has gotten hard to turn.. Just one day it start doing this and hasn't stop.. I just got my car february 2018.. I just don't understand... I turnt my car of when I went to the store one day, when I turnt it back on all kinds of lights came on, ( power steering, hill assist start, etc), and it wouldn't turn right. It became hard to turn, but wasn't doing it before...
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 417 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 316 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 45,000 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 106,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.