2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a LKS system with customer complaints of steering wheel vibration, steering pull or vehicle drift may be due to an alert and/or steering aid input from the LKS. The LKS system detects unintentional drifting toward the outside of the lane and alerts and/or aids vehicle to stay in the lane. Be sure the customer understands how the lane departure warning feature settings work for Alert (steering wheel vibration) and Aid (steering input toward lane center). Further information on the LKS can be found in the owners manual. If the customers concern is due to the LKS functioning as intended, do not attempt to repair.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Ford Fusion steering problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Ford Fusion have filed 342 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 73,000 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
342
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Fusion | 1,657 |
| 2011 Fusion | 1,424 |
| 2012 Fusion | 1,504 |
| 2013 Fusion | 417 |
| 2014 Fusion (this page) | 342 |
| 2015 Fusion | 177 |
| 2016 Fusion | 184 |
| 2017 Fusion | 51 |
| 2018 Fusion | 19 |
11crashes
7injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 342 steering complaints filed for the 2014 Ford Fusion, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Owners have filed 342 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.
Steering accounts for 24% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, 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.
When connecting the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) to the DLC located on the driver side under the steering column at the GWM, make sure that the ignition is off before connecting the VCM. If the ignition is on or the engine is running during the connection, it can result in various warning lights being illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), no start, no crank conditions or the IPC inoperative. If a vehicle displays these issues, disconnect the equipment from the DLC and disconnect the vehicle battery. Wait 10 minutes and reinstall with the ignition off. Clear any DTCs present and retest.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗WHEN HOOKING UP THE VEHICLE COMMUNICATION MODULE (VCM) AND INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) TO THE DLC LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN AT THE GWM, MAKE SURE THAT THE IGNITION IS OFF BEFORE CONNECTING TO IDS. IF THE IGNITION IS ON OR THE ENGINE IS RUNNING DURING THE HOOK UP, IT CAN RESULT IN VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS BEING ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS), NO START OR NO CRANK CONDITIONS OR THE CLUSTER INOPERATIVE. FOR LINCOLN VEHICLES, THIS INFORMATION IS NOW LISTED IN THE TECHNICAL INSPECTION AND POST ROAD TEST SECTIONS OF EPDI ON THE PTS WEBSITE. IF A VEHICLE DISPLAYS THESE ISSUES, DISCONNECT THE EQUIPMENT FROM THE DLC AND REINSTALL WITH THE IGNITION OFF
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WHEN HOOKING UP THE VEHICLE COMMUNICATION MODULE (VCM) AND INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) TO THE DLC LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN AT THE GWM, MAKE SURE THAT THE IGNITION IS OFF BEFORE CONNECTING TO IDS. IF THE IGNITION IS ON OR THE ENGINE IS RUNNING DURING THE HOOK UP, IT CAN RESULT IN VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS BEING ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS), NO START OR NO CRANK CONDITIONS OR THE CLUSTER INOPERATIVE. FOR LINCOLN VEHICLES, THIS INFORMATION IS NOW LISTED IN THE TECHNICAL INSPECTION AND POST ROAD TEST SECTIONS OF EPDI ON THE PTS WEBSITE. IF A VEHICLE DISPLAYS THESE ISSUES, DISCONNECT THE EQUIPMENT FROM THE DLC AND REINSTALL WITH THE IGNITION OFF
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Power steering failures dominate these 341 complaints. The core issue is water ingress into sealed steering gear assemblies. Aluminum bolts corrode and snap, internal components bind from corrosion, or the entire electronic power steering module fails—rendering the steering wheel either locked solid or mushy and unresponsive. Failures happen without warning at any speed, from 1,300 miles to 216,000 miles.
Owners describe sudden steering loss on highways and in parking lots alike. Some regain assist temporarily by restarting the engine; others lose it permanently. Multiple dashboard warnings appear: "Steering Assist Failure," "Service Advance Trac," "Hill Start Assist Not Available." Traction control and collision warning systems often fail alongside the steering.
Ford issued Recall 15V250000 (2015) and Recall 19V632000 (2019) for these exact failures. However, a striking number of owners report their VINs are excluded from the recalls despite owning 2014 Fusions with identical symptoms, manufactured during the affected timeframe, in salt-belt regions. Some had the recall performed, only to experience the same failure years later. One owner's recall remedy at 60,468 miles failed, requiring a second $5,400 repair.
Repair costs run $2,000–$4,000 per incident. Independent shops quote $1,000–$1,500 for parts alone; labor and realignment add hundreds more. Out-of-warranty owners face the full bill. Ford Customer Satisfaction Programs (15N01, 15R01) exist but often deny coverage because owners' failures don't fit the specific program criteria. Dealers routinely cite "not in recall" and refuse to help. One owner lost employment from repair costs and subsequent financial hardship; another family narrowly avoided a crash in rain when power steering suddenly vanished; a third was seriously injured when steering failed on a wet downgrade, fracturing a femur and hip.
Same Ford Fusion steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering rack corrosion and internal binding
Water ingress causes corrosion and binding inside the power steering rack/gear assembly, leading to loss of power steering assist. Owners report the steering wheel freezes or becomes extremely difficult to turn, often triggered by rain, snow, or water immersion. Diagnostic code C102D:00 (high friction in power steering gear) has been retrieved in at least one case.
When: Failures reported from 31,200 miles to 216,000+ miles; some occur within weeks or months of purchase; others after years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel freezes or locks up mid-drive; Steering becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn; "Steering Loss" or "Steering Assist Failure" warning lights; "Service Advance Trac" warning; Loss of power steering assist at highway and low speeds; Failure often triggered by rain, snow, or water puddles
Codes mentioned: C102D:00, U3000, C200D
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement reported at $2,000–$4,000+ in repair estimates and actual bills (parts alone $800–$1,500+); one owner paid $5,400 including towing; another received estimate of $3,500; one replaced part cost $1,200 plus programming
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 15V250000 (issued June 24, 2015) addressed steering rack corrosion; NHTSA Recall 19V632000 addresses electric power steering gear motor bolt corrosion; Customer Satisfaction Program 15N01 and 15R01 mentioned; many owners report their VINs excluded from recalls despite matching symptoms; one owner's recall remedy proved ineffective and failure recurred at 60,468 miles
Electric power steering (EPS) system failure
Electronic power steering assembly fails suddenly without warning, rendering steering inoperable or severely reducing assist. Water intrusion through defective seals corrodes motor attachment bolts and internal electronics. System may fail when driving through water, or spontaneously. Failures often cascade to affect traction control and collision warning systems.
When: Reported from 31,991 miles through 150,000+ miles; failures are often sudden and occur without prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of power steering; Steering wheel extremely heavy and nearly impossible to turn; "Service Steering" or "Steering Assist Failure" warnings; "Service Advanced Trac" warning; "Hill Start Assist Not Available" warning; Traction control failure or disables; Forward collision warning system fails; Lane Keep Assist malfunction; Steering becomes intermittently stiff then fails completely
Codes mentioned: Unspecified error codes retrieved but not consistently documented in narratives
Repairs/costs cited: One independent mechanic quote $2,400 for new part or $1,000 used; quoted $3,000–$4,000+ for full repair; one owner paid $2,600; dealer estimates range $2,200–$3,500+; one owner unable to afford $2,000 repair; one owner purchased used EPS online for $682.76 and installed with help; part failure recurred 2 years later
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V632000 (NHTSA 19S26) addresses similar bolt corrosion failures but many owners' VINs are excluded; Recall 15V250000; Customer Satisfaction Programs mentioned but often deemed inapplicable to owner's specific VIN or failure cause; one owner informed repair would not be covered under regional program 15R01 because failure was not from faulty bolts
Suspension/steering knocknoise and sticking wheels
Owners report knocking or clunking sounds from steering system when turning wheels fully left or right. Wheels stick or bind during turning. Steering wheel has noticeable play and feels loose. Issues occur at all speeds and are compounded by water exposure and cold temperatures. May be related to front-end suspension wear or steering linkage failure.
When: Reported at 21,000 miles, 31,200 miles, and continuing through high mileage; knock occurs when wheels are turned to extremes or vehicle is stationary
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knock or clunking sound when turning steering wheel left or right; Wheels stick or bind during sharp turns; Steering wheel has play and feels loose; Steering sticks to the side being turned; Difficulty returning steering wheel to center; Odd driving behavior at low and highway speeds; Knocking sound from behind firewall near transmission area when in Drive
Codes mentioned: Not specified in narratives
Repairs/costs cited: One estimate $2,226.37 to replace front-end suspension parts; dealers attempted to tie down fuel rail and filter cabling (10-minute repair attempt); suspension issues were not resolved by dealers; one owner had transmission jerked hard into second and third gears and rough idle; another had lower control arm failure at 45 mph
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claimed fuel rail and filter cabling may rattle (later ruled out); warranty parts refused in some cases; one dealer would not provide parts and issue remained unresolved; another owner attempted warranty coverage but was told to use "Ford Certified Mechanic" to document issues
Intermittent power steering loss with difficult recovery
Power steering assist becomes intermittent, stiff, or fails temporarily. Owners can sometimes restore function by turning vehicle off and back on, but failure recurs. Difficulty is especially pronounced at low speeds and in cold weather. Eventually becomes a permanent loss of assist.
When: Reported from 1,300 miles to 127,000+ miles; intermittent failures often progress to permanent failure
Symptoms owners cite: Steering feels stiff and requires extra effort; "Dead spot" in middle of steering wheel; Intermittent power steering assist loss; Steering assist restored temporarily by restarting engine; Failure becomes recurring and worsens over time; Steering wheel does not return to center smoothly; Resistance and jerking when turning
Codes mentioned: Steering angle sensor code mentioned in one narrative, Code reset by independent mechanic but symptom persisted
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic quote $3,000–$4,000 for electronic power steering unit repair; Ford quoted $800–$1,000 for remanufactured unit or $1,500+ for new unit; one owner paid $410 for shifter cable bushing replacement but unrelated to steering assist
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recalls listed for some affected VINs; one owner found issue not applicable to their VIN number despite matching symptoms; warranty does not cover once out-of-warranty mileage or time exceeded
Steering rack bolt corrosion and fracture
Aluminum torque bit head bolts holding the electric power steering motor in place corrode due to water ingress through defective seals. Corroded bolts snap or fracture, causing the steering gearbox to separate from the motor assembly and rendering steering inoperable. Water is found inside sealed steering gearbox where no corrosion should occur.
When: One case documented at March 2020 (bolts snapped after recall service in October 2018); another at 31,991 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Visible corrosion on steering gear bolts inside gearbox; Bolts snap or fracture without warning; Steering gearbox separates from motor; Complete steering failure; No warning lights or prior symptoms
Codes mentioned: Not specified
Repairs/costs cited: One owner states original recall service (October 2018) did not replace bolts with hex head bolts as intended; bolts snapped March 2020; full steering gearbox replacement required; estimated $1,200+ for part alone; owner documented damage with photos and videos
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V250000 and related programs addressed bolt replacement; one owner reports recall was performed but original aluminum bolts not actually replaced; Ford refused to take further responsibility after bolts snapped post-recall; manufacturer directed owner to file complaint with NHTSA
Loss of control incidents caused by steering failure
Sudden steering failure while driving at highway or moderate speeds causes loss of vehicle control, unintended lane changes, spinning out, or running off road. Owner is unable to steer vehicle or regain control without significant physical effort. Multiple owners report near-miss or actual crashes.
When: Reported during active driving at various speeds from 20 mph to 70 mph; one case at 45 mph on highway; another at 65 mph; one resulted in crash with injuries
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden inability to steer vehicle; Vehicle spins out or drifts across lanes; Steering wheel seized or locked; Cannot regain control despite significant physical effort; Vehicle pulls hard to one side; Steering feels like it is fighting the driver
Codes mentioned: Not specified in these incidents
Repairs/costs cited: Repair costs range $2,000–$2,600 when finally addressed; some vehicles not repaired; one owner in financial hardship from repair bill and subsequent loss of employment; one crash resulted in $5,600+ in total costs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner received rental car at Ford's expense while vehicle was repaired in dealership; another owner filed BBB lemon law complaint; Ford declined to buy back vehicle; no recalls applicable to some VINs despite matching failure mode; class action lawsuit opened for similar complaints
Synthesized from 342 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
I was driving my car when our of no where, the power steering stopped functioning and two messages started to flash on my dashboard: "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" and "Service Advancetrac" This was very dangerous as I could not steer the car. Once I was able to get the car home, I scanned it and received these two codes: "C0051 Steering Wheel Position Sensor" "U0420 Invalid Dates…
While driving on the highway, I noticed a "hitch" in the steering. The car would wander one way or the other and when I attempted a normal, minor steering correction, the wheel would hit a "hitch" which would require a little more of a tug to get past the "hitch". It became a real issue to drive the car in a straight line without zig zagging down the road, because minor corrections could not be…
I was making your left turn into a parking spot and suddenly I've got lights on my dash service advanced track check rear Park aid ABS light on traction control lights on airbag light on and power steering got tight
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that while reversing or driving forward, the steering wheel failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000…
I started the car and had to warning lights come on. One warning for steering assist fault, and the other for service advancetrac. I read online that Ford is recalling cars same year and model for the same issues. But no recall for mine - why??
I purchased the car from Carvana in February of 2021. 2 months after purchase there were issues with the steering. I brought it to a mechanic to find out that the bolts had corroded and were completely sheared off causing the steering gear motor to be seperated from the steering gear. I found that this make and model (and year) of my vehicle is well known for this exact issue and was subject to…
Power steering stops suddenly after advance trac warning appears making car dangerous to drive. Occurs both stationary and while driving. Power steering and advance trac stop working.
Loud creaking sound which sounds like parts breaking from lower front area of the car when the steering wheel is turned most of the way to either the left of the right. Ford dealership says it is a sign that the rack & pinion will fail. Sudden loss of the power assist could surprise or overpower the driver, leading to a crash. Breakage of the steering gear might cause loss of steering…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Ford Fusion?
It's a meaningful issue. 342 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 232 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 48,600 and 101,000 miles, with the median around 73,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,600; a quarter make it past 101,000. 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/2014/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.