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 ↗2017 Ford Fusion steering problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Ford Fusion have filed 51 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 41,930 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
51
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Fusion | 417 |
| 2014 Fusion | 342 |
| 2015 Fusion | 177 |
| 2016 Fusion | 184 |
| 2017 Fusion (this page) | 51 |
| 2018 Fusion | 19 |
| 2019 Fusion | 8 |
| 2020 Fusion | 11 |
6crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 51 steering complaints filed for the 2017 Ford Fusion, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 51 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.
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 2017-2018 Fusion SE fleet vehicles equipped with SYNC may have a right side instrument cluster display which is blank and does not respond to inputs from the steering wheel controls. This is a normal condition. For fleet vehicles, equipped with this build combination, the instrument cluster is not configurable and will not respond to inputs from the steering wheel controls. Do not attempt to make repairs for this condition.
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
Owners report two distinct steering failure patterns in the 2017 Ford Fusion. The first—and most dangerous—involves sudden loss of power steering function. Drivers describe the steering wheel becoming hard to turn or completely unresponsive without warning, often accompanied by a "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" warning light. Multiple complaints involve near-accidents and crashes at highway speeds when the assist failed mid-turn, leaving drivers unable to control the vehicle. One owner lost steering at 30 mph and crashed into a creek; another lost power assist at 70 mph and veered into a ditch, striking a tree and flipping the vehicle. A third lost steering on the highway in a turn, narrowly avoiding a wall. The second pattern involves loose or detached steering wheels. Owners report excessive play in the steering wheel—some describe rocking it 3/8 inch in either direction—with no warning lights. One case involved complete separation where the steering wheel detached and hung during highway driving after a prior recall repair.
Dealers consistently diagnose these failures as rack-and-pinion or steering gear problems. Repair costs range from $2,330 to $4,400 when owners bear the expense. Multiple owners report the dealer service tech acknowledged this is a common failure on 2017 Fusions. Some failures occurred as early as 3,200 miles; others at 90,000+ miles. Several owners linked their failures to NHTSA Campaign 18V167000 (steering), with at least one stating the recall repair subsequently failed. Parts availability delays have prevented some recall repairs from being scheduled.
Same Ford Fusion steering reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering assist failure with loss of function
Sudden loss of electric power steering assistance, leaving the steering wheel hard to turn or unresponsive. Warning lights illuminate ('Steering Assist Fault, Service Required' and sometimes 'Service AdvanceTrac'). Failures occur without prior symptoms.
When: 3,200 miles to 132,748 miles; most common in 30,000–90,000 mile range
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn or completely unresponsive; Power steering assist warning light illuminates; Service AdvanceTrac warning light may illuminate; No prior warning signs; Vehicle becomes hard to maneuver at highway speeds, creating crash risk
Codes mentioned: Steering Assist Fault (warning message)
Repairs/costs cited: Rack-and-pinion replacement or steering gear assembly replacement; independent shops and dealers cite $2,330–$4,400 repair cost. Multiple owners report dealers have the part in stock, indicating recurring issue. One owner's mechanic noted seeing the problem repeatedly on 2017 Fusions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners cite NHTSA Campaign 18V167000 (Steering); at least one owner reported the recall repair subsequently failed and Ford would not assist.
Loose or detached steering wheel
Steering wheel develops excessive free play or separates from the steering column. No warning lights in most cases. Can occur while driving or at rest.
When: 35,090 miles to 100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel feels loose or wobbly while driving; Excessive play in steering wheel (some owners describe 3/8 inch movement or ability to rock it side to side); Steering wheel feels like it could fall off; Complete separation of steering wheel from column (one case); No warning lights in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers tighten or replace the steering column bolt; one owner reports dealer resolved it without detail on parts. Another case involved steering wheel detachment after prior recall repair at 90,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple owners referenced NHTSA Campaign 18V167000 (Steering) as related. One owner's VIN was not included in recall; another's was included but the problem recurred after repair. At least one dealer confirmed VIN was not in recall database.
Steering wheel alignment issues (camber/toe failure)
Front camber and rear toe alignment failures causing vehicle to pull hard to one side. One case involved alternating pull directions (left, then right).
When: 15 miles (very early)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls sharply to the left or right while driving; Vehicle sways at highway speed; No warning lights illuminated
Codes mentioned: Front camber failed, Rear toe failed
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic confirmed by dealer; specific repair details not provided. Owner was not informed of repair cost or completion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted; advised owner to schedule appointment with local dealer. Issue not resolved.
Steering rack sensor failure requiring full rack-and-pinion replacement
Rack-and-pinion sensor failure triggers loss of power steering. Complete steering assembly replacement required because the sensor cannot be replaced independently.
When: 39,650 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes hard and makes grinding noise; Steering Assist Fault warning light illuminates; Loss of power steering suddenly without prior warning
Codes mentioned: Rack and pinion sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: Entire rack-and-pinion assembly replacement required; owner quoted $3,000. Owner's independent mechanic reported seeing this problem on other 2017 Fusions.
Steering gear high-friction condition
Steering wheel seizes or becomes very difficult to turn due to high friction in the steering gear. May occur when shifting gears (reverse, park) or at startup.
When: 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes when vehicle is started or shifted; Extremely difficult to turn the steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed 'high friction on gear' and replaced steering alignment; vehicle repaired.
Steering wheel play with intermittent function loss
Steering wheel exhibits excessive movement side-to-side (not rotational play from worn bushings). Issue occurs whether vehicle is moving or stationary. Some owners describe touchy or overly responsive steering when not loose.
When: 33,000 miles and higher
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel can pivot or rock approximately 1 inch left/right; Loose play independent of rotational movement; Steering feels touchy or overly sensitive to input; No warning lights or messages prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: One owner mentions taking to dealer for repair on same day as complaint; outcome unknown. Another owner suspects recall bolt issue but VIN not included.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner's VIN confirmed not included in NHTSA Campaign 18V167000.
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Car warning states “steering assist fault service required” total loss of power steering in the vehicle after sat parked for a week, vehicle started without issue, no warning codes can be found with OBDII scanner
My steering wheel has become very loose and feels like it's going to fall off. I have video for proof. 2017 Ford fusion sport.
On the highway we lost the steering assist function. The dash lit up with steering assist failure. Due to this system failing on the highway, I almost had an accident while in a turn, I went across the rumble strips toward the wall and just barley missed hitting the wall. When the power assist failed this made the vehicle harder to control then a standard manual steering car, it took a great deal…
Had steering trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Ford Fusion?
It's a meaningful issue. 51 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 33 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 26,900 and 69,236 miles, with the median around 41,930. A quarter of owners report trouble before 26,900; a quarter make it past 69,236. 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/2017/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.