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moderate Owners of the 2018 Ford Fusion have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Fusion | 342 |
| 2015 Fusion | 177 |
| 2016 Fusion | 184 |
| 2017 Fusion | 51 |
| 2018 Fusion (this page) | 19 |
| 2019 Fusion | 8 |
| 2020 Fusion | 11 |
A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners of 2018 Ford Fusions describe steering failures that fall into distinct patterns. Most serious: sudden loss of power steering function while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, with little to no warning before the vehicle becomes difficult or impossible to steer. Warning lights (Steering Assist Failure, AdvanceTrac Failure, Hill Start Assist Failure) light up during or after the failure occurs.
Separately, owners report loose or wobbly steering wheels that develop physical play—sometimes gradually, sometimes suddenly after turning. The steering feels unstable or "sways" while driving. Several owners state their VINs are not on recall lists even though they're experiencing what they believe are the same problems affecting recalled model years (2013–2016).
A different failure involves the connection point where the steering wheel attaches to the column wearing excessively—mechanics verified the wear shape changed from intended to nearly flat, causing sudden loss of steering control. One owner also reported a steering control arm bolt that loosened, creating clanking noise from the driver-side front. When tightened, the noise returned within a day and steering became looser.
Creaking or popping sounds from underneath the steering area, especially when turning or in warm weather above 70 degrees, are reported at lower mileages (72K) and described as getting progressively louder. One mechanic replaced lower control arm, tie rod, and rack and pinion without resolving the issue.
Same Ford Fusion steering reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2020
Complete or partial loss of power steering function while driving, typically at highway speeds. Vehicle becomes difficult or impossible to steer, sometimes with no warning.
When: While driving at various speeds (55 MPH highway noted); one case at 157,017 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering gearbox malfunction; Steering Assist Failure warning light; AdvanceTrac Failure warning; Hill Start Assist Failure warning; Sudden difficulty steering at speed; Vehicle jerked during loss of function
Codes mentioned: Steering Gearbox Malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership confirmed issue and ordered parts for repair in one case; another case had lower control arm, tie rod, and rack and pinion replaced on driver's side but failure persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA Hotline; confirmed VIN not under recall
Steering wheel develops physical play or looseness, sometimes described as wobbling or swaying. Can develop suddenly or gradually. Owners report it feels unsafe and unstable.
When: Reported across various mileages (32K to 157K miles noted); one case after 2 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel loose or wobbly; Physical play in steering wheel; Steering feels unstable or sways while driving; Looseness develops suddenly after turning in one case; Steering control becomes extremely loose
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives for this specific failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners report being told their VIN is not on recall list for this same problem affecting other vehicles; recalled recalls on 2013-2016 models for similar issue noted by owner
Connection point where steering wheel connects to steering column wears excessively, changing from intended shape (described as Alan wrench shape) to nearly flat circle. Mechanics verified this is not normal wear.
When: Mileage not specified; failure caused sudden loss of steering control while turning
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden inability to turn vehicle; Steering wheel seized or would not respond; Excessive movement in steering; Clicking sound while turning left
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics verified abnormal wear after removing steering wheel; not normal wear and tear per owner and mechanics
Bolt securing steering control arm becomes loose, causing clanking noise from front driver-side area. Tightening does not permanently solve issue; steering control becomes looser afterward.
When: 2 months after purchase; approximately 41,000 miles in related case
Symptoms owners cite: Clanking noise from front driver-side tire area; Steering becomes extremely loose after bolt tightens; Steering control loosens significantly
Repairs/costs cited: Shop tightened bolt but noise and looseness returned within a day
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner planned to contact dealership to check if related to known steering recall; VIN not included in recall
Creaking or popping sounds originating from steering area underneath vehicle, particularly when turning or moving steering wheel. Noise increases in frequency and volume, occurs in warm temperatures over 70 degrees.
When: All summer at 72,000 miles; noise worsening over time
Symptoms owners cite: Loud creaking noise underneath when turning; Creaking while parked when moving steering wheel left or right; Noise occurs in temperatures above 70 degrees; Getting progressively louder; Owner concerned something will break
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Shift system fault
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 19 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Based on the 19 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 81,803 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.