2011 Ford Fusion
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 2,786 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 15 Fusion model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 80 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 46 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 10, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.
Campaign 21V158000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalFeb 16, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
Campaign 21V081000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 16, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair. The parts include certain driver-side air bag inflators and/or modules, designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang and Mustang GT500. It also includes certain passenger-side air bag inflators and/or modules designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang, 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, 2010-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2011 Ford Ranger, and 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX vehicles. Please see Ford's recall report for the specific part numbers. These parts may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Ford will notify dealers that purchased the affected parts, and dealers will provide replacement parts to purchasers, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
Campaign 21E013000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedJan 7, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles and 2011-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Ford is also recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2010-2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, and 2010-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall 19S01.
Campaign 19V001000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedMay 31, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles and 2005-2008 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Any vehicle not included in "Zone A", or "Zone B" is not included in the safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
Campaign 16V384000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, auxillary tankNov 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured July 21, 2008, to March 4, 2011, and 2010-2011 Mercury Milan vehicles manufactured July 23, 2008, to December 10, 2010. The affected vehicles have fuel vapor canisters whose purge valves may not operate properly resulting in abnormal pressure changes in the fuel tank.
The pressure changes may cause the tank to crack and leak fuel. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle powertrain control modules and inspect the vehicle for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for this issue and perform a leak test on the Canister Purge Valve (CPV). The fuel tank will be inspected for cracks. The CPV and fuel tank will be replaced as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S34.
Campaign 15V793000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemJun 2, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.
Campaign 15V340000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentMay 29, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain all weather driver side accessory floor mats sold for use in model year 2006-2011 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2007-2011 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 9, 2007, through October 31, 2010. The affected floor mats may move and possibly interfere with the accelerator pedal.
The floor mat could shift such that it could interfere with the accelerator pedal, preventing its return to an idle position, which could result in unintended vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new replacement mats, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S07. NOTE: Vehicles built after October 31, 2010, while potentially equipped with the same floor mats, are equipped with a Brake Over Accelerator (BOA) feature that prevents simultaneous accelerator and brake application, allowing the vehicle to be safely stopped by pressing firmly and steadily on the brake pedal.
Campaign 14E028000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsDec 7, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 FORD FUSION AND MERCURY MILAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH STEEL WHEELS AND BUILT FROM APRIL 1, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2009, AND FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009, THROUGH NOVEMBER 13, 2010. THE WHEEL STUDS MAY FRACTURE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING A WHEEL TO SEPARATE.
WHILE DRIVING, MULTIPLE STUD FRACTURES COULD OCCUR AT THE WHEEL LOCATION, AND THE OPERATOR MAY EXPERIENCE VEHICLE VIBRATION AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE DISC SURFACE FOR FLATNESS AND REPLACE THE DISCS AS NECESSARY. ADDITIONALLY, THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WILL BE REPLACED ON ALL FOUR WHEELS. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JANUARY 24, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 11V574000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
1,428 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Oct 28, 2021
Steering rack has almost completely locked up I took my car to dealership and they told me it had been recalled but because my car was over ten years old they informed me they were not responsible to fix it any longer
Steering, Oct 25, 2021
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. When this appears the car is very difficult to drive. My safety and the safety of others is at risk when this happens. Thank Goodness I was not going when this occurred otherwise I could have hit someone. The problem has not been inspected by the manufacturer as they can't even fix my air bag recall, No other warnings. this has occurred now about 4 times. shutting the car off and restarting it seems to reset the issue.
Steering, Oct 24, 2021
The rack and pinion went out on the vehicle while driving down the highway... Luckily we made it home safely.. made it very hard to turn... Just like that it went out with no warning.
Steering, Oct 22, 2021
I was pulling my 2011 Ford Fusion out of the driveway to park on the street in order to drive my second vehicle. When I got to the street, the power steering fault message displayed on the instrument panel and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. This is the third time this message has been indicated. After each time, the problem was corrected by turning the car off and then restarting the car. The third time was different as when I got the car to the street and attempted to park it at the curb with the power steering disabled, the car engine actually shut off without warning. Restarting the engine and waiting to move the car a few moments cleared the fault message and the steering was returned to normal. The fourth time I went to drive the Ford Fusion, the power steering fault message returned along with the lack of assisted steering and would not clear after stopping and restarting the car several times. The vehicle has not been taken to a shop for diagnosis as of this writing.
Steering, Oct 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the Power Steering Assist Failure appeared on the instrument panel and the steering wheel was significantly difficult to maneuver. The contact was able to forcefully maneuver the steering wheel with assistance and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the failure as a steering module fault. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that an unknown recall repair had already been completed on the vehicle in 2016. The manufacturer also advised the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Steering, Oct 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering fault message displayed on the instrument panel and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering, Oct 7, 2021
The steering gear of my vehicle has broken again after it was replaced under a recall causing my power steering to go out and am not able to drive my car safely.
Steering, Oct 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH, the power steering intermittently failed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The power steering message was displayed, and the power steering became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign number 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 127,000.
Steering, Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering assist system needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (STEERING) because the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair since the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 213,000.
Steering, Sep 30, 2021
Since the first time that bought the car appeared twice in three months at the moment of starting the car: ASSISTANCE STEERING POWER FAILURE. Then turning off the car and start again would go off and run normal. However today appeared and nothing worked. After one hour trying to make it work we never could. So, we had to call the towing service and go home. I’ve checked the recall but nothing appears under my vin number that has to do with this problem
Steering, Sep 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, she noticed that the steering wheel was locked. The "Service Steering Now" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated she was able to forcefully steer the vehicle to the dealer with some assistance. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the mechanic could not complete the recall repair as the recall had expired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Steering, Sep 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon start-up of his vehicle, the power steering fault warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. Initially, the contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would resume normal operation upon restart. Recently, the contact stated that the failure persisted after the vehicle was restarted. The contact made multiple attempts to reach the dealer and the manufacturer and left several voice messages however, the contact had not heard back from the dealer nor manufacturer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000
Steering, Sep 13, 2021
My power steering quit working. The screen said “Power Steering Assist Fault”. It was inspected by a Ford Dealership and not covered under warranty due to mileage. My safety & the safety others was put at risk when on the road driving at slower speed to control and steer the car. The problem has been confirmed by the local Ford Dealership. It has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealership. There were no warnings prior to failure. As soon as I turned the car on, the message “power steering assist fault” came on and I had no Power steering.
Steering, Sep 12, 2021
Power steering cut out while making a turn onto another road. Has cut out intermittently several times in the past. Shutting down the car and putting it in park fixes the issue. Very dangerous to have it happen while driving.
Steering, Sep 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the driver noticed that the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The driver pulled the vehicle over to the side of road and waited a few minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the failure recurred and persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the electronic rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Steering, Sep 2, 2021
Over the history two months, my car is having steering fault issues. There have been times when I get in my car to heading to work just for the steering to lock up on me. I just got my car back for the dealership for the airbag recall. I understand the recall for the air. I can not comprehend why there has not been a recall on the steer. My brother who has the same make and model had the same issue.
Steering, Aug 28, 2021
I was leaving a gas station and was backing out of parking stall when I lost all power steering and could barely turn steering wheel so I put it in park and shut off car then started car again and had power steering again..thi s happened 4 times driving home...when I tried to leave home the power steering was gone...on every occasion the power steering assist fault light came on car message center...the last time the warning message stayed on ..I dont see a recall for my vehicle but there is for other models
Steering, Aug 26, 2021
The power steering failed after restarting the car. A warning light related to the power steering came on on and I stopped the car a couple minutes later to get gas and when I turned it back on, there was no longer any power steering. My car was not covered by the previous power steering recall.
Steering, Aug 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "power steering assist fault" displayed on the instrument panel, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally however, the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Steering, Aug 23, 2021
Started car, reversed out of a parking spot, and the power steering failed. Shut off the engine and restarted several times. The power steering remained out.
Steering, Aug 21, 2021
Power steering assist failure. NHTSA recall 15v-340 rack was already replaced on 9-2-15 then again on 7-29-21 and failed again 8-20-2021. NHTSA ticket 11426081 Ford case # cas-32578240-t6r3m7. Classic Ford of Smithfield NC 919-934-6500 did the repairs. Invoice 166164c
Steering, Aug 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and coming to a curve, the steering wheel was engaged but failed to respond, causing the contact to drive over the curve. The contact stated she parked the vehicle for a short moment, then she switched gears to drive and the steering wheel responded. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving and the warning message "Repair Power Steering" had been appearing on the instrument panel. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair because the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering, Aug 13, 2021
Driving down highway going approximately 45 mph when the advance trac system light came on. Informing of power steering malfunction to get service immediately. Pulled over and turned car off. The power steering reverted to manual with light still signally repair. Drove it home and called dealership. Said we are out of warranty and would be a $119 diagnostic fee plus whatever repairs are. However, the same thing occurred in 2018 and when we took it to dealership we had the warranty which covered the diagnostic. Roger Shiflett of Gaffney, SC looked at it in 2018, never mentioned the 2015 recall. Told us that it went off because the tire treads were not the same and caused it to malfunction. Reset it and sent us on our way. So here we are again but this time out of warranty and out of pocket and have no way to know if the recall was done or if we need it done until I take it back to the same dealership to be charged for the diagnostic.
Steering, Aug 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to restart the vehicle however, after restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality failed to return. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was notified of NHTSA campaign number: 15V340000 (Steering). The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the recall repair was already performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Steering, Jul 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the electric power steering failed, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN regarding the steering failure. Additionally, the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer transferred the contact to NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 124,852.