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 21, 2024
The contact's mother owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The service power steering now message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 181,481.
Steering, Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000(Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,870.
Steering, Oct 16, 2024
There was a recall that completed on back in 2015 15s18 i bought my second from a 3 party the orginal owner was an elderly person and had passed away at the time the recall class completed i had 23,242 miles i currently have 59,348 and bow the power steering gear and module have both failed just like the 15s18 previously said it would have done and we have only put 36,106
Steering, Oct 7, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering system of my Ford started to fail, to be specific my steering wheel went hard and it was impossible to turn it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving at around 50 miles per hour, and I was with one friend and all of the sudden my steering wheel stopped working and I had to pull over immediately since I was no longer able to drive it. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I have heard that these cars 2010-2012 Fusions have this problem and they are a lot. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, when this occurred a message appeared saying first: "Service Power Steering assist" after I parked and turn off the car it appeared a second message saying "Service Power Steering Now" and the steering wheel was rock solid, it didn't move anywhere. With those messages a message saying "Service Advancetrac" also appeared, and they were changing back and forth. I had to towed my vehicle to my house.
Steering, Sep 30, 2024
My car showed a warning saying "Power Steering Assist Fault" when attempting to back out a parking spot. Steering wheell locked and would not turn. I turned engine off and restarted car, warning went away. Warning came back a few day later as well as warning saying "service advancetrac." Parked car did not drive. Next day car showed a warning saying "service power steering." I contacted Ford and was told that there is a recall on the power steering assistane (recall 15S18)but my car's vin isn't included in the recall.
Steering, Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel. The contact stated that the message "Service Power Steering" was displayed, and the steering wheel suddenly could not be turned in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local service center who was unable to determine the cause of the failure and vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 187,000.
Steering, Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired under recall in 2015. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Sep 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds in a parking area, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Steering, Aug 28, 2024
Ford refusing to service power steering recall: [XXX] Ford site when I search for my VIN: [XXX] Text messages with Ford: [XXX] Videos of starting the car and driving it at Ford: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, he observed that the "Power Steering Fault" warning light had illuminated. The contact stated that when he attempted to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right, excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact was unable to reset the power steering assist and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Steering, Aug 19, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Steering, Aug 12, 2024
The steering wheel faulty. it is available for inspection This is a recall but my vehicles miles are 170000. It puts safety at risk because the steering wheel will stay still and will not move. No it hasn’t been confirmed but i contacted by phone. No it hasn’t been inspected by others but just took my car in for a service it first appeared 1 month ago saying steering wheel faulty
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 5, 2024
The steering wheel becomes stiff and won’t move.. I can not turn it at all if I’m driving.. which can cause me to have an accident because I can’t even turn the wheel. Also I called Ford here in Mississippi and they said my particular VIN was not in the recall for power steering problems but it was in the years that were recalled. My teenager drives this car and that’s how we found out, she called me panicking and that could have ended very badly.
Steering, Jul 30, 2024
Power steering suddenly went out on Thursday 6-25-24. No warning, started ut up around 9 am and service light for "power steering now"came on and is no longer working. Other Fusions have had a recall for this same issue. I believe the 2011 should have a recall for the power steering. This is a serious safety hazard and with no issues leading up to the problem and no warning, is dangerous and costly.
Steering, Jul 24, 2024
The contact’s mother-in-law owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the power steering function was inoperable while starting the vehicle. The vehicle owner had to restart the vehicle several times for the power steering function to operate as designed. The contact stated that the vehicle owner had possibly received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was informed that there were no DTC codes retrieved, and the recall repair would not be performed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that due to the mileage on the vehicle, the vehicle could not be repaired under the possible recall. The contact was unaware of the repair that was needed to fix the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Steering, Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power steering assembly failure. The contact was informed that the power steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.
Steering, Jun 26, 2024
My car now says power steering assist fault and is impossible to turn the wheels on.
Steering, Traction control system, Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was determined that the failure was related to the electric power steering assist. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because an unknown service campaign had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Steering, Jun 24, 2024
Electronic steering control module no longer functions. Ford refuses to fix this issue due to this vehicle not being part of the recall that was put out for this. My car is essentially totaled. I cannot afford to buy another vehicle or fix this issue, so now I have to drive with no power steering.
Steering, Jun 17, 2024
In June 2023 I experienced sudden steering failure with my Fusion. Upon checking parts costs at my local dealer (North Star Ford) I was advised that there may be an extended recall. I checked with the service department who reportedly checked with Ford and advised me that the recall was still in effect if certain codes were met despite its 186,000 miles. I had to have the vehicle towed to North Start and they verified the proper codes. When they sent the claim to Ford it was denied. North Star was un-able to get an explanation as to why they were told it was covered or why it was denied. I was given a Ford customer service #. I had to have the vehicle towed again. Upon calling Case #CAS44009218 was assigned but was given no assistance. To date I haven't heard from either North Star or Ford. I have owned the Fusion since 2012 and have never received a recall notice. I would like to know what year or at what milleage this condition stopped being a dangerous hazzard.
Steering, Jun 14, 2024
POWER STEERING ASSITT FAULT. COMMUNICATION CODE U3000 FOR INTERNAL MODULE FAILURE FOR POWER STEERING. HAD TO REPLACE POWER STEERING RACK. NOT SURE WHY THIS IS COVERED ON SOME FORD FUSION'S 2011 AND 2012. IT WAS COVERED ON MY 2012 FUSION VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Jun 8, 2024
This is in regard to programs 15S18/14S06 and 15N01 for power steering failures. Ford was addressing the recall by reprogramming the module instead of repairing the failing part. Customers (such as myself) who addressed the recall via this method were left bearing the cost of repairs when the part failed. Customers who did not address the recall by having the module reprogrammed are getting their steering gears replaced by Ford at no cost. I've had multiple Ford dealerships tell me that they don't feel it's right, but they are handcuffed by what Ford is instructing them to do in these situations. My vehicle has now been inspected and diagnosed by a Ford dealership, and I've paid to have the steering gear replaced. This is a very expensive repair. The dealership quoted $3200. My request is for the NHTSA to reassess this situation and recommend that Ford do the right thing and make sure to replace the steering gear or extend coverage for those owners who no longer have 15S18 open (those who have addressed the recall via reprogramming of the module).
Steering, Jun 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became stiff, causing the vehicle to be very difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a failure in the power train. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.
Steering, Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Jun 3, 2024
Power steering stopped abruptly on busy road in town. Shows message service power steering now. Only code at parts store was for angle sensor.