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
2,786 reports, newest first.
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.
Service brakes, Oct 20, 2021
Excessive brake pedal travel has almost lead to an accident twice. Brakes slightly engages at the top and then will have to press further to stop vehicle. This has almost caused an accident twice.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 4, 2021
Car was purchased used at approximately 100,000 miles. While filling tank at pump, automatic shutoff on pump triggered repeatedly. It seemed vapor was backing up into the fill tube, so filling tank consisted of pressing pump then releasing once per gallon to allow vapors to disperse and repeat. Several mechanics reported working on similar cases and suggested inspecting the CPV canister. At approximately 110,000 miles, car developed a gas tank rupture. Mechanic inspected and determined that tank had burst at seam. In researching the CPV canister, discovered recall 15S34. Vin search states that this recall does not apply to this vehicle, but symptoms are identical to technical description.
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2021
I’ve had this car for about four years and since I’ve gotten it once in a while I will have a power steering failure where the steering wheel becomes very hard to Turn and very dangerous to drive. Are usually will turn the car on and then turn it off and turn it back on and it goes away. I’ve also have taken it to the dealership and they said they cannot do anything about it there’s no recall on it. Right now the car is undrivable because the power steering is not functioning properly
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2021
I let my 16 year old daughter use my 2011 Ford Fusion SEL. Last Thursday she and my 15 year old daughter were leaving school and suddenly she could not steer. They were both very frightened. There was an error message Power Steering Assist Fault. I came to the school, let them drive my SUV home, and although I have driven many vehicles over the years without power steering it was very difficult to drive. I understand there was a recall in 2015 for this issue but not for Fusions with 3.5 L engines. Why? There have been many complaints and it's only a matter of time before someone gets killed. Please recall this. I can not afford to have this fixed and I don't want to sell a deadly car.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 26, 2021
MY ABS SYSTEM IS OUT WHICH CAUSED MY BRAKES TO STOP WORKING. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND IS A SAFER HAZARD
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
Air bags, Sep 15, 2021
This car has been recalled to replace the drivers side airbag. We have a 1 year old infant traveling in this car, and we do not feel safe driving it. We have reached out to the dealer for the recall fix of the defective airbag, but it is not available. It has been almost 6 months, we try to avoid using the car, but it is very difficult to avoid it. This is a very long time to fix a serious, life threatening issue. This is our second report on this issue, however we have moved since the initial report and wanted to update our address. What can be done to help us? Thank you.
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without warning. The contact stated that extra brake travel time was needed for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and the contact had her brake lining and rotor assembly were replaced. The mechanic also informed her that the brake master cylinder and hydraulic control assembly might also need replacement. The parts were not replaced. Despite the repair, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to check the repairs that were performed on the vehicle. The mechanic informed her that the work was repaired; the mechanic referred her to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 44,924
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.
Air bags, Sep 7, 2021
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21V158000 (Air Bags) and 19V001000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated that parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue however, no further assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags). Parts distribution disconnect for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags).
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.
Service brakes, Sep 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact to call the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
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.