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, 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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2021
I have safety concern with my vehicle, because if I am driving there’s a triangle shape light that pops up and when it happened it automatically reduces the speed of the car and sometimes shuts it off while other drivers are driving behind me. This happens to me frequently and the most recent was yesterday 8/9/2021 at a traffic light the vehicle completely shuts off and this is very concerning with my safety and that of my family and I don’t know the problem and how to get it fix. This is a major safety issue and I hope to get an answer from you people and have the problem taking care of. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Air bags, Aug 4, 2021
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. An unknown dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,859. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Steering, Jul 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel failed to operate as designed, requiring extra effort to steer the vehicle. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 113,300.
Air bags, Jul 26, 2021
Don't have an accident just doing the recall for the airbags here in Davenport, IA
Steering, Jul 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at a slow speed through a parking lot, the power steering fault message was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact's daughter parked the vehicle and then had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact was then informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced and that the vehicle no longer qualified to be repaired under warranty due to the mileage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that a supervisor would call her back. The contact was yet to receive a callback. The contact called the manufacturer back and was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Steering, Jul 23, 2021
In my car service advancetrac service power steering. The wheel locked up and i wasn’t able to steer. A mechanic checked it out. No Nothing popped up until the day it stopped i got it fixed the mechanic said the rack & pinion need to be replaced and then a month later the same thing happened again. I been looking into the problem online and thousands of other people is having the same problem with their car and no one seems to know how it’s supposed to be fixed. Or what’s even causing it .
Steering, Jul 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the steering wheel locked up and the vehicle became difficult to steer. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the power steering control module needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 64,175.
Steering, Jul 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have the recall serviced. Several months after the recall repair was performed, the contact also had the steering rack and pinion replaced by the same dealer under the same recall. Recently, the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle in either direction as the power steering assist warning light became illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that since the rack and pinion had been previously replaced under recall, all additional repair would be out of pocket. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 117,524.
Service brakes, Jul 22, 2021
One more than 10 occasions my vehicle has failed to properly stop. For now apparent reason my brakes will go all the way to the floor. I've had the vehicle inspected and taken to multiple repair shops, however the issue is never resolved. I've almost been involved in TWO serious accidents. There are recalls on this issue from 2006-2010 and I've seen many, many complaints with the same year (2011) and same vehicle. PLEASE HELP
Wheels, Jul 21, 2021
Ford uses aluminum lug nuts posing a safety risk to everyone that has a car with them. I am stuck with a flat tire on my car and no money to fix Ford's decision to use unsafe lugnuts that just strip and break my tools. XAlso their power steering is faulty and went out on me in the middle of driving.
Service brakes, Jul 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her son was driving the vehicle and approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that a warning message had appeared on the instrument panel that stated to see a mechanic about the brakes. Her son was able to steer the vehicle down a hill and into a curb until he was able to stop the vehicle. The contact's son was able to restart the vehicle and the brakes resumed normal operation. Her son had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who could not find any failure with the vehicle. Recently, the contact stated that her son had experienced the same failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Jul 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the service power steering now and service advanced track warning lights flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting the stop the vehicle, the brake pedal would extend to the floor and the braking distance was extended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The brake pads were replaced, however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Steering, Jul 16, 2021
POWER STEERING FAILURE !! JUNE 2020 this same thing happend and I was lucky enough to have the recall and have it covered . Fast forward to TODAY my power steering went and the advanced trac appeared on message screen.
Service brakes, Jul 15, 2021
While I'm driving my brake pad goes all the way to the floor, it's scary because you have break fluid so why the issue, and then they work normal. This needs to be recalled soon, can't afford to buy another car. I see lot's of issues with this so whay isn't this already up for recall, maddenining. If Ford works so hard to sell you a vehicle they should work HARDER TO PROTECT THE OWNER'S OF THE VEHICLE.
Structure, Jul 14, 2021
- Abrupt failure of driver door mechanism. Driver now unable to exit vehicle without opening window and reaching around to open from outside. On-line research discloses this is a common problem with this model. - Risk is clear, driver may need to exit vehicle quickly in an emergency. - Problem is clear and has not been reproduced or confirmed by others. - Problem occurred without warning to days ago.
Service brakes, Jul 9, 2021
Brake system failed, brake is hard to push and has to go to the floor to stop. Brake light, emergency brake, ABS and traction light stays on. Car is not drivable.
Steering, Jul 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after entering and starting the vehicle, the contact attempted to make a turn to exit the parking spot however, the vehicle loss power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence with manual steering. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost of the replacement part. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,115.
Service brakes, Jul 5, 2021
This problem has occurred more than once in the past month, the last time being July 3, 2021. I have not driven it since then. The previous times it happened, I turned the car off, and restarted it. That does not correct the problem now. I Only have 72446 miles on this car. Brake went all the way to the floor and I could not stop. Displayed on my dash: SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC -BRAKE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM -BRAKE - ABS. I was extremely lucky when this happened, but it could have resulted in a serious accident. It seemed to correct itself, but has happened again. The dash displays appear each time I start the car, so I an not able to drive it now. I will have to get it somewhere to be repaired.