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, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became firm. The vehicle was steered to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic test result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,759.
Steering, Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel in either direction, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that the grinding sound could be heard inside and outside the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 134,000.
Steering, Sep 4, 2023
Loss of power steering.
Steering, Sep 1, 2023
Power steering assist failure.
Steering, Aug 29, 2023
The electronic power steering goes in and out very dangerous
Steering, Traction control system, Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while making a U-turn in his driveway, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the electric steering fault and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Steering, Aug 23, 2023
I get error (check power steering now) I've replaced tie rods sway bars steering column and I still have message steering is locked
Service brakes, Aug 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, she noticed smoke coming from the front passenger’s side tire. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road for an hour before restarting and continuing driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the brake hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact’s husband replaced the front passenger’s side brake hose himself. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while turning into a parking lot, while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull into a parking space, where the vehicle was stopped by the curb. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 193,000.
Steering, Aug 17, 2023
When driving the car, the "stability control" light came on, and the power steering no longer works. The contact stated there was an extended warranty added for the power steering issues that was issued in Oct 2015 - that warranty extended those parts for 10 years or 150,000, whichever came first. She said that since the vehicle now has 170,000 miles on it, the extended warranty was no longer in effect.
Steering, Aug 4, 2023
Electric steering assist stops working randomly
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft and spongy while depressed, causing the contact to pump the brake pedal for the vehicle to stop. The contact stated that the brake pedal would go to the floorboard while depressed; however, the failure was intermittent at first but had started recurring more frequently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who bled the brake lines and stated that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was made aware that the part needed for the repair was on backorder. The approximate failure mileage was 70,500.
Steering, Aug 1, 2023
Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding Ford Motor Company's Safety Recall 14S06 Dear NHTSA, I am writing to submit a safety complaint regarding the power steering issue covered under Safety Recall 14S06 issued by Ford Motor Company for certain 2011-2013 model year Ford Explorer vehicles. I own a 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid with a VIN 3FADP0L39BR178615 On 03/23, I experienced a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving my vehicle. The instrument cluster message center displayed a warning message, and a chime sounded to alert me of the issue. As a result, the steering effort significantly increased, particularly at lower speeds, which posed a safety risk and made it challenging to maneuver the vehicle safely. Upon investigation, I discovered that Ford Motor Company had issued Safety Recall 14S06 due to concerns related to power steering operation in affected vehicles. The recall mentioned that the power steering system might revert to manual steering mode due to a Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) detecting a motor position sensor fault. Unfortunately, my vehicle's mileage had exceeded 150,000 miles, and I was unaware of the recall at that time. I understand that the extended coverage provided under Program 15N01, as part of the recall, applies only up to 150,000 miles or within 10 years of service from the warranty start date, whichever comes first. Regrettably, my vehicle has surpassed the mileage limit specified in the extended coverage program. Given the safety implications and the number of affected vehicles, I kindly request the NHTSA to investigate this issue further and take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of all Ford Explorer owners affected by this power steering problem. I believe that th
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 31, 2023
June2 2023 my car the power steering quit no longer able to steer the car. No longer able to drive the car 2011 ford fusion. i noticed there were recalls on steering and electrical my is electrical power steering (no pump). i need to know if i qualify to have it fixed i have reported this to everyone in ford i know to ask. i need my car. my husband was driving when it happen he made it home safe thankful.
Steering, Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "check power steering" warning light illuminated advertently the steering column became inoperable. The contact was able to drive the vehicle very slowly to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 265,000.
Steering, Jul 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact pulled over into a nearby parking area, where he became aware that the vehicle had lost electric power steering assist. 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering, Jul 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Jul 26, 2023
The master cylinder has gone out 3 times within 6mo of repair and warranty repair. Yes, it was confirmed and repaired by Goodyear Auto Service Center both previous times. I have the receipt to the warranty repair. The third time just happened last night. The vehicle has a current state inspection sticker. No warning light or symptoms at all. When driving without warning the brakes go to the floor and it’s harder to stop when driving. Yes the vehicle can be inspected upon request. Last night I was approving the corner of an intersection. My destination was a store on the corner. My speed was approximately 40-45 and I began to slow down by not accelerating. As I became closer to the driveway I began braking at which point almost immediately I felt what I can best describe as a disconnect, almost a pop of release like. At this point the brakes immediately went to the floor and I was scared I wasn’t going to be able to stop. I pumped the brakes and was able to slow the car down and turn in.
Steering, Jul 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to merge into traffic, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to maneuver. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway. The contact was able to slowly maneuver the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed. The contact was informed by the technician that the VIN was previously included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
Steering, Jul 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel stiffened without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact stated that the power steering assist returned after depressing the brake pedal. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 147,000.
Steering, Jul 17, 2023
My steering is hard to turn I've had this problem before
Steering, Jul 16, 2023
"Power steering assist fault" was illuminated in message center. Complete loss of power steering making the vehicle undrivable. Vehicle not covered in recall even though this is a widely know issue in this year's make and model.
Steering, Jul 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the steering wheel became stiff and seized. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V34000 (Steering) however, the dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Steering, Jul 7, 2023
Went to start the car and got a message that says "power steering assist fault" after researching online this is a huge problem for Ford vehicles especially 2011 Ford fusion. Once the message came up the power steering no longer worked.
Steering, Jul 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that occasionally upon starting the vehicle or while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called two dealers Suppes Ford (101 Main St, Johnstown, PA 15901) and Luther Ford Ebensburg (3941 Admiral Peary Hwy, Ebensburg, PA 15931)] and neither dealer assisted with the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.