2016 Ford Fusion · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 100owner reports
- 77,000median miles
- $3,000median quote
- 5involved a crash
Newest report Jul 1, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
176 of the 1,629 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 100 of those describe power steering loss.
Tick what matches of 100 reports
Power steering loss on other Fusion years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.
What this problem usually is
Power steering loss is the steering wheel suddenly going heavy, usually with a warning on the dash. Nearly six in ten complaints in this group mention a warning light or message, and almost two thirds mention driving or highway speed rather than parking.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (14 reports), the EPS motor or module (7 reports) and the column (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the steering system cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
All 13 recalls on the 2016 Ford Fusion, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Fusion
Power steering failure. Closed feb 9, 2024.
Steering wheel fastening bolt loosens. Closed apr 23, 2018, led to recall 18V-167.
Power steering failure. Closed dec 25, 2017.
Electric power steering failure. Closed sep 10, 2015, led to recall 15V-340.
What owners paid
10 of the 100 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,100 to $4,500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 51,000 and 110,000 miles, from the 65 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Electric Power Steering Motor Attaching Bolts Corrode (NHTSA 19V-632, OEM 19S26): Corrosion of bolts in the electric power steering system can lead to loss of power steering assist in 2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles in certain states. Dealers will replace bolts and apply a sealant, or install a new steering gear.”
Filed Jun 30, 2025
“I have had road salt contamination with the electrical wiring to the power steering causing the wires to become brittle and break causing a power steering failure in a right curve which caused the steering wheel to jerk the car to the left nearly causing a collision. The power steering failed again due to high friction inside steering gear and has a broken bolt on the EPAS motor to the steering gear.”
Filed Mar 28, 2025
“I have an electric power, steering rack and assist and it failed on the way to Pennsylvania to visit my daughter and grandchildren. I had to drive an additional 42 miles with no power steering. There was a recall, supposedly completed for the bolts in the Assist, and I no longer have a warranty on this. it was fine until 5 hours into my trip.”
Filed Aug 19, 2023
“While at a stop trying to make left hand turn steering assist disabled appeared and steering wheel locked up.”
Filed May 18, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 5 of 100 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 364 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 335 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 186 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 161 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 133 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 123 reports
- Rolls away in Park or will not shift out of Park 63 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 50 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 47 reports
- Doors, latches or locks fail 46 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 40 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 29 reports