2016 Ford Fusion Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 176 steering complaints for the 2016 Ford Fusion, 11% of its 1,627 total complaints, with 12 crashes and 7 injuries reported. Two related steering recalls exist (18V167000 and 19V632000), and median mileage at failure was 73,720 miles.
- Steering complaints
- 176
- 11% of 1,627
- Crashes reported
- 12
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 7
- Median mileage
- 73,720 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Steering wheel suddenly locks up or becomes unresponsive during turns, sometimes leading to a crash into a curb, medium, or parked car.
- Complete loss of steering control while driving at speed (around 25-45 mph), with some owners reporting the vehicle continued to accelerate on its own afterward.
- Power steering assist fails intermittently, accompanied by dashboard warnings for loss of reverse sensors, hill assist, and stability control when the wheel is turned fully.
- Electric power steering triggers a fault code that prevents the car from starting, with drivers describing odd side-to-side swaying at highway speed beforehand.
- Owners connect steering failures to Ford recall campaigns 18V167000 and 18V471000, in some cases stating they were not notified until after a crash occurred.
When 2016 Ford Fusion steering complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 28, 2016, latest Jul 1, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2016 Ford Fusion
- NHTSA 19V632000Aug 29, 2019Steering116,160 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Risk: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S26.
- NHTSA 18V167000Mar 12, 2018Steering1,301,986 vehicles
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Risk: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
Steering complaints by Fusion model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Ford Fusion?
- NHTSA lists 176 steering complaints for the 2016 Ford Fusion, making up 11% of the 1,627 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2016 Ford Fusion?
- Yes. Ford issued recall 18V167000 for a steering wheel retaining bolt that could loosen and let the wheel detach, and recall 19V632000 for steering gear motor bolts on 2013-2016 Fusion and related vehicles.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2016 Ford Fusion is 73,720 miles.
- Have steering issues caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to steering complaints on this model year show 12 crashes and 7 injuries, with no fires reported.
- How does the 2016 Fusion compare to other years for steering complaints?
- The 2016 Fusion's steering complaint share of 11% is lower than earlier years like 2012 (59%) and 2011 (51%), but higher than 2017 (5%) and 2018 (4%).