YearToAvoid

2018 Ford Fusion Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 19 steering complaints for the 2018 Ford Fusion, 4% of its 439 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 53,000 miles. A related recall (18V167000) covers a steering wheel bolt that can loosen and let the wheel detach.

Steering complaints
19
4% of 439
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
53,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report a loose or unstable steering wheel, sometimes tracing back to the retaining bolt covered by the recall.
  • Some describe the steering wheel becoming difficult or impossible to turn while making a turn, triggering Steering Assist Failure, AdvanceTrac Failure, and Hill Start Assist warnings.
  • Several mention creaking or clanking noises from the front of the vehicle when turning the wheel, even while parked.
  • Others report sudden loss of power steering assist while driving, with warning lights appearing and no advance warning.
  • A few note the steering wheel seizing or requiring excessive force to turn, especially when turning left.

When 2018 Ford Fusion steering complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 7, 2018, latest Jul 3, 2026.

2018 Ford Fusion steering complaints: complaints filed per month2Apr 2018Aug 2021Mar 2023Dec 2024Jun 2025Apr 2026
19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2018 to Jul 2026; peak Feb 2025 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2018 Ford Fusion

  1. 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.

  1. 20101,661 (32%)
  2. 20111,428 (51%)
  3. 20121,473 (59%)
  4. 2013389 (22%)
  5. 2014326 (25%)
  6. 2015163 (16%)
  7. 2016176 (11%)
  8. 201751 (5%)
  9. 201819 (4%)
  10. 20197 (2%)
  11. 202012 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2018 Ford Fusion have?
NHTSA lists 19 steering complaints for the 2018 Fusion, which is 4% of the 439 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Ford Fusion?
Yes. Recall 18V167000 covers 2014-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles where the steering wheel retaining bolt can loosen and allow the wheel to detach while driving. The remedy is a dealer replacement with a longer bolt, free of charge.
At what mileage do steering problems typically appear on the 2018 Fusion?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2018 Fusion is 53,000 miles.
Are 2018 Fusion steering problems linked to crashes?
NHTSA data for this component and year shows 0 crashes and 0 injuries reported among the 19 steering complaints.
How does the 2018 Fusion compare to other years for steering complaints?
The 2018 Fusion's 19 steering complaints and 4% share are lower than earlier years like 2012, which had 1,473 complaints and a 59% share.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.