Ford Focus, Fusion Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Power Steering Issues

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A class action lawsuit has been filed against Ford Motor Company, alleging that the power steering system in some Ford Fusion and Ford Focus vehicles is defective and could increase the risk of drivers getting into auto accidents.ย 

The complaint (PDF) was filed late last month in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by several plaintiffs, including William Philips, Phillip Clay Cecil, Robert Halsey, Temple Halsey, Performance Fire Protection, LLC and Jason Wilkinson. The lawsuit seeks class action status to represent anyone who purchased a 2010 through 2014 Ford Fusion or the 2012 through 2014 model year Ford Focus.

According to allegations raised in the lawsuit, all of the Ford cars targeted by the class action claim use the Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system, instead of traditional hydraulic-assisted power steering pumps. The EPAS system uses a steering control motor, electronic control unit, torque sensor and steering wheel position sensor to help the driver navigate.

Spinal-Cord-Stimulation-Lawsuit
Spinal-Cord-Stimulation-Lawsuit

“The EPAS system, however, suffers from systemic defects,” the lawsuit claims. “The multitude of defective elements in the EPAS system renders the system prone to sudden and premature failure during ordinary and foreseeable driving situations.”

Plaintiffs claim that the system seeps conforming coating onto the ribbon cable, causing loss of connections, the ribbon cable pins are misaligned, causing loss of connections and breakage of critical wiring, the contact plate can corrode, and there are defects in the system’s sensors and gear assembly.

The lawsuit indicates that the Ford steering problems result in significantly increased effort needed to control the vehicle, and can cause drivers to get into an accident.

Ford is allegedly aware of hundreds of complaints, according to the lawsuit, but has failed to act appropriately to ensure consumer safety. The complaint accuses the company of intentionally concealing the problem. None of the plaintiffs claim to have been in an accident caused by the steering system.

The lawsuit points out that not only has Ford received complaints, but so has the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The lawsuit claims that the agency has received about 450 complaints of sudden failure of power steering loss regarding the affected vehicles. A number of those resulted in crashes and injuries.

The claim accuses Ford of violating consumer protection laws, fraudulent concealment, unfair competition, false advertising, breach of warranty, negligent misrepresentation, negligence, unjust enrichment and fraud.

Photo Courtesy ofย noelweathersย /ย C.C. by 2.0

Written by: Irvin Jackson

Senior Legal Journalist & Contributing Editor

Irvin Jackson is a senior investigative reporter at AboutLawsuits.com with more than 30 years of experience covering mass tort litigation, environmental policy, and consumer safety. He previously served as Associate Editor at Inside the EPA and contributes original reporting on product liability lawsuits, regulatory failures, and nationwide litigation trends.

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590 Comments


Dee
My has gone out for the second time

Lonnie
Wife to to store came out and the power steering would not work. Turned it off and started it up and it started working. Took it to ford dealership. They said the Rack and pinion need to be replaced .the elec asst was bad. Cost $1700.00 to fix.

Pam
My 2013 Fusion has has power steering assist fault 5 times. Dealer says they can’t find any codes. After each time they just want me to bring it in so they can check it. With same results. My car has about 32000 miles. The only recall I found was for vehicles built Feb. thru March 2013. Mine was made Jan 2013. The recall was for a missing clip inside something to do with the steering. Dealer hasn’t bothered to check that.

Debbnie
Our 2010 Ford Fusion lost the powersteering. Luckily didn’t happen when I was on the interstate and away from home. Thankful no accident. My husband called Ford Motor Company today to inquire if they had any problems or a recall and they told him Not for the Fusion. What liars there is no problem. Just because there hasn’t been a lot of serious accidents and that does”t drawn attention to the problem they think they can get by without doing anything. How many injured people would it take to do something about it. I have always been very loyal to Ford and been satisfied till now. Like everyone else said, $$$$ to fix and the dealerships around where I live do not have any in stock, have to order in. COME ON FORD, step up and take care of the problem. .

Janet
2011 Ford Fusion purchased in Sept 2012 first the instrument cluster board went now the power steering failed the $$ I’m paying for extended warranty can go towards a new vehiclw

john
exact same today,2010 milan

Kim
Same problem. Autotrac went and power steering failed same time ford should take care of their issue.

Lesia
Steering Gear went out of my 2013 Ford Fusion at 34661 miles! Lost complete steering on the interstate!

Angela
I am having the same issues. The power steering was difficult but I was driving it home anyway. Maybe because of the distance, the car completely stopped moving. Had to to be towed to the house. Don’t want to pay $2000 to fix. Any suggestions?

Megan
This is horrible. I have a 2010 Fusion and the power steering went out on it 2 months ago. All I have found is the law suit filed against ford in July of 2014 and a ton of good people who ford refuses to help on this matter. I am so mortified at how many recalls are even on the fusion from 2010-2014. Also to make matters worse the dealerships just keep pushing the sells of this time bomb of a car. I think we should all put something stating a warning of how horrible this car really is on our fusions as we drive around in it. This really makes me never want to buy from Ford every again.

Misty
This needs to be recalled..what dies it take for something that could end deadly..I had power steering go out after leaving church and ran into ditch and then tire blew out..wasn’t cheap either getting fixed..there is a lot of defaults and Ford needs to held reliable.

Christina
How can I get in on the class Action suit? I don’t want money, I want FORD to be responsible before the death toll starts to stack up. I have a 2014 Fusion, steering went out on me while entering a highway – 275 degree turn to enter the highway, with nearly impossible steering…Mileage 19K…Ford Roadside? Never showed up after 3 phone calls and 3 different dispatches. I still have no eta for a tow… Did I mention that it’s sub zero in Chicago right now? After 7.5 hours I cancelled the roadside call and decided to risk my life getting the car to the dealership. No news yet on the fix, of course no loaner car..talk about leaving you stranded. I have no car, roadside was a no show 3 times, no loners available, this car almost killed me this morning. Very disappointed.

Nicholas
I have a 2012 Ford Fusion and my power steering and advancetrac light came on Thanksgivings night and then i had no power. My car was only 2 years old at the time. I took it to the dealership and they told me that the repairs would cost 1700. That is crazy and i think all who have complaints should file a law suit so that they know we mean business. This is really getting ridiculous.

cindy
Bought my son a 2010 ford fusion. Same as the others, power steering went out, and he came close to running off the road at 65 miles an hour.the cost to fix 1,800 dollars. Cant understand why no recall.

misty
Please help with this Ford. Can’t help but notice all these complaints and same thing happened to me. Take responsibility or a lot of lawsuits on.the way.

Stephanie
I am the owner of a 2011 Ford Fusion my power steering has been going out since October the 22nd because I was in a rear end collision I thought that it was caused by the accident however I see now that Ford is actually saying that it is a manufacturing defect I was actually told that by a technician. My power steering has been reset a total of 3 times and each time it’s gone out again no one wants to take responsibility for having it fixed I’m not trying to get into an accident before somebody takes responsibility so now I’m afraid to drive my car

Nicholas
I have a 2012 Food Fusion and my power steering and advancetrac light came on Thanksgivings night and them i had no power. My car was only 2 years old at the time. I took it to the dealership and they told me that the repairs would cost 1700. That is crazy and i think all who have complaints file a law suit so that they know we mean business.

Rachelle
Two weeks ago, ABS traction and Power Steering Warning light came on. Took it to the dealership, said they ran diagnostics and they couldn’t find anything. Said I needed new tire They reset my computer and said I could drive back home. 10 minutes into my drive all the same warning lights came on. I barely made it home before my steering wheel locked. . Today, was backing out of my garage, lost all power.

tracy
My power steering assist went out when I pulled into a parking lot. It cost me 1,451.02 to get it fixed out of pocket. I checked the website and contacted Ford no recall but lots of complaints. I am very disappointed in Ford this is dangerous.

eric
2012 se 54000 miles. Almost caused an accident going 70mph because it was hard to turn the steering wheel. In the military and was late to work. This is causing financial problems due to trying to get someone to find what the problem is…late to work..rental car expense right before 3 week leave! I want it fixed or I’m talking to a lawyer over the safety hazard it put me in!!!!

james
I just brought my car 2 months ago 2012 ford fusion sel it only have 36678 miles on it.

Teresa
I bought my 2012 focus brand new from the dealer, first I had transmission issuers (under warranty, thankfully) now this same thing has happened to me. Steering went out Christmas Eve. It took them until today to figure out “what’s wrong” they say 1900 to fix it and can’t clarify or answer any of my questions surrounding the repair. How can this be!? What kind of service is this?

Melody
I have the same problem. It started a week ago and my car, a 2011 Fusion, has only 29002 miles. At first the problem only occurred when I cranked the car. Then the power steering went out while I was driving. That was very frightening. I took it to the shop today. It is going to cost me 1700 dollars to repair. I bought the car Jan 12, 2010 and have taken very good care of it.

Corey
Same thing ! Lost steering ran into a parked car , thought it was an accident. Got it out of the shop and 2 months later same thing – check power steering / service advance track ! Lots of talk about recall and or class action ? I don’t know what to do !

April
Was pulling out of Wal-Mart parking space and lost all control off steering. Had my the kids with meadded almost hit the car pulling out next to me. Took all I had to turn the wheel and pulled my shoulder trying to do so. I was stranded for 3 hours until someone could take me home. I don’t know what to do can’t afford 2000 to fix this…

Aryka
I have a 2011 Ford Fusion SEL that I purchased two years ago this December. Since i’ve purchased the vehicle i’ve had NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. Two power steering failures, one throttle body replacement, a new AC fan, and I can’t open the drivers side door from the inside. Ford has done NOTHNG to help me with my car and after reading hundreds of complains from other Ford Fusion owners, I’m convinced we have all purchased a defective vehicle. The Ford Fusion has major electrical issues and Ford is well aware of the problem.

Chad
I had my power steering go out two times now. I will say the first time it went out at 70 mph it was was flat out scary I almost hit a couple cars on highway. Now as of today it has gone out again but this time it went out fast with no crazy pulling left and right. I’m very sick to think a car that is only 2 years old it’s a 2012 model would have this problem every lets say 40,000 miles. Now I sit with no warranty waiting to see if ford will do the right thing for me and thousands of other people with this problem. It’s a safety problem that needs to be addressed.

Katrina
Same problem here. 2011 Ford Fusion with 58,000 miles. Started the car this morning and the same two warning lights came on and I had no power steering. Local dealership wants $2,173 to fix. Looks like this is a MAJOR problem!

Michael
I have a 2011 Ford Fusion with 52,000 miles on it. I was getting off a tight turn exit when my steering went out causing me to go off into the grassy area around the exit. If it would have been any other situation someone would have gotten killed or injured! I experienced the exact same thing as others are discussing. Advanced trac and power steering both quit working. THANKS FORD !!!!!!!!

Andrew
2010 ford fusion had power steering completely go out Wednesday evening. Can’t get the car into dealer until the 29th to be diagnosed. Sounds like exact same problem.

BYRON
I have the same problem power steering went out with no prior warning. Ford should definitely be held responsible for this before someone gets seriously hurt or killed.

jason
Started having problems with my 2011 Ford Fusion, “Power Steering needs Service” light came on. Anyone know of anycalls? The Advance traction light is also on. Was pulling out into the main highway and almost caused an accident.

Robert
Our 2012 Fusion had a power steering failure at 58,600 miles. We are told that the cost to repair is over $1,700, and that the parts are not under warranty.

Pamela
I have a 2011 Ford Fusionhad to bring it into the Ford dealership for is steering problems the auto assit. the cost to repair a three year old car was 2200 dollarsnot including a day off of lost workand a rental car

paul
Same problem, power steering went out on a 2010 ford fusion. Advanced trac and power steering both quit working. Only fix is for 1800 bucks, but every car in the country is having this same issue.

Wanderlyn and Walter
My son and I purchased the 2010 Ford Fusion in September 2012 and the warranty went off September 2014 he is currently having Power Steering Problems. Ford is very wrong in keeping the facts hidden and should take responsibility before someone is seriously injured or killed and they really will be sued.. We are praying that the expense of repair is not over the carenote amount, but probabdly a unlikely chance. FORD take priide and be responsible.

Cody
Recently purchased 2010 Ford Fusion with 59000 miles and while driving home on highway going 70mph the power steering suddenly went out almost wrecked trying to get off the high way the light on dash reads service power steering now and I tried to reset but still have no steering it looks like I’m not the only one having this problem this should be a recall and replaced by Ford before some one gets killed or injured. I will be contacting Ford and a Lawyer to File a lawsuit against them

anita
Just bought 2011 ford fusion on trust of dealerships good name without researching

laurel
I have a 2010 ford fusion and that power steering has gone out on. Also have warning in display that the advance track system needs serviced. I’m taking in Monday to have looked at so not sure what this will cost… I was advised by dealership that there haven’t been any recalls for this issue and after reading the number of complaints online this is obviously a known issue that ford refuses to look into.

Tom
Mine failed at 59,000 miles. Cost $1,706.00 to repair.

Mykel
My girlfriend had purchased a 2011 Ford Fusion about a year ago and everything was fine till the past 2 months where the power steering assist fault would come on and she would lose her power steering but when you turn the car off then back on it would work just fine but today it had happened when she was turning in a intersection and she has kids this is scary knowing that the power steering will go out at any time and can be very dangerous hopefully something is done about this

ErIn
My 2011 had issues in the past with the Advancetrack and was told by the dealer just to reset it by turning off and on the car which worked, while driving on 11/15/2014 my power stearing went out completly and has not been reset, my car has less than 70,000 miles on it. I will never by a ford product again. Randell Ford in Fort Smith Arkansas told me they were not aware of any issues and that it would take a couple days to even look at the car. Cannot belive they would not help me out knowing how dangerous it is to drive with no stering.

James
I ‘ve had this problem many times with my 2012 focus I also have reported it to the dealership and asked if there was a problem , they said don’t know of any. I nearly rolled my car on a curve near my house when the steering shut off . I called the dealership and they said bring the car in , but I had to shut it off and of course it reset and worked perfect . They said they can’t fix what isn’t broke.. This problem first occurred around 10 k

Donna
My 2012 Ford Focus has the same problem. I live in Central Texas and would sometimes leave the car running if I was parked and on the phone during this last summer. The “Power Steering Assist” lights would come on, while in PARK with the engine running. If I tried to drive the power steering would not respond. I could turn the car off and when I started it back up, the problem would seem to fix itself. The last time it happened, in August with about 38,000 miles, it did not correct itself. I have had to learn how to drive without power steering again because I can’t afford the $2000.00 for repairs. After reading all of these comments, I think the problem lies with Ford and there should be a recall.

Brandon
I have a 2010 Ford Fusion with 87k miles. I was driving home from halloween when all of the sudden my “service power steering” and “advance track” notifications came on. This is out of no where. Ford obviously knows this is an issue and refuses to do anything about it. I have been reading these comments and reviews from this site and others and see that this is a common issue. After returning to the dealer, they stated I needed a power steering rack at the cost of $1630 plus tax. I do find it funny that Miracle Ford in Gallatin Tn must be used to this issue as once I complained about this being an issue they waived my diagnostic fee. They know I have to get this issue fixed or be with out a vehicle. This will be the second recall ( hopefully becomes a recall) on this vehicle, it’s always fun having to pay then get reimbursed. This is the first and last Ford I will ever own. Sad because I was looking at the new 2015 Fusion

Kyle
2011 Fusion sel power stearing gear went out and I could barely stear the car. First the idiots replace my ball joints thinking that’s going to solve the problem and then they tell me I need a new stearing gear. Only $1875 no big deal….. Really disappointing when you buy a nice car knowing you won’t have to deal with 2500 worth of repairs in one year. Please report with the nhtsa if you have problems

Pauline
I have a 2012ford fusion and my power steering stops on me with out warning. I am scared that it may cause an accident. I can not afford a big bill to pay right now.and what I am reading from other people it is quite a problem. this is my second fusion and I love the car but this is making me think bad things about ford if they don’t have recall on this major problem.Are they waiting for someone to get hurt before they realize that this is a safety problem.

Joe
2010 Ford Fusion 2.5L – Had just driven 100+ miles on the interstate, parked the car in a parking lot to see my son play soccer. The game was postponed for a few hours due to weather so we decided to get something to eat. When the car was restarted a warning light came on in the dash. At the time I did not know what the light meant so we drove approximately two miles to a restaurant at 45 mph, car pulled extremely hard to the right. I thought we had a tire problem but when we arrived at the restaurant, a quick check of the tires showed no problem That’s when I noticed that on the dash readout I had “Service Advancetrac and Service Power Steering Now”. Stupid me looked under the hood to check power steering fluid but obviously could not find the reservoir since a read of the owners manual indicated that it was all electronic. During the ride to the restaurant the power steering seemed to be working, just pulling hard to the right. We ate and when we were ready to leave I could hardly turn the steering wheel. We found a Ford Dealership and they checked it out and said that the steering gear needed replacing for a cost of $2,149.27. We have an extended warranty with a company called Zurich but they are closed on the weekend. Since it would be Monday before we could see if it would be covered by the warranty and we were out of town and really didn’t want to spend this kind of money we told them we would pay for services rendered but would try to make it back to our home. For whatever reason, they waived the diagnostic fee of $120.00. I was told the technician reset the fault code and that it was working OK now. After the game we drove back home with no warning lights and no steering problems. We will see what the dealer says on Monday.

andy
for the record, my 2012 Fusion power steering went out at 38,000 miles and cost 1850. to fix. I expect ford will have to recall them and pay for the fix, but not holding my breath. keep up the pressure and report all your cases to the NHTSA.

dan
First time here on this forum, but seriously need help. I have a 2010 ford fusion 2.5l se and out of no where the advance trac light came on and the power steering service now also. so now the power steering is gone and really stiff, i cant figure out the proble, the last thing i want to do is spend lots money on a service charge by the dealer and then more to actually do something dont have money to pay to fix as most people

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