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. 

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.

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“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 of noelweathers / 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


Tracy
How do I join the Lawsuit?

Anna
I have a 2012 ford focus and I shod like to join this lawsuit

Teddy
62k miles on 2012 focus. Steering assist problematic. Hope mfg warranty covers repair. TMC changed out a few months ago, thankfully it was covered

Tawanda
I have 2011 Fusion SE that the power steering went out on it this past weekend . I have called several dealers and also went too the different auto stores to buy the fuses no luck . Now I am out of a car still owing a car payments .

jenn
2010 fusion. This is the second time lost power steering. Replaced battery last time and it worked. Not as lucky this time. I also had to replace transmission at 160,000 kms..warranty ran out. I had car in garage from 4 months on after I bought it re transmission. They kept telling me it was fine. Ford Canada did nothing for me !! Totally disgusted yet again.

Sandi
I purchased a 2014 focused 2 years ago and 135 past the warranty my steering went out. How do I go about joining this lawsuit

Brandon
Having the same problem with my step sons 2010 ford fusion please let me know what I can do about this

Kevin
My 2013 Ford Focus SE is sitting at a Ford dealership in Florida awaiting repair. At less than 58,000 miles I certainly was not expecting the car to experience such a major malfunction as loss of power steering. I’m furious about the $1700 repair bill.

scott
I have a 2010 ford fusion which has the same power steering issue and would like to become involved in class action suit. ridiculous that they recall 2011 on up and 2010 has same known issue!!

Joseph
I’ve recently had this very issue with my 2010 ford fusion hybrid. The power steering just went out while I was turning on to a highway. Please tell me it is not to late to join this lawsuit, the cost of repairs to my vehicle have really put me in a bind.

EDWARD
I haven’t had an issue yet but I have always felt like the steering was off because it pulls to the left a little bit. I kept thinking the road was messed up because it’s a brand new carit shouldn’t have anything wrong with it. Sign me up

S
I have a 2014 Ford Fusion Titanium. The EPS – power steering locks up and I can not do anything about it.

Eboni
I would like to join the law suit my power steering just went out on my 2010 ford fusion And my advanced traction light came on. This is too costly and it was very dangerous there was no warning.

Cheryl
I woul like to join the law suit. I have a 2010 ford fusion. I was on a highway when my epsa went out and wet roads. My advance track and engine light came on as soon as my power steering went out.

Dianne
I have been having problem with my Ford Focus with the power steering just locking down while driving I carried it to Ford and the said I needed a new battery. The power steering assist malfucation did it again in my yard had to have it towed to Ford now they say it is going to cost me $1700 to put in a new power steering control module and the car only has 51,282 miles it is a 2012 Ford Focus.vin#1FAHP3F27CL130729

Tanya
I purchased a 2014 Ford Fusion a year ago. In July 2015 I had a steering rack with bolts/ clamps replaced due to a recall by Ford. It is now August 2016 and I drove my car from Charlotte, NC to Buffalo, NY and now I am stranded in Buffalo because I lost all power steering. Basil Ford claims that the part is “faulty” again after a year and I am responsible for the repair. I was never told that the steering rack had a 12 month 12,000 year warranty on it. I never knew that after a recall part was replaced that it could go bad again and it would be my responsibility. You would think that after it was fixed there should be no more problems. The part went “faulty” after a few weeks of the warranty being expired. What I don’t understand is how can they say that I am liable and the part was “faulty” to begin with? I was also informed by Ford that they are the first company to try out this new power steering rack… I’m sorry to inform everyone that we are guniea pigs for their project and they are learning and correcting the problem at our expense. My repair is going to cost $2000. What’s really funny is that before they even looked at my car it was stated by the service rep that if it was the steering rack that I would be held responsible. I felt that was strange because they hadn’t even put it on the diagnostic machine yet! Basil Ford claims that there is no fault on their behalf and everything was done perfect on their end. I also questioned them and asked if they could assure me that the new part that was installed wasn’t “faulty” too? I called Ford customer care to see if they would be able to help resolve my issue. Needless to say my issues and complaints have fallen on deaf ears…. I thank God that I made it to my destination before I lost all steering. I could’ve been hurt or even killed! Something needs to be done to stop these heartless people! Oh and by they way when I took it to the dealer to be fixed there was yet another recall on another faulty part that needed to be fixed! You gotta love it……. I would love to join this lawsuit!

Jimmie
I have 2010 fusion power steering went out for no apparent reason. I would like to join lawsuit.

Mario
I would like info on this law suit please! I persuaded the woman to buy a Ford because I was a die hard Ford guy. Jeez am I eating it not! Nothing but problems and recalls!!! First the transmission….TWICE!!! Had to eat the 3000 dollar one because it was out of warranty lmao. Then the power steering was supposed replaced, now service power steering now and service advancetrac light came on also no power steering at all. Tired of dealing with douchebag dealership. Car’s a piece of shit Ford should be ashamed of themselves.

jay
2010 fusion 6700 miles . We had the power steering go out randomly and not real often however it was been very scary. One time i was in heavy traffic and as I was going to turn left onto the expressway it went out. I just had it go out on me today as I was attempting to turn out on a busy street. I call ford about recall. She the not on recall………….

Michele
How do I file a claim and become part of this class action? Currently, lost my power steering on my way back from NY. I live in Myrtle Beach.

MIKE
I HAVE A 2010 FUSION AND JUST RECENTLY HAD POWER STEERING PROBLEMS WOULD LIKE TO ALSO GET INVOLED IN THE LAWSUIT

Krista
I’ve had my Ford Fusion SEL 2011 and I am almost done paying off. And all the sudden this morning my husband tells me that the power steering went I hear about this lawsuit and I would like to add my name to the list. I refuse to Shell out two grand to fix the power steering if this is a common malfunction that can be fixed via the manufacturer

Karla
My name is Karla i live in upstate new york. I bought a 2015 ford focus. Had 7 miles on the vehicle when i drove it out of fords parking lot. 1 month after i bought this vehicle i heard a noise in the front passengers front end. I took it back to the dealership. They told me they couldnt hear it. 2 months after that i took it back for the same issue they told me it was snow and ice build up. Ok so i keep driving it 3 months go by and i take it back they tell me that the muffler system is coming apart at the seams. They put padding between the seams. I drove it off the lot with no change. Now here it is 11 months later and the noise has started in the drivers side. I take it back in for the 4th time in less than a year. I get told this time that both my sway bars are loose, my steering box is gone , and the sensor on the steering column does not communicte with the steering box. GREAT! I have driven this vehicle like this for 11 months with my son in the vehicle all over new york and canada as my son is a hockey player. I will never buy a ford product again. Im am so disappointed with ford.

sheila
My 2012 food focus epas system went out a year ago at about 60,000 miles. I would love to join the suit. I can’t afford the 1700.00 to fix it, there is no reason for that to go out that quick, i already had the tramsmission tcm recall repaired after it went out while i was on the interstate.

Kiona
My car just recently did the same thing others have been saying my power steering went out paid to get it checked out they said my power steering is electric and it’s my racket penion I need to get in touch with a lawyer dats handling this case myself because I have took my car to ford like 4 times and they stated they can’t fix anything because they want get paid for it please someone help me out

Laura
Own a 2012 focus . D power steering went out as i was driving home from home from work. Scariest day of my life . Totaled the car.

Traci
I have a 2012 Ford Focus. The last month it will say power steering fault . When I turn the car off and wait a few minutes it is fine. Last night the power steering went out completely in my car making it almost impossible to drive!!! I want in on the class action lawsuit too! This car has been nothing but, trouble since I got it brand new in 2011. I have 73,000 miles on it. SHAME ON FORD! What will it take to get a recall? Someone to die?

Amy
I also have a 2012 Ford Focus with “steering assist” issues. The light comes on while driving and the steering wheel locks up. Just this past week I almost hit someone head on because the wheel wouldn’t move at all! I’m getting so afraid to drive my car…. unfortunately my extended warranty has expired and now I must pay for all the service repair fees. Calling the dealership today to get an estimate for such repairs. I’m so frustrated. How do I join this lawsuit?

Chris
I started having this issue at approximately 70k miles. I was able to simply restart the car and have power steering come back. This worked until about 102,000 miles. Finally it went out for good. I took it to a mechanic I actually trust. when they called Ford they told them that the part had been revised 4-5 times and assured them we got the newest revision. If you’ve had to re-engineer the part that many times they owe it to us to repair it for free. The part was ~$950 and labor and alignment was another $730. Rental car for the 2 days was another $60. I’m pissed. It definitely is the last time I buy a ford vehicle. My dad worked for Ford for 3 decades. I appreciate they didn’t take bail out money… but come on!! Every time I see a focus I pray they don’t have these issues. The one thing I will say is the car doesn’t hesitate or shake nearly as often as it used to when low speed accelerating…

Igor
I have Ford Fusion hybrid 2010. It just got message from the wife who contacted the dealership while i am abroad at the moment. Here is the message: The car is messed up. Fix auto called and the mechanic said that he’ve spoken to the dealership, turns out there’s an internal steering failure, parts are $1900 plus about $650 for labor, and about a total of $300 for both inspections (at the mechanic and the dealership) supposedly it’s a common problem with that model and they have the parts in stock because it happens so often….. Anyway, the dealership sayit’s a common problem… The mechanic said he’ll try to get the insurance company to pay for the towing. So it’ll cost about $3000 just to fix the car plus all the inspections… Please advise.

Thomas
I just had mine replaced 2 weeks ago on my 2012 Focus. After reading these stories I think I got off a little better than most; as it only cost me around $1250 for the fix. I can’t believe that this article was written in 2014 and they are still running into these issues without anything happening.

Daniel
I’m currently stranded in Nebraska on my way to Indiana because my power steering just randomly stopped working. 2010 ford fusion and it’s citing advancetrac as the cause. Please let me know how I can join this lawsuit.

Charles
We have a 2011 Fusion. Several months we got a squeak in the steering at low speeds. The car was soon recalled to replace a steering sensor. The problem got worst. I returned to the dealership and they said that the control arm bushings were bad and wanted $2,800.00 to replace. I did replace them at an independent garage for $1,100.00. That did not fix the problem. Now the power steering seems to cut on and off at low speeds. I’ll return it to the dealer next week…again. Is Ford giving me a run-a-round?

David
I own a 2012 Ford Focus and, after the “steering assist” light came on several times. The power steering went out completely. After reading the comments above, I feel lucky that it went out in the driveway instead of on the highway. $1500 for a new rack and pinion and alignment. Please let me know how I can join this class action law suit.

Richard
I own a 2012 Ford Focus with 115180 miles. The power steering suddenly stopped working while driving and the car became very difficult to steer. My wife was able to get the car to a safe location and turn it off and then restarted. The power steering started working again. The next day while driving the same problem happened again. She reported this to the Ford dealer where we purchased the car and weare awaiting a reply.

Jade
I would also like to join this lawsuit, this just recently happend to my wife in our 2012 Ford Focus, I am a pretty stocky guy and driving with out it is almost impossible. I would have hated the steering to go out when my wife and daughter were driving the car! I think this problem is rediculous that for has not recalled this extreme problem. I hope this get recalled before more people get hurt or lose there lives

Jodi
We own a 2012 Ford Focus. We had the power steering go out randomly and not real often however it was been very scary. One time my husband was in heavy traffic and as he was going to turn left onto the expressway it went out. I just had it go out on me today as I was attempting to turn out of a business onto a busy road. I drove my car to a Ford dealership where they said they would have to replace the rack and pinion and give an allighnment at a tune of $1400. Not happy. This is a defect of this car and should be recalled.

Jacquelyn
I purchase a 2010 ford fusion for my son and the same thing has happen with power steering . It cost $1,800 to fix it. Something needs to be done

Bryce
I recently purchased a 2014 Ford Fusion. I always felt there was something off about the steering. It had been back to the dealership 4 times and they replaced part after part. (At the dealer expense). When you would turn left the steering wheel would go back to 11’o clock and you would have to push it back to 12. They had done FOUR alignments on it and it still pulled to the left after turning. Then one day on a residential street I lost, not just the power steering, but had total steering failure! It felt the the steering wheel just broke loose. I turned the wheel to the left slightly:no response and the play was like that of a toy car. I turned to the right; the car continued straight. I completely lost control of my car. I remember thinking to myself, this is really happening. Suddenly the steering wheel shuttered and I felt the steering wheel tighten up. Unfortunately I had the wheel turned to the right and the car shot off the road like a rocket. I corrected, praying to God the steering had fully returned. I nailed a curb and struck two garbage cans in the process of getting back towards the road and coming to a compete stop. I pulled over and was utterly dumbfounded. I thought I was going crazy. It didn’t have any more than the usual issues. The dealership is currently replacing the module, free of charge. But FORD needs to own this. One of the risks of being an industry leader in technology, is locating the issues, and correcting them. I bought my car because I wanted to feel safe. It doesn’t matter how many air bags you have, or how good your brakes are. If there is a possibility that you can loose total steering control. Even if for a fraction of a second. (That’s all it takes) You are putting everyone on the road at an unnecessary risk. Taking car safety technology and regressing it decades! I would certainly have chosen a different vehicle if I knew of this Tom Foolery. Shame on you Ford.

kadjia
1FAHP3F20CL129664 i would like to join this lawsuit

Christina
I have a 2010 Ford Fusion and have had a power steering fault on my vehicle. The ford house says its going to cost about $2000 to get it fixed. I see now that i am not the only one having problems with my fusion. It is sad though that if you do not have the money for the repairs you still have to make your payments. I think ford should pay off these vehicles for the owners. Especially when i don’t see how i could ever let a loved one ride in the car knowing that the power steering could go out on it.

nick
damn ford sucks. basically the same issue. 2010 fusion, just sold it to me gf and then within two weeks the door brakes and the power steering goes out. It is insane they havent issued a full recall on this issue. I drove off the road when it went out because we were travelling about 200 miles into a 600 mile trip. It is insane and im a pretty strong guy. If she were driving we would have hit a fence.

Danielle
I had my 2012 Ford Focus at a Ford dealership at 75,000 miles they was supposed to replace my transmission for free and instead they only repaired it Ford has yet to fix the problem with the transmission or buy back the car they keep telling me that it’s not there fault it’s now at a hundred thirty eight thousand and they will no longer assist with any repairs to do with the pre existing transmission problems. first off the car is still skipping/hitching I’m still waiting on the satisfaction of it been fixed. the fact is the car is dangerous to be on the road….. since I have purchased the car it has shut down leaving us stranded in the middle of the road and in an unsafe intersection where we could be hit from any side at any point with my child in the car. We had to tow it both times it shut down I asked Ford why they have yet to come up with a fix for the problem? The answer was we have a code for the transmission control module and that should solve the problem. But the transmission issue still not fixed. so now I’m having an error code on my dashboard “transmission failure service now “. I I had my transmission tore down and rebuilt but still has the same issues of Hitchin. Ford should be held responsible for the transmission problem with all the cars that have been sold to us the consumers they should purchase the cars back or replace the car if we choose to have them purchase the car back we should get the Cars full value so we can go purchase another vehicle that we are going to feel safe in we should not have to be controlled and be told that well it’s your fault or it’s your problem or whatever the excuse. Ford Ford should be responsible just like any other human out there that has ever done something wrong they have a responsible to us the consumers to repair a vehicle that has a faulty transmission or any issue matter of fact. we the consumers should hould have the option to have a new vehicle or have the choice to purchase another vehicle for Fords failure to supply a safe reliable vehicle that we purchased from the company and not knowing that it would be unsafe for us or our families to be in. This car is unsteady and unreliable Ford should be held responsible and they need repercussions

Gilda
My 2012 Fusion has this same problem we found that our VIN magically is not included in any recall! How lucky for FORD! How do we join the Class action suit? Sign me up.

HARRY
i bought a new 2014 ford focus within 2 weeks the transmission locked up 4 x .wayne akers ford pleaded with me to take another new 2014 i was promised the same car but was given a much cheaper model. i took them to court and they refunded me the diff. however the new FOCUS was no better i had to take it back 5 or 6 x they replaced the trans gas mileage is horrible the comp is inaccurate i believe in order that mileage shown is off so one would think they getting better gas mileage . steering is bad car shakes air conditioner is below avereage . i have done 7500 in 2 yrs as i dont trust this car wayne akers service dept lied to me re transmission gas mileage and deny their gas mileage claims saying that it is not theirs

Terrie
My power steering had failed twice. I called there was a recall on my 2011 fusion. I took it in they reset it. Now it’s failed again, I don’t want to drive this car anymore.i have always bought fords, I will not buy another one.

shamekia
I got a 2010 Ford Fusion. Power steering needs assist and traction needs assist. This car is the worst.

Angela
2010 mercury Milan same power steering issue not covered how do I join lawsuit

Heather
I have a 2012 Ford Focus. My cars steering column went out while we were driving it. It made my car pretty tough to steer and I could have been in a accident. I called Ford and it was not covered by the warranty, and its not a recall. We took it in to be diagnosed and paid 185 to be told we have to pay 2000 to get a new steering column. I went online and saw this is a common problem and it happens often while your driving with no notice that anything is wrong! Very scary and wrong of Ford to allow these cars to be on the road and it is a ticking timebomb! I ended up getting the car fixed because I owe 10,000 still and wound not get my moneys worth to sell it. I would like to join the lawsuit. I paid over 2000 to fix this car.

Anthony
2014 focus only 12,000 miles steering went out bout wrecked.. not cover by warranty just ran out.. ford is selling junk and getting away with it!!

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