A seven-year investigation into power steering failures in Ford Fusion vehicles has come to a conclusion, with no additional recalls being initiated by U.S. auto safety regulators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Monday that its testing found only minor changes in steering effort when the power-assist failed. Furthermore, it observed a decline in the failure rate and a lower failure rate in Fusions that were not subject to recall.
The investigation was launched by the NHTSA in September 2016 following more than 500 complaints of sudden power steering failure in Ford Fusions. This issue made it challenging for drivers to steer their midsize sedans effectively. The probe focused on approximately 263,000 Fusions from the 2010 model year. In 2017, the investigation was upgraded to an engineering analysis to assess the extent and frequency of the problem after receiving thousands more complaints, including reports of 59 crashes and 13 injuries.
However, the recently posted documents by the NHTSA stated that no safety-related defect trend was found. It is worth noting that in 2015, Ford recalled nearly 394,000 Fusions and other vehicles from the 2011 to 2013 model years due to power steering issues caused by a steering motor sensor fault.
This conclusion brings some relief to Ford Fusion owners who have been concerned about potential power steering failures. The NHTSA’s findings indicate that while there were instances of power-assist failure, the resulting changes in steering effort were minor and did not pose a significant safety risk. Additionally, the agency noted a downward trend in failures and a lower occurrence rate among vehicles that were not subject to recall.
Despite this positive outcome, it is important for Ford Fusion owners to remain vigilant and promptly address any power steering concerns. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensuring the continued safety and performance of their vehicles.
The closure of this investigation without additional recalls being initiated also reflects positively on Ford’s commitment to addressing safety concerns promptly. By recalling and fixing the vehicles affected by the steering motor sensor fault in 2015, the company demonstrated its dedication to resolving potential issues and ensuring the safety of its customers.
Moving forward, it is hoped that Ford will continue to prioritize safety in its manufacturing and address any emerging concerns promptly and effectively. The NHTSA’s investigation and subsequent conclusion serve as a reminder to all automakers that they must maintain a strong focus on safety and promptly address any reported defects or issues.
In conclusion, the seven-year investigation into power steering failures in Ford Fusions has come to an end with no additional recalls initiated. The NHTSA’s testing found only minor changes in steering effort when power-assist failed, and a declining failure trend was observed. While this conclusion brings some relief to Ford Fusion owners, it is essential to remain vigilant and address any power steering concerns promptly. The closure of the investigation without additional recalls reflects positively on Ford’s commitment to safety. This serves as a reminder to all automakers of the importance of prioritizing safety and promptly addressing reported defects or issues.
