Skip to content
SteeringPart report

2008 Ford Fusion Steering Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
1%of 1,353 total for the year
Median mileage
81,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Ford Fusion, 1% of the 1,353 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have replaced the broken bolt on the idler pulley for the second time in 6 months. This is an annoying issue with this engine. Fortunately it happened on statrt up so we were in the driveway. Had it happened on the highway, the loss of power steering could have easily resulted in a fatal crash. The bolt is poorly designed and needs to be larger and or harder. If this is not fixed someone will eventually be killed. How many deaths does it take to warrant attention by Ford???”

NHTSA complaint #10882859, filed 2016-07, 63,000 miles

“Over time the vehicle developed gradually more slackness and free play in the steering response. I initially attributed the condition to tire wear and vehicle age. Eventually the condition became so serious that I was certain it was not normal, so I decided to try and diagnose the cause. Upon investigation I discovered that the steering rack assembly was moving around on its attachments in response to steering inputs. …”

NHTSA complaint #10455369, filed 2012-04, 81,000 miles

“I had my 2008 Ford Fusion se checked out due to the rear tires were going bald. I have put 6 tires on the rear til the bodyshop put it on a light and said there was a bend in my knuckle assembly and my lower rear passenger control arm was slightly bent. My steering wheel turns to the left while driving and the wheel are straight. My back to tires needless to say bow out, and I continuously buy tires because the parts and labor are over 1000.00. Also the passenger airbag cover is loose and im afraid tht the airbag will pop while im driving.”

NHTSA complaint #10850165, filed 2016-03, 153,545 miles

“Cracking and creaking underneath when temp outside is above about 70 degrees, very loud, possible struts, when turning wheel left or right also very loud creak or pop. I looked online and there are 100's of these issues reported. This has to be a recall, safety issue”

NHTSA complaint #10870532, filed 2016-05, 98,000 miles

“Belt idler pulley attachment bolt broke off while negotiating a corner, detaching the pulley from the front of the motor causing sudden loss of power steering assist, alternator charging, and engine cooling. Ford Fusion equipped with the 2.3l motor. This issue has now happened multiple times, with multiple parts replaced each time in an attempt to fix the underlying issue. A quick search online reveals this to be a very common problem with the Ford/mazda 2.3l 4 cylinder.”

NHTSA complaint #10661884, filed 2014-12, 142,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2020126%
201972%
2018194%
2017525%
201617611%
201516316%
201432925%
201338922%
20121,47459%
20111,43551%
20101,66232%
2009162%
2008111%
2007212%
2006122%

Other parts of the 2008 Ford Fusion

Air bags
638 complaints
Brakes
542 complaints
Body and structure
82 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
47 complaints
Engine
39 complaints
Other or unknown
39 complaints
Electrical system
28 complaints
Vehicle speed control
24 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
14 complaints
Fuel system
11 complaints
Seat belts
7 complaints
Suspension
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Ford Fusion

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology