2014 Ford Fusion Problems

What owners report

Owners of the 2014 Fusion most often report loss of power steering assist, often with a "Steering Loss" or "Service Advancetrac" message, followed by transmission shifting and engagement complaints and engine coolant problems. Many reports come between roughly 60,000 and 130,000 miles, with some failures appearing at start-up or at low speed and others developing gradually as coolant level drops or transmission behavior worsens.

1. 1
   Steering

   Power steering assist loss (steering rack/gear)

   • 265 complaints (20%)
   • median 74,036 mi at 6.0 yrs old (187 state mileage)
   • 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $2,200 (median of 22 quotes)
   • filed 2013–2026

   Owners describe the steering wheel suddenly becoming very heavy or seizing, often along with "Steering Loss," "Service Advancetrac" or power steering warning messages; in some cases the wheel feels stiff only at start-up or at low speed, and in others the assist cuts out while driving at speed. Dealers commonly diagnosed a failed steering rack or steering gear, and some reported corrosion or a cracked housing. Complaints frequently note that the vehicle was not covered by the steering recall, and several say the part was on back order or that the repair was not done. Reported across a wide mileage range, roughly 40,000 to 200,000 miles, including several under 70,000 miles; some cases appeared at start-up and others while driving.

   Recall 19V632000Recall 15V250000Recall 18V167000

   What to check: Ask whether the steering rack or gear has been replaced and whether any steering recall applied to the VIN. During a test drive, note any heavy or intermittent steering feel and check for steering and Advancetrac warnings at start-up.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Steering loss , service advancetrac and hill start assist not avail indicator on dash came on at around 94,000 miles while driving on the highway with no prior mechanical issues or indicators of mechanical failure. Luckily I was able to steer (very difficult/steering wheel stiff) off the roadway. Visual inspection of vehicle shows no damage to mechanical components. I believe electric power steering component or sensor is causing system to lock up and could have very well ended very badly for me and my family.”

   NHTSA complaint #11374702, filed 2020-11, 94,000 miles

   “The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 19v632000 (steering) however, the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The contact's father started the vehicle however, the steering wheel ceased and the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the contact's residence. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11404883, filed 2021-03, 40,000 miles
2. 2
   Engine

   Coolant loss and coolant entering the engine

   • 171 complaints (13%)
   • median 93,236 mi at 7.6 yrs old (120 state mileage)
   • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $6,250 (median of 8 quotes)
   • filed 2014–2026

   Owners report low coolant warnings, repeated coolant top-ups, white smoke from the exhaust, overheating messages, rough running, and in some cases a stalled engine. Dealers and shops often diagnosed coolant intrusion into the cylinders or engine block and recommended a long block or engine replacement. Complaints describe the repairs as not covered by the engine cooling recall for the VIN. Typically reported between about 60,000 and 175,000 miles, often described as gradual coolant loss before the engine ran rough or stalled.

   Recall 17V2090004 related service bulletins

   What to check: Check the coolant level and look for white residue or smoke, and ask whether the cooling system has been pressure tested or the engine replaced; ask about the 1.5L EcoBoost coolant TSB if that engine is fitted.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I was driving on the highway when I got the notification that my car was running hot. I wasn't to far from home so I decided to keep driving, when I slowed down it would level out but when I would speed up I would get the notification again. My husband put coolant in it that day but within two weeks we got the notification again and had to purchase more coolant to put in the car and then another two weeks we got the notification again. Had to put even more coolant. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11328308, filed 2020-06, 85,000 miles

   “Drove my 2014 Fusion with approx 141,800 miles on it to work (approx 30 miles) the night of 8/25/2020 with no issues or warning lights upon parking in the parking garage and exiting the vehicle. When I came out the next morning it failed to start with the remote. When I got in and tried to start it, it still would not start and it provided no warning lights. Had someone attempt to jump it which obviously didn't work, so was it towed to a nearby Ford service center. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11354144, filed 2020-09, 141,800 miles
3. 3
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transmission harsh shifting, slipping, or failure

   • 338 complaints (25%)
   • median 85,250 mi at 5.5 yrs old (244 state mileage)
   • 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 17 quotes)
   • filed 2014–2026

   Owners describe hard or delayed shifts, shuddering on upshifts and downshifts, hesitation when accelerating, and occasional failure to move or respond to the accelerator. Some were told the transmission needed replacement; others report codes stored and a shop recommending further diagnosis. Several complaints link the symptoms to the shifter cable bushing, where the lever position no longer matches the transmission. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 170,000 miles, often after the vehicle had been in use for several years.

   Recall 22V413000Recall 19V362000Recall 18V471000Recall 26V376000Recall 14V7360005 related service bulletins

   What to check: Test drive at low and highway speeds and note any shudder, clunk, or delayed engagement; ask whether the shifter cable bushing recall or the service cap installation has been done.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I heard a noise in my vehicle in july. I had the service manager take a drive. He thought it was a wheel bearing. On september 2 I took it in to be fixed. The mechanic said it was not a wheel bearing. It was the transmission and it would have to be replaced. I contacted Ford directly. They told me this was a known issue and I needed to file this complaint. I have attached the work order from the dealership documenting this fact.”

   NHTSA complaint #11361191, filed 2020-09, 78,703 miles

   “I've had my car for 5 years. 6 months after I purchased it it started showing transmission issues. It's almost like it gets stuck in a gear when trying to accelerate , and then it flings your forward. When driving up a hill it won't go over 30mph. I took it in over 2 years ago to Ford and was told a transmission recall for 2014 Ford fusions was coming. 2 years later and I'm being told my car doesn't qualify but is showing all the signs that's listed on the recall. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11373826, filed 2020-11, 140,000 miles
4. 4
   Brakes

   Brake pedal or hose failure with fluid loss

   • 116 complaints (9%)
   • median 93,000 mi at 7.2 yrs old (67 state mileage)
   • 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2015–2026

   Owners describe the brake pedal going to the floor, a pop felt through the pedal, brake fluid visible under the vehicle or on the driveway, and a brake warning light; in some cases stopping distance increased noticeably. Dealers diagnosed leaking or ruptured brake hoses, and complaints reference the brake hose recall, in one case with parts not yet available. Reported between roughly 25,000 and 135,000 miles, with several cases in vehicles over 100,000 miles.

   Recall 23V162000Recall 22V0110003 related service bulletins

   What to check: Check the brake fluid level and look for wet spots at the hoses and under the front of the car, and confirm whether the brake hose and brake pedal recalls were completed for the VIN.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving up an incline, the brake pedal was depressed when he felt a pop on his foot from the brake pedal; then without warning the brakes failed to operate as needed. The brake pedal then went to the floor. The contact then stated that he had to apply pressure while depressing the brake pedal but failed to completely stop the vehicle. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11480788, filed 2022-08, 121,000 miles

   “The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The low brake fluid warning light and the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact engaged the electronic parking brake and veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear brake flexible hoses needed to be replaced. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11517523, filed 2023-04, 100,000 miles
5. 5
   Other or unknown

   Door latches that will not latch or lock

   • 112 complaints (8%)
   • median 67,000 mi at 5.6 yrs old (87 state mileage)
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $386 (median of 5 quotes)
   • filed 2014–2026

   Owners describe a door that will not close securely or pops open while driving, and doors that will not lock. Some were told the latch failed and needed replacement, and at least one report notes a door opened during driving. Complaints often mention the door latch recalls and state that parts were unavailable or the repair did not hold. Reported from roughly 35,000 to 120,000 miles, with no clear seasonal pattern in the sample.

   Recall 20V177000Recall 20V331000Recall 17V210000Recall 15V2460001 related service bulletin

   What to check: Open and close each door several times and check that the latch catches firmly; ask whether the door latch recalls for this VIN were completed and whether latches were replaced afterward.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Failure to latch doors. In august 2019 drivers door opens during driving and did not close. Since a year before this happens in passengers door and due to the difficulties of getting my money back from viva Ford, I decide to fix it. However, in may,2020 the same failure happened in back driver side door. I fixed it but I want a refund of the expenses I had incurred.”

   NHTSA complaint #11326482, filed 2020-05, 42,650 miles

   “In september 2019, during commute driving the back door from the drivers side suddenly opened and did not close again. At the car shop, I was advised that a manufacturing error in the latch door was the cause. I fixed it and I do want a refund of the expenses incurred.”

   NHTSA complaint #11326483, filed 2020-05, 37,419 miles

Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection check the steering rack, brake hoses and fluid, coolant level, and transmission behavior, and confirm which recalls for this VIN have actually been completed. Records showing recent steering, brake hose, or cooling system work are worth asking about before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.