Ford Fusion Electronic Stability Control (esc) Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 438 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 438 complaints with NHTSA about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Ford Fusion across 12 model years. The 2010 model year has the most (144). The words owners use most often: “service advancetrac” (15% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Service advancetrac: mentioned in 64 of 438 complaints (15%)
  • Power steering now: mentioned in 48 of 438 complaints (11%)
  • Assist fault: mentioned in 46 of 438 complaints (11%)
  • Advance trac: mentioned in 41 of 438 complaints (9%)

At what mileage do electronic stability control (esc) problems happen?

Based on 390 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles20 · 5%
10k–25k miles13 · 3%
25k–50k miles65 · 17%
50k–75k miles89 · 23%
75k–100k miles74 · 19%
100k–150k miles97 · 25%
150k+ miles32 · 8%

How serious are the reports?

Of 438 complaints, 21 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 7 an injury.

Ford Fusion electronic stability control (esc) complaints by model year

Peak: 2010, with 144 complaints
2006: 4200642007: 4200742008: 2200822009: 5200952010: 14420101442011: 932011932012: 802012802013: 242013242014: 372014372015: 102015102016: 262016262017: 920179

n = 438 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearElectronic Stability Control (esc) complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2017 Fusion91%13,000
2016 Fusion262%65,000
2015 Fusion101%16,900
2014 Fusion373%73,000
2013 Fusion241%47,000
2012 Fusion803%89,900
2011 Fusion933%72,000
2010 Fusion1443%87,300
2009 Fusion50%79,900
2008 Fusion20%109,500
2007 Fusion40%107,000
2006 Fusion41%115,713

When owners reported it

Peak: 2019, with 91 complaints
2011: 3201132012: 4201242013: 452013452014: 552014552015: 422015422016: 312016312017: 522017522018: 562018562019: 912019912020: 562020562024: 1202412025: 220252

n = 438 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (0)

No safety recall lists electronic stability control (esc) for the Ford Fusion. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 - 60 MPH, the AdvanceTrac and power steering systems became inoperable. The AdvanceTrac and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic…

Received Jul 11, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11672676

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle at the residence, the messages "Service Power Steering” and Check Stability" were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle steering wheel had seized and was unable to turn to the left or the right. The…

Received Apr 4, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11652838

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic stability control (ESC) and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was…

Received May 1, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11586357

When pushing the start button, the car struggles to start. The battery was checked and no problems were found. Sometimes the car does not detect when the drivers seatbelt is not on while driving or sitting still. The beeping sounds the car typically makes when backing, alerting the driver is a…

Received Oct 29, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11366988

Sudden loss of power steering, says service advancetrack as well as service power steering now which has been listed as an issue for many of my make and model car

Received Oct 28, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11366853

Frequently asked questions

Do all Ford Fusions have electronic stability control (esc) problems?

No. NHTSA has 438 owner complaints about electronic stability control (esc) for the Ford Fusion. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Ford Fusion electronic stability control (esc)?

No recall currently lists electronic stability control (esc) for this vehicle.

What do owners say about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Ford Fusion?

The most frequent phrase is “service advancetrac”, in 64 of 438 complaints, followed by “power steering now” (48).

Other Ford Fusion problems

See all Ford Fusion problems.