NHTSA Complaint #11486062 — 2014 FORD FUSION

Since receiving the Fusion from the previous owner, there had been a "dead spot" in the middle of the steering.  I didn't think anything of it as it didn't have an effect on performance. While driving down the highway, I received a "steering assist failure, service required".  The car was operating just fine so we continued home.  Upon starting a few days later, the message re-appeared and the steering was tight with the engine running.  I put the car in drive and got more warnings, "not in park", "hill assist not", and the steering message. Trying to turn the steering wheel with the engine running was more difficult than an old truck with no power steering. Did not drive the car. After a lot of research, this appears to be a known failure but one not applicable to this VIN #. The Fusion has electronic powering steering (EPS). The main issue is the seal around the shaft that lets water in and either ruins the electronics or rusts the bolts and other parts.   Unfortunately if the EPS has failed, it is about a $3,000-$4,000+ repair; quote not from Ford.  The EPS alone is about $800-$1,000 re-manufactured or $1,500+ new from Ford. (Ford wouldn't give me a direct quote without seeing the car.) I plan to use a trailer or flatbed to take the car to a dealership to have them look at it in person as well as read the computer codes. Researching further in car forums and Fusion forums online, I found a few people that have had this repair covered under warranty (this car is no longer under warranty, miles or years).  My other concern is that this is a possible known issue but this VIN is excluded for some reason. If the repair is not covered by Ford, we will be donating the car or selling it for parts depending on which is easier at the time. (This is a hail damaged car that isn't worth the price of the repairs).