U0420 on Ford Fusion
Invalid Data Received From Power Steering Control Module A
Methodology: Reviewed against the SAE J2012 generic DTC definition and NHTSA owner-complaint patterns, then scoped to Ford Fusion context without treating complaints as confirmed diagnoses.
Sources: SAE/OBD-II definitions, manufacturer service information, and public reliability reports (including NHTSA where applicable).
- SAE J2012 Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions — Generic diagnostic trouble code definition reference for U0420.
- NHTSA recalls, complaints, and manufacturer communications — Used to check public owner complaint context, recall status, and safety-related manufacturer communications by VIN or vehicle.
Limits: Guidance is informational and may not match every model-year or revision. Confirm with the official manual and diagnostics before replacing parts. For safety-critical or electrical work, use a qualified technician.
What U0420 Means on Your Ford Fusion
U0420 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Invalid Data Received From Power Steering Control Module A. This code relates to the network communication system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.
Real Ford Fusion Owner Reports
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
"I was driving my car when our of no where, the power steering stopped functioning and two messages started to flash on my dashboard: "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" and "Service Advancetrac" This was very dangerous as I could not steer the car."
"Hello, I was driving towards the hotel I was staying at when I heard some squeaky noises when I was turning my car (this was at night). The next day, I was leaving the parking garage, about to drive onto a main road when my power steering went."
All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year
Common Causes on Ford Fusion
Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.
What To Do Next
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1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
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2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
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3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.