C0071 on 2011-2013 Ford Fusion — Brake Switch Circuit
1 vehicles · 1 makes · $1,200-$3,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix C0071: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Ford Fusion · 2011–2013
NHTSA recall 15V340 covers 2011-2013 Ford Fusion (and Lincoln MKZ) without the 3.5L engine. An intermittent electrical connection in the steering gear can cause sudden loss of electric power steering assist while driving. Owners notice heavier steering effort especially at low speeds, increasing crash risk. Dealers check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for DTCs; if any loss-of-assist codes are stored, the steering gear is replaced free. Note: 2010 Fusions had the same parts but were excluded from the recall — feds closed the probe without expanding scope. 2010-owner symptoms are real but uncovered by recall.
Common Symptoms
- Power steering warning message on dashboard
- Steering becomes heavy or requires extra force
- Intermittent loss of power steering assist
- Steering wheel off-center after loss of assist
- Clunking or grinding from steering column area
- Complete loss of power steering (requires significant force to turn)
- Steering assist comes and goes unpredictably
- Check engine light or power steering fault code stored
How to Fix
Check if your vehicle is covered under Ford recall (2011-2012 Fusion/MKZ power steering failure recall - free repair). For non-recall vehicles, the electric power steering rack must be replaced as a complete unit since the motor and control electronics are integrated. RepairPal estimates $1,958-3,362 installed. Remanufactured racks from PWR Steer or Cardone are available at $800-1,500, significantly cheaper than new OEM ($2,000+). Have the alignment performed after rack replacement.
Sources for this issue (1)
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C0071 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does C0071 mean?
C0071 stands for "Brake Switch Circuit." C0071 is a chassis code indicating a fault in the brake switch (brake light/brake pedal switch) circuit, as seen by the ABS or stability control module. The brake switch tells modules when the brake pedal is pressed, which the ABS/traction/stability systems use to coordinate their operation. The code sets when the brake switch signal is implausible, missing, or electrically inconsistent. Symptoms can include an ABS or traction control warning light, disabled stability features, cruise control that won't engage, or brake lights that behave incorrectly.
What are the most common causes of C0071?
The most common causes of C0071 are: Faulty or misadjusted brake light switch, Damaged wiring or connector at the brake switch, Corroded or loose connector terminals, Blown brake light fuse, Open or short in the brake switch circuit, Poor ground for the switch circuit, Faulty ABS/control module input (less common). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C0071?
Repair costs for C0071 range from $1,200 to $3,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by C0071?
Au7o has documented C0071 across 1 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Ford.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.