2012 Ford Fusion
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 2,616 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 15 Fusion model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 111 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 66 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 10, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.
Campaign 21V158000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalFeb 16, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
Campaign 21V081000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 16, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair. The parts include certain driver-side air bag inflators and/or modules, designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang and Mustang GT500. It also includes certain passenger-side air bag inflators and/or modules designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang, 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, 2010-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2011 Ford Ranger, and 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX vehicles. Please see Ford's recall report for the specific part numbers. These parts may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Ford will notify dealers that purchased the affected parts, and dealers will provide replacement parts to purchasers, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
Campaign 21E013000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedJan 7, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles and 2011-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Ford is also recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2010-2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, and 2010-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall 19S01.
Campaign 19V001000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedJan 10, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
Campaign 17V024000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemJun 2, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.
Campaign 15V340000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
177 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 22, 2023
Service advance trac and service power steering now keeps coming on . I’ve looked this problem up and seems to be a VERY common thing amongst ford fusions. Because of this , my power steering turns off and no matter how many times I reset the code , it keeps turning back on . It makes it very dangerous to drive the car especially if it turns off in the middle of a trip/drive.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jan 22, 2023
Power Steering Gear , no had it fixed at ford diagnostic code P07AE . Was driving on the freeway power steering went out and car jerked wheel all the way to right almost hit guardrail with 5 yr old daughter in car. Yes . yes. No.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 13, 2022
Service advance track light came on , the car was turned off then back on and the warning light was gone. Begin driving, made it 10 miles or so then the electric power steering went out while driving the vehicle. Service advance track light came on. The car then lost all power steering. This resulted in difficulty steering. When the steering went out this almost lead to a collision.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 12, 2022
N/a
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the traction control system, brakes, and power steering functionality became inoperable. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed. While driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The driver pumped the brake pedal several times before the brakes started working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed him that the failure was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Nov 9, 2022, crash
Power Steering just locked up while driving with no warning or indicator, it still drives but it randomly locks up where i have no control over the vehicle In backing up out of our driveway i wasnt able to stop because the braking system froze up along with the steering and i hit a truck that was going down our road
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 27, 2022
I pulled out of my parking lot started to accelerate and my power steering went out. There was no warning, no check engine light. It's been well maintained and no documentation of this happening with previous owner. My assist power steering now, and advice stabilitrak just flash and now I can't move the wheel to even get it to a shop.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 26, 2022
Power steering went out. Then traction control went out. Due to. Module and all components for power steering along with pins and rods.
Electrical system, Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions, the instrument panel warning lights randomly illuminated and then failed. The contact then stated that when the instrument panel failed, the turn signals failed to operate. The contact then stated that the air conditioning unit failed and blew out heat. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,544.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 6, 2022
In 2019 my power steering failed on my 2012 Ford Fusion. I had if fixed because I was not part of the recall for power steering. Well on August 2nd 2022 it has failed again. And needs replacing again.
Electrical system, Jun 21, 2022
AC does not work, the climate control module is the problem. when you switch the AC on it only blows heat. The fix would be a new climate control module.
Steering, Electrical system, May 17, 2022
Power Steering intermittently stops working.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 23, 2022
While driving, the power steering went out completely which made it incredibly difficult to steer the car. The car's warning lights immediately flashed that the AdvanceTrac and Power Steering were both out. There were no advanced warnings and happened in the middle of a drive. I have taken the car to a dealership that said there was a recall for this exact situation in other 2012 Ford Fusions with the electric power assist system going out which causes the power steering to fail, but my VIN did not meet the recall requirements. I believe the recall should be expanded as this is incredibly dangerous to current owners. I am lucky this happened while I was driving the car as my wife would not have been able to safely move the car to the side of the road. She could have been in a much worse situation where the car was a risk to other drivers on the road.
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2022
Driving down the road when my car suddenly started to decelerate. It would not allow me to go any faster when pressing the gas. I had to pull over put my hazard lights on as cars were coming up on me. I pulled over turned my car off and waiting a few seconds, turned it back on and it was fine. However, I looked up what it could be and found the electronic throttle body could be the cause. Why hasn’t mine been fixed if Ford new about this. I’ve been in an had my oil change and my air bag recall and nobody has mentioned any of that.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 7, 2022
Started car and began to back out of parking space. There had been a few drops of rain, but it wasn't actively raining at the time. Brake went to floor when driver went to slow down. Numerous dashboard lights and messages came on, including ABS, Traction Control, Traction Control Off, and "Service ADVANCETRAC" message. Driver stopped car with handbrake and shut car off. Tried several times to restart vehicle over the next 30 minutes, but lights remained on and brake remained soft. Finally restarted car and brake was normal, but lights remained on. All lights went on and car returned to normal when put in drive gear. This has happened about five times to two different drivers over the past 18 months. All but one time in rain, and twice while driving at 35 mph or so. We will plan to scrap or trade in the vehicle. Vehicle has been checked out by both an independent mechanic and Richmond Ford West, with no issues identified when examined.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 24, 2021
On October 5th, 2021 around 6:20am, the brakes on my 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid failed to slow the car in any way. This event occurred while I was on the highway (M14) going ~65mph. Unable to conventionally stop, I was a crash hazard to those around me, and to the braking traffic in front of me. After being inspected by the Varsity Ford Dealership, I was told "the brake control unit is not actuating the valves in the hydraulic control unit" and that "there is a possibility that it will also need the hydraulic control unit as well." It has been at the dealership for the past 2 weeks and is available for inspection. There were no warning messages or signs prior to the brake failing. I received a warning sign at the point of failure, but by then I already knew the brakes did not work.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 18, 2021
Drove car out of driveway, after driving approximately 150-200 feet the dashboard wrench icon ( powertrain problem ) illuminated and car went into limp mode. Read MIL codes, had codes P0715, Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction and P0717, Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal. Traced wiring problem to connector in front of drivers side shock tower. This connector is the connector between the PCM and and the transmission. The connector was causing an open on the conductors, causing the lack of TSS signal. There were no symptoms or intermittent problems prior to this - it happened suddenly. Had been on an interstate hiway the day prior to this, am glad this ( going into limp mode ) did not happen while I was traveling at 65mph - could have caused accident.
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2021
2012 FORD FUSION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VARIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ELECTRONIC ISSUES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ISSUES INCLUDED THE SOUND SYSTEM, WINDOWS, THROTTLE SYSTEM, POWER STEERING, TRACTION CONTROL. THE AIRBAG INDICATOR WOULD FLASH. THE CONSUMER EXPRESSED DISSATISFACTION WITH THE CONSOLE DASHOBOARD FEATURES AND ACCESSIBILITY OF CLOCK CONTROLS.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 28, 2021
POWER STEERING JUST DIED WHILE I WAS ON HIGHWAY ALMOST LOST CONTROL AND SERVICE POWER STEERING CAME ON FUNNY THING IS IT SHOULD BE RECALLED IT IS HORRIBLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 16, 2021
THE POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING. VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2021
TAIL LIGHT SOCKET MELTED AND BURNED. NOTICED BLINKER AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WERE NOT WORKING. PULLED OUT OF HOUSING AND SAW THE SOCKET WAS BURNT AND THE BULB WAS MELTED IN THE SOCKET.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 25, 2021
DEFROST/AC/VENTS BLOW OUT HOT AIR REGARDLESS OF SETTINGS...FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE ONLINE AND AN EXPENSIVE PERMANENT FIX...VENTS/DEFROST/AC MAY BE TRICKED INTO WORKING IF LIGHTS ARE TURNED ON BEFORE STARTING (THINKS IT'S NIGHTTIME OR COVER UP LIGHT SENSOR ON DASH)
Electrical system, Feb 22, 2021
THE AIR CONDITIONER FAN BLOWER MOTOR FREEZES UP UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY STOPS WORKING. IT IS DOING IT AGAIN FOR THE 6TH TIME. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE IT EVERY 1-2 YEARS.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 21, 2020
CAR IS SLOW TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. LOSS OF POWER AND SPEED WHEN GOING UP HILL, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED IN PLACE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 16, 2020
I WAS GETTING GAS AND I CUT MY CAR OFF WHEN I GOT BACK INTO MY CAR IT DID NOT START. I CONTINUED TO START IT. CAR WOULD NOT START. I POPPED THE HOOD AND TOUCHED THE BATTERY SOME AND TRIED STARTING THE CAR THE CAR STARTED THEN ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER DRIVING IT SUDDENLY CUTS OFF. THIS IS A ONGOING ISSUE. CAR SUDDENLY STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF STREET ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENTS THAT CAN NEARLY KILL SOMEONE!!! VERY UNSAFE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THIS HAPPENED ON HIGHWAY AND STREET. AND ITS SO RANDOM NO SIGNS JUST CUTS OFF AT ANY SPEED.