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: steering
1,511 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Jun 17, 2023
My 2012 Ford Fusion power steering was recalled back in 2015 and was repaired with no charge . The power steering has again lost power steering for the 4th time. The experience has been frustrating ! In the past, if I turned the car off and back on the power steering would be restored. Well now it’s not coming back at all! Is there another recall on the power steering, that I don’t know about ? Thank you
Steering, Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the battery was replaced; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering warning light illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel became firm, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 238,000.
Steering, Jun 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 20 MPH, the "Service Power Steering" message was displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the failure reoccurred. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Steering, Jun 8, 2023
power steering locked up on the vehicle, fixed with key cycle
Steering, Jun 6, 2023
We had to take our 2012 Ford Fusion on vacation from Kansas to Florida from May 26 to June 2, 2023. As we were preparing to drive the 1016 miles home, we suddenly had no power steering and the display in the car display read, "Service Power Steering Now". After checking that it wouldn't cause any problems to drive, we drove it home without power steering. After doing some research online, I found that there was a recall for the power steering, but my car wasn't covered. Today I contacted my local Ford dealership (Laird Noller Ford of Topeka, KS and spoke with Joaquin) who confirmed my car wasn't covered. They recommended I contact Ford Motor Company, which I did. The girl I spoke with just told me to get the car repaired and they would reimburse me should they ever institute a recall. With the car beign a 2012 and only having 124,000 miles, I feel this should not be happening and that Ford Motor Company should do a better job at taking care of customer concerns; particularly when it's a safety issue such as this.
Steering, Jun 4, 2023
Hit a bump and the Service Power Steering light came on but power steering was working. Shut the car off momentarily. When it was restarted there was no power steering. Car does have electic power steering pump.
Steering, May 31, 2023
When driving, the vehicle lost power steering. After cycling the key as recommended, the power steering has not reengaged. This vehicle cannot be driven due to power steering. This going out when driving is a safety concern as it could cause accidents, injury and even death. The vehicle now displays SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW.
Steering, May 30, 2023
Was driving my Ford Fusion and it said “steering fault” in my info center on the dashboard and luckily it happened while I was turning into onto my road about to pull in my driveway… as soon as I turned into my driveway my steering completely locked up…I contacted ford and they told me there was a recall on the steering module but my module was updated back in 2015 but if there is a safety recall on the part what will a update do?? Obviously nothing the module is still known to go bad and mine did and ford is telling me that the recall expired last year (10yrs from the manufacture date) how is this safe? A recall is a recall especially a safety recall ..if I was on the highway I could or someone else could of been hurt or worst… this is my 2nd complaint on this issue and I haven’t heard anything back …I shouldn’t have to spend 1500$ to fix something that should of been replaced under a recall
Steering, May 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The "Service Power Steering" message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who performed an unknown repair; however, the failure recurred. The independent mechanic then determined that the vehicle needed an alignment. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the contact had not received the recall notification. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined to perform the recall repair due to the age of the vehicle and the mileage exceeding 100,000. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
Steering, May 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Steering, May 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated when first starting the vehicle the power steering would not be functioning. The contact stated that he would turn the vehicle off and on and the steering would regain functionality. The contact stated that the "power steering control module" warning light was illuminated. The failure had been intermittent but had eventually completely failed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact had researched on the manufacturer web site and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01 EPAS Steering Efforts (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Steering, May 16, 2023
While drive the power steering went out with no warning,
Steering, May 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while making a left turn at slow speed, excessive force was required to complete the turn. The "Service Power Steering Now" and "Service Advancetrac" messages were displayed. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a defective power steering angle sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Steering, May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving into a parking garage, a chime sounded and a message indicating that the power steering had malfunctioned was displayed. The vehicle then lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to park the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle 5 minutes later and the vehicle operated as needed. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,700.
Steering, May 6, 2023
In 2016 I took my 2012 fusion to the dealership where I bought it used with 11,000 miles on it to ask how I could fix my a/c as it's now out of waranty. We bought it in 2012. While there I asked why the dash cluster was stating POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT and why the power steering goes out when starting the car sometime and while driving yet reset able per manual instructions on page 219. Parts worker said he didn't know why but the last one they fixed was a little over$1,600.00 and there that was no recall on it. Over the next 6 to 7 years same thing would happen every few months until finally power steering went out at about 192,000 miles. Saw recall number and made appt. at dealer (KELLY FORD) in Melbourne Florida where I bought it and they told me it's to late plus it's over 150,000 miles. Very hard to drive and my wife and daughters unable to drive it. HELP! It was at 192,000 when it finally went out and made appt. at dealer. Called Ford customer service and they beat around the bush basically telling me they would not fix the issue for free and I was to late for a recall? NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE of any kind.
Steering, Apr 28, 2023
My Electric Power Steering Module was recalled my Ford and they stated that they reprogrammed the module (because at that time there were no fault codes) well now my steering went out and I almost wrecked my vehicle and when I called ford they stated they reprogrammed the module but also they are saying the recall expired 10 years from manufacture date (my fusion is a 2012) so the SAFETY RECALL expired last year in 2022 and they are saying they can’t do anything for me…how can a safety recall expire? And also the recall was issued in 2015..shouldn’t it expire 10yrs from the recall issue date? I’m sorry if this is a pointless argument but I almost caused an accident and even though when they “reprogrammed” the module then because there were no faults at the time don’t mean there can be an issue in the future!?!.. bottom line there part failed and could of killed me and people around me..shouldn’t they still be accountable for replacing a known faulty part?? If I was on the highway at high speeds when it failed it would have been catastrophic…. Can you please help me on this issue before someone gets hurt or even killed?? A safety recall SHOULD NOT HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE!! When that module failed on me the steering wheel locked up and after a few times of pulling very hard on the wheel it finally broke lose …they say that even after the module goes bad “manual steering” is available but I’m telling you this thing locked up completely…I can send you a video of it to prove …please can you help me? Or help anyone else before someone gets hurt or killed, like I said, thank you Jim S.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 19, 2023
The electric power steering went out and the wheel will not turn. There is a similar recall in other cars with the same issues
Steering, Apr 13, 2023
Power steering stopped working and dashboard message power steering assist fault appeared. I understand Ford did a recall on the 6 cylinder cars with this problem. Can some please help all the people that had this problem. It seem to be a lot of people.
Steering, Apr 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while a relative was driving the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The relative veered to the side of the road. After several minutes, the vehicle operated as needed and was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while he was pulling out of a parking lot. The contact was unsure if a warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he continued driving by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The power steering became operable. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Steering, Apr 3, 2023
My power steering suddenly just went out while I was driving did not return
Steering, Mar 31, 2023
The electronic steering assist stopped functioning causing very difficult steering effort that could have caused a reduced ability to turn and avoid other cars, persons, or ovjects. The car showed “Power steering assist fault”
Steering, Mar 30, 2023, crash
The owns contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that their daughter was driving approximately 55 mph when the steering wheel began jerking and shaking. While slowing down to make a right turn when the power steering suddenly failed causing them to crash into a guardrail. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed due to the power steering failing and being too difficult to drive. The driver did not receive any injuries or medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who installed a power steering and performed a computer flash. The failure persisted after the repair and had begun to do so more consistently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Steering, Mar 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering became inoperable. The power steering fault and service advance trac warning lights were displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.
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, Mar 20, 2023
The car suddenly became hard to steer and had been working fine. No one was injured because the car was at a low speed. The car was checked and there is no power steering.