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 22, 2022
I have a 2012 Ford fusion and once again the power steering went out in my car and now I’m stranded trying to figure out a way to get home there was already a recall once on power steering‘s for this car well for this year of a car don’t know if it was mine or not because it says 04 recalled unfixed problems but obviously this car has power steering problems and now I’m paying $17,000 for a car that I can’t even drive because I can’t afford to have my car fixed thanks Ford should’ve known better than to buy one
Steering, Jun 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a grinding sound coming from the steering column. Additionally, the steering wheel was very unstable and the vehicle did not immediately respond while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Steering, May 31, 2022
While I was driving my 2012 Ford Fusion with my two children I lost power steering. Barely made it to side of busy road. The Service Advancetrac AND Power Steering Assist Message displayed AFTER losing power steering. After restarting the car power steering is back and no warning messages. Called local Ford dealer who did not see any recalls for issue or seem to know about this issue. Stated it "shouldn't" be an issue as the car is running like normal and scheduled appointment for a month away.
Steering, May 27, 2022
My steering wheel want turn at all it’s locked
Steering, May 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the power steering sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Steering, Electrical system, May 17, 2022
Power Steering intermittently stops working.
Steering, May 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the power steering assist failed as the “power steering assist fault, service now” warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The contact discovered that there was a Customer Satisfaction Program for the power steering associated with the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the issue and informed the contact that the vehicle no longer qualified under the Customer Satisfaction Program. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Steering, May 16, 2022
The electrical power steering control system in my car failed, without which steering at low speeds and especially parking is more difficult. The problem was confirmed and assessed by a dealer during other repairs, but no other parties. When the incident occurred, it failed with no warning at car startup. The next car startup the power steering returned for about 2-3 weeks before going out again for good, again with no obvious warning after a startup. Seems to be the same or a similar issue described in campaign 15V340000 that applies to 2012 Ford Fusions, but evidently my VIN number appears to have been excluded from that recall according to Ford.
Steering, May 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.
Steering, May 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed the vehicle with steering rack failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2022
Power Steering Assist Fault and Service Advancetrack error codes appear on the digital dash display. Power steering does not work. The Ford dealership the vehicle was bought at and is serviced at allowed me to drive out of the lot in the car's current state because the vehicle is 7 months out of the extended warranty 10-year recall.
Steering, Apr 26, 2022
While driving my car I received a warning "service power steering now" and subsequently "service advancetrac". Then my power steering did not function, and the car was extremely hard to steer. In doing research, some Fusions were covered under warranty/recall 15v34000, and/or 15s18. I have been informed that my vehicle is not covered. My car has approximately 72,000 miles and has been well maintained, garaged, with no serious accidents. I suspect that Ford does not want to extend replacement costs on a ten year old car and the problem is more extensive than they have acknowledged.
Steering, Apr 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while leaving a parking spot, the steering wheel seized and the electronic steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he turned off and restarted the vehicle to reset the electrical system and continue driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the steering gearbox to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,800.
Steering, Apr 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would intermittently lock without warning. Initially, the power steering would resume normal operation after restarting the vehicle; however, on the latest occurrence, the power steering failed to correct itself upon restart. After months of not being driven, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they informed her that her vehicle was not under warranty or recall and she was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Apr 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to the local mechanic and was diagnosed with power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 171,676.
Steering, Apr 17, 2022
Steering wheel will not turn. The dash says "Power steering assist fault. Was not driving when this happened. When I stopped driving last night it was driving perfect, no problems. Went to drive the the next morning and that's when I noticed this problem.
Steering, Mar 31, 2022
My 2012 Ford Fusion has a recall for power steering assist failure. I took my car to the ford dealership in Florence KY where I purchased the car 7 months earlier. They told me they would not complete the recall because my car was over 150k miles. My car had 170k miles on it when I purchased it in March of 2021 from that dealer.
Steering, Mar 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The service power steering warning message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 233,874.
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.
Steering, Mar 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that she received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) and took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that there were no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) for the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM). The contact stated while her son was driving at 40-50 MPH after the repair, the steering wheel lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's son continued to drive the vehicle using extra effort to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the mechanic could not replicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving and the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Chenoweth Ford Inc (1564 E Pike St, Clarksburg, WV 26301) where it was diagnosed that the electric steering gear assembly needed to be replaced; however she would be responsible for the cost of the repair as the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Mar 22, 2022
Dashboard pop-up stating “Service Power Steering Now” and power steering instantly stopped working almost causing a wreck going within a curve.
Steering, Mar 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at 59 MPH, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The message "Service Power Steering Now" was illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering assist had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Steering, Mar 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, an unknown warning message for the power steering appeared on the instrument panel along with an audible chime. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle as she moved to the shoulder of the highway. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to her home. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and she was given an estimate for the diagnostic fee and repair. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA for further assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (STEERING) which she linked to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000. Consumer stated steering has a recall and was told to call and report the vehicle not being safe.
Steering, Mar 13, 2022
I was driving and the advanc Trac and the power steering check light came on and within 3 to 5 minute of both codes flashing, the power steering service now came on and the steering wheel locked up as I was traveling 55mph with traffic all around nearly causing me to crash with other cars within a sharp curve because of steering wheel locking up as I was in fast lane and had oncoming traffic coming from opposite direction. I barely was able to pull into slower lane and had to use all my body weight and strength to maneuver off the highway to safety. A very terrifying event with only a few moments of prior notice of any problem with the car. This needs to be a safety recall, because of such a short notice, the indicator changed to service power steering now faster than I could change lanes to get off of congested highway. This could have been a deadly ending or caused serious injury for me and other nearby motorists had I not immediately turned on my hazard signal and started tapping brakes to warn others of my perilous situation. I have not had any prior indicator lights alerting me of any problem with the steering. And the warning of any problem was less than 5 minutes before it told me to service power steering now and the lock down of the steering wheel. Too short of a notice especially speeding down a congested highway amongst other drivers who were unaware of the dire situation of trying to control my car and not causing a major collision of multiple cars. I have not reported to anyone as it only happened yesterday and is now the weekend but the vehicle is available for inspection at any time. I had to call for someone to pick me up because I was stranded and I shook so bad from the experience. A friend with a tow trailer and my husband loaded the car and brought to my home. Too dangerous to drive. I am going to contact the dealership first thing Monday to have them check it out. I really need my car because I can't afford to purchase another.
Steering, Mar 7, 2022
Failed Power Steering Assist (Electronic Steering) and AdvanceTrac Assist. Steering wheel hard to turn, and will cause an accident. Current bulletin recall for power assist feature, only applies to Ford Fusions Manufactured after August 2012. I am requesting that the current open recall for Ford Fusions be limited to ALL Ford Fusions from 2010-2012. Mine was manufactured in July, 2012 and is NOT covered under current recall. Many Fusion owners are requesting for this recall to be open for ALL Ford Fusions from years 2010-2012. It has appeared that most 2010-2012 fords fusion owners are experiencing lack of power steering in the electronic steering. Consumer's vehicle is not under the current Ford recalls, as other owners. The rack and electric gears have failed in my Fusion, as well as other fusions as stated. Consumer's Fusion is actually in-between recalls. The recent recalls are for Ford 19S26, and Ford 15S18.