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, Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed she noticed a failure with her power steering. The contact stated that the steering wheel felt stiff when she attempted to make a turn and the vehicle began to lose control with the power steering warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to reach out to NHSTA for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Steering, Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. While the contact's son was pulling into a driveway, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed with the "Service Advancetrac" warning light illuminated. The contact's son used excessive force to steer and park the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective electric power steering rack and gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was previous serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 188,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 28, 2024
While driving with family, power steering assist fault came on and suddenly it was hard to move the steering wheel which resulted in drifting and an extemely close call car crash on highway. Had to get it towed due to safety concern.
Steering, Jun 27, 2024
Purchased 2012 Ford fusion in 2017. In 2024 we has a power steering assist warning. When it first happened we thought it was a 1 off. Now it has happened 3 times in the last month. We found out there was a recall in 2015. Went to dealership and was told because we don't have extended warranty. That it's our expenses to get it fix. We were never informed when we purchased the vechile that it has recall work done.WE dint even know if it was actually done in the first place. This is very dangerous when your vechile does this in traffic,turning as you can't steer it at all when it happens you need to stop shut car off and then restart. Very scary. Especially when I'm disabled. I don't have 2000 plus to fix a car trade worth 4700. Please tell me what my options are. If we were in formed of this when we looking for a car to purchase. We would have more than likely not purchase this vechile. Dealership should have disclosed this information. Thought purchasing from a dealership that they are suppose to be upfront with this information. Please help
Steering, Jun 26, 2024
I have several issues related to its steering system, particularly the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS). The problems include the power steering assist failing, making the steering wheel very difficult to turn, and various error messages such as “Power Steering Assist Fault” displaying on the dashboard. This happen at any moment and the dealer refuse to fixed.
Steering, Jun 24, 2024
The Power Steering Assist comes on and the car won't steer, out of nowhere.
Steering, Jun 22, 2024
Power steering went out on my car while driving it
Steering, Jun 20, 2024
Ford refuses to remedy a safety issue with the EPAS steering assist. It's a safety issue and these criminals filled it under customer satisfaction. This car could have killed me. I was going 55mph down the highway when the epas failed.
Steering, Jun 16, 2024
Steering assist complete failure. While driving down the highway. No warning complete dead stick.
Steering, Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 6, 2024, crash
Power steering went out and made me crash . Prior owner got it fixed but still didn’t fix issue
Steering, Jun 3, 2024
I am having problems with the POWER STEERING DEFAULT SYSTEM CAN NOT STEER VEHICLE
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 3, 2024
My power steering failed. The steering is very difficult to steer and maneuver at low speed. The error code on the dashboard beeps every time I enter the vehicle “power steering assist fault” and is available for inspection. This is extremely unsafe when driving at any speed because of the extra effort required to maneuver the vehicle putting other drivers or pedestrians at risk in the event of needing to avoid a collision. The problem has been inspected by Ford and another independent mechanic. Ford did not honor the recall. There was no warning for the issue, other than the beeping and the message on the dashboard. I had drove to the store and parked with power steering, when I started the car up to leave the store I suddenly had no power steering and had to have the car towed.
Steering, May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the electric power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the electric power steering rack and gear. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 23, 2024
The electric power steering assist (EPSA) function of the car is no longer functional. It is available for inspections upon request. The vehicle began intermittently losing power steering when the vehicle would start. The problem can now be re-produced each time the vehicle is started. The problem is a known issue with this model Ford Fusion and was part of a previous recall. This vehicle was serviced by the Ford dealership during the times the recall was in place and had the EPSA re-programmed. The issue still persists, and the vehicle is unsafe to drive. The recall is no longer in effect and Ford will not remedy the issue.
Steering, May 15, 2024
We are experiencing a loss of power steering with the car, which is dangerous as you never know when it is going to happen. When it does happen the car becomes so hard to steer you can hardly turn the wheel. Right now the loss of power steering is intermitent. We're afraid to drive the car for this reason. I contacted my local dealer's Ford service manager and Ford Customer Service and they will not cover any repairs. The Advancetrac light came on and a power steering assist fault displays when it you loose the power steering. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer as we just started having this problem. The service manager said it would cost around $2000.00 to fix it. The 2012 Ford Fusion SEL with the 2.5L I4 engine has 149,818 miles on it.
Steering, May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that her daughter had parked the vehicle, and when she returned and started the vehicle, the steering wheel almost locked and was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to a local repair shop. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering gear and sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the repair shop that there was a recall associated to the year, make and model. The contact called a dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 29, 2024
Unknown electric power steering shut down while traveling leaving me with no power steering
Steering, Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and advanced traction warning lights illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering gear. The contact was informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was like safety Manufacturer Communication Number: 15N01 and NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not associated with the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. Additionally, the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 87,508.
Steering, Apr 22, 2024
Bought this car in January of 2024. 2 weeks after purchase, my steering wheel became hard to turn while I was on the road. The Power Steering Assist Fault light came on, so I decided to fix the issue by taking my car to a well-rated mechanic in my area. The issue was fixed, but only temporarily as the same issue occurred two months later while I was on the road, leading myself and anyone else around me to be in danger of me losing control and crashing into them. Luckily, I made it home safely, and researched the problem only to find out many vehicles similar to my make and year had the same issue with a lot of recalls. I already paid 1000 dollars to fix it once, I'd like to have a recall in order to fix it again.
Steering, Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving from the driveway, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 44,529. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the "Power Steering default" message was displayed, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted and was operating normally; however, the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The contact discovered an unknown NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Steering, Apr 11, 2024
While pregnant wife was driving the vehicle, the steering completely stopped working. When she reached safety, wife pulled over and turned car off. After letting car set for a couple of minutes and turning back on, steering still wouldn't work. When taken to the dealership, Ford said that car didn't meet the customer satisfaction program warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles.
Steering, Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated a message that the “Advance-trac System Failure - Service Required” message was displayed. The contact drove the vehicle home, turned off the vehicle, and noticed that the steering wheel was locked. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred on two prior occasions and was diagnosed as an Advance-trac system failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 207,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2024
Power steering went out. The steering rack has now gone bad in this vehicle twice. The first time it was covered under a recall, 15S18, and then there were further issues, so they issued a customer satisfaction recall with the number 15N01. 2012 ford fusion with 110,000 miles, two steering racks, but because the customer service recall is expired, they won’t replace my second bad steering rack, and it is going to cost me 3,000 dollars, more than half the worth of the car according to KBB. I find this to be incredibly unfair that Ford can put a crappy part that costs 2000 dollars in a vehicle, and then say because the customer service recall is expired, it’s my job and responsibility to spend 3,000 dollars fixing their crappy part.