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: other or unspecified
127 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 11, 2026
While driving my 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid (VIN: [XXX]), the braking system suddenly failed. When applying the brake pedal, there was completely zero brake resistance, and the vehicle failed to engage proper braking power, creating an extremely hazardous driving condition. The vehicle was inspected by a certified Ford dealership (Lithia), which officially documented that the vehicle is "UNSAFE TO DRIVE due to having no brake resistance." The diagnostics confirmed that the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), the ABS module, and the Brake Master Cylinder have failed and require total replacement. The dealership also noted that the necessary braking parts are currently completely unavailable (backordered/no parts available). This is the exact same safety defect covered under Ford's previous Safety Recall 19S54 (NHTSA Campaign 19V904) for older Fusion models. However, the recall was never expanded to include the 2012 models, despite them using the same problematic braking infrastructure and experiencing identical catastrophic failures. NHTSA needs to investigate and force Ford to expand the recall to 2011-2012 models before this braking defect causes fatal accidents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2026
I was just driving and I lost power steering, it was incredibly difficult to steer and it was Heavy Steering, and warnings appeared on the dash.
Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2026
I have a recall, I need to know where I have to fix that
Other or unspecified, Oct 8, 2024
The door locks on the driver and passenger doors open on their own and not working properly. Car has 53000 original miles. It is just like the problem that are in the recall of the 2014 and 2015 Ford Fusion. The latch on both doors are independently sprung in open mode. One incident where the driver door opened while driving.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2024
Power steering service, advancetrac warning and symbol on dash light came on as a message when car was shut off and restarted there was no power steering
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2024
Door latch keeps falling have to roll down the window to open the door from the outside
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 2, 2024
Transmission issues. Jerks and shudders and loss of power, broken motor mounts, PCM issues, misfire issues and etc. Car threw codes, many expensive trips to Ford dealerships, excessive undriveable down time, unsafe to be on a highway or go up a hill when it shifts (automatic), 6F35 Transmission in my 2012 Ford Fusion
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2023
A few days ago, I drove my car to college and on my way there, a message about the Service Advancetrac popped up on the dashboard. I parked my car, and when I was done with my classes, I returned to my car and turned the ignition on. At that point, another message appeared on the dashboard: SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW, and my steering wheel became hard to maneuver. Despite the difficulty, I was able to drive home safely.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2023
AIR BAG LIGHT RECALL
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2023
I HAD A FLAT TIRE AND EVER SENSE I GOT TIRE FIXED MY TRANCTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I CALLED ABOUT THE RECALL BUT THEY SAID MY CAR WASNT COVERED .. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY FORD ISNT FIXING THEM CAUSE FROM WHAT IVE READ ALOT OF FORDS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND IM ON A FIXED INCOME HOW WILL I AFFORD TO FIX MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPARTATION?
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Feb 6, 2023, crash
The braking system failed. Yes it’s available upon request for inspection. The safety of myself and others were put at risk because it caused me to hit something in front of me. I stepped on the brakes and the pedal went straight to the floor. This has happened multiple times it is putting my safety as well as my children’s safety at risk. When I step on the brake pedal there is nothing goes to the floor till I pump the pedal. Initial Lu when hitting the pedal it jerks the steering wheel out of my hand to the right every time. It’s not only putting my children’s, and my self in harms way but any other driver that might be even near me while driving considering it takes the steering wheel out of my hand uncontrollably.
Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2022
Door handle failures (inside the vehicle) are very well documented and very well known to break off the mechanism required to open the door. This isn't just a minor annoyance, it is a MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD, caused by either poor design, poor materials, poor process control, poor validation testing, poor part quality or poor management in concealing this as not being worthy of a recall. How many lives are you willing to risk before doing a recall? The problem has been well known & documented for well over a decade, and it is still happening in the field. If someone has not died from this door lever failure it is only a matter of time. My family's lives are in jeopardy every time we drive this vehicle with a known likelihood of the door handles failing to open the door. You may not be able to open any other door, depending on the damage from an auto accident, but Ford has not taken responsibility for this high-risk to life and limb of its occupants. For such a cheap injection molded plastic part with no glass-fill, it is apparent that you went with the cheapest material possible. You've done it for over a DECADE and choose to ignore the problem until someone sues you or dies as a result of this safety problem. Whether it is a knitline defect you have no process controls to prevent part weakness, or the excessively small part fillet, or the material thickness, subpar material properties or molded part process flow problems, Ford is clearly cutting corners on the design & manufacturing of well documented and well known failures in the field. This is unacceptable, requiring your customers to waste over $200 every time it breaks, all the while being unconcerned about the serious safety risk to occupants in your vehicles. This is the problem with unethical engineering and business practices in the automobile industry. You will be held accountable only when someone dies from your decades of negligence & disregard for the safety of your customers.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2022
Did not put car into park and was able to turn key fully back and remove the key from the off position. Car started rolling on slight incline. No issues other than rain sensor wipers not always working, so maybe an issue in column. Have not taken to dealership or mechanic yet.
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2022
My drivers side door handle will only work from the outside I was told to contact the highway safety admin because it’s technically a safety issue if I had and emergency and had to hurry up and exit my vehicle. It’s like jammed or something and doesn’t lock until I manually lock an lock my door but I’m unable to get out from the inside safety and I was already in a car accident once in my life I would really like to get my door handle fixed please
Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2022
my car rolls away in park 2012 ford fusion
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 16, 2022
Driver’s side door latch/handle suddenly became unoperational from the interior of the vehicle. This is a safety hazard — after struggling with the handle to get out of the vehicle, my wife resorted to climbing over the console and exiting out the passenger door. Called local Ford dealer and they say because the 2012 door latch is not under recall, they won’t replace the handle without us paying parts and labor. They expressed no interest in exploring this safety issue short of us bankrolling the cost, despite the fact that there are recalls for this same safety defect on Fusions in other production years. The 2012 door latch should be recalled. The handle is toast - we cannot exit our Fusion out the driver’s door. We are ordering a part to replace the latch, performing the labor ourselves.
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2021
Started the vehicle, immediately received a prompt informing me that the power steering needed to be serviced. The steering wheel is completely stiff, rendering the vehicle inoperable. According to NHSTA, there was a recall issued for this issue however my VIN number does not fall under the recall. Initial estimates range from 1500, to 2000. It is a known issue for 2012 ford fusions, yet my vehicle does not qualify for the recall. Which seems very unreasonable.
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact pulled over and parked the vehicle in a parking lot where it remained. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) had expired for the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 194,790.
Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2021
Electric power steering assist fault. Had power steering one minute and the next minute it is extremely difficult to steer. Called Ford and told them the issue. They said that the recall for this had been done already. They downloaded new programming, but never changed the part. Then they put an extended manufacturer warranty to 150,000 miles. Incident happened just over the extended warranty period and have done research on many complaints about the same issue. Ford refuses to do anything about it and repair costs are over $2,000.00. This is extremely dangerous and may cause serious injury or even death at higher speeds. Luckily no one was hurt this time.
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2021
Power Steering Assist Fault. When attempting to operate vehicle, it would not allow for steering. This put my entire family at risk for accident.
Other or unspecified, Nov 26, 2021
The powersteering fault was never taken care of when we went to get it fixed at the dealership. We had taken it in because it was a recall error and because the fault "didn't show up" when they were trying to fix it they said that they couldn't do anything about it and returned the car to us in less than one day which the work that was actually required would have taken longer to do. We didn't know what to do or how else to complain but now the vehicle is permanently stuck with this error and wont budge.
Other or unspecified, Nov 20, 2021
2012 Ford Fusion SE 4cyl 81,782 miles Power Steering Rack failure - Hazardous situation without previous system degradation, warning or indication. Loss of steering control, not able to steer, steering wheel would not turn without using great force. After engine stop and restart, the dash lamps were illuminated: Fault Lamp = Service Power Steering Now Fault Lamp = Service Advancetrac System Problem happened during a vacation road trip in the mountains of Kentucky. The vacation was interrupted. The car towed to Greenwood Ford dealership in Bowling Green KY. Fault not covered under recall or warranty. Steering rack replaced at a cost of $3200. Ouch. will it happen again? Dealer could not return failed parts to me without additional $1500 core charge paid by me. We also paid towing and rental car costs. The same failure is happening to many 2012 Ford Fusions.
Other or unspecified, Nov 19, 2021
Our 2012 Ford Fusion began displaying a “POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT” summer of 2021. We did not record the 1st instance of this fault, but began recording subsequent instances on 7/25, 10/18, 10/20, 10/21 On 10/21 the vehicle also displayed “SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC.” We were unable to steer the car when the fault occurred, although we were able to put it in reverse or drive, which seems extremely dangerous. Fortunately, these instances occurred while parked. The vehicle ignition was turned off and restarted, which cleared the fault & power steering resumed. This vehicle had less than 69,000 on Aug 4, 2021 when taken to Courtesy Ford in Portland, OR where the vehicle was purchased to replace the driver side airbag under recall notice received in the mail. We had them investigate the power steering assist fault during the same service. We were advised that the Ford mechanic was “Unable to duplicate customers concern” and “No fault codes in the system.” The vehicle was then taken to Damerow Ford in Beaverton, OR on 11/18/21. The next day, 11/19/2021, we were advised of an electrical problem in the steering assembly. We were told that it needed to be replaced along with some bolts and nuts. The invoice indicates that the steering gear assembly was replaced & gear was programmed. The bill came to over $2205.62. We’ve discovered through an online search that Ford is well aware of this problem & has been for years. We’ve been told by both dealers our VIN number is not included in the recall and the extended warranty for this issue, which makes no sense. Fortunately, we did not experience the lack of steering while driving, as others have. Our lives & vehicle & the lives and property of others on and along the roadways we have traveled were jeopardized with a well known safety issue & Ford Motor Company is not standing behind their product. Do we have recourse for reimbursement from Ford Motor Company through the NTSB for this unethical corporate behavior?