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
2,616 reports, newest first.
Power train, Jan 4, 2024
The transmission seems to be slipping losing power and just plain failing if ford knew about this and stil put them out for years in different cars already had a recall on the transmission can we get this one recalled cause ain’t no way anyone should have to pay 2500 + to get a transmission replaced in a car with only 80000 miles on it .. and I’m still financing the car as well this just seems ridiculous they can get away with not fixing faulty parts they decided to go ahead and put in there and release the car anyway .. this lose in power has cause me to almost wreck or get hit a few times when I go to pull out and it wants to slug out into the intersection
Steering, Dec 29, 2023
At about 98500 miles, power steering stopped working. 2 alternating dash warning lights kept flashing; Service Advance Trac, Power Steering Assist Fault. This sounded like it related to a known recall for electronic steering problem for my year and model but, Ford said my Vin was not included. I brought it to the dealer, with white knuckles, as it was very hard to turn the wheel and if I had to make a quick steering move to avoid an accident, I don't think I would've been able to. The dealer (Balise Ford, Hyannis MA) performed an expensive repair as follows: They said steering angle sensor signal invalid and PSCM internal failure. They replaced steering rack, tie rods and jam nuts. They performed PMI and configured PCSM. Aligned vehicle. I still think my service should have been performed with compensation from Ford but, they did not.
Air bags, Dec 26, 2023
I currently have the Airbag indicator light on my car lit up. I was recently recalled, and the work done in February of 2023. I do not have confidence in the dealership that completed the work initially due to circumstances that occured with my same car a few months later. The circumstances are that later in the year, my car was in the same shop for 48 days, and they could not diagnose, or fix the problem with the car. (not related to airbags, but my trust is broken) I then brought the car to a different dealership, and they were able to diagnose, and fix within 48 hours, not days. My concern is that the car was not properly put back together, and that I still have an Airbag issues, which is a safety concern for me, and potentially a passenger. My request is that, a recall is reissued on my car for Airbags, so that I do not need to go to the same dealership to complete the work, that should have been done correctly the first time.
Service brakes, Dec 26, 2023
While my Student Driver 15 year old son was practicing for his driving test, the Brakes went out. The dash was lit up like a Christmas Tree, and when the Brake pedal was depressed, it touched the floor. The car did slow down briefly, then there was no friction what so ever from the brakes. My son, and wife could have ended up in a horrible accident, as the only way to stop the car was by allowing the car to roll to a complete stop. This is actually a know issue for Ford Fusions from 2006-2010. I brought this car to a dealership, and they diagnosed it as the ABS ABS Hydraulic Control Unit. They have already completed the repairs. One of the comments that was made is that if it had been a 2006-2010, it would have been replaced under recall. After the Brakes went out the Service Advance Trac light, and Check Brake system shown on my Dash Light. This is a very dangerous issues especially since I live in a heavily populated college town. My family, and/or another innocent bystander could have been extremely injured or even killed. I feel like Ford knows about this problem, and should be responsible to replace it.
Steering, Dec 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking lot and attempting to merge into traffic, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact attempted to reset the power steering however, the functionality failed to return. The contact continued to drive without power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 162,067.
Steering, Tires, Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact stopped at a local gas station and inflated the driver's side front tire. The contact stated that after inflating the tire, the Advancetrac error and power system failure warning lights were illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and proceeded to drive the vehicle to his destination; however, the power steering seized and became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering gearbox. The contact was informed that the steering gearbox needed to be replaced, and the tires needed to be rotated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Steering, Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Power Steering Assist Fault message was intermittently displayed, causing the steering wheel to become firm. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC Code: U3000-49 and determined that the power steering control module 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: 15V250000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Steering, Dec 19, 2023
Power steering assist stopped working, it is available for inspection upon request. Risk of injury or death from potential crash. As driving lost power steering on highway as following a left curve at 58 mph, heard beeping and light came on that power steering assist fault came on, then I was shot across the highway into oncoming traffic lane and left tires hit the gravel and dirt, I was able to correct the vehicle but still no power steering working. No confirmation from dealer or service center yet. No inspections yet. First appeared on 12/09/23, power assist fault warning came on, shut car off let sit 5 min, then worked fine until 12/11/23 where incident above happened. Has not worked since then.
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.
Steering, Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the husband was driving approximately 40 MPH the electric power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced and the steering control module needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 103,103
Steering, Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when her daughter shifted the vehicle in reverse the steering wheel was stiff. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by a mechanic at the residence and the contact was informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to help. The contact believed that the failure to be associated with an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 204,297.
Steering, Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the "Power Steering Assist Fault” message was displayed, and the contact became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Steering, Dec 7, 2023
I had purchased the vehicle wrecked from an auction. I was driving this vehicle back in September and the power steering went out I have had no power steering since I have brought it to the attention of Ford motor company that they needed to do an investigation into their Ford fusion years 2011 and 12 along with prior years due to the fact that so many have no power steering I do not see the point of having my power steering fixed or my airbags fixed if I cannot get both fixed at the same time and I believe that the power steering is a safety issue it is illegal to drive without power steering I did not know that
Steering, Dec 1, 2023
Dashboard displays 'Power Steering Assist Fault', and the steering wheel is locked (unable to turn it) It appeared on the dashboard when car was started to drive back home from work on Nov 27, 2023. It was the first time this message has appeared. There were no other warning signals about steering issues before this event. All other systems appear to be working (Engine start, Throttle, Gear change, Brakes, etc.). Because steering is locked the vehicle is not drive-able. It was towed to Northampton, MA, Ford dealership for troubleshooting. Ford dealer said the remedy is to replace the steering system. Their rough estimate for the repair is $2600. They also said there is a recall to replace the steering system for this 2012 Ford Fusion. Upon checking with Ford company (Case# [XXX]), they refused to cover the cost of replacement due to time limits, even though it is clearly their design/manufacturing defect. The vehicle has about 110,000 miles and has been well maintained as per Ford's recommended service schedule. Based on industry standards and my own experience, the car should have a lot of remaining years of service. Ford should accept ownership of the problem and replace the steering system at no charge to me - their customer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
Steering, Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH in a parking lot, the steering wheel seized. The message "Service Power Steering Now" was displayed. The contact parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 156,070.
Steering, Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the message "Power Steering Fault" was displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 168,000.
Power train, Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and jolted with the transmission shifting into gear. The contact stated that the jolt was more violent when the vehicle was first started and shifted into drive(D). The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated before moving forward and then jolted into gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was recurring. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Steering, Nov 28, 2023
I was experiencing steering wheel issues last year I felt a dragging and pulling underneath the car... I had to pull over because my car was slowing down and i felt a tugging and pulling underneath the car.. I thought it was my brakes or transmission, but it was the steering....I Paid over 2,000.00 to fix it at the dealership ! It was a 2012 Fusion.. It was the rack and pinion and bolts that needed replaced.. One year later it was the same problem again!!! I took it back to the dealership to fix it again... The front steering wheel is still not the same.. I have had the car about 6 years...I believe there were a recall on the bolts that I had to pay to replace also..
Air bags, Nov 28, 2023
Since I bought my car in 2000, the dash where the passenger airbag comes out is broken. I have to turn the airbag off if anyone sits there. I'm afraid it will pop out at any time
Steering, Nov 27, 2023
Unknown the light just popped on asking me to service power steering now
Steering, Nov 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the electric power steering assist became inoperable. The service power steering message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over and use another vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 211,308.
Steering, Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 10-35 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Steering, Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact became aware that the power steering assist fault and an audible warning chime sounded. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle back to his residence. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist module and the rack and pinion gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Steering, Nov 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering assist was not functioning properly. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 160,000.