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.
Steering, Aug 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,418.
Steering, Aug 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the power steering failed, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V34000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 127,541.
Steering, Power train, Aug 20, 2023
It is hard for me to steer my steering wheel. It keeps saying service power steering. This is dangerous.
Wheels, Aug 19, 2023
When I took the car in for "the Works" they did not rotate the tires as the 'lug nuts were swollen and would not come off.' I percieve this as a safety issue if I have tire issues on the road. There was no incident- just a precautionary report.
Steering, Aug 16, 2023
+Consistent with Safety Recall 15S18 and program code 15N01 - Integrated Controller for the Power Steering Gear failed. This caused power steering assist and traction control to be inoperative. The problem started intermittently at about 93,000 miles and 11 years of age - but then became constant by 95,600 miles. +The problem made the steering wheel very difficult to turn. Vehicle was unsafe to drive, particularly at lower speeds or with a driver of average upper body strength. It would have been very difficult to steer away from a pedestrian, animal, vehicle, or obstacle - had one suddenly moved into the path of the vehicle. This increased the chance of death/injury and/or property damage when operating the vehicle. +Noted Safety Recall only provided limited extended warranty coverage - which had expired (due to age, but not miles). +Repair was exceptionally expensive due to the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) being integrated with the Steering Gear, and the Steering Gear being integrated with the entire rack and pinion assembly. Diagnostic and Repair total was $2,690.15. I considered taking the risk vs. repairing the vehicle due to the high cost. +Vehicle was diagnosed and serviced at a Ford Dealer and Independent Repair Shop. Representatives at both shops mentioned that this is a very common problem with this vehicle. The Dealer escalated to Ford Corporate to obtain an extension of the Safety Recall coverage, but was denied. I did the same and was also denied. Vehicle: 2012 Ford Fusion Miles: 95,600 Purchase Date: 9/2011 Logged DTC codes: C1277-20 C1277-E0
Steering, Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she stopped and parked the vehicle at the local grocery store. The contact stated that when his wife restarted the vehicle and shifted into drive, she became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that his wife shifted the gear shifter back into park and turned off the vehicle; however, when the vehicle was restarted and shifted into drive, the power steering was operable. The contact's wife was able to safely drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that the power steering control module would be reprogrammed to resolve the failure; however, there was no guarantee that the failure would be fixed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Steering, Aug 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult while maneuvering the vehicle. The contact’s son veered to the side road and notified him. The contact was able to safely navigate the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Aug 9, 2023
Power steering assist fault would flash, steering locked up. Every few weeks for past couple years. Started grinding hard to turn Service power steering now light, steering completely locked. Almost wrecked numerous times. Started in 2021. Ford claimed they had no idea why. No check engine light ever. Finally locked up completely in July this year.car has maybe 127000 miles.
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, upon start-up, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the “Power Steering Service Now” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was previously covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program: 13N03 and advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
While driving the vehicle the power steering suddenly stopped working. There was no warning or indication of an issue with the power steering. This happened while traveling at 45-50 MPH so was able to safely maneuver the vehicle to a safe area. Searched on Ford website for recalls and there is an EPAS repair for the steering. I brought the vehicle to the dealership for the repair, but was informed the repair has expired and they will not repair it.
Steering, Aug 4, 2023
Upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message was displayed and the steering wheel was stiff and dificultt to turn.The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (PSCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. I was told that th There was a recall on power-steering for 2012 Ford Fusions, but my VIN has not been included, which was confirmed after a call to FORD. Also they told me Is not covered under the extended warranty coverage since It Is a 2012 modelo however the mileage on my car Is 117307
Steering, Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized and became inoperable. The contact shifted into neutral (N) and veered to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V3400 (Steering); however, the contact was informed by the dealer and the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Steering, Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop at the traffic light, the steering wheel was stiff and difficult to turn. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (PSCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
Steering, Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the message "Service Power Steering Now" was displayed. The contact stated that upon driving into a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact used physical force to drive into a parking space. The contact turned off the vehicle and disconnected the battery; however, the failure persisted after the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Steering, Jul 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. Additionally, the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the power steering control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Jul 25, 2023
Power steering turns off when you go above a certain speed and the service advance power steering comes on.
Steering, Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to steer the vehicle off the highway and became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled of the roadway and shifted to park(P). The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to regain power steering functionality. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact reported that in January 2022 he had a Power Steering Control Module software update performed through NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) by a local dealer. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,713.
Steering, Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the service advance-trac and power steering assist messages were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Steering, Jul 13, 2023
The steering has been locking up for 3 years on and off, a few times a month. I would get a 'power steering assist fault message and had to turn off the ignition while driving almost wreaking. Now it's locked up and says 'service power steering now.'
Air bags, Jul 13, 2023
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, Jul 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a grinding sound in the steering wheel while making a left or right turn. The service power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The contact then stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact then stated that the “Service Power Steering Assist Now” warning light illuminated and remained illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Steering, Jul 11, 2023
I got in my car one morning and started it and tried to pull off. My tires would not turn and I saw that the "service power steering now" and "airbag" message on my dashboard.
Steering, Jul 5, 2023
The power-steering failed, and it is available for inspection upon request. Without power-steering my reaction time decreased and I was unable to properly steer my car, which is a safety risk for myself and others. The vehicle has not yet been inspected. There was a recall on power-steering for 2012 Ford Fusions, but my VIN has not been included, which was confirmed after a call to FORD. Yes, they appeared the day of the incident, and a picture of message is attached below of what appears on the dashboard.
Steering, Jul 3, 2023
The contact's mother owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The check engine and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The contact used an ODB reader and determined that the power steering module was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was determined that the Electric power assisted steering (EPAS) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Steering, Jun 17, 2023
My 2012 Ford Fusion power steering was recalled back in 2015 and was repaired with no charge . The power steering has again lost power steering for the 4th time. The experience has been frustrating ! In the past, if I turned the car off and back on the power steering would be restored. Well now it’s not coming back at all! Is there another recall on the power steering, that I don’t know about ? Thank you