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, Feb 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a malfunctioning electric power steering module, that needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contract related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted and verified that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 159,900.
Steering, Feb 6, 2023
Power steering assist went out, dealer quoted $2200 repair for new steering gear on a car with around 70,000 miles. Reading on line, this seems like a common issue with this model car and should be covered by a recall.
Steering, Feb 5, 2023
Power steering stopped working while I was driving.
Steering, Feb 1, 2023
Had car towed to Brian Hoskins Ford dealership on Dec 2 2022 due to power steering failure. Originally had same dealer service car when a recall (15S18) was sent out July 2015. Was told it was fine, no part replacement needed: "Check for DTCs and reprogram PSCM". I purchased car Sep, 2013 with 11,000 miles on it from Car Sense. At time of recall it had 26,991 miles. At time of steering failure mileage was 75,573. Dealer would not honor the recall, charging $2055.50. I called Ford Motor Company before repair was made and they also refused to honor recall, placing blame on the dealership for reprogramming the PSCM and closing program 15S18. I paid Hoskins Ford to fix the issue but feel I should be compensated due to the recall status that is still in effect. The dealership service advisor, [XXX], inferred that I was past the date and also stated that the dealer gets no specific mechanical details for the recall from Ford. My case number from my phone conversation with Ford Company is [XXX]. I called them Dec 5 2022. I don't feel I am past the date and hope that you can help me. I don't understand why it wasn't fixed at the recall and how they deemed it safe to drive. It also only has half the miles covered (150,000). INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Jan 31, 2023
Power steering assistance fault occurring for several years. Dealership said that Ford would not cover repairs unless they could recreate the failure while they had it in their possession and could hook the car up to the computer. This most recent issue did not clear after restarting the vehicle several times as it had before. Lost power steering and took it to the dealership. On the way, service avancetrak error came up as well. Dealership reported the steering gear needed replaced and this car would have been covered under a warranty extension if we would have brought it in before 10 years. Ford claims that they are unable to extend any further and that nhtsa will not allow them to help cover after this 10 year period. Nhtsa claims that is false, and all i can do is file a complaint here that goes to a different part of their organization that does not have a phone number, and work with the manufacturer and FTC for warranty extension. Never received any notices for this warranty extension that should be a recall.
Steering, Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. As a result of the failure, the steering wheel failed to turn and caused the contact to damage the mid passenger’s side of the vehicle. The power steering assist fault and tire pressure sensor fault warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was then informed that the VIN was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 93,967.
Service brakes, Jan 29, 2023
Brake system failed while driving. Brake pedal went to the floor and lost all brake assistance. After diagnostics, it was determined to be the ABS control module and hydraulic module. This same model was subject to a recall that ended in 2010 MY however the same issues are persisting into the 2012 MY.
Service brakes, Jan 27, 2023
Brake pedal intermittantly sinks to floor; vehicle will stop but braking distance is substantially increased. No brake warning light comes on. Vehicle brought to dealer in November 2022 but dealer could not reproduce issue. Problem re-occured in January 2023; vehicle was towed to dealer. Again, dealer could not reproduce issue because it is very intermittant. At my insistance, and as a customer-pay repair, dealer replaced ABS HCU (hydraulic control unit) and ABS electronic control module. Note that there is a recall on older Fusion models for HCU failure but not 2012 model.
Steering, Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Power Steering Fault" displayed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the power steering gear had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 56,000.
Steering, Jan 25, 2023
I was driving and my steering wheel locked up with me and my kids in the car I googled what the problem is and this is a constant problem for these fords I contacted the dealership and they are not trying to help me my car is 14 miles over the mileage and a year over the time frame for them to replace this part on my car she stated it had been taken care of in 2015 but the last letter for the customer satisfaction program was sent out in may 2019 I am not the first person to own this car and the fact that Rk chevrolet sold me a car with this issue is a concern and a lawsuit because I had my children with me and they aren’t trying to help me replace a 3000 dollar part that has been an issue for many owners of this car
Steering, Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault waring light illuminated, and the steering was stiff. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the vehicle was already serviced under the recall. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 92,985.
Steering, Jan 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the steering fluid was inspected however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the Manufacturer Recall Number: 15S18 (Steering). The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
Steering, Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. A message indicating a power steering failure was displayed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle by using physical force to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 15N01. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the service campaign had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jan 22, 2023
Power Steering Gear , no had it fixed at ford diagnostic code P07AE . Was driving on the freeway power steering went out and car jerked wheel all the way to right almost hit guardrail with 5 yr old daughter in car. Yes . yes. No.
Steering, Jan 21, 2023
Power steering failure. Was taken to a dealership for recall repairs even after recall repairs were made I still had intermittent power steering failure. Called the dealership to fix it again but they refused to fix it due to recall being over 5 years old even though recall repairs were made 2 years prior. Now power steering fault won't go away and the dealership wants a me to pay $2,000 to fix it. Luckily I was parked when power steering went out.
Steering, Jan 20, 2023
Power steering failed on the road nearly causing an accident. My own research concluded that a recall number had been issued by Ford/NHTSA (15S18) but I am told by Ford Motor company (and the dealer Ft Mill (SC)Ford) that the recall has expired and that no reimbursement for my costs in getting the rack and pinion steering unit replaced on my car ($2100) will be granted. I don't understand this. My understanding is that "safety" recalls don't expire. I would think that power steering failure is a safety issue. I certainly can't pass NC state inspection, with this issue. I opened an inquiry with the Ford Motor Company. Your assistance is appreciated.
Service brakes, Jan 17, 2023
Reporting this issue after the fact as it closely resembles the events associated with earlier Ford Fusions documented under NHTSA Safety Campaign Number: 19V904000. After ABS was activated, the brake pedal felt extremely soft and the required braking distance greatly increased. This was initially fixed by replacing the master cylinder and flushing the braking system; however, that fix proved to be temporary. Soft brakes and large braking distance is now an intermittent issue. This car is available for inspection if needed.
Steering, Jan 6, 2023
Power steering light came on as Service Power steering. Steering is very hard to do.
Wheels, Jan 6, 2023
The stainless steel coverings on the wheel lug nuts swells up and BJ's tire center in Fairfax, Va. has a box full of the defective parts. If I had a needed tire repair on the highway, I would not have been able to change tire because lugs were swollen and mishapen and wrench would not fit. Koon's Ford in Sterling, Va. was notified and I was given a contact number to Ford mfg. Ford refused me and are not standing by their product. I had taken vehicle in for tire rotation and balance on 1/5/2023 and ended up buying new lugs all around for 140.00.
Steering, Dec 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle due to the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The contact reached out to an unknown dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was a 266,000.
Steering, Dec 22, 2022
No power steering Displays Service Advance Trac ad Power Steering Assist. Vehicle has 98,000 miles Dealer says Ford's 15N01 recall extended to 10 years/150.000 miles on this issue but will not cover because car was manufactured in 2011 which exceeds 10 years. It's a 2012 model so in my opinion ten years should still be valid.
Steering, Dec 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The driver felt that the power steering had failed while attempting to make a lane change. The driver stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn right or left. The contact's daughter pulled into a parking lot near an auto parts store. An auto parts store employee could not find a power steering fluid reservoir to check the fluid level. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.
Steering, Dec 19, 2022
The power steering does not work at low speeds. It does not work when parking or turning when taking off. There is a power steering assist fault message. The car cannot be driven. Called dealer and they say there is not a recall. They want to quote $2,500 to $3,200 to repair. There is about 75,000 miles on the car.
Structure, Dec 19, 2022
Front Driver Side door handle mechanism breaks and will not open the door when the lock mechanism is in the Unlocked position. To open the door from the interior, the driver must roll down the electrically-powered window and use the exterior latch to open the door. There are multiple examples of these situations and the owner’s description of repairs. Here is one example: https://youtu.be/At96DIaPyc8 This is a serious and significant safety hazard for the vehicle driver, particularly in the event of a vehicle fire or water submersion.
Steering, Dec 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the steering gear on two separate occasions; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced; however, the dealer declined to cover the cost of repair due to the age of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.