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, Electrical system, Dec 13, 2022
Service advance track light came on , the car was turned off then back on and the warning light was gone. Begin driving, made it 10 miles or so then the electric power steering went out while driving the vehicle. Service advance track light came on. The car then lost all power steering. This resulted in difficulty steering. When the steering went out this almost lead to a collision.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 12, 2022
N/a
Steering, Dec 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to reverse and park the vehicle on the side of the curb. The contact stated that the failure persisted upon turning off and restarting the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under Ford Campaign Number: 15N01 (EPAS Steering Efforts) due to the manufactured date. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Wheels, Dec 8, 2022
at approximately 58,000 miles, Ford dealer told me the lug nuts were swollen and not safe and needed to be replaced. No warning signal prior to this event.
Steering, Dec 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that at the initial start of the vehicle, the power steering failed to function. The power steering assist message was displayed. The contact had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic where the power steering system was reset; however, the failure recurred while driving 35 MPH. The power steering assist and service rack and pinion warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic who reset the code and the power steering functionality returned. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Wheels, Dec 7, 2022
The lug nut issue that has been creating issues with Ford vehicles. They swell and can’t be removed to change a tire. Something has to be done!
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the traction control system, brakes, and power steering functionality became inoperable. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed. While driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The driver pumped the brake pedal several times before the brakes started working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed him that the failure was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Steering, Dec 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and slowing to enter a parking lot, the steering wheel became very stiff and required an extra effort to turn. The contact observed that when she depressed the brake pedal, the steering wheel became harder to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that an unknown warning light and the "Service Power Steering" and "Advancetrac" warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull off the roadway and placed the vehicle into park(P) and turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle regained normal power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure had become constant. The contact stated that she had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and informed the service manager that she researched a similar failure online for electric power steering. The service manager referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,199.
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while her passenger was attempting to open the front passenger’s side door, the door would not open. The passenger rolled the window down and open the door using the exterior door handle. The contact also noticed that while attempting to lock the vehicle, the vehicle failed to lock securely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the door handle and the latch inside the vehicle were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The manufacturer was aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000. The contact stated that the dealer had mentioned that they have replaced several door handles due to faulty plastic parts. The handle was replaced again for a second time and paid for by the contact.
Steering, Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the power steering assist alarm and warning light illuminated. The contact stated that soon after, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist function. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) needed to be replaced. The contact made the local dealer aware of the failure and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Steering, Nov 30, 2022
The contact 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. 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?115,000.
Steering, Nov 29, 2022
Was backing up and the Power steering Assist Fault came on i was unable to drive car as the steering wheel is locked. The ABS system kicks in and had the brakes done.
Steering, Air bags, Engine, Nov 24, 2022
The power steering assist randomly went out and caused me to almost crash into a wall when I was on the freeway taking the car home. The previous owner had gotten into an accident with the vehicle which had also resulted from the power steering randomly going out, and the power steering is now out completely on the vehicle and yet seems to come on randomly while having to manually steer the vehicle. I just got the vehicle and am the most recent owner, but since the vehicle has over 150,000 miles on it and it has been over 10 years, Ford and its dealerships are saying there’s nothing they can do to fix it. However, I know that these issues going on with the car (power steering assist and electronic throttle body issues) are related to the recall on the vehicle. There are apparently no active recalls on the vehicle, but I know that the previous owners may have taken the car in for problems related to the recall. However, I also know that the company is required to fix problems related to the recall no matter how many years the warranty is or how many miles the vehicle has on it, so I’m unsure why both Ford and its dealerships are saying there’s nothing they can do and that I’ll have to pay for a diagnostic fee and then the repair fees associated with the problem, and I just got the vehicle. I don’t feel that it’s fair that I pay for repair costs associated with a recall on several other Ford Fusion vehicles as well (2011-2012) when those recall related problems almost killed me, and upon researching it no other cars have power steering assist, electronic throttle body and airbag problems like the ford fusion.
Steering, Nov 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and became difficult to steer. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). However, the failure reoccurred while driving two years later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where an unknown software was reset. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving uphill four years later. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure persisted upon turning off and restarting the vehicle. The contact's father then assisted her with driving the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 66,934.
Air bags, Nov 17, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while his wife was driving 60 MPH, a deer jumped in front of the vehicle causing the contact to strike the deer and damage the front end of the vehicle. None of the air bags deploy. No one was injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage 150,000.
Steering, Nov 16, 2022, crash
The contact stated their sister owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that their sister was driving approximately 45 mph when the steering wheel suddenly locked and failed to turn left or right. The driver then veered off to the side of the road where due to the lack of steering, the vehicle crashed into a tree stump. No air bags deployed. The driver did not have injuries or need medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who then informed the contact that the failure related to Customer Satisfaction Program 15N01 (Steering) which was under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however the customer satisfaction program had since expired. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 219,000.
Service brakes, Nov 14, 2022
Slippery/snowy conditions, applied brakes approaching a stop sign. ABS kicked in and brake pedal dropped to the floor. With reduced braking ability. This has continued since. This has happened the past 2 winters and will eventually just release and the brakes function normally, until the ABS is needed and then the same thing happens.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Nov 9, 2022, crash
Power Steering just locked up while driving with no warning or indicator, it still drives but it randomly locks up where i have no control over the vehicle In backing up out of our driveway i wasnt able to stop because the braking system froze up along with the steering and i hit a truck that was going down our road
Steering, Nov 7, 2022
While I was driving down a winding road my power steering went out I almost wrecked my car I still owe $9000 on this car and I can’t even drive it in order to get it fixed it’ll cost like $3000 money I don’t have Ford needs to do another recall on these vehicles before somebody end up getting hurt my car will sit and rot now Because there’s no way to fix the power steering assist warning unless you take it to a Ford garage and pay them $3000 to fix it this is bull I will never buy a Ford again
Steering, Oct 29, 2022
2012 Ford Fusion SEL VIN: [XXX] On Wednesday evening, October 26, 2022, my daughter was parked in a shopping center lot. When she returned to the car and started it, she got an alarm and a warning light on the dash, stating: "Power Steering Assist Fault". She contacted me in a panic, and told me that she could not turn the wheel at all. After making arrangements to pick her up, the car was towed to a local mechanic the following day, October 27. The mechanic explained that the 2012 Ford Fusion had a recall for my specific year, make, and model for that exact problem. I had not, however, received a recall notice. He suggested that we contact a Ford dealership to make the necessary repairs, as specified in the recall. I had looked up the warning message on the computer, and was aware that my year/model Fusion had a known power steering problem. However, when we contacted a Ford dealer, he stated that my VIN number was not included in the recall. He quoted a repair price, over the phone and without looking at my car, estimated at over $2,000.00. I am a senior citizen with only my social security income. This is my only vehicle, and my daughter needs it for transportation to and from work. Obviously, the car is dangerous to drive without repairs. As of this date, the car is at the shop where it was towed, and I don't know of any options. From what I can gather, all of the problems prompting a recall on 2012 Ford Fusions are identical to the problem I have. I would very much appreciate some assistance and advice on how to proceed in this matter. Thank you. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 27, 2022
I pulled out of my parking lot started to accelerate and my power steering went out. There was no warning, no check engine light. It's been well maintained and no documentation of this happening with previous owner. My assist power steering now, and advice stabilitrak just flash and now I can't move the wheel to even get it to a shop.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 26, 2022
Power steering went out. Then traction control went out. Due to. Module and all components for power steering along with pins and rods.
Steering, Oct 26, 2022
Electronic steering rack binding. Check engine light indicates power steering not working. Vehicle is difficult to control and requires significant force to steer and turn. The dealer confirmed that this model of vehicle was part of a recall due to power steering failures in 2015, but this particular vehicle was not included in that recall. The Ford dealer replaced the faulty steering rack and charged me $1604. A case was created with Ford. They are not providing any financial support at this time.
Steering, Oct 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the electric power steering motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Oct 24, 2022
My steering went out one day while I was driving. Took it to crown ford Fayetteville NC and they reset software and it worked for about 5 seconds then went back out again. They said it was the Gear box needs to be replace which is power steering.