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, Oct 20, 2022
My mother's car suddently became difficult to steer(she is elderly). she almost deove into another vehicle becuase her power sterring went out and the sterring became very diffuclt to turn. Ford had a recall for the Gear Assy Recall# 15N01, they are no stating that it is past the warranty date and will not cover the repair. They do admit in 2017 ther was a reporgram of this part at anpother dealership and it extended the ewarrantly but they are stayting it will not be covered. this is a saftey issue and should be covered as it almost caused an accidnet and for knows this part is faulty.
Steering, Oct 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel became firm with the power steering assist and service now message displayed. Due to the failure, the contact called a relative to tow the vehicle to her home where it remained in her possession. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact also called the manufacturer and was notified that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Oct 18, 2022
Sudden loss of power steering with dashboard message "Power Steering Assist Fault" Unable to turn steering wheel. Problem comes and goes. Took to Ford Dealership, $3,000 repair and Ford refuses to cover under a recall claiming it is a "Customer Satisfaction" problem and not a safety problem. Hundreds of complaints for this model year on this site for the same issue.
Steering, Oct 17, 2022
The electric power steering went out while driving. It is available for inspection upon request. The steering failure made the car very hard to control. The vechile will be inspected by an independent service center. The vechice has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others yet. The power steering error light came on and the traction assist error light came on. The failure occurred on September 20, 2022.
Steering, Oct 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the message to "Check Power Steering" suddenly displayed and the steering became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Modular was faulty 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 53,000.
Service brakes, Air, Oct 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, he drove over a bump on a train track and had to depress the brake pedal down to the floorboard for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. No warning light was illuminated. A local dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer did not service vehicles 10 years or older. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 95,000.
Steering, Oct 12, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and excessive force was needed to steer. The contact's wife was able to turn into a parking lot and the vehicle was turned off. After the vehicle was restarted, the steering wheel seized as the service power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module and the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the mechanic's shop awaiting repair. The contact referenced the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
Service brakes, Oct 10, 2022
There is intermittent failure when brakes are applied. Periodically when we push the brakes they go all the way to the floor and the car keeps moving forward and not brake. I have researched this and it seems Ford has recalled some of the ABS components in this model of car but not for this year/VIN.
Steering, Oct 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed and the steering wheel lost electric power steering assist. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the steering wheel operated as needed. The contact was able to continue driving however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly more while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Steering, Oct 5, 2022
Traveling at around 30mph on a narrow and curvy road, the car lost a majority of the power steering aide. I was teaching my younger sibling how to drive, and the car lost control and we were heading straight for a deep ravine. Thankfully, the emergency brake was available.
Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2022
Door handle failures (inside the vehicle) are very well documented and very well known to break off the mechanism required to open the door. This isn't just a minor annoyance, it is a MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD, caused by either poor design, poor materials, poor process control, poor validation testing, poor part quality or poor management in concealing this as not being worthy of a recall. How many lives are you willing to risk before doing a recall? The problem has been well known & documented for well over a decade, and it is still happening in the field. If someone has not died from this door lever failure it is only a matter of time. My family's lives are in jeopardy every time we drive this vehicle with a known likelihood of the door handles failing to open the door. You may not be able to open any other door, depending on the damage from an auto accident, but Ford has not taken responsibility for this high-risk to life and limb of its occupants. For such a cheap injection molded plastic part with no glass-fill, it is apparent that you went with the cheapest material possible. You've done it for over a DECADE and choose to ignore the problem until someone sues you or dies as a result of this safety problem. Whether it is a knitline defect you have no process controls to prevent part weakness, or the excessively small part fillet, or the material thickness, subpar material properties or molded part process flow problems, Ford is clearly cutting corners on the design & manufacturing of well documented and well known failures in the field. This is unacceptable, requiring your customers to waste over $200 every time it breaks, all the while being unconcerned about the serious safety risk to occupants in your vehicles. This is the problem with unethical engineering and business practices in the automobile industry. You will be held accountable only when someone dies from your decades of negligence & disregard for the safety of your customers.
Steering, Sep 30, 2022
My electrical power steering system failed as I was driving . It is available for inspection. As I was pulling into traffic from a gas station my power steering failed . An automotive shop confirmed the power steering issue I did not notice any immediate warnings until after my car stopped
Steering, Sep 30, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Service Power Steering "warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was loaded onto a trailer and taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with electric power steering failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Sep 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the local dealer informed him that the repairs would be covered under warranty for the electric power assist steering (EPAS) however, he was then informed by the local dealer that it would be at his own expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and also confirmed that the repair would not be covered under warranty and advised him to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2022
Did not put car into park and was able to turn key fully back and remove the key from the off position. Car started rolling on slight incline. No issues other than rain sensor wipers not always working, so maybe an issue in column. Have not taken to dealership or mechanic yet.
Service brakes, Sep 20, 2022
Shortly after a having the rear brake pads replaced, I noticed that the handbrake (or e-brake) would lose tension over night, but not always. Since this was occasional, then it appeared to be a hydraulic issue. About three months later (9/15/22), the brake pedal stopped working correctly and the pedal had to travel further, and be pushed to the floor to bring the car to a gradual stop. I almost went into the back of another vehicle, it's fortunate that I was travelling at a low speed when the brake failed. I took the vehicle to my Ford dealer/service shop and, following their inspection and diagnostic assessment, was told that there is a problem with the hydraulic control unit (HCU), and that the it would need to be replaced and the lines flushed. My vehicle is a 2012 Fusion. This sounds like the same HCU problem that lead to the recall for 2006-2010 Ford Fusion vehicles - refer Ford Motor Company (Ford) Recall No. 19S54 - https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V904-0442.pdf Per linked pdf, the NHTSA opened EA18-002 and included inquiry of 2006-2012 Fords Fusion vehicles. It appears that only the older 2006-2010 models were included in the recall. However, as the newer (2012) models reach a similar mileage or age, it may worth reevaluating and extending the scope of the recall in the interest of safety for the traveling public. Had the brake failed while traveling a higher speed, then my life, my children's lives and others would have been at risk.
Steering, Sep 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while making a right turn at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the power steering needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bags, Sep 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the recall was related to the driver’s side air bag and not the passenger’s side air bag. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Steering, Sep 18, 2022
The power steering assist fault code came on the dash, I since had the car at the dealership and was told it was covered and would be repaired 2 days later I got a call telling me it was gonna cost $1801.00 this problem came on suddenly and could of caused a deadly accident was told at dealership that repaired it that the warranty ran out after 10 years the car is a 2012 and warranty ran out a few months ago but this being a major steering problem and could cause a major accident or fatality(s) I believe this should have been a major recall but as owner of this vehicle there was never any outreach from the dealership on this steering problem
Vehicle speed control, Sep 18, 2022
The car suddenly accelerated 3 times since it was purchased new in 2011. The 1st time I was parking and the car suddenly accelerated and hit a cement wall. The second time I was also entering a parking spot and the car suddenly accelerated and crashed into a tree. I took it to my dealer and they were unable to replicate the problem. this was in 2015. On 9/13/2022 I was about to make a right turn and suddenly the car accelerated at high speed and crossed over the road onto the golf course before I was able to slow it down. I immediately parked the car and haven't driven it since. I feel that it is unsafe to drive especially since the dealer was unable to identify the problem.
Steering, Sep 15, 2022
My car was under a recall to have power steering gear replaced and ford will not fix it. The wheel is so hard I can barely move it .
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2022
My drivers side door handle will only work from the outside I was told to contact the highway safety admin because it’s technically a safety issue if I had and emergency and had to hurry up and exit my vehicle. It’s like jammed or something and doesn’t lock until I manually lock an lock my door but I’m unable to get out from the inside safety and I was already in a car accident once in my life I would really like to get my door handle fixed please
Steering, Sep 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 229,000.
Steering, Sep 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist fault and the check advancetrac warning messages appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in an Extended Warranty coverage or NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer referred him to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
Steering, Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving into a parking lot at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the Service Power Steering message displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the electric power steering pump 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 170,000.