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 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 45-50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, he noticed that the power steering was no longer functioning. The contact stated that the power steering malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The contact stated that the actually cause of the issue was not related to the recall but has since been repaired.
Exterior lighting, Aug 1, 2022
Rear tail light side parking marker. All marker lights in working order is required to pass Delaware state inspection. The LED is hard wired within the housing unit and is not a replaceable bulb. I have to replace the housing assembly for 160.00 plus tax for a simple light. Car is 10 years old. I don't believe Ford expected it to fail for the life of the car. Part 13404. The side marker light is not on the parts diagram. I can replace the part but was hoping Ford would cover the bill, but I admit, i am venting frustration.
Steering, Jul 28, 2022
Power steering went out randomly. I have tried to reset by turning vehicle on and off. There is a recall for the 2012 Ford Fusion...however my vehicle is not included for some reason is having exact same issue as recall for steering dating back to 2015. Took to dealer. They said my power steering was out and would be over 3,000$ to fix.
Steering, Jul 27, 2022
Dealership said they reset power steering, it had a recall on it and now my power steering is completely out and they refuse to fix it for free when it is a recalled part. Obviously it wasn’t fixed.
Steering, Jul 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the service power steering warning light illuminated as the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic test or repairs. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in a power steering recall. The contact researched the failure online and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) and related the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
Steering, Jul 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10-15 MPH, the power steering assist failed with the "Service Advance Trac" and "Service Power Steering" messages displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with steering gear box failure. The dealer informed the contact that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Steering, Jul 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed, causing the steering wheel to be difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Structure, Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while attempting to exit the vehicle through the front driver’s side door, the door handle fractured. The contact was able to use the remaining part of the door handle to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 31,000. The VIN was invalid.
Steering, Jul 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that she needed to pay a diagnostic fee to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Air bags, Jul 19, 2022
It has been 16 months since I received initial communication about the recall for my driver's side air bag. I've received no other communication regarding this recall and the NHTSA website shows that a remedy is still not available. 16 months is not a timely manner to repair an issue that in the event of airbag deployment can cause serious injury or death. Being 16 months into this process with no remedy, no communication, and no repair in sight, I want to know when Ford is going to give up and give me a new car.
Steering, Jul 16, 2022
Power steering assist fault
Steering, Jul 13, 2022
Highway speeds power steering failure, no symptoms prior. Barely got off the road to safety.
Service brakes, Jul 1, 2022
Approximately three months ago the ABS system engaged due to applying my brake to avoid pedestrian crossing in front of me. After continuing to drive the brake pedal was very soft and traveled nearly to the floor of the car. The next day the system returned to normal. Several days ago, on 6/25/2022 this occurred once more when a hard brake was needed to avoid a suddenly stopped vehicle and the same problem became present with a soft petal and having to pump the pedal, my wife was the operator this time. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by any entity. I have inquired about this problem from my mechanic and also have researched the problem and see there is a recall > 19S54 also an update to the recall > EA18-002 that states my 2012 Fusion is included in the recall and will now contact the local Ford Dealership to have this concern corrected. In my research I see that is due to the ABS module sticking due to corrosion from the wrong brake fluid. I have had several close calls while operating my car, the recall states Ford advises it is safe to drive. This I strongly disagree with, particularly since my wife uses this vehicle and is not as skillful as I when it comes to mechanical issues such as this. There were no warning lights, or messages, the issue has now cleared up again and brakes are operating normally as before this incident. This vehicle is readily available for inspection on request.
Steering, Jun 30, 2022
While driving down the road power steering assist came on dash then lost all power to steering, and of course my car says no recalls, I’m stuck with a 17,000 dollar car I can’t fix but still have to finish paying for, I new better then to buy a [XXX] ford too. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Air bags, Jun 30, 2022
I called Ford at Sam Galloway in Fort Myers and I told them that I have at least 5 recalls but only one is important which is the passenger air bag. I was told that they have availability for September. I asked them, why wasn’t I informed of the recall? They couldn’t answer. I need to know where should I take my car. Thank you
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the pedal went to the floorboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull off the highway and the vehicle rolled to a stop. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Steering, Jun 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving the vehicle out of the parking lot at approximately 3 MPH, the power steering functionality was inoperable. The power steering assists failure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000
Steering, Jun 26, 2022
Power steering went out while driving, almost caused me to crash.
Steering, Jun 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the electric power steering assist failure warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was safely driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the power steering assist and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
Steering, Jun 22, 2022
I have a 2012 Ford fusion and once again the power steering went out in my car and now I’m stranded trying to figure out a way to get home there was already a recall once on power steering‘s for this car well for this year of a car don’t know if it was mine or not because it says 04 recalled unfixed problems but obviously this car has power steering problems and now I’m paying $17,000 for a car that I can’t even drive because I can’t afford to have my car fixed thanks Ford should’ve known better than to buy one
Electrical system, Jun 21, 2022
AC does not work, the climate control module is the problem. when you switch the AC on it only blows heat. The fix would be a new climate control module.
Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2022
my car rolls away in park 2012 ford fusion
Service brakes, Air, Service brakes, Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop within a reasonable time. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he was able to stop the vehicle after pumping the brake pedal. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and the brake lines were flushed several times. The vehicle continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back for the third time and was informed that the rear and front brake calipers, the ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU), and the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Steering, Jun 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a grinding sound coming from the steering column. Additionally, the steering wheel was very unstable and the vehicle did not immediately respond while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.