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, Sep 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and reversing, the steering wheel failed to turn. The service power steering message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Steering, Sep 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that at start-up, the power assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his home. The contact called a dealer and was informed that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Steering, Aug 24, 2021
Driver was turning a corner and lost power steering causing car to go into oncoming traffic lane. Luckily there was no traffic in the lane. The message “power steering assist fault”appeared on the dash of at that time. I’ve never had any issues with it before. Contacted Ford and was told my VIN was not included in current recall of 12 fusions. This is a dangerous issue that should cover all fusions before someone is killed.
Steering, Aug 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the power steering would fail to operate while driving at various speeds. Excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle as the power steering assist warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was given an estimate for the diagnostic which the contact declined. The contact then called Conroy Motors (1457 NY-78, Java Center, NY 14082) where he was given the same information as the previous dealer. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact also stated that the traction control, power steering, and tire pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer where they informed him that his vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact the same information as the dealer. The contact stated that only a software update was performed with the prior recall and that no actual repairs were performed on the power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Steering, Aug 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 1 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,841.
Steering, Aug 3, 2021, crash
I was driving and went to turn steering wheel locked made me hit concrete and damage front bumper cover now power steering assist is not working i see this is a common problem
Steering, Jul 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her husband was pulling into a parking space, the power steering message appeared on the instrument panel causing her husband to have to use excessive force to steer the vehicle. Her husband had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where a temporary fix was performed however, the failure returned soon after repair. The contact called the dealer and she was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred her back to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 99,759. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED CODES C1277 AND C1963. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS MADE.
Air bags, Jul 26, 2021
I received a Recall Notice 21S12/NHTSA 21V-158 in April 2021 and to date July 26, 2021, the problem still has not been corrected. I feel my life is in danger every time I drive my vehicle. I am requesting that this dangerous vehicle impairment be handled as an emergency and greater effort be made to locate the needed parts. Thank You, Regina F. Smith, owner
Steering, Jul 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the electric power steering failed, and the steering wheel stiffened up and became difficult to steer. Check power steering now and advanced track warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the power steering was repaired in 2019, under an unknown recall however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer Courtesy Motor (3100 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602) and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that a recall repair was only performed one time free of charge. The failure mileage was 129,000. Vin was unavailable. THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING FAILED 4 TIMES. REPAIR ATTEMPTS WERE MADE BUT, THE FAILURE PERSISTED.
Air bags, Jul 12, 2021
I received a notice from you regarding a recall for the airbag in our car on 2/23/21. To date I have not been able to get the airbag replaced and it is now 7/12/21. It doesn't seem right that we have been driving a car that has unsafe airbags for the past 5 months. Is there anything you can do to get this situation resolved? Thank you for your attention to this dangerous situation.
Steering, Power train, Jul 12, 2021
A recall was issued in 2015..15S18.. It seems my Vin number isn't included in the recall because it was manufactured in New Mexico. My power steering at 70 mph goes out without any warning. The above recall is exactly what's happening with my vehicle. Now I am obligated to pay 2k to fix a manufacturing flaw. This is a huge saftey issue to be on the road and while your driving your power steering goes out. I am asking for further investigation as my car is a 2012 Ford Fusion with the same problem you issued a recall for. I can be reached at [XXX]. [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Service brakes, Jul 11, 2021
A few weeks ago I went to slow to a stop at the end of my driveway at approximately 5mph. My brake pedal dropped to the floor and i had to repress on the brake pedal to come to a complete stop. It continued working properly for a week or so when it happened again. The same week I was backing out of another driveway slightly down hill and attempted to come to a complete stop to look for traffic. Luckily there was none because my stopping distance was around 12 ft or so going maybe 3mph with the brakes completely pressed. I have since had my brake pads changed and all other components checked and was told were working properly. Now my stopping distance at 10mph is at least 3-4ft. I am too afraid to drive my vehicle at higher speeds on any road due to the stopping distance issues.
Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2021, crash
Unknown Front driver side tire came off the car causing the vehicle to crash into a wall passenger side airbag malfunction Thankfully my girlfriend had the seat all the way to the back and was laying down when the accident occurred. Idk what would've happened if she seating down correctly. The car was unrepairible.
Structure, Jul 3, 2021
Over the past few days driver side door would not open from the inside of the vehicle. Rolling down the window and opening the door from the outside is the only option in opening the driver side car door. This is a safety concern as if I were ever in need to exit the vehicle in an emergency manner I can not easily or quickly get out of the car we’re under water, on fire, etc. My vehicle is not the only vehicle that is having this issue, I have heard reports from mechanics, other Ford Fusion Drivers, and personal experience that Ford Fusions from about 2006-2013 are having this issue. The issue needs to be addressed for safety concerns and is only happening on the drivers side door.
Steering, Jun 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the power steering needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Service brakes, Jun 24, 2021
While Driving my 2012 Ford Fusion like any other day… As approaching a 4-way intersection my traffic light was changing to red. When I went to stop using my brakes, my car would not stop at all and went completely through the intersection, and oncoming cars at each directions we’re coming towards me and my children. The brakes were as if they were not there and went completely to the floor and would not or did not stop my car at all. After several times pumping the brakes and strongly engaging in pulling the emergency brake numerous times I finally got my car to somewhat stop. This was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. Most definitely the most dangerous thing I have ever experienced my entire life for myself and my young children. We are truly lucky to be alive from these brakes completely, and unexpectedly spur of the moment going out! No warning!!! Models 2006-2010 Ford Fusions have a recall on this same exact brake system and have the same exact problem with the braking system unexpectedly and dangerously going out!!! Please get the recall extended on past 2010 and include 2011 and 2012 Ford Fusions!!! As they have the same exact braking systems!!!
Steering, Jun 21, 2021
Power steering unit is faulting. A recall exist on the make and model but not on my VIN#. Was at Ford dealer two weeks ago for a message that read "service power steering soon" and they were unable to find issue. Now Power steering is locked up and message " POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" appears. When you turn the car off and back on the message disappears and steering moves.
Service brakes, Jun 20, 2021
1) Brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) failure. Dealership removed and replaced HCU assembly and ABS module. All parts retained by Dealer. 2) HCU brake failure made stopping very difficult and slow to stop. Dealer recommended not driving until repaired. 3) Dealer confirmed HCU failure with computer code analysis. 4) HCU and effected parts not inspected by anyone other than Dealer. 4) numerous red ABS and brake warning lights upon backing out of garage to street. I shut the engine off and restart in the hope of correction, to no avail. Problem re-occurred. Vehicle could be stopped but with difficulty -- slow to stop and hard to stop. Dealer replaced HCU assembly and ABS module and added PM1C brake fluid (DOT3), This HCU failure apparently has been a problem in Ford Fusion and other Ford vehicles (see Safety Recall 19S54 -Anti-Lock Brake System Hydraulic Control Unit Valve Function -- 2006-2010 Ford & Lincoln Mercury). It doesn't look like the problem has been resolved. Note that brake fluid used is DOT 3 and not the NTSB recommended remedy DOT 4 brake fluid
Steering, Jun 20, 2021
I recently bought this car and one morning I get up and the power steering assist fault indicator warning light and a chime sound was flashing in my dashboard. I have family and a busy life style which is putting them and myself in danger. I have a appointment with Timpton Ford on the 22nd of June 2021 for this issue. Also not even 3 days later my car would not stay cranked due to the fuel pump I would turn the key over it would start and a few seconds later it would die. I need to know if my car can be fixed.
Structure, Jun 16, 2021
Driver side door handle from interior failed and no longer works. Live in South Florida and believe heat caused plastic component to break. Unable to exit vehicle unless use 2 hands...one to pull back on locking mechanism and other hand on door handle. Internet search shows common issue with 2006-2012 Ford Fusion models. Many state they roll down window and pull exterior door handle to exit vehicle. Seems like safety hazard if one needs to exit vehicle in a hurry.
Steering, Jun 16, 2021
UNKNOWN One day I was driving my car like normal, I stopped and parked it and a message saying "Service Power Steering Now" popped Up. I immediately lost all power steering.
Steering, Jun 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing, the electric power steering failed and the steering wheel ceased. The failure occurred on three separate occasions. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Steering, Jun 8, 2021
Recently purchased a 2012 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0 6 cylinder car and the power steering assist fault indicator light was on and its really hard to turn my steering wheel due to the power steering going on its messed up my front end alignment and now my AC doesn't work. I need this fixed and I have paperwork stating that NHTSA RECALL for my year model vehicle will be free of charge to repair it. I really need my car fixed I threw my should out of place due to the hard steering
Steering, Jun 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while entering and starting the vehicle, a message appeared on the screen which stated that the power steering assist was disabled. The contact attempted to reverse out of the drive way however, the steering wheel failed to turn. The contact shifted the vehicle backed into park. The local dealer was contacted about the failure however, the dealer was unable to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.