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 12, 2025
Subject: Concern Regarding Power Steering Failure and Recall Eligibility – 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid I own a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid, and recently ( around 2 weeks back) experienced a sudden failure of the power steering system. One morning, as I started the car in the parking lot to head to work, I noticed the power steering was not functioning. A warning light appeared indicating a problem with the power steering system. I contacted a mobile mechanic to inspect the issue. After examining the vehicle, he confirmed the power steering had failed and advised me to take the car to a dealership for repairs. I arranged for a towing service to transport my vehicle to Interstate Ford in Dacono, Colorado. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a failure in the power steering gear and estimated the repair cost to be approximately $3,500. Concerned about the nature of the failure, I researched online and discovered that Ford had issued a recall (NHTSA Campaign ID: 15V340000) in June 2015 affecting 393,623 vehicles, including certain 2012 Ford Fusion models, due to similar power steering issues. However, when I contacted Ford, I was informed that my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the recall. I believe this may be an oversight, as the failure in my vehicle matches the conditions described in the recall. A sudden loss of power steering while driving could have led to a serious accident. I respectfully request that Ford re-evaluate the recall criteria and consider including my vehicle’s VIN, as well as potentially others that may be at risk of the same issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Steering, Sep 10, 2025
I am filing a complaint regarding the ineffectiveness of Ford Recall 15S18 / NHTSA 15V-340 on my 2012 Ford Fusion (VIN: [XXX] ). On [XXX], immediately after starting the vehicle (prior to moving), the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system failed completely and a steering-assist warning illuminated. This occurred when a female driver attempted to operate the vehicle and could not drive it safely without power assist. Modern vehicles like the Fusion are not designed to be driven without EPAS, and as NHTSA has noted in prior recall actions, loss of assist requires significantly greater effort and poses a safety risk. Diagnostics showed U3000:49-08, confirming internal EPAS rack failure. The vehicle required full replacement of the steering rack at Lilliston Ford (Vineland, NJ), costing me $2,460.65 on July 18, 2025 (invoice attached). Following this repair, new diagnostic codes appeared (B10B9:14-08 and U0423:68-08), coinciding with complete A/C failure. These faults were not present before the EPAS repair. I purchased a blower motor on July 23, 2025 for $101.96 to attempt a fix. I requested reimbursement from Ford on July 29, 2025 and followed up on August 19, 2025. As of this filing, Ford has not responded. Because the recall remedy failed to prevent recurrence, and new electrical issues arose immediately after the EPAS repair, I request that NHTSA review whether Recall 15S18 has been effective and ensure Ford honors reimbursement obligations. Attached: repair invoice, diagnostic reports, recall proof, photo, blower motor receipt, and prior correspondence to ford can be provided if necessary. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Sep 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 151,000.
Steering, Aug 20, 2025
My 2012 Ford Fusion (VIN: [XXX] ) was previously repaired under Recall 15S18 / Customer Satisfaction Program 15N01 for a steering assist failure in 2016 at 83,000 miles. In March 2022, at 143,000 miles, the same defect occurred again—power steering warning light came on and steering assist failed while driving. The issue was diagnosed by Gillis Auto Center and confirmed again by Mullinax Ford in 2025. Ford refused to cover the repair, citing expired coverage, despite both dealerships confirming it is the same failure addressed by the original recall. I believe this is a safety defect that was not permanently remedied by the original recall repair. I am requesting NHTSA to review whether other vehicles are also experiencing repeat failures. I have attached all documentation in my email to Ford and will provide it to NHTSA upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Aug 20, 2025
Ford’s official website shows that my 2012 Ford Fusion (VIN: [XXX] ) is covered under Customer Satisfaction Program 15N01 – EPAS Steering Efforts, with instructions to schedule free service with a dealer. However, my local dealer refused to honor it, stating it had expired. I never received any notification of this program, and it involves the steering assist system which is a serious safety issue. Please review this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Aug 8, 2025
Our power steering failed while driving and is extremely difficult to turn. It is dangerous. We looked up safety recalls and found Safety Recall 15S18 and 15N01 to repair the power steering due to a manufacturer defect. The dealer charged us $250 to "assess" the issue and then refused to recall the vehicle or make the repairs. It claimed that the car was too old and out of warranty. But this is not a warranty repair it is a safety recall issue for a defective power steering system. Our car has error codes U3000:49, U3000:72, and U3000:96. They are DTCs in the PSCM.
Power train, Aug 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the battery had failed and there was battery acid on the shifter cable and connector. The dealer replaced the battery, the shifter cable, the connector, the rear parking light bulb, and the purge valve. The dealer also completed the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 92,343.
Steering, Jul 28, 2025
My power steering went out while driving and then warning lights came on in dash. I have uploaded photos. I also have seen that there was a recall due to power steering issues with my year make and model in the past. Recall # NHTSA Campaign number 15V340000
Steering, Jul 28, 2025
My power steering rack and pinion went out after the Ford recall being completed
Steering, Jul 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became firm. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the power steering rack and the rack and pinion were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,888.
Steering, Jul 27, 2025
Power steering first failed in March 2025 after longer than average driving (vacation). Unplugging the electronic power steering motor from the power supply / data cables resolved the loss of powering steering at that time. The power steering error and failure returned on [XXX] after average driving and upon restarting the vehicle. This time unplugging the power steering motor did not resolve the issue. The vehicle will be going for further diagnosis and repair this week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Jul 18, 2025
I drove about 40 mins to a friends house. Got up the next day to leave and I started the car and the power steering assist fault warning light came on. Nothing led up to this incident. Just all of a sudden.
Steering, Jul 17, 2025
Back in 2022 my power steering went out while I was driving the lights service advancetac and power steering assist fault show up took it to Ford to tell me it was the rack and pinion I got it replaced 3 months ago I’m on the interstate trying to get off as an exit and it went out again with the same messages. This is really alarming And dangerous when is constantly keep happening during driving. Especially for the price at ford wants to constantly replace it for.
Steering, Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed, and the steering wheel seized. The contact waited for several minutes and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure had reoccurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the power steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Steering, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist was inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with DTC related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01 (EPAS Steering Efforts). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no coverage for the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 - 60 MPH, the AdvanceTrac and power steering systems became inoperable. The AdvanceTrac and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic, where an unknown diagnostic was made. The AdvanceTrac system was reset, and unknown power steering system repairs were performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic several times. The mechanic reset the AdvanceTrac system a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall and the vehicle did not have warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 29,104.
Steering, Jul 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving on a main road at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the message "Service Advanced Track Power Steering" displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road to restart the vehicle; however, the power steering function remained disabled. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
Steering, Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no reservoir cap to check for power steering fluid. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Steering, Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the power steering failed to function as intended and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact called a friend to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion, the steering wheel became difficult to turn while driving. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinon had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Jun 28, 2025
Steering Issue
Steering, Jun 28, 2025
My power steering went in my 2012 Ford Fusion. It was recalled years ago and now it has affected my car. I can’t drive it as it is very unsafe. I was told since it was under 150,000 miles it could be fixed but by someone else I was told it will not be fixed. I need some assistance.
Steering, Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the power steering assist became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Wheels, Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 65 MPH, he had to pull over to the side of the road due to a flat tire. The contact's son had a difficult time removing the lug nuts. The lug nuts could not be removed with the tire iron. The contact called AAA, and it was difficult for the Roadside Assistant to remove the lug nuts. The contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen due to the aluminum or chrome material. The contact stated that the Roadside Assistant had to drill the lug nuts to remove the lug nuts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Service Power Steering” was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, and the steering wheel seized. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or inspected. The contact stated that another independent mechanic was scheduled to stop by the residence to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,234.