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.
Service brakes, Jun 3, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that his wife was involved in a crash noting that while stopped at a traffic light upon traffic beginning to move forward, the contacts wife took her foot off of the brake pedal slightly however the vehicle continued to lurch forward and in the process bumped into the vehicle in front of her with the entire front end of their vehicle. No property damage was reported. The vehicles came to a stop upon impact. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. No warning lights were illuminated however the following message was displayed on the instrument panel that read "Brake Failure". A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the Anti Lock Braking System Module was faulty and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,021.
Steering, May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light 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 steering gearbox had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Steering, May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact's husband was able to drive the vehicle to the residence without power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (PSCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was covered under Ford Campaign Number: 15N01. The manufacturer attempted to contact the dealer on the contact's behalf; however, the dealer was unreachable. The dealer later informed the contact that Ford Campaign Number: 15N01 had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.
Steering, May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel started drifting and the contact was unable to keep steering wheel steady. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering wheel while turning the wheel in either direction. The contact stated that the "Service Power Steering Assist" and "Service Advancetrac" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the power steering module was electrical, and no repairs could be performed on the vehicle. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and contacted the manufacturer. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact was also provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.
Steering, Air bags, May 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V34000 (STEERING), 19V001000 (AIR BAGS), and 21V158000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not yet made aware of the issue. The contact stated whiling parking the vehicle the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn with the message "Service Power Steering" displayed. The cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 310,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while turning into the driveway. The contact was able to park the vehicle at the residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 ( Steering). The contact called the local dealer who confirmed there was no recall on the VIN. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer by the Ford mechanic and was diagnosed that the sensor or module to the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Steering, Apr 29, 2025
The contact's stepdaughter owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his stepdaughter was driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had recurred on several occasions. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering became functional for approximately 10 minutes. Additionally, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed on some occasions. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Apr 28, 2025
When I turned my car on to leave for work it was beeping and the menu said power steering system faulty and loss of power steering/ it will also randomly loss power steering while driving down the road
Steering, Apr 25, 2025
Randomly at start up, it says "power steering assist fault" We took it to Ford and they couldn't recreate the problem because it was happening at random, and they said they couldn't fix it as it wasn't having the problem at the time. Now it's permanent, we have no power steering assist and is very unsafe for my mother to drive.
Suspension, Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 24, 2025
Absolute unacceptable level of rust to the body and frame. Even with regular car washes, sitting for a year covered. It’s literally totalled and I am out of a car. It’s a 2012 with this amount of rust
Steering, Service brakes, Apr 18, 2025
Unknown, my son in law came inside one day and said that the steering wasn't working I didn't realize at the time it didn't have a fluid port. So I wasn't sure how to get it done but then the power was being lost also from the engine. I called to see if it had any recalls but it doesn't supposedly but then why is it that other fusions same year have the issue and it was recalled or is mine just to late to be taken advantage of? I am unable to drive it and the dealership I bought it from didn't offer an extended warranty so it has been sitting on the side of my house because it is unsafe to drive. Please help me.... thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Apr 17, 2025
Power steering went out and it's electrical
Steering, Apr 11, 2025
The electronic power steering assist intermittently quits working, making the car very difficult to turn. You do get an alert in the dash when this occurs. This is a known issue for many Ford vehicles. This vehicle has less than 45,000 miles on it, but is beyond the 10-year period that Ford allows under their own "recall" program.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle at the residence, the messages "Service Power Steering” and Check Stability" were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle steering wheel had seized and was unable to turn to the left or the right. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called a dealer and was informed about a manufacturer’s recall for the electric power steering assist; however, the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was then transferred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 743,000.
Steering, Mar 28, 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 increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The "Power Steering Fault" message was displayed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
Electrical system, Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the A/C unit failed to operate as needed, causing the cabin of the vehicle to become hot while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the evaporator temperature sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
Steering, Mar 27, 2025
While driving to work the power steering locked up with a code of Power Steering Assist Fault. Can you imagine driving down the road in rush hour and this happens to your vehicle?? We have checked into the Customer Service 15N01 from Ford and it EXPIRED in 2015! THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL put out by NHTSA!!!! We have read all of these complaints on this website of the exact same problem with the steering going out. This is completely dangerous for the public. DO SOMETHING NOW TO CORRECT THIS! NHTSA and Ford please respond!!!!!
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 18, 2025
service power steering now and service advancetrac codes came on the cluster. Nothing seems wrong, no burnt fuses or relays. Just lost power steering
Steering, Mar 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Steering, Mar 10, 2025
Power steering assist indicator came on. Power steering whent out and could not steer vehicle. It says on internet that the 2012 ford fusion sel 3.0 has a recall but it dosen't show on recall list. This is very dangerous Is there a recall on this or not. If not there should be. Please let me know Thanks
Steering, Mar 10, 2025
Power steering assist fault warning keeps coming on while driving causing my wheel to lock up.
Steering, Mar 10, 2025
The contact's son owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 40 MPH, the power steering assist failed without warning, and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact's son proceeded to park the vehicle in a parking lot until the contact arrived. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle would be covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (STEERING). A week later, the contact was informed that due to the age and the mileage on the vehicle, the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Steering, Mar 9, 2025
all power steering died
Steering, Mar 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, causing the steering wheel to become very stiff. The contact proceeded to coast the vehicle to a stop and the traction control light illuminated. Additionally, the messages "Service Power Steering Now" and "Advance Track System" were displayed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (STEERING); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 198,000.
Steering, Mar 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. While the contact’s daughter was operating the vehicle, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction, with the message "Power Steering Malfunction" displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack 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 68,000.