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.
Engine, Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving under 35 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was shaking abnormally while idling as if the vehicle would shut off. The contact had replaced the battery 8 times; however, the failure persisted. While driving approximately 65 MPH and overtaking other vehicles, the check engine warning light began flashing temporarily. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle that the oil was leaking from the valve cover gasket, oil pan, and front seal and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Feb 27, 2025
The power steering failed. The Ford dealership technician identified the power steering gear box was faulty. It is currently at Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights (Michigan) and available for inspection. The vehicle has approximately 84,000 miles and is good condition otherwise. This vehicle is used to transport our children to and from school. My wife was placed in danger because her ability to control her vehicle was eliminated. The vehicle had recall 15S18 completed in 2016, but, only the computer was updated. The faulty part was not replaced. The error message associated with this recall appeared on the dash, "Power Steering Assist Fault". We had the vehicle towed to the dealership for assessment. A technician at Suburban Ford Sterling Heights identified the faulty part was the same one associated with the recall. Ford Customer Support would not authorize repairs as part of the recall despite the fact the exact part involved in the recall, which was not replaced, has failed. The vehicle showed signs of malfunction starting Sunday, [XXX]. The power steering intermittently failed on Monday, [XXX]. Our insurance roadside assistance towed it from a commercial location on Monday, [XXX]. The vehicle has no other mechanical issues that could be attributed to this failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Feb 26, 2025
Power steering assist fault. While driving power steering stopped working. No matter what i do to reset it will not work Took to dealer found there was a recall the pscm had been previously flashed under 15s18 recall. The steering gear was not replaced which put it under 15n01 program Now the internal angle sensor on rack has gone out.so in short they did half the recall repair. Called ford they refuse to pay for repair saying its past 15n01 guideline's.which are 10 years 150,000 miles i only had 89k when it went out. Why are safety recalls allowed to expire? For dealer to fix its a $4k repair. The car isnt even worth that. Unfair for consumers!!
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 25, 2025
Ford issued recall 15s18 for electrical issue in sterring gear in 2015 Our fords power steering system failed on 01/13/2025 Huntington Ford dealership refused to repair after diagnostic shows a power steering system fail claiming that we are not covered for the recall
Steering, Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to turn in either direction. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Steering, Feb 25, 2025
EPAS, electronic power steering assist, not a question of "if" it will go out, but "when". Ford has acknowledged an issue but classified it as a "CSP" so they don't have to do anything about it as opposed to a recall, this issue effects multiple models in multiple years, the unit in question is near an exhaust manifold with a small heatshield, and over time the heat shield isn't enough to protect the components resulting in a failure, this failure is huge for losing control of a 3,500 lb , slowing reaction time at low speeds, i.e. parking lots or neighborhoods with kids as it takes immense effort to turn even slightly, for refuses to fix the issue but is aware how detrimental it is to the safety of its drivers. Owners that had the "software reset" had the previous "CSP" cleared (15S18) still failed, as a result they refuse to follow through on the related supplement #3, this needs to be re-opened, and a proper recall issued before life is lost.
Steering, Feb 20, 2025
Power steering assist fault.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 20, 2025
Power-steering failed as well as received a warning on dash to "service advance trac, service power steering now" All warning came up during a approx. 1 hour drive and the power steering fully shut off after turning car off then back on at a gas station on the way. Lack of power steering puts lives at risk due to the difficulty the driver has in controlling the vehicle particularly at lower speeds where it is more likely there are pedestrians around.
Steering, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality upon starting the vehicle with the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message displayed. The contact stated that prior to the latest failure, the failure was intermittent; however, the power steering assist would return upon restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted after several attempts to restart the vehicle, and the contact used excessive force to drive the vehicle to the residence while a friend drove closely behind for assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer after providing an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Power train, Engine, Feb 3, 2025
2012 Ford Fusion is having issues similar to the Ford Focus recall, 18S32, that pertains to the canister purge valve and powertrain issue. Current fusion has a 2.5L motor in it. Have replaced the canister purge valve 3 times in a 2-year span and is currenting giving codes (as well as engine light being on) of another failure. Do believe it is affecting the powertrain as well, as it is jerks under workload.
Steering, Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to function as intended and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed electric steering rack and pinion, and the right and the left outer tie rods. The contact was informed that the electric power steering rack and pinion and the right and left outer tie rods needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair; however, the contact was informed that the recall repair was not associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 222,354.
Steering, Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering fault assist warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no associated recalls and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
Steering, Jan 20, 2025
Safety Recall 15S18 for the power steering control module on my 2012 Ford Fusion. I recently discovered that my vehicle is affected by this recall, and I would like to express my concern that I never received any notification about this important recall. I purchased my 2012 Ford Fusion on [XXX], and, since then, I have not been made aware of any issues related to the power steering control module. Unfortunately, my vehicle is now experiencing issues with the power steering, which has resulted in increased difficulty controlling the vehicle, creating a significant safety risk which has been confirmed by an independent service center. I am concerned that this malfunction could potentially lead to a crash, further amplifying the urgency of addressing this issue. I have taken my Ford to a dealership and spoke with multiple Ford representatives stating they will not honor the recall as is it past the date of recall actions. These safety recalls should not have an expiration and Ford should honor this recall and provide the necessary repairs at no cost to me, as my vehicle is clearly affected by this safety defect. My Case File with Ford is [XXX]. I can be reached at [XXX] or [XXX] if you need any additional information. I trust that Ford Motor Company values its customers and will address this situation in a timely and satisfactory manner. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt response. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Jan 19, 2025
Unexpected power steering failure, was driving on highway at 70MPH and my power steering failed, I was able to pull off and restart the vehicle, where an error code popped up for “Power Steering Assist Fault” when I begin driving I also get an error for “Service Advancetrac” this happening while driving is not only unsafe for me, but for other drivers on the road if I have to attempt to avoid and object in the road. There have been no outside factors for this, and the recall that was in effect during 2015 is no longer applicable to my vehicle
Steering, Jan 16, 2025
Power steering went out while driving the vehicle. When I stopped at a light the tried to make a right hand turn. I could barely control the vehicle! It was very hard to move the front tires in the direction and space i needed to be in. I feel very lucky to have made it home, where the car is still parked! I do not dare drive it in this condition.
Steering, Jan 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was hauled to the residence, where a mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering control module (PSCM) and motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop where the tires were rotated; however, the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, a message indicating that the power steering was inoperable was displayed, and the steering wheel was seized. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the power steering became operable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering rack, the front stabilizer link, the passenger’s side outer tie rod, and the lower control arm had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) was previously reprogrammed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,529.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 1, 2025
Vehicle loses power while driving, with no response when accelerator is depressed further. The engine continues to run but no throttle response. No engine warning light came on. No codes stored. Must stop, turn off engine and perform an engine restart to continue driving again.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to engage. The contact stated that the parking brake was used to slow and stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,221.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 22, 2024
I was going down the road around 50 mph and advancetrac lights came on , service power steering now . Showed up on dash . Couldn't steer vehicle almost crashed
Steering, Dec 21, 2024
My car is showing power steering now and I was told it was just reset in September of 2015. I did not have the car around that time so I can’t confirm that it was except for what I’m being told.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 20, 2024
I was driving down the road around 50 mph and the steering wheel locked up on me and has not let goes in any electrical in the car keeps glitching radio the dash light
Steering, Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering motor sense fault message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel operated as needed; however, the contact was concerned about the message that was displayed and a possible failure while driving. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). Additionally, the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Dec 11, 2024, crash
Lost power steering while turning into driveway causing impact with light pole.
Steering, Dec 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH in a parking lot, the steering wheel failed to move and became inoperable. The steering fault message was displayed after the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was fifteen years old and there was no repair coverage available. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.