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 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when the vehicle started, the steering wheel seized. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with electronic steering rack failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic steering rack. The contact was informed that the electronic steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 144,277.
Service brakes, Sep 13, 2024
The abs control module failed at 59,000 miles. It's difficult driving on wet rainy roads with no ABS System, it's a Hughe safety risk especially on wet roads. The month of August was really rainy and it was extremely stressful driving. I have been looking for a repair but several auto repair shops including FORD can't get the part.
Steering, Sep 12, 2024
Power steering assist fault failed, should have been covered under NHSTA forms but was not honored.
Steering, Sep 10, 2024
Last few years I have advance trac, steering assist, steering locks up intermittent issues documented by dealer, not abke to find anything wrong when i still had extended warranty, now they suspect it no recall / no warranty it's 2400 $ It's a safety issue many people have documented .
Steering, Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear box had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Service brakes, Sep 4, 2024
I noticed a couple of months ago my brakes where acting weird one minute they were fine and then sometimes the pedal would go to the floor and one day I was behind someone who had stopped suddenly and I hit my brakes fast and they went to the floor, for me not to hit the person in front of me I had to run off the road I was doing 30 mph and nobody was hurt but if I didn't have the options to run off the side of the road I would have rear-ended the other car and would have put me and the other people in a dangerous situation now my brakes go to the floor all the time I had it checked and every time I hit the brakes while in park they hear air coming from the ABS module which needs to be replaced is what I was told there was never no warning light that came on and never have come on before, this incident would have been much more dangerous if I was on interstate doing 70 + and I could have not stopped I've learned that the same problem has a recall on the 2006 - 2010 Ford fusion and all the reviews I've read the same problem is happening for the 2012 Ford fusion also so why hasn't it been put on the recall list because this puts people's life's in danger and it is a very hazardous safety issue
Steering, Sep 3, 2024
One week ago I started experiencing a grinding noise when steering my vehicle, at any speed. The steering also catches in certain positions and becomes difficult to turn. The issue can be isolated to the electronic power steering gear in my vehicle: the grinding persists after disconnecting the tie rods, but disappears after disconnecting the steering column. I have a 2012 Ford Fusion with 104,000 miles on it. It has been well maintained and driven carefully for its whole life with zero accidents or failures. The steering issue appeared suddenly and spontaneously. There are no warning lights, or service codes, but the steering is clearly failing and making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Power steering failures at speed are unsafe and can cause accidents. Recall 15S18 and extended warranty 15N01 specifically address this faulty part in 2011-2012 Ford Fusions and many other vehicles. Because my vehicle is 2 months outside of the manufacture date range, it is not covered by this recall. However, it is built in the same plant with the same faulty part number. This leaves me with either a $2000+ repair, or I can drive with faulty power steering which is not only a major safety issue but one that is known to Ford as well as the NHTSA. Ford is refusing to cover the cost of this repair and additionally want to charge me diagnostic labor which I don't think I should be responsible for. Please look into this issue further and hold manufacturers accountable for replacing their faulty parts. Thank you.
Steering, Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message “Power Steering Assist Fault” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the Extended Warranty had past the 10-year limitation and was expired; therefore, there would be no coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was no longer covered under the Extended Warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Steering, Sep 2, 2024
When getting my car I started the car the steering was stiff and a Power steering assisted fail came across my dash so I turned of the car and restarted the car and it was find. I have had to repeatedly do this on several times.
Steering, Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was slowly driven to the residence. The contact parked the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The following day, the vehicle was started, and the power steering function was inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2024
Power steering service, advancetrac warning and symbol on dash light came on as a message when car was shut off and restarted there was no power steering
Steering, Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated after starting the vehicle, the Power Steering Fault message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the message was no longer displayed. The VIN had been included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that because the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) was already updated, a diagnostic test nor the software update was not necessary. After the recall was removed from the VIN, the contact stated that after parking the vehicle and then restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault message and the Service Auto Tech Issue messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle had been returned to the dealer where it had been diagnosed that Power steering rack had failed. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01; however, the vehicle had exceeded the 10-year limitation. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been made aware of the failure and denied coverage under Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 71,000.
Steering, Aug 22, 2024
When driving or when parked it’s hard to turn the wheel both ways and that’s very dangerous when driving in the road.
Steering, Aug 19, 2024
When driving the vehicle and making a turn (doesn't matter which direction) the steering column appears to be stiff and I have had a mechanic take a look at it without confirmation of the cause. There are no warning lights coming on to advise what could be causing the issue. This occurs on a random basis without warning and my concern is if it seizes while on the highway I could potentially be the cause of my death and worse, someone else.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 17, 2024
My steering assist system goes of at odd times, and the acceleration it does tiny tugs, and my suspension it rattles, over street bumps,, can it be fixed by a dealership, cause it’s my only vehicle I have and plus I’m on ssdi income and I can’t afford major repairs, like these, and if so have the car fully inspected just in case I’m missing something, oh and also there’s a popping noise coming from the front of the car..
Steering, Aug 16, 2024
Power steering issue. Mechanic said the rack and pinion needs to be replaced. FORD apparently had a recall or a customer service satisfactory advisory placed, 15N01, regarding the power steering issue. However, we were never notified of the issue until this happened 2 days ago. I’ve been searching for part prices or way to fix it when I stumbled on countless webpages explaining the recall and also a Reddit page with people explaining similar issues over the last 2 year of this happening and never being notified by Ford. Ford says there’s no recalls and nothing they can do…
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt spongy and required to be pushed down to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while responding, extending the braking distance. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact state that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more increasingly. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the HCU had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed power steering control module (PSCM) failure. The contact was informed that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Aug 12, 2024
The power steering system is currently non-functional, resulting in significant difficulty in maneuvering the vehicle, particularly at low speeds. This poses a substantial safety risk not only to myself and my loved ones but also to other motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and their pets. I am deeply concerned about the well-being of all individuals involved. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I have reached out to the dealership regarding the car's issues, providing them with the necessary information and VIN number. However, they have informed me that the repairs are not covered. Despite highlighting the safety implications of the problem, their response lacked concern or interest. It is worth noting that numerous online sources indicate that 2010 to 2012 Ford Fusions should undergo repairs and reprogramming as part of safety recalls. The dashboard warning light specifically indicates a need for steering service, yet Ford Motor Company has failed to take responsibility and address this widespread safety issue. This situation exemplifies the lack of priority Ford places on their customers' safety.
Steering, Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and pulling into the driveway, the contact became aware of a failure with the steering wheel. The contact stated that the sterling wheel seized and became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Steering, Aug 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the steering wheel was firm. The contact shifted into drive (D) but the vehicle did not steer as intended. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be reprogrammed and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The steering gear was reprogrammed but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,036.
Steering, Aug 5, 2024
I spoke with Ford today because my 2012 Ford Fusion keeps saying Power Steering Assist Fault, and also throwing DTC code (U3000-96). This DTC code is under a Safety Recall which on Fords website does not expire. Customer Satisfaction Program Recalls can expire by date or mileage. Ford continues to say that the recall has expired. Being forced to drive the car is starting to take a physical effect on my body.
Steering, Jul 29, 2024
The power steering failed. It showed an error code saying power steering fault and was nearly impossible to steer. If this happened while I was driving on the highway I could have died and therefore I feel it is a major safety concern.
Steering, Jul 24, 2024
My 2012 Ford Fusion purchased March 3rd 2024 would sometimes display "Power Steering Assist Fault", shutting off the car and restarting made it stop, until 2 days ago. Now it is displaying "Power Steering Assist Fault" and shutting it off and restarting is not fixing it. Steering is incredibly hard to do. I called Ford two days ago and they told me that the recall had already been repaired, I asked if it was the update or if the part was replaced and they said it did not matter, I attempted to argue that if one solution was done and the problem reappears maybe it needed both solutions done to be completely fixed, Ford disagreed. When I spoke to a local Ford dealership they stated that on October 21st 2019 they found the recall number 15S18, and it was reprogrammed.
Electrical system, Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated after a week of the vehicle not being driven, the battery was drained. The contact stated that the battery was new and should have not drained so soon. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.