NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Ford Fusion. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
The vehicle’s power steering failed on a major roadway with a [XXX] driver at the wheel. This is a defect in the power steering that is known to Ford, the recall was supposedly fixed but it failed again so the fix is also very unsafe. Ford needs to find a way to actually make the steering safe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Same issue as others have stated with the power steering just stopping all of a sudden. The car randomly starts yelling about service power steering now and service advancetrac, you put the car in park or turn it off and then the power steering goes out. Had it cleared by a mechanic who said it is a sensor issue. We didn’t get to replace the sensor but power steering came back when he cleared the codes. About a week later it happened again. And like others, there isn’t a recall listed for it with my vehicle just something about the air bags.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, the gear shifter was shifted into drive and the vehicle rolled forward. In addition, the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to steer. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed as a failed electronic power steering module. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop at a traffic light, the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact received a ride from her father. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the residence, where it was diagnosed by an independent mobile mechanic. The mechanic determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired after the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. 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 168,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park, the vehicle rolled backward with no warning light illuminated The contact engaged the parking brake pedal, and the vehicle stopped. The contact also noticed that the transmission shifter cable had dislodged from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
Power steering was repaired under recall warranty about 3 years ago. The replacement part failed. This part should have outlasted the car, this it's a known issue
I am the original owner of this 2012 Ford Fusion. It currently has 122,000 miles. The power steering went out on my car last week. SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW light came on. Had the car towed to the Ford dealership in Sandusky. I was advised the repair would be $2100.00. In doing research I found that while there was not a recall on the car there was the following that was put out by Ford. 15s18 Supplement 3. I contacted Ford customer service and was advised that my car was 2 months out of the build date for the service advisory from Ford. From what I have read this is not an uncommon problem for this model year. Please feel free to contact me. My cell number is [XXX] . Thanks! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The door locks on the driver and passenger doors open on their own and not working properly. Car has 53000 original miles. It is just like the problem that are in the recall of the 2014 and 2015 Ford Fusion. The latch on both doors are independently sprung in open mode. One incident where the driver door opened while driving.
When coming to a stop the brake pedal went straight to the floor. No warnings were lamps were present. A mechanic checked the brake lines, master cylinder, and calipers and was not able to reproduce the issue. The mechanic deduced that the likely culprit was a faulty ABS control module. Had I been on the interstate or even had another vehicle infront of me, this would have been absolutely disastrous. This seems related to the recall for the older model fusions. This needs to be looked at.
The power steering went out. They had a recall for it but its no longer available. I never had an issue til now so if it was a danger then it should still be a recall no matter what year it is now
The driver power steering system message goes on every so often and I have to turn off and on to reset the light, but my concern is that it’s going to go off as I’m driving, and the fuel mileage as I’m driving it says mileage to empty and one time I was trying to get to the gas station and it hit 0 and it was still going the car, and the suspension makes noise when I go over the bumps and also when I’m reversing and turning the wheel there’s a popping sound from the front it sounds like,
The contact's father owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Service Now" was displayed, and an excessive effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power steering assist fault failed, should have been covered under NHSTA forms but was not honored.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the wheels were shuddering. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel was locked. The message "EPAS System Inspection Required" was displayed, and the Advancetrac warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
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.
My 15 year old permit driver was driving the car and a power steering message flashed. The car became very difficult to steer and very difficult to pull to the side of the road. This could have caused a major accident. I was told when I called there was a recall for this in the past but had been fixed on this particular car. It must not have been fixed well. The car is not technically high mileage by today’s standards.
My power steering failed and caused me a great deal of grief financially and left me without a vehicle. This was a known issue with my car and a recall was not brought to my attention. I spoke with a representative at Ford and was informed to ask for an investigation: 15V340. I wish to be reimbursed by Ford for the inconvenience and failure to be notified about this recall.
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.
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.
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.
When driving or when parked it’s hard to turn the wheel both ways and that’s very dangerous when driving in the road.
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
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.
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.
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…
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.
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
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.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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.
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.
Electric power steering failure was under recall 15S18 but ended 2 years ago needs to be service. I have no power steering in my car and is a major safety issue
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became abnormally stiff and difficult to maneuver. A steering system fault message populated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however the vehicle had previously been fixed under that recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact there was nothing they could do, since the vehicle had been fixed under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
I started slowing down because a car in front of me was turning left. My brake pedal went to floor with no pressure whatsoever. Thankfully the car turned before I hit them. I lived 2 blocks away and was able to coast into my drive. Brake pads are good, master cylinder is good, calipers good, and no fluid leaking. There has to be a recall for this because it is very dangerous!!!
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed she noticed a failure with her power steering. The contact stated that the steering wheel felt stiff when she attempted to make a turn and the vehicle began to lose control with the power steering warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to reach out to NHSTA for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. While the contact's son was pulling into a driveway, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed with the "Service Advancetrac" warning light illuminated. The contact's son used excessive force to steer and park the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective electric power steering rack and gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was previous serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 188,000.
While driving with family, power steering assist fault came on and suddenly it was hard to move the steering wheel which resulted in drifting and an extemely close call car crash on highway. Had to get it towed due to safety concern.
The Power Steering Assist comes on and the car won't steer, out of nowhere.
After I went over a set of railroad tracks, my brake pedal went to the floor while driving. I was able to stop but it scared me so bad because I almost wrecked! After stopping, I pumped brake pedal a few times and then it worked fine. I have newer pads, rotors, and calipers. Brake fluid was still full, and no leaking. Master cylinder is good. No idea what the problem is but I have seen online that this happens to a lot of 2012 Ford Fusions.
Ford refuses to remedy a safety issue with the EPAS steering assist. It's a safety issue and these criminals filled it under customer satisfaction. This car could have killed me. I was going 55mph down the highway when the epas failed.
Steering assist complete failure. While driving down the highway. No warning complete dead stick.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, the brake pedal briefly became squishy. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and required increased effort to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the hydraulic control unit and anti-lock braking system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V001000 (Air Bags) 21V158000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 50 MPH, the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the steering gear and power steering control module needed to be reprogrammed or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on the inspection notice, she observed NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 197,150.
Purchased 2012 Ford fusion in 2017. In 2024 we has a power steering assist warning. When it first happened we thought it was a 1 off. Now it has happened 3 times in the last month. We found out there was a recall in 2015. Went to dealership and was told because we don't have extended warranty. That it's our expenses to get it fix. We were never informed when we purchased the vechile that it has recall work done.WE dint even know if it was actually done in the first place. This is very dangerous when your vechile does this in traffic,turning as you can't steer it at all when it happens you need to stop shut car off and then restart. Very scary. Especially when I'm disabled. I don't have 2000 plus to fix a car trade worth 4700. Please tell me what my options are. If we were in formed of this when we looking for a car to purchase. We would have more than likely not purchase this vechile. Dealership should have disclosed this information. Thought purchasing from a dealership that they are suppose to be upfront with this information. Please help
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026