2012 Ford Fusion: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Ford Fusion? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 500 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2012 Ford Fusion Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2012 Ford Fusion trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2012 Ford Fusion Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Ford Fusion 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.2% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Ford Fusion has 500 owner complaints, 15 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Fusion
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 15
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 3/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Ford Fusion Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Ford Fusion?
The 2012 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2012 Ford Fusion
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the steering system thoroughly, including power steering components and steering column.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, electrical, brake, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on steering and electrical systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the steering system thoroughly, including power steering components and steering column.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, electrical, brake, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on steering and electrical systems.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Ford Fusion, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 500 NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Ford Fusion, complaints are heavily concentrated in steering defects, which account for the majority of reports. Electrical faults, brake system, and transmission issues are also notable but far less frequent. The data suggests a potential pattern of steering-related problems, though the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the data warrant caution.
- Steering defects represent the largest share of complaints, with 395 reports.
- Electrical faults, brake system, and transmission issues each have between 25 and 36 complaints.
- There are 6 recalls and 15 crash-related complaints for this model year.
- Steering Defects
- Electrical Faults
- Brake System
All 2012 Ford Fusion Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Ford Fusion. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 395 | 9 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 36 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 35 | 4 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 23 | 4 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tether | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lower Anchor (On Car Seat Or Vehicle) | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Ford Fusion. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving, but the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was dri…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and making a left turn, the driver's side door unexpectedly opened. The contact stated that the door ajar warning light was illuminated. The failure became a recurring failure. The contac…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, and the power steering control modul…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. While the contact’s girlfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel jerked and pulled to the right. Due to the failure, the steering wheel seized, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. The driver was abl…
The steering locked up and was completely unable to turn the wheel. This resulted in an accident that sent the car into a ditch. The safety recall for the steering was fixed and it failed again, in which it cost me 1700 to replace the same part again. It has AGAIN failed!!! This …
Good evening, I’m emailing to you regarding my ford fusion q20212. My steering has went out non drivable. I did see where that year had a lot of power steering issues.. could you help me out on the power steering recall and the power train.. also need to get airbag completed. Tex…
The Power Steering Assist Fault notice keeps popping up on the dashboard screen. When this happens, the power steering is inoperable leaving me stranded. I've had my mechanic fix it several times (after the Ford Recall on steering didn't properly repair the issue) costing an ins…
I have a recall, I need to know where I have to fix that
I am writing to formally report that the safety recall repair on my 2012 Ford Fusion has failed to resolve the dangerous loss of power steering. My vehicle underwent the 15S18 recall update only at Tom's Ford back in 2015. On January 20 2026, the steering failed again while drivi…
I am writing to formally file a complaint and request resolution regarding a serious safety issue involving my 2012 Ford Fusion SEL (VIN: [XXX] ). I have been a loyal Ford customer for over 20 years and have owned only Ford vehicles. Unfortunately, my recent experience with Ford…
My vehicle all of a sudden showed a "power steering assist fault," luckily it was parked. This is a problem with the 2012 Ford Fusion and I called Koon's Ford in Baltimore to see if this would be covered since my vehicle has never had steering issues before. They said yes, but af…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Electric Steering Fault" was displayed. While driving out of the driveway, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, causing the vehicle to drive across two lanes of…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power Steering How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The likelihood of accidents when traveling at lower speeds is increased. Has the problem been reproduce…
I recently started to experience hard steering while in transit the power assist light came on and so does the advanced track warning light. I discovered there was a recall so I took it in to the Ford dealership, which was JC Lewis Ford in Savannah, Georgia, but the technician to…
UNKNOWN. I have no power steering. I have contacted Ford and they were supposed to fix my car for free which they did not because it was up for recall.
My car lost my electric power steering on November 15, 2025. Ford has a Safety Satisfaction Program15V340000 for this vehicle. The Dealership refuses to honor the program since it has over 150,000 miles on it. Reading through the paper work for the program 15v340000 I never notic…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the messages "Service Power Steering Assist Fault" and "Advancetrac" were displayed, and the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was take…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the “Service Advancetrac” and “Service Power Steering Now" messages were displayed. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle on two occasions, the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed on the instrument panel, and excessive force was required to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, wh…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH in the snow, the message "Service Power Steering" was displayed, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and the contact had to use force to maneuver the vehicle. The veh…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Ford Fusion.
2012 Ford Fusion Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Ford Fusion. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2012 Ford Fusion Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Ford Fusion reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 15 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Fusion?▾
#1: Steering Defects (395 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (36 complaints). #3: Brake System (35 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Ford Fusion?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Ford Fusion?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Ford Fusion, NHTSA complaints include 15 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Ford Fusion have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Ford Fusion. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Ford Fusion?▾
The 2012 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Fusion reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Ford Fusion based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.