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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-FORD-FUSIONNHTSA data synced 5 days ago
2012 · Ford
Ford Fusion problems
2 critical safety recalls on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 2,599 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
Reliability score
5.0 / 10
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
2
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Fusion?
Avoid — the steering
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.
1 fatality report and 2 fire-related complaints on the steering
Reliability score 5.0/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 Fusion· steering
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…
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.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford fusion. The contact started the vehicle and experienced a loss of power steering without warning. The vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering); however, the failure recurred after the repair was performed. The…
I purchase this car used with 15000 km on, issue occurred at 73000km. Ford fusion 2012 sel AWD I was driving to work and the steering locked up, it was extremely hard to steer. I drove it directly to the dealership. Benton fry Ford belleville, on they inspected it and indicated…
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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
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
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
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.0 out of 10 based on 2,599 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Ford Fusion has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2012 Ford Fusion?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Ford Fusion is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 2 fire-related complaints on the steering; Electrical system: 86 complaints, classified critical; Reliability score 5.0/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Ford Fusion?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 1,499 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Fusion has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Ford Fusion?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 2,599 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Ford/Fusion.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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