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 told me that there were too many miles and after 150,000 miles, the recall was null and void
2012 Ford Fusion steering problems
critical 1,499 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
1,499
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
47crashes
2fires
13injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 1,499 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Ford Fusion, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 11 mileage-bearing steering complaints filed against the 2012 Ford Fusion by each odometer reading. Median failure: 73,000 mi.
10% have failed by25,000 mi
Half the fleet by73,000 mi
90% have failed by130,000 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 58% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 1,499 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2012 Ford Fusion's steering system has widespread, serious defects affecting electric power assistance. Owners report sudden loss of steering control at highway speeds, and many face repair bills of $1,500–$3,500 because they fall outside Ford's narrow recall coverage windows or because the recall remedy itself has failed repeatedly. Before buying a used 2012 Fusion, have the steering system inspected by an independent mechanic and confirm the vehicle's specific VIN and build date against the recall criteria (15S18, 15N01), since many identical cars are excluded from coverage.
Owners describe sudden, complete loss of power steering on 2012 Ford Fusions, often with little or no warning. The steering wheel locks up or becomes so rigid it requires extreme physical effort to turn—a serious hazard, especially on highways or during turns. The "Power Steering Assist Fault" warning appears seconds to minutes before total failure, or not at all. Many failures happen intermittently; turning the engine off and restarting restores steering temporarily, but the problem recurs unpredictably.
The underlying defect traces to the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) control module or steering gear assembly. Some owners report the steering system failing multiple times within weeks despite repeated dealer repairs. Ford issued Recall 15S18 (2015) and extended Program 15N01 (10 years/150,000 miles) for this issue, but coverage is narrowly restricted to specific build dates and VINs. Many 2012 Fusions with identical symptoms are excluded because they were built outside the recall window—sometimes just two months later—or because they exceed mileage limits. Even owners whose vehicles qualified for the initial recall have seen the problem return after the software update or steering gear replacement, only to be told the recall is closed and further repairs are their responsibility. Repair costs consistently run $1,550–$3,500, and mechanics note this is a pervasive problem they see regularly on Fusions.
Same Ford Fusion steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Complete loss of power steering / steering lockup
Sudden and complete failure of the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system, rendering the steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Owners report the steering becomes rigid and requires extraordinary physical effort to maneuver, especially during turns or at highway speeds.
When: Occurs intermittently or becomes permanent, often without warning or with very brief warning lights (3-5 minutes notice). Can happen at any mileage but commonly reported between 20,000–150,000 miles. Some failures occur within weeks of purchase or ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up or becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn; Power Steering Assist Fault warning light appears on dashboard; Service AdvanceTrac light may appear simultaneously; Loss of power steering assistance with manual steering remaining, but requiring extreme force; Warning may clear after turning engine off and restarting, but fault recurs
Codes mentioned: U3000:49-08, U0211:49, U0423:68-08, B10B9:14-08, C1277, C1963, Motor Rotation Angle Sensor Internal Electronic Failure
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of steering gear/rack and pinion assembly, EPAS control module reprogramming, or full steering rack replacement. Estimated repair cost $1,550–$3,500. Parts commonly out of stock at dealerships, causing extended wait times. Some owners report repeated failures even after replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15S18 (NHTSA 15V340000), issued June 2015, covers certain 2011–2012 Ford Fusions built Sept. 7, 2010–Feb. 28, 2012. Remedy: reprogramming of Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) or steering gear replacement only if specific diagnostic codes are present. Extended coverage Program 15N01 provides one-time steering gear replacement for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles from warranty start date. However, recall coverage is VIN-specific and build-date-restricted; many affected 2012 models fall outside the range. Coverage reportedly denied to owners whose VINs are not in the system, whose vehicles exceed 150,000 miles, or whose mileage/time limits have expired. Software updates performed during recall 15S18 have sometimes caused new failures.
Intermittent power steering loss with temporary recovery
Power steering fails intermittently and can be restored temporarily by turning the engine off and restarting the vehicle. This temporary fix is unreliable and creates unpredictable hazard, especially during highway driving or turns.
When: Can occur multiple times per week or per month. Some owners report 3–4 occurrences within a single month. Timing unpredictable; failures may occur during startup, while parked, during turns, or on highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fails without warning or with minimal warning (warning light illuminates seconds before full loss); Steering becomes extremely stiff and nearly impossible to turn; Fault clears temporarily after engine restart; Fault recurs shortly after or days later; Driver unaware of failure until attempting to steer
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Assist Fault, Service Power Steering Now, Service AdvanceTrac
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report that simple engine restart temporarily fixes the problem, leading some to defer repairs. However, this is not a solution; failures continue and escalate in frequency. One owner reported four steering failures in less than one month. Temporary fixes give false sense of security.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has instructed some owners (via owner's manual) to restart the vehicle if power steering fails. This is a workaround, not a fix. Recall 15S18 does not cover intermittent faults unless specific diagnostic codes are present at time of inspection. Many owners report dealerships cannot replicate the intermittent failure and therefore refuse to perform repairs under warranty or recall.
Steering gear / rack and pinion degradation with pulling or jumping
Steering components exhibit gradual or sudden failure characterized by the steering wheel trying to jump or pull to one side (10 or 2 o'clock position), loud grinding noises, difficulty turning, or erratic steering behavior. Distinct from complete lockup but still compromises vehicle control.
When: Can develop over time (reported grinding and pulling behavior before complete failure) or occur suddenly. One owner experienced this after control arms required replacement due to bearing wear.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel pulls or 'jumps' to the left or right, especially when turning; Loud grinding or clicking noises when steering; Steering is stiff or catches in certain positions; Steering becomes difficult to turn through full range of motion; Vehicle pulls to one side during straight-line driving
Codes mentioned: C1277-20, C1277-E0
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of steering gear assembly (cost $1,200–$2,200) or lower control arms with bearing replacement and steering module reset (cost $1,057). One owner required multiple repairs: control arm replacement, steering gear replacement, software update, and a second steering gear replacement within months, totaling over $4,400.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty 15N01 covers steering gear replacement only if specific diagnostic codes are present at time of inspection. Gradual degradation (grinding, pulling) without complete failure may not trigger the required codes, leaving owners responsible for repair costs despite the underlying defect.
Power steering failure after recall service / software update
Power steering fails or continues to fail even after owners have the vehicle serviced under recall 15S18 (software reprogramming or steering gear replacement). Some owners report immediate failure after the recall service, others report recurrence within weeks or months.
When: Can occur immediately after recall service or within days to months. One owner's steering failed 3 months after initial recall repair; another's failed the day after steering gear replacement; another's failed 4 times in 3 months despite multiple dealer visits.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fails after dealership completes recall software update or steering gear replacement; Warning light reappears shortly after recall service; Steering becomes stiff again requiring full manual effort; Cycle repeats: failure, dealer repair, temporary fix, failure recurs
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Assist Fault, Service Power Steering Now, Service AdvanceTrac
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repeat repairs required. Owners report paying out-of-pocket ($1,100–$3,000) for repairs after recall service failed. One owner had steering gear replaced 8/2017, software updated 3/2018, steering gear replaced again 3/2018, and then failed again immediately after—all without full resolution. Dealerships claim recall is closed after first service; subsequent failures are owner responsibility.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15S18 officially closed after initial reprogramming or steering gear replacement, even if the fault recurs. Program 15N01 extended coverage is limited to one-time replacement and expires at 150,000 miles or 10 years. Owners reporting repeated failures after recall service are denied further coverage and told the recall is closed. Ford representatives have stated there is no extended warranty on the recall solution if the same problem occurs again after the initial repair.
Recall eligibility gaps and VIN/build-date exclusions
Vehicle is identical in year, make, model, and failure symptom to recalled vehicles, but is excluded from recall coverage due to VIN-specific build dates or manufacturing plant. Owners report dealerships and Ford claiming their VIN is not in the system despite their vehicle exhibiting the exact same failure mode as recalled vehicles.
When: Owners discover exclusion when power steering fails and they attempt to claim recall coverage. Exclusions based on build dates within the same model year (e.g., February 2012 covered, June 2012 not covered; or same plant but 2 months outside window).
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering failure identical to recalled vehicles; VIN reported as not included in recall system; Ford Customer Care and dealerships refuse coverage despite vehicle having same year, model, mileage, and fault as recalled vehicles
Codes mentioned: Same codes as other recalled vehicles (U3000:49-08, C1277, etc.), U0211:49
Repairs/costs cited: Owner must pay full repair cost ($1,550–$3,500) despite identical defect. Some owners report paying $1,675–$2,200 while others with slightly earlier build dates had identical repairs covered under recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15S18 is restricted to specific build-date windows (e.g., Sept. 7, 2010–Feb. 28, 2012) and specific manufacturing plants. Vehicles built outside these windows are excluded, even if they have the same part number and defect. Ford states build date and VIN determine eligibility; manufacturing location and date differences are used to justify exclusions. No clarification provided on why vehicles made weeks or months apart with identical components are treated differently.
Synthesized from 1,499 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 14 most recent
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 contact mentioned that the remedy was insufficient. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified…
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 that the controls arms needed to replaced. I told them to go head the approx.. Cost was $1000.00. However it is still…
Complete power steering failure on a car with 20000 miles. Car was stationary when I turned it on the the warning came on. I could not drive it
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford fusion. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the power steering service now warning light was illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the roadway and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to skyline Ford (2510 commercial st se, salem, or 97302, (503) 581-2411) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford fusion. While driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
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.
At about 98500 miles, power steering stopped working. 2 alternating dash warning lights kept flashing; Service Advance Trac, Power Steering Assist Fault. This sounded like it related to a known recall for electronic steering problem for my year and model but, Ford said my Vin was not included. I brought it to the dealer, with white knuckles, as it was very hard to turn the wheel and if I had to…
The electric power steering assist system intermittently shuts down. First, while driving, a series of sensor lights come on. After this, if the engine is shut of and then back on, there it a total loss of power steering. This problem appears to be similar to that in NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000. However, my vehicle is not covered by that recall. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford fusion. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver without warning. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v3400000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. The VIN was not available.
Had steering trouble with your 2012 Ford Fusion?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2012 Ford Fusion?
It's a serious issue. 1499 complaints have been filed, including 47 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 1138 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 52,000 and 123,000 miles, with the median around 83,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 52,000; a quarter make it past 123,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Ford/Fusion.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.