RoadVitals

2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
95
Latest Jul 7, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

36
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no reservoir cap to check for power steering fluid. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ID 11671562 · filed Jul 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. While the contact’s daughter was operating the vehicle, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction, with the message "Power Steering Malfunction" displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 68,000.

NHTSA ID 11646658 · filed Mar 6, 2025
All 36 reports naming steering

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

32
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact checked her VIN online and discovered that her vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID 11465881 · filed May 24, 2022

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FUSION HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V001000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED HALL FORD NEWPORT NEWS AT 877-398-2216 (LOCATED AT 12896 JEFFERSON AVENUE, NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23608) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID 11231026 · filed Jul 11, 2019
All 32 reports naming airbags

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING AWAY FROM MY CURBSIDE PARKING SPOT TO GO TO WORK, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AND SAID SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF "BREAK SYSTEM FAILURE" OR "CHECK BREAK SYSTEMS", AND I WAS UNABLE TO BRAKE AT ALL. I MANAGED TO CHANGE COURSE AND PULL OVER AND LET THE CAR STOP ON ITS OWN. ONCE STOPPED, I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AGAIN. I TRIED TO SLOWLY MOVE AND THEN BRAKE, AT WHICH TIME THE BRAKES WERE SUCCESSFUL AND STOPPED THE CAR. I DROVE THE SHORT DISTANCE BACK TO MY HOUSE AND TOOK AN ALTERNATE VEHICLE. THIS IS INCREDIBLY CONCERNING CONSIDERING I CARRY MY WIFE AND THREE CHILDREN IN IT AND WE FREQUENTLY TAKE LONG ROAD TRIPS TO SEE FAMILY. HAD THIS HAPPENED ON ONE OF THOSE TRIPS, ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING LONG DISTANCES ON FREEWAYS THAT TEND TO BOTTLENECK, THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN DEVASTATING, NOT JUST FOR US BUT ALSO OTHERS.

NHTSA ID 11180597 · filed Feb 17, 2019

ACCORDING TO FORD CAR NEEDS HCU UNIT AND ECU. JUST HAD THE CAR FULLY SERVICED AND NEW BRAKES ALL AROUND. TIRES ARE NEW AS WELL. FORD WANTS $3000 TO REPLACE THE HCU AND ECU AND DRAIN THE BRAKE FLUID. I THINK I'M GONNA HAVE TO SCRAP THE CAR.

NHTSA ID 11162791 · filed Dec 20, 2018
All 16 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ACCORDING TO FORD CAR NEEDS HCU UNIT AND ECU. JUST HAD THE CAR FULLY SERVICED AND NEW BRAKES ALL AROUND. TIRES ARE NEW AS WELL. FORD WANTS $3000 TO REPLACE THE HCU AND ECU AND DRAIN THE BRAKE FLUID. I THINK I'M GONNA HAVE TO SCRAP THE CAR.

NHTSA ID 11162791 · filed Dec 20, 2018

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE 6/6/2018 AS OF TODAY 82/2018 MY AIR CONDITIONING HAS STOPPED WORKING 6 TIMES. THE WIRES UNDER THE DASH ARE EXTREMELY HOT AND THERE'S A "BURNING SMELL" COMING THROUGH MY VENTS. TONIGHT EVERY TIME I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON THE AIR CONDITIONING DIDN'T COME ON. THE WIRES THAT ARE CONNECTED TO THE BLOWER BOX APPARENTLY HAVE A SHORT ON IT. IT GOES OFF WHILE IN MOTION AND STOPPED. THIS ALONE ISN'T SAFE FOR AN INDIVIDUAL BUT HIGHLY UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN THAT RIDE IN THE VEHICLE

NHTSA ID 11124061 · filed Sep 2, 2018
All 12 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ACCORDING TO FORD CAR NEEDS HCU UNIT AND ECU. JUST HAD THE CAR FULLY SERVICED AND NEW BRAKES ALL AROUND. TIRES ARE NEW AS WELL. FORD WANTS $3000 TO REPLACE THE HCU AND ECU AND DRAIN THE BRAKE FLUID. I THINK I'M GONNA HAVE TO SCRAP THE CAR.

NHTSA ID 11162791 · filed Dec 20, 2018

VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING ONE YEAR AGO AND DEALER REPAIRED. VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AGAIN. WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AS SOON AS I TURNED THE WHEEL ON THE FIRST CORNER THAT POWER STEERING AND STABILITY NEEDED CHECKING. ONCE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN, LOST ALL POWER TO THE STEERING MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND APPARENTLY WHAT THEY DID TO FIX IT THE FIRST TIME WAS NOT EFFECTIVE. I SEE THERE IS SOME SORT OF RECALL ON THE 2012 FORD FUSION HYBRIDS BUT DESPITE ALL THE COMPLAINTS NOBODY HAS EFFECTIVELY ADDRESSED THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 11154377 · filed Nov 27, 2018
All 11 reports naming driver assistance

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PLEASE REFER TO ATTACHED FILES.

NHTSA ID 10957891 · filed Mar 1, 2017

ENGINE FAILED AT STOPLIGHT WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING ON 6/26/16. RESTART SUCCESSFUL. SUBSEQUENT MULTIPLE ENGINE FAILURE CHIMES OCCURRED. DEALER "REPAIRED WIRING". SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES SINCE, NOT FURTHER INCIDENTS (ENGINE FAILURES OR MULTIPLE CHIMES).

NHTSA ID 10885418 · filed Jul 18, 2016
All 8 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that after reversing the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift into drive. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact called roadside assistance. The tow truck driver arrived and repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ID 11419353 · filed Jun 2, 2021

I PULLED MY CAR INTO A PARKING SPOT, USING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND POSITION IT IN THE SPOT. I REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, ASSUMING THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK BECAUSE I HAD BEEN ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. UNFORTUNATELY, THE CAR WAS NOT IN PARK--BUT WAS STILL IN DRIVE MODE. THE CAR SLOWLY ROLLED BACKWARDS, HITTING ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE BEHIND IT. IN SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPTS TO REPEAT THE ISSUE, I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE MODE--BOTH WHEN THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND WHEN IT WAS IN MOTION. FORD HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION, DESPITE MY OUTREACH TO THEIR LEGAL DEPARTMENT. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A FORD REPAIR CENTER, THEY TRIED TO CHARGE ME UPWARDS OF $400 FOR WHAT IS CLEARLY A SERIOUS VEHICLE MALFUNCTION.

NHTSA ID 11156776 · filed Dec 7, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

4/18/17 I WENT TO LEAVE MY HOME IN MY 2012 FORD FUSION HYBRID AND AS I PULLED OUT OF MY HOUSE AND PROCEEDED TO MY FIRST STOP LIGHT, I WAS IN MOTION GOING DOWNWARD ON A SLIGHT HILL IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND I NOTICED MY BREAKS JUST DROP TO THE FLOOR AND BREAK PEDALS SEEMED TO STIFFEN IN THEIR FLEXIBILITY AND I WAS HEADED STRAIGHT FOR A RED LIGHT. I WAS EXTREMELY TERRIFIED AND DID THE BEST I COULD TO MAINTAIN THE CAR UNDER MY CONTROL.. I NOTICED THE DASH WAS FULL OF RED LIGHTS SAYING 'CHECK BREAK SYSTEM ' AND ABS LIGHTS WERE ON AS WELL ASS 2 TRACTION CONTROL LLIGHTS. HAD WEATHER CONDITIONS BEEN DIFFERENT AND MY SON BEEN IN THE CAR THIS COULD HAVE POSED A THREAT TO OUR LIVES. IT'S EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND QUITE UNPLEASANT TO IMAGINE WHAT FEELS LIKE LOOSING YOUR BREAKS. BUT I DON'T BELIEVE THIS IS THE CASE!! UP UNTIL NOW I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ISSUES WITH MY BREAKS, NEVER SHOWN ANY SIGNS TO BE CONCERNED WITH ABS THE CAR HAS 32K MILES ON IT SHOULDN'T NEED BREAKS OR MASTER C IT'S A FAULTY ABS MODULE.. I DON'T BELIEVE ANYTHING IS ACTUALLY WRONG WITH THE CAR. AFTER I PULLED OVER I TURNED CAR OFF AND BACK ON AFTER CHECKING IN OUT A FEW TIMES I STARTED THE CAR AND NOTICED IT LOOKED NORMAL FOR A SECOND UNLIKE OTHER TRYS SO I STARTED TO DRIVE BREAKS FELT FINE CAME BACK UP LIKE NORMAL AND CAR WORKED BUT AFTER 20 SECONDS OF DRIVING IT' CUT BACK OUT FLASHING RED WARNING SIGNS AND BEEPING. BREAKS SINK DOWN AND BECOME HARD TO CONTROL. I SEE THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM I NEED THIS FIXED I'M EXTREMELY UP SET HOW AFTER 32K THIS GOES OUT AND IS NOT A SMALL FIX.

NHTSA ID 11088984 · filed Apr 19, 2018

PLEASE REFER TO ATTACHED FILES.

NHTSA ID 10957891 · filed Mar 1, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I JUST WENT OUT TO MY CAR, GOT IN, STARTED IT AND NOTICED MY DOOR LOCK BUTTON WAS FUNKY. THEN WENT TO OPEN MY DOOR AND IT DOES NOT OPEN, IT IS BROKEN! I HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE - NOT OKAY. I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO DRIVES MY CAR AND I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR. I WENT TO THE INTERNET AND FOUND LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE DOOR HANDLE BREAKING. IS THERE A RECALL FOR A 2012 FORD FUSION? I ONLY SAW ONE FOR THE FUSION STARTING IN 2013.

NHTSA ID 10914981 · filed Oct 9, 2016

FUSION'S POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING AS I WAS TURNING A CURVE ON A COUNTRY ROAD AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL.. INSIDE OF THE TRUNK'S LID IS RUSTING WITH ONLY 15,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLES

NHTSA ID 10785544 · filed Oct 23, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SUN VISORS DO NOT STAY IN THEIR SEATING CLIPS. THIS CAUSES THEM TO FALL INTO OUR FIELD OF VISION UNEXPECTEDLY. ALSO, WHEN USING THEM, THEY DROOP INTO OUR FIELD OF VISION

NHTSA ID 11098907 · filed May 30, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SEAT: HEATING ELEMENT IN LEATHER SEAT WENT BAD. TEMP WAS GREATER THAN 150 DEGREES. AIR CONDITIONING: BLOWER MOTOR FAN CONTROL WENT OUT 2 TIMES WITHIN 600 MILES (82,100 AND 82,600)

NHTSA ID 11119275 · filed Aug 10, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE TURNING AFTER COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE TRACTION CONTROL AND POWER STEERING WARNINGS POPPED UP AND CAR LOST ALL POWER STEERING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER SAFELY OPERABLE WHILE HAVING NO LISTED ERROR CODES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN ESTIMATED TO REQUIRE REPLACEMENT ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING GEAR AT A $2000 PRICE TAG. *TR

NHTSA ID 10644332 · filed Oct 13, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HAVE FOUND ONLINE THAT THERE ARE TWO RECALLS IN PROCESS ON MY VEHICLE THAT THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF. ALSO, THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR SURGING FORWARD WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STATIONARY POSITION. THIS POSES A HAZARD OF ME ACCIDENTALLY HITTING ANYTHING IN FRONT OF ME WHEN TAKING OFF.THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVER SINCE I LEASED THE CAR IN MAY OF 2018. I DO NOT REMEMBER HOW MANY MILES WERE ON THE CAR AT THE TIME.

NHTSA ID 11152332 · filed Nov 18, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact stopped at a local gas station and inflated the driver's side front tire. The contact stated that after inflating the tire, the Advancetrac error and power system failure warning lights were illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and proceeded to drive the vehicle to his destination; however, the power steering seized and became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering gearbox. The contact was informed that the steering gearbox needed to be replaced, and the tires needed to be rotated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID 11561196 · filed Dec 20, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .