2012 Ford Fusion Problems

I am submitting this formal complaint against Ford Motor Company and its authorized dealership network for falsely reporting a safety recall repair as "resolved" while applying an unauthorized, temporary workaround that left the primary safety defect active. In 2023, I brought my vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership to perform mandatory safety recall service regarding the Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) failure. The dealership subsequently updated Ford’s central database (OASIS) to show that the safety recall was fully resolved and completed for my VIN. However, the official Repair Order / Invoice provided to me by the technician explicitly documents that a permanent remedy was not performed due to a lack of replacement parts. The technician’s exact written notes state: "Customer states power steering is not working. Tech and advised verified concern finding that the ground wire pin on the high current wiring harness to PSCM had backed out of the connector. Reconnected pin and cleared codes finding issue resolved. Issue will continue to happen until the harness is replaced. Harness is unavailable at this time. Glued pin into connectors."Because the dealership glued the loose pin rather than replacing the backordered wiring harness, the temporary repair failed shortly thereafter, resulting in a total loss of power steering assist. For the past three years (approximately 47,698 miles driven), I have been forced to operate this vehicle without functional power steering. Every attempt to have Ford or its franchised dealerships address this safety hazard has been denied because Ford’s internal system incorrectly lists the recall as "The Harness Powers the Recalled Module: The "high current wiring harness to PSCM" is the primary electrical supply to the exact module being recalled. Reprogramming software on a module while leaving a damaged, glued power connector defeats the entire purpose of restoring power steering safety.see photoes of invoice below

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The failure was a recurring failure. The first failure was serviced by the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, a year later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the rack and pinion was replaced but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

On [XXX] ,I was driving in my car heading home with my [XXX] son in the backseat when my steering wheel just locked up on me and didn't want to turn and it was just stiff. I turn off my car immediately and waited about ten minutes to turn on. The car started up and the steering wheel became un loosen but this situation is off and on and it's scary . It's the third time now it happened. Next im experience a airbag warning symbol on my dashboard today [XXX] and that's even scarier driving in the car with a toddler because it's not safety. I don't know how to remove it off my dashboard and don't know how to fix the problem either. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V34000 (STEERING), 19V001000 (AIR BAGS), and 21V158000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not yet made aware of the issue. The contact stated whiling parking the vehicle the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn with the message "Service Power Steering" displayed. The cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 310,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Se traba y se pone duro el "gobierno" junto con la cremallera electroasistida el volante no gira ni con el carro prendido, no eh echo uso de la campaña 15S18, nunca ah Sido asistido por el fabricante Ford, ni mucho menos lo eh metido a un taller de servicio independiente ni con aseguradoras y no me marco algún sensor del tablero antes de que me sucediera este problema con la "dirección asistida averiada"

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 - 60 MPH, the AdvanceTrac and power steering systems became inoperable. The AdvanceTrac and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic, where an unknown diagnostic was made. The AdvanceTrac system was reset, and unknown power steering system repairs were performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic several times. The mechanic reset the AdvanceTrac system a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall and the vehicle did not have warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 29,104.

I was just driving and I lost power steering, it was incredibly difficult to steer and it was Heavy Steering, and warnings appeared on the dash.

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 insane price. It's very unsafe to be on the road & have the power steering go out. It is unsafe not only for me & my family but also for the vehicles traveling around my vehicle. It causes mental distress & anxiety as I never know when I'm going to be left stranded. This time, I'm stranded at the laundromat, on a Sunday. Not knowing how I'm going to get home or to work tomorrow. My receipts for repairs are at home. Until Ford makes this right, I'll never see the Ford brand as a reliable manufacturer nor will I ever purchase or recommend the Ford brand.

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. Text me a Time to meet I can’t drive it ar all will need towed. Thank you for print ur time… I really need to get fix so I have ride to work… [XXX] ’s [XXX] text me . Vin number is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On [XXX] ,I was driving in my car heading home with my [XXX] son in the backseat when my steering wheel just locked up on me and didn't want to turn and it was just stiff. I turn off my car immediately and waited about ten minutes to turn on. The car started up and the steering wheel became un loosen but this situation is off and on and it's scary . It's the third time now it happened. Next im experience a airbag warning symbol on my dashboard today [XXX] and that's even scarier driving in the car with a toddler because it's not safety. I don't know how to remove it off my dashboard and don't know how to fix the problem either. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message was displayed. The power steering function was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated due to a possible canister purge valve failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 165,461.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving under 35 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was shaking abnormally while idling as if the vehicle would shut off. The contact had replaced the battery 8 times; however, the failure persisted. While driving approximately 65 MPH and overtaking other vehicles, the check engine warning light began flashing temporarily. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle that the oil was leaking from the valve cover gasket, oil pan, and front seal and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft and spongy. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard before the vehicle stopped. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that an inspection was completed, and the brake pads and rotors were in good working order. The contact stated that the failure had occurred two months after the brake pads and rotors were replaced by an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

My car does not always respond when the brakes are tapped. They are soft/squishy at times and I have to push the pedal all the way to the floor for the car to stop. This issue has been occuring off & on for approximately 3 years though it's been more frequent since June of 2026. I have never seen any warning or failure light/notification any of the times this has happened. The issue was determined to be a faulty master cylinder by the service department at Colley Ford in Glendora, CA.

Absolute unacceptable level of rust to the body and frame. Even with regular car washes, sitting for a year covered. It’s literally totalled and I am out of a car. It’s a 2012 with this amount of rust

Driver door is not locking. Tried with manual key too but not successful. Tried to open door from inside but no success. Looks like door assembly or spring is faulty and designed poorly This can be a safety hazard as driver can't get out of car easily. Pls recall all Ford fusion 2012 and ask dealers to fix it. I checked few articles forums and YouTube videos and everywhere it says there might be a spring problem or some plastic issue in latch or door assembly.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message was displayed. The power steering function was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated due to a possible canister purge valve failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 165,461.

Absolute unacceptable level of rust to the body and frame. Even with regular car washes, sitting for a year covered. It’s literally totalled and I am out of a car. It’s a 2012 with this amount of rust

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 contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V177000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact informed the dealer of the recall and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's side door failed to open using the interior door handle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side interior door handle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred three years later. The contact stated that on the second occasion, the driver’s and front passenger’s side windows were rolled down and the door was opened using both outside door handles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,945.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 65 MPH, he had to pull over to the side of the road due to a flat tire. The contact's son had a difficult time removing the lug nuts. The lug nuts could not be removed with the tire iron. The contact called AAA, and it was difficult for the Roadside Assistant to remove the lug nuts. The contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen due to the aluminum or chrome material. The contact stated that the Roadside Assistant had to drill the lug nuts to remove the lug nuts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

This is an open recall that I'm sure has been stated many times, but the dealerships are not accepting the recall or granting it. The power steering aka. Steering assist system failed. Which is an ongoing issue with my vehicle model and year. It has caused me so many "almost" bad accidents and making it so I have lost an incredible amount of income due to my vehicle being down for repair and unsafe to drive and too expensive to fix. Especially when there is a recall about said thing. I need help.

Absolute unacceptable level of rust to the body and frame. Even with regular car washes, sitting for a year covered. It’s literally totalled and I am out of a car. It’s a 2012 with this amount of rust

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.

This is a general concern, not limited to only my car. Daytime running lights do not turn on the tail lamps. People believe if they have the DRL turned on, they’re safe, but they are difficult to see in rain/fog/tunnels etc. DRL should include tail lamps Also, automatic headlamps only come on when it gets dark enough out. It’s surprising how many tail lamps come on half way through the turnpike tunnel. Auto lamps should simply come on when you turn on the key. That’s a frustration of mine. Thank you for listening.

Rear tail light side parking marker. All marker lights in working order is required to pass Delaware state inspection. The LED is hard wired within the housing unit and is not a replaceable bulb. I have to replace the housing assembly for 160.00 plus tax for a simple light. Car is 10 years old. I don't believe Ford expected it to fail for the life of the car. Part 13404. The side marker light is not on the parts diagram. I can replace the part but was hoping Ford would cover the bill, but I admit, i am venting frustration.

I had purchased these tires P225/50R17 for my son‘s car in 2022. They have an 85,000 mile tread life warranty in April of this year. He had a blowout on the left rear tire where the tread separated from the tire and in late July this year is preparing for a 3500 mile trip as I was inspecting his car before his trip. I noticed the tire on the right rear looked to be defective. It looks like the tread where it meet the sidewall is separating from the tire on the inside with a tear about 8” long where the metal is showing. Two tires out of 4 losing their tread is disturbing and a concerning safety issue with these tires, see the Photos I have supplied.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the steering wheel was hard to turn. The low tire pressure message was displayed. There was another unknown system message being displayed. The contact indicated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering pump was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

THE A/C AIR BLOWER SOMETIMES COME ON THEN OFF, IT ALWAYS COMES ON WHEN I HAVE THE FOG LIGHTS ON. I HEARD OTHERS WITH 2012 FORD FUSION HAVE THIS ISSUE AS WELL.

WHEN TURNING ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO LOW SETTING, THEY INITIATE AT FULL SPEED WITH SMALL BREAKS IN BETWEEN GOING TO THE CORRECT SET WIPER SPEED. HAVE TO TURN OFF COMPLETELY SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR THE CORRECT SETTING TO REGISTER FINALLY. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS HARD SLIPPING SHIFTING GOING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION, VERY SIMILAR TO THE FORD FOCUS POWERSHIFT TRANSMISSION RECALL

THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT ALL OF A SUDDEN STOP WORKING WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR ONE DAY. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE CAR AFTER AN HOUR, THE BELT WOULDN'T LATCH. NOTHING WAS DROPPED IN THE LATCH, THE CAR WAS STATIONARY, NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A PERSON IN THE VEHICLE. ALL OTHER PARTS AND ALL OTHER SEAT BELTS WORK.

I HAVE BEEN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2012. CURRENTLY, MY HORN DOES NOT WORK AS WELL AS OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF MY CAR. ANOTHER EXAMPLE, WOULD BE MY SEAT BELT, WHICH HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE.THE SERVICE PROVIDER AT FORD TOLD ME TO LET MY CAR RUN A LITTLE,. AND THEN IT WOULD WORK. SO FAR, STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. AT THIS TIME, WITH MY HORN NOT WORKING, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS I HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN INTO 3 ACCIDENTS THUS FAR, I HAVE CONTACTED THE FORD CEO AND KAREN JOHNSON, ANOTHER EXECUTIVE OF FORD AND HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM EITHER ONE OF THEM. I NEED MY CAR FIXED AS ALL THESE ISSUES ARE SAFETY RELATED AND EACH DAY THAT I DRIVE WITH THE CONCERNS, PUT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FUSION. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AIR CONDITIONER WIRES MELTED AND FUSED TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FUSION. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AND IN THE PARK POSITION, THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITION UNIT STARTED EMITTING HOT AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR CONDITION ACTUATOR AND WIRES WAS BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CANISTER PURGE VALVE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. CAPITAL FORD (4900 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC) WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM NUMBER: 16B38 (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING AND CANISTER PURGE VALVE INSPECTION). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT APPLICABLE TO THE PROGRAM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NHTSA WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR RECALLS BEING ISSUED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,015.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600. ..UPDATED 12-05-13 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY AND IT WOULD SLAM INTO REVERSE.