Is the 2012 Ford Fusion reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Ford Fusion is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Fusion?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Fusion have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Ford Fusion

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2012 Ford Fusion
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 2,515
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 4
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2012: 2,515 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2006	730
2007	1,064
2008	1,353
2009	1,022
2010	5,129
2011	2,787
2012	2,515
2013	1,789
2014	1,329
2015	991
2016	1,623
2017	1,112
2018	441
2019	315
2020	182

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

59% · 1,480 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system and rack and pinion.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

The power steering will go out and will make the wheel lock up

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-05

Also filed under Electrical system

I was in a car accident the power steering failed I hit a telephone pole. The it bags never deployed and I smacked my head

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-29

Also filed under Air bags

Our 2012 Fusion suffered a sudden loss of power steering, was diagnosed with code U3000 at a Ford dealer, and that the dealer confirmed it matches the 15S18 recall symptoms despite being built two months outside the window.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-24

Air bags

16% · 406 reports

Most commonly citing inflator module and frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Ive had multiple accidents trying to get this car repaired .

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-31

"Takata recall" I received the notification concerning the airbag recall in the mail the day before the vehicle was involved in an accident and was eventually considered to be a total loss.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-07

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact crashed into a tree and the air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries reported.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-16

Electrical system

7% · 164 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and control module.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Power train

6% · 158 reports

Most commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and automatic transmission.

CRASH

Service brakes

5% · 114 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2012Complaint volume 2,515 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2013-02-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2014-02-28 Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
I
2014-10-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-09-10 Electric power steering failure
R

2015-07-21Steering15V340000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT...

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2017-11-20Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-09 Power Steering Failure
R

2018-02-14Air bags17V024000 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,...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-02-13Air bags19V001000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the...

Remedy: 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. The recall began February 13, 2019.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-03-17Air bags21V081000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-03-17Air bags21E013000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair.

Remedy: Ford will notify dealers that purchased the affected parts, and dealers will provide replacement parts to purchasers, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-04-09Air bags21V158000 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Ford Fusion — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 1,480 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 406 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 164 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V340000 · Steering
Recall 17V024000 · Air bags
Recall 19V001000 · Air bags
Recall 21V081000 · Air bags
Recall 21E013000 · Air bags
Recall 21V158000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Ford Fusion reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Ford Fusion is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Fusion?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Fusion have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.