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CarComplaints.com Notes: Power steering problems started rearing their ugly head in the 2010 Fusion, so you'd think Ford had plenty of time to make sure those problems didn't creep into the 2012. But here we are.

The Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) is a mess. It fails at an alarming rate. Don’t believe us? Take a look at NHTSA’s data on the subject.

And much like the power steering, we’re still seeing the same throttle body failures that started in 2010 continue in 2012.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
44 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
13 / 1
Average Mileage:
71,102 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Ford Fusion steering problems

steering problem

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2012 Ford Fusion Owner Comments (Page 16 of 65)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #995

Apr 102021

Fusion

  • 146,210 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The power steering is not working. Very difficult to turn the wheel

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #994

Apr 092021

Fusion

  • 183,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed the service power steering message displayed and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer green Ford located at 2211 w. pioneer pkwy, peoria, il 61615 and the manufacturer were notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 183,000.

- Peoria, IL, USA

problem #993

Mar 232021

Fusion

  • 107,000 miles
Loud creaking occurs from steering column at warmer temperatures (over 50 degrees) when driving. Steering becomes more difficult as temperature rises and steering wheel shakes. There is serious concern about imminent failure. No codes pull, dealership states no issue after bringing it in twice, and that my VIN is not affected by the larger recall related to power steering failure. This is a known issue with a recall already launched for some vins; however, all cars falling within this manufacturing period should be recalled and issue addressed. Am currently debating having power steering rack replaced by another mechanic as Ford simply does not seem to care.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #992

Mar 272021

Fusion

  • 137,577 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Steering feels like it's really lose and goes all over the road tires are bouncy while driving it pops back also while changing gears

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #991

Mar 012021

Fusion

  • 183,254 miles
Loud creaking noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. It does not occur when it is cold outside, but occurs at temperature 70+. it get's really loud at temperatures near 80 degrees and above. I am concerned it will fail while driving. Exact same issue as others. When I took vehicle to Ford, it was cold and they said nothing was wrong.

- Grimesland, NC, USA

problem #990

Jun 052018

Fusion

  • 95,000 miles
There is a loud creaking noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. It does not occur when it is cool/cold outside, but occurs at temperature 80+. it get's really loud at temperatures near 100 degrees and above. I am concerned it will fail while driving.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #989

Feb 172021

Fusion

  • 134,280 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Customer was driving to work on ice and lost power steering assist. Sounds related to the 15S18 campain. Dealer claims no recall. This is a deadly or life theatening defect and should be applied to all 2011-2013 Ford Fusion and other vehicles involved. Let's not lose a life to a known defect.

- Gatesville, TX, USA

problem #988

Feb 222021

Fusion

  • 117,000 miles
About less than a year, my power steering went out. The message read power steering assist fault, and the wheel would lock electronically. So I replaced the power steering pump. Fast forward to present day, service advanced trac and service power steering now is on the dashboard. Now I'm looking to tow my vehicle because it seems again to be something wrong with the power steering.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #987

Jan 032021

Fusion

  • 119,000 miles
The power steering has failed on this vehicle 4 times in the last two years. In every case, it failed while driving. Three times on the highway and once in local traffic. When the power steering fails, it takes an enormous effort/strength to make a turn, change lanes, or park. Two of the times the power steering failed, the mechanic was able to clear the codes and the power steering was restored. The other two times required expensive repairs. One (October 2020) was for almost $1700 and replaced the control rods and tie rods. This restored the power steering for two months, then it went out again. Resetting the codes worked for two days, but then the steering went out again. The rack and pinion and control board were replaced in February 2021 at a cost of just under $2000. Loss of power steering when underway is a known issue for cars of this make and model, and there has been a recall affecting some 393,000 vehicles, but not all vins. Though my issue is exactly as described in the recall, Ford maintains that my car is not covered. Checking online, I see that many others are in the same situation. Their Fusion has exactly the same power steering issue as the recall, but Ford says their VIN is not one of those recalled. It is clear that a larger number of vehicles were affected than first believed, and all those affected by this problem should be included in the recall.

- Shelton, CT, USA

problem #986

Jan 252021

Fusion

  • 164,000 miles
My vehicle has a recall for the power steering assault fault. I was turned away at dealerships because I have 160,000 miles on the vehicle. I just bought it and was not aware of this issue is there any alternatives to fix this issue? in the recall letter it didn't specifically mention that the number of miles could be a determining factor. I noticed this issue when it was parked it appeared on my dashboard

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #985

Jan 302021

Fusion

  • 91,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Was driving down the road when I had a service power steering and advance trac alert pop up on my dash. Power steering was still working for the rest of the drive. When I got to my destination I turned the car off. Next time I went to drive the car about 30 minutes later my power steering was completely gone. Ford has a recall for my make, model and year but apparently my car does not fall under this recall.

- Greenwood, IN, USA

problem #984

Jan 282021

Fusion

  • miles
2012 Ford Fusion problem with power steering. Suddenly it gets tough it doesn't work.

- Corona, CA, USA

problem #983

Dec 222020

Fusion

  • 84,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the power steering ceased operation while traveling at various speeds. The contact stated that the service trak, power steering, and check engine warning light remained illuminated on instrument panel. The contact called paul miller Ford (975 E new circle rd, lexington, ky 40505) and was informed that VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V340000 (steering). The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that her vehicle needed an oem software update. The mechanic also informed her that the rack and pinion and the tie rods needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed the information provided by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #982

Jan 042021

Fusion

  • 88,500 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the engine, the power steering had malfunctioned and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direct. The message "power steering assist" had also displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the electronic power steering had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer fair oaks Ford located at 2055 w ogden ave, naperville, il 60540 were notified of the failure. The contact informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 15V340000(steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 88,500.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #981

Jan 162021

Fusion

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, when suddenly the power steering assist warning light illuminated and the steering failed. The contact had their husband continue to drive the vehicle, however, the steering had turned to manual steering. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who informed the contact of NHTSA campaign number: 15V340000 (steering). The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact was referred to Ford. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that their vehicle was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

- Butler, KY, USA

problem #980

Jan 152021

Fusion

  • 83,500 miles
Electric power steering rack quit working while driving and almost caused an accident, checked VIN but no recalls, Ford did have a lot of recalls for same model, but none issued for this car. Dangerous situation for other cars out there without a recall. Ford needs to recall all cars with that electric power steering unit!!!!

- Morris, IL, USA

problem #979

Jan 122021

Fusion

  • 121,258 miles
Went to store when I got back in car the power steering assist warning light came on then it said service. When I went to drive there was no power steering.

- Shenandoah, VA, USA

problem #978

Oct 272020

Fusion

  • 200,000 miles
Power steering assist came on and the steering went out

- Joppa, AL, USA

problem #977

Dec 312020

Fusion

  • 135,000 miles
The electronic steering assist system failed going approximately 45 mph. The system reverted to manual steering mode.

- Coeur D Alene, ID, USA

problem #976

Dec 272020

Fusion

  • 114,000 miles
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 power steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 15V340000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

- Salem, OR, USA

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