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.
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.
Problem: Electric Steering Rack. In the past few months when first starting car, sometimes steering wheel will not move for several seconds (1 -2) then steering frees up, but lately it is getting worse, sometime having to turn car off and restart. Also, one time dash indicator saying, "Steering Assist Failure". Checking on recalls for this problem, a number of Ford models has had recalls on this electric steer issue but not this particular vehicle. This seems like a very dangerous issue and we are afraid to drive it, but Ford won't do anything about it. The wrecking yards say that there is high demand for used electric steering racks which indicates this is a common problem. This car has only 70K miles on it. Est cost to repair $2,200 to replace steering rack.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon his son starting the vehicle, he became aware that the vehicle was difficult to maneuver. The electronic stability control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering column and rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 115,250.
This is a second failure of the steering rack on this vehicle after being replaced at a Ford dealer eleven months ago. Just like the first failure the vehicle is difficult to control and requires significant effort to steer. Dashboard message indicates power steering not working. This is clearly a safety issue resulting from a poor steering rack design. Winter driving with this vehicle will be very risky.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the dealer and manufacturer denied the recall work stating the vehicle had exceeded the 10-year warranty period. The contact stated that the manufacturer performed the air bag recalls. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway and the steering wheel become very stiff, requiring extra effort to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was turned off and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and the contact was informed that NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V001000 (Air Bags) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) recall repairs would be performed; however, 15V34000 (Steering) recall repair would not be performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Leaving the gas station that is less than 1 mile from my home, the dash of my Fusion alerted me saying "SERVICE STEERING NOW". The car then lost all power steering capabilities in the middle of the road, making steering nearly obsolete and hazardous. After briefly searching the web, I found hundreds of complaints relating to this issue. NHTSA has a recall for this Electric-Steering component on this exact make and model of vehicle, specs and all. After contacting Ford, they said my vehicle was in fact NOT under recall and I would have to pay out of pocket upwards of $4,000. Keep in mind KBB is valued around $3,450. But how is my 2012, 2WD, 2.5L, 4Cyl. Ford Fusion not included in the recall" It is still equipped with the very first Electric-Power Steering technology the other Fusions have recalls for" I mean it even has the exact same same Electric-Power Steering failure as the recalled ones. Very unhappy Ford customer right now, I don't understand how my particular VIN made it out without making the recall list. Especially given the same parts were mass produced, and were installed on my vehicle. Hoping to get this particular car added to the recall list, as it has been recalled multiple times already for air bag issues, same as the Fusions with Power Steering issues that ARE included in the recall case.
- Hot Springs National Park, AR, USA
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The same power steering issue that was recalled for many 2012 ford fusions happened to my car. The power steering system fault notification would flash on the dashboard and the advanced traction control light would also flash. The dealership stated that my car was not covered under that known recall because my VIN number was not included. I find it very hard to believe that they would not cover this known issue. The same gear that went bad with that original 2015 recall (that my car was not covered under) failed in my car and I lost power steering and the wheels essentially locked into straight ahead. The traction control system also engaged making it very very very difficult to turn the wheel even a few degrees right or left. The pinion gear failed and the computer in the car caused even further issues with steering.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH, the steering wheel seized on several occasions. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at high speeds the vehicle shut off, restarted, and shut off again. The contact was able to drive, but the vehicle shut off. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, he noticed that the steering wheel was not operating as needed. The contact stated that as he slowed down, the steering wheel became significantly difficult to steer. The steering failure warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road, where he inspected the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, and the power steering control module (PSCM) was reprogrammed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering function was inoperable. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with power steering gear failure. The contact was informed that the power steering gear electrical system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,530.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on three separate occasions the power steering failed to operate as needed while driving. After the first failure the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, a year later, the failure occurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the steering column was repaired out of pocket. Recently, the contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the "Service Power Steering" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home where the vehicle remained in her possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The contact stated the power steering issue was due to the rack & pinion and having a mechanic fix the problem again, out of pocket, as the warranty for the power steering recall performed in 2017 has somehow expired, according to Ford.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the steering locked up with the power steering malfunction message displayed. After the second failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the power steering had failed and needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The "Service Power Steering" message was displayed. The contact coasted into a gas station and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to drive back to the nearby residence by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 235,440.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the "Service Power Steering Now-?? message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 125,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the power steering failed, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V34000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 127,541.
+Consistent with Safety Recall 15S18 and program code 15N01 - Integrated Controller for the Power Steering Gear failed. This caused power steering assist and traction control to be inoperative. The problem started intermittently at about 93,000 miles and 11 years of age - but then became constant by 95,600 miles. +The problem made the steering wheel very difficult to turn. Vehicle was unsafe to drive, particularly at lower speeds or with a driver of average upper body strength. It would have been very difficult to steer away from a pedestrian, animal, vehicle, or obstacle - had one suddenly moved into the path of the vehicle. This increased the chance of death/injury and/or property damage when operating the vehicle. +Noted Safety Recall only provided limited extended warranty coverage - which had expired (due to age, but not miles). +Repair was exceptionally expensive due to the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) being integrated with the Steering Gear, and the Steering Gear being integrated with the entire rack and pinion assembly. Diagnostic and Repair total was $2,690.15. I considered taking the risk vs. repairing the vehicle due to the high cost. +Vehicle was diagnosed and serviced at a Ford Dealer and Independent Repair Shop. Representatives at both shops mentioned that this is a very common problem with this vehicle. The Dealer escalated to Ford Corporate to obtain an extension of the Safety Recall coverage, but was denied. I did the same and was also denied. Vehicle: 2012 Ford Fusion Miles: 95,600 Purchase Date: 9/2011 Logged DTC codes: C1277-20 C1277-E0
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she stopped and parked the vehicle at the local grocery store. The contact stated that when his wife restarted the vehicle and shifted into drive, she became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that his wife shifted the gear shifter back into park and turned off the vehicle; however, when the vehicle was restarted and shifted into drive, the power steering was operable. The contact's wife was able to safely drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that the power steering control module would be reprogrammed to resolve the failure; however, there was no guarantee that the failure would be fixed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult while maneuvering the vehicle. The contact-??s son veered to the side road and notified him. The contact was able to safely navigate the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Cedar Falls, IA, USA