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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 1 of 65)

problem #1295

Jul 072024

Fusion

  • 117,000 miles

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

The contact owns a?2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became abnormally stiff and difficult to maneuver. A steering system fault message populated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however the vehicle had previously been fixed under that recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact there was nothing they could do, since the vehicle had been fixed under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #1294

Jul 052024

Fusion

  • 81,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed she noticed a failure with her power steering. The contact stated that the steering wheel felt stiff when she attempted to make a turn and the vehicle began to lose control with the power steering warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to reach out to NHSTA for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

- Derby, KS, USA

problem #1293

Jun 262024

Fusion

  • 188,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. While the contact's son was pulling into a driveway, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed with the "Service Advancetrac" warning light illuminated. The contact's son used excessive force to steer and park the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective electric power steering rack and gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was previous serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 188,000.

- South Bend, IN, USA

problem #1292

Jun 252024

Fusion

  • miles

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

While driving with family, power steering assist fault came on and suddenly it was hard to move the steering wheel which resulted in drifting and an extemely close call car crash on highway. Had to get it towed due to safety concern.

- Downers Grove , IL, USA

problem #1291

Jun 062024

Fusion

  • miles
Purchased 2012 Ford fusion in 2017. In 2024 we has a power steering assist warning. When it first happened we thought it was a 1 off. Now it has happened 3 times in the last month. We found out there was a recall in 2015. Went to dealership and was told because we don't have extended warranty. That it's our expenses to get it fix. We were never informed when we purchased the vechile that it has recall work done.WE dint even know if it was actually done in the first place. This is very dangerous when your vechile does this in traffic, turning as you can't steer it at all when it happens you need to stop shut car off and then restart. Very scary. Especially when I'm disabled. I don't have 2000 plus to fix a car trade worth 4700. Please tell me what my options are. If we were in formed of this when we looking for a car to purchase. We would have more than likely not purchase this vechile. Dealership should have disclosed this information. Thought purchasing from a dealership that they are suppose to be upfront with this information. Please help

- Maryville, MO, USA

problem #1290

Nov 102023

Fusion

  • miles
I have several issues related to its steering system, particularly the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS). The problems include the power steering assist failing, making the steering wheel very difficult to turn, and various error messages such as -??Power Steering Assist Fault-?? displaying on the dashboard. This happen at any moment and the dealer refuse to fixed.

- White Plains, MD, USA

problem #1289

Jun 222024

Fusion

  • miles

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

The Power Steering Assist comes on and the car won't steer, out of nowhere.

- Litchfield Park, AZ, USA

problem #1288

May 312024

Fusion

  • miles
Power steering went out on my car while driving

- Forest Grove, OR, USA

problem #1287

Jun 202024

Fusion

  • miles
Ford refuses to remedy a safety issue with the EPAS steering assist. It's a safety issue and these criminals filled it under customer satisfaction. This car could have killed me. I was going 55mph down the highway when the epas failed.

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #1286

Jun 162024

Fusion

  • miles
Steering assist complete failure. While driving down the highway. No warning complete dead stick.

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #1285

Jul 012023

Fusion

  • miles

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

Power steering went out and made me crash. Prior owner got it fixed but still didn-??t fix issue

- Silvis, IL, USA

problem #1284

May 012024

Fusion

  • miles
I am having problems with the POWER STEERING DEFAULT SYSTEM CAN NOT STEER VEHICLE

- Burlington, NC, USA

problem #1283

Jun 302023

Fusion

  • 136,812 miles
My power steering failed. The steering is very difficult to steer and maneuver at low speed. The error code on the dashboard beeps every time I enter the vehicle -??power steering assist fault-?? and is available for inspection. This is extremely unsafe when driving at any speed because of the extra effort required to maneuver the vehicle putting other drivers or pedestrians at risk in the event of needing to avoid a collision. The problem has been inspected by Ford and another independent mechanic. Ford did not honor the recall. There was no warning for the issue, other than the beeping and the message on the dashboard. I had drove to the store and parked with power steering, when I started the car up to leave the store I suddenly had no power steering and had to have the car towed.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #1282

May 062024

Fusion

  • miles
The electric power steering assist (EPSA) function of the car is no longer functional. It is available for inspections upon request. The vehicle began intermittently losing power steering when the vehicle would start. The problem can now be re-produced each time the vehicle is started. The problem is a known issue with this model Ford Fusion and was part of a previous recall. This vehicle was serviced by the Ford dealership during the times the recall was in place and had the EPSA re-programmed. The issue still persists, and the vehicle is unsafe to drive. The recall is no longer in effect and Ford will not remedy the issue.

- Leesburg, VA, USA

problem #1281

May 112024

Fusion

  • miles
We are experiencing a loss of power steering with the car, which is dangerous as you never know when it is going to happen. When it does happen the car becomes so hard to steer you can hardly turn the wheel. Right now the loss of power steering is intermitent. We're afraid to drive the car for this reason. I contacted my local dealer's Ford service manager and Ford Customer Service and they will not cover any repairs. The Advancetrac light came on and a power steering assist fault displays when it you loose the power steering. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer as we just started having this problem. The service manager said it would cost around $2000 to fix it. The 2012 Ford Fusion SEL with the 2.5L I4 engine has 149,818 miles on it.

- New Auburn, WI, USA

problem #1280

May 112024

Fusion

  • 49,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that her daughter had parked the vehicle, and when she returned and started the vehicle, the steering wheel almost locked and was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to a local repair shop. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering gear and sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the repair shop that there was a recall associated to the year, make and model. The contact called a dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

- North Riverside, IL, USA

problem #1279

Mar 282024

Fusion

  • miles
Unknown electric power steering shut down while traveling leaving me with no power steering

- Portland , TN, USA

problem #1278

Apr 262024

Fusion

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #1277

Apr 012024

Fusion

  • 87,508 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and advanced traction warning lights illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering gear. The contact was informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was like safety Manufacturer Communication Number: 15N01 and NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not associated with the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. Additionally, the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 87,508.

- Aurora, IL, USA

problem #1276

Apr 222024

Fusion

  • miles
Bought this car in January of 2024. 2 weeks after purchase, my steering wheel became hard to turn while I was on the road. The Power Steering Assist Fault light came on, so I decided to fix the issue by taking my car to a well-rated mechanic in my area. The issue was fixed, but only temporarily as the same issue occurred two months later while I was on the road, leading myself and anyone else around me to be in danger of me losing control and crashing into them. Luckily, I made it home safely, and researched the problem only to find out many vehicles similar to my make and year had the same issue with a lot of recalls. I already paid 1000 dollars to fix it once, I'd like to have a recall in order to fix it again.

- Bardstown, KY, USA

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