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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:
45 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
13 / 1
Average Mileage:
69,923 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 68)

problem #1348

Nov 202024

Fusion

  • miles

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

Safety Recall 15S18 for the power steering control module on my 2012 Ford Fusion. I recently discovered that my vehicle is affected by this recall, and I would like to express my concern that I never received any notification about this important recall. I purchased my 2012 Ford Fusion on [XXX], and, since then, I have not been made aware of any issues related to the power steering control module. Unfortunately, my vehicle is now experiencing issues with the power steering, which has resulted in increased difficulty controlling the vehicle, creating a significant safety risk which has been confirmed by an independent service center. I am concerned that this malfunction could potentially lead to a crash, further amplifying the urgency of addressing this issue. I have taken my Ford to a dealership and spoke with multiple Ford representatives stating they will not honor the recall as is it past the date of recall actions. These safety recalls should not have an expiration and Ford should honor this recall and provide the necessary repairs at no cost to me, as my vehicle is clearly affected by this safety defect. My Case File with Ford is [XXX]. I can be reached at [XXX] or [XXX] if you need any additional information. I trust that Ford Motor Company values its customers and will address this situation in a timely and satisfactory manner. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt response. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #1347

Jan 092025

Fusion

  • miles
Unexpected power steering failure, was driving on highway at 70MPH and my power steering failed, I was able to pull off and restart the vehicle, where an error code popped up for -??Power Steering Assist Fault-?? when I begin driving I also get an error for -??Service Advancetrac-?? this happening while driving is not only unsafe for me, but for other drivers on the road if I have to attempt to avoid and object in the road. There have been no outside factors for this, and the recall that was in effect during 2015 is no longer applicable to my vehicle

- Gloucester, NC, USA

problem #1346

Dec 232024

Fusion

  • miles
Power steering went out while driving the vehicle. When I stopped at a light the tried to make a right hand turn. I could barely control the vehicle! It was very hard to move the front tires in the direction and space i needed to be in. I feel very lucky to have made it home, where the car is still parked! I do not dare drive it in this condition.

- Lancaster, OH, USA

problem #1345

Jan 132025

Fusion

  • 155,000 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 while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was hauled to the residence, where a mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering control module (PSCM) and motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

- Gaylord, MI, USA

problem #1344

Dec 202024

Fusion

  • miles
I was going down the road around 50 mph and advancetrac lights came on, service power steering now. Showed up on dash. Couldn't steer vehicle almost crashed

- Belleview, FL, USA

problem #1343

Dec 202024

Fusion

  • miles
I was going down the road around 50 mph and advancetrac lights came on, service power steering now. Showed up on dash. Couldn't steer vehicle almost crashed

- Belleview, FL, USA

problem #1342

Dec 202024

Fusion

  • miles

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

My car is showing power steering now and I was told it was just reset in September of 2015. I did not have the car around that time so I can-??t confirm that it was except for what I-??m being told.

- Tyler, TX, USA

problem #1341

Dec 192024

Fusion

  • miles
I was driving down the road around 50 mph and the steering wheel locked up on me and has not let goes in any electrical in the car keeps glitching radio the dash light

- Belleview, FL, USA

problem #1340

Dec 162024

Fusion

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering motor sense fault message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel operated as needed; however, the contact was concerned about the message that was displayed and a possible failure while driving. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). Additionally, the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

- Desert Hot Springs, CA, USA

problem #1339

Dec 022024

Fusion

  • miles
Lost power steering while turning into driveway causing impact with light pole.

- Morrisville , PA, USA

problem #1338

Dec 072024

Fusion

  • 96,000 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 while driving 15 MPH in a parking lot, the steering wheel failed to move and became inoperable. The steering fault message was displayed after the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was fifteen years old and there was no repair coverage available. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

- Altamonte Springs, FL, USA

problem #1337

Dec 062024

Fusion

  • miles
I have recieved error messages on starting my car for the last few months about a power steering assist fault. I lose power steering and it becomes extremely difficult to steer at any speed, not to mention extremely dangerous and took it in to a dealer. They confirmed the error code and defective module. Because my car is outside the 10 year warranty window and the previous owner didn't take care of it, they had to submit an approval request to have it covered, which is declined. The car started at 28,000 miles and I have just over 80,000 and I am left with a car I can't drive safely because Ford won't cover their recall and the previous owner didn't take care of. This should be a class action lawsuit on Ford end and would like this escalated and covered if possible.

- Holt, MI, USA

problem #1336

Dec 042024

Fusion

  • 205,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The electronic power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 205,000.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #1335

Nov 182024

Fusion

  • miles
I was driving to my drs appointment and as I was pulling up to the hospital I saw a message from my dash and my steering wheel locked up and I had to get it towed and then sent to the dealership but since I had made a few of previous attempts to get it fixed with u guys it wasn-??t getting no response, so I had to go get it fixed force and I ended up with a bill..

- Lindsay, CA, USA

problem #1334

Nov 202024

Fusion

  • miles
Ford issued Program #15N01 EPAS STEERING EFFORTS in 2015 (information sent to PRIOR OWNER). Prior owner had PCM reprogrammed 02/15/2017. November 2024 - Power Steering Assist Fault Notice came on. Power Steering completely locked up and vehicle inoperable. Unable to steer vehicle and potentially cause accident and harm to self or others. Current owner (me) had vehicle towed to Ford dealership. Service tech advised that a new steering gear required and would submit request to have covered by Ford recall. Service tech advised that it SHOULD be covered based on info in their system. Per FORD Safety Recall Notice 15S185 Supplement #3, "This safety recall involves reprogramming the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM), or replacing the steering gear only if there is evidence that certain Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) exist or were previously set, but are no longer present, regardless of vehicle mileage or warranty start date. If the steering gear is not replaced, the owner will be provided extended coverage of the steering gear under program code 15N01. This extended coverage provides for one-time replacement of the steering gear if certain DTCs are present, for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. If a vehicle has already exceeded the mileage limit, this program will last through December 31, 2015 for eligible owners. The extended coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners". Ford denied the coverage and the cost was $3,100 to replace steering gear. The recall clearly states that the coverage exists if the reprogramming was done and the issue continued, regardless of the time frame.

- Valley Center, CA, USA

problem #1333

Nov 252024

Fusion

  • miles
3 times now the electronic power steering has quit while driving the car leaving the car very difficult to steer. Turning the car off and restarting brings the power steering back. Ford previously had a recall 15S18 and 15N01 for this issue but the recall period has expired. Under 15S18, my car was apparently "reprogrammed" in 9/2015 but is now experiencing the symptoms the recall was originally released to repair.

- Salem, OR, USA

problem #1332

Nov 112024

Fusion

  • 168,000 miles
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop at a traffic light, the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact received a ride from her father. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the residence, where it was diagnosed by an independent mobile mechanic. The mechanic determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired after the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

- Morristown, TN, USA

problem #1331

Nov 122024

Fusion

  • 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, the gear shifter was shifted into drive and the vehicle rolled forward. In addition, the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to steer. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed as a failed electronic power steering module. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

- Cincinnatti, OH, USA

problem #1330

Nov 272024

Fusion

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated the steering wheel became difficult to operate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #1329

Nov 162024

Fusion

  • miles
Same issue as others have stated with the power steering just stopping all of a sudden. The car randomly starts yelling about service power steering now and service advancetrac, you put the car in park or turn it off and then the power steering goes out. Had it cleared by a mechanic who said it is a sensor issue. We didn-??t get to replace the sensor but power steering came back when he cleared the codes. About a week later it happened again. And like others, there isn-??t a recall listed for it with my vehicle just something about the air bags.

- Rossville, GA, USA

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