Ford · Known Issues
2012 Ford Fusion Problems: 8 Known Issues
2012 model year · 4,200+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2012 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2012 model year · 4,200+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2012 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,200+ owner reports, the 2012 Ford Fusion has 8 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Electric Power Steering Rack Failure (Recall 15V340) ($1,200-$3,500 repair), Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure ($1,500-$7,000 repair), Electronic Throttle Body Failure - Limp Mode and Wrench Light ($250-$550 repair), AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Fluid Leak Failure ($400-$3,100 repair) and 6F35 6-Speed Automatic Harsh/Delayed Shifting and Torque Converter Shudder ($250-$3,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Electric Power Steering Rack Failure (Recall 15V340) with 2,800 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
+ 13 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,200+ owner reports, the 2012 Ford Fusion has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Electric Power Steering Rack Failure (Recall 15V340), Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure, Electronic Throttle Body Failure - Limp Mode and Wrench Light. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2012 Ford Fusion has 8 known issues documented across 4,200+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Electric Power Steering Rack Failure (Recall 15V340) and Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure and Electronic Throttle Body Failure - Limp Mode and Wrench Light and AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Fluid Leak Failure and 6F35 6-Speed Automatic Harsh/Delayed Shifting and Torque Converter Shudder. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Ford Fusion issues range from $100 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Electric Power Steering Rack Failure (Recall 15V340), typically costs $1,200-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
NHTSA recall 15V340 covers 2011-2013 Ford Fusion (and Lincoln MKZ) without the 3.5L engine. An intermittent electrical connection in the steering gear can cause sudden loss of electric power steering assist while driving. Owners notice heavier steering effort especially at low sp… Repairs typically run $1,200-$3,500. Severity: high.
Ford Fusion Hybrid spans two generations with different high-voltage batteries — degradation patterns differ. 1st-gen 2010-2012 (NiMH, ~1.4 kWh): typical degradation appears at 100,000-150,000 miles with reduced EV-mode range and increased ICE intervention. Replacement runs $2,50… Repairs typically run $1,500-$7,000. Severity: high.
The electronic throttle body suffers internal contamination/wear of the motor contacts, causing intermittent electrical failure rather than simple dirt buildup. The result is a sudden loss of power (limp/failsafe mode) with the amber wrench (powertrain) warning light, rough idle,… Repairs typically run $250-$550. Severity: high.
On AWD Fusions the Power Transfer Unit holds only about a quart of gear oil with no dipstick, service interval, or cooling, sitting next to hot exhaust and transaxle. The fluid cooks and breaks down, becoming thick, gummy, and black, and the seals leak. Owners report a burning sm… Repairs typically run $400-$3,100. Severity: high.
The 6F35 six-speed automatic is prone to harsh, banging, or delayed shifts (most often 2-3 and 3-4) plus a shudder/vibration when the torque converter clutch locks up at a steady 40-60 mph cruise. Root causes are worn valve-body separator-plate O-rings and bores that can no longe… Repairs typically run $250-$3,500. Severity: high.
The plastic gears inside the HVAC blend-door actuator strip out, so the door can no longer move to route air correctly. The classic symptom is a repeated clicking or knocking noise from behind the dash (often at startup or when changing temperature), along with air stuck on one t… Repairs typically run $156-$400. Severity: medium.
Many Fusion owners report the battery going dead overnight or over a weekend from a parasitic draw. Common culprits are a module that fails to sleep - Body Control Module (BCM), APIM/infotainment, or amplifier - as well as the PATS anti-theft transceiver circuit on earlier cars. Repairs typically run $150-$1,000. Severity: medium.
The under-hood evaporative-emissions purge valve on 2010-2011 Fusion/Milan (2.5L DOHC and 3.0L) built on or before 3/4/2011 can stick open or leak, unmetered vapor entering the intake. This lights the MIL and sets a cluster of EVAP and lean/fuel-trim codes, and can cause rough id… Repairs typically run $100-$300. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.