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Ford Fusion

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2012 Fusion is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2012 Ford Fusion has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Ford Fusion owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

""Immediately following the fixing of a factory recalled defect, the AC failed to get cold.""

Anonymous A., MO (2012 Ford Fusion SE 3.0-L V6)
Blower (fan) motor

"it stopped functioning and we replaced it"

Anonymous, ON (2012 Ford Fusion SEL Unsure)
Heater system

"no comment"

Anonymous A., YT (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other climate system problem

"A/C would switch to full heat if I turned the temperature control knob all the way to its coolest setting. Had to turn knob to warmest setting and then turn it down to next-to-coolest setting. A/C would switch to full heat if I turned the temperature control know all the way to coolest position. Had to turn knob to next coolest setting to keep A/C on."

Anonymous A., DE (2012 Ford Fusion S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Refrigerant leaks

"Stop cooling found A/C hose was cracked and leak"

Anonymous, TX (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"AC has stopped working Currently unresolved"

Anonymous, VA (2012 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0-L V6)

"Recharge a/c liquid"

Anonymous, NH (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Exhaust leaks

"exhaust pipe leaks"

Anonymous, MI (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Started about a year ago. Had smells infiltrating passenger compartment. Eventually traced to exhaust leaks. Had pipes replaced and/or welded to eliminate the issue."

Anonymous, PA (2012 Ford Fusion Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Muffler

"leaks...replace"

Anonymous, MI (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

"timing chain gasket leak"

Anonymous, FL (2012 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0-L V6)

"Rusty frame and battery issues"

Anonymous A., OH (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Front right door interior lock and release lever mechanism broke and needed replacement at a cost of $700 for parts and labor at a Ford dealership."

Anonymous A., NJ (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Seat belts

"Front seat belts are set too far back and low that connecting/disconnecting them is a major task."

Anonymous A., MO (2012 Ford Fusion SE 3.0-L V6)
Seat controls - power

"The drivers seat has multiple power adjustments. The adjustment to raise and lower the front of the seat has failed. It has not been repaired due to the cost of the repair relative to the age and residual value of the vehicle."

Anonymous A., PA (2012 Ford Fusion Sport 3.5-L V6)
Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Water leaks into trunk. Vacuum after rain."

Anonymous, AR (2012 Ford Fusion S 3.0-L V6)

"The paint is chipping away under the window of the hatchback."

Anonymous, IA (2012 Ford Fusion Unsure Unsure)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Power steering

"Power steering unit failed. Required replacing entire rack and pinion unit since it was all one assembly. Cost $2400 at dealer."

Anonymous, CA (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Timing chain failure left car nearly inoperable until repaired. Same for the failure of the electronic power steering."

Anonymous, MI (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"Several parts of the system (inner and outer tie rod) had to be replaced."

Anonymous, NY (2012 Ford Fusion S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

"Dealer replaced brake pads and other aspects of braking system"

Anonymous, MA (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Regular brake failure

"Normal brake wear"

Anonymous, NH (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Rotors

"No idea I just did what they told me to do.. I have no clue what they even arr"

Anonymous, ON (2012 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0-L V6)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Needed to be revplaced/fixed within the first 50000 kms."

Anonymous, AB (2012 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0-L V6)
Fuel pump

"Car had difficulty starting and was sluggish. Got it checked out within a couple weeks diagnosed the fuel pump being bad. Replaced the next day and car has been great since."

Anonymous A., IA (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""I was just accelerating from a light with the gas tank about half full and the car stalled. It would not restart and you could tell the engine was not getting fuel. It was a very inexpensive fix, $260 in total and I had it fixed the next day at my local shop.""

Anonymous, FL (2012 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Accessory belts or pulleys

"belt idler pulley was failing and made noise when running or accelerating"

Anonymous, TX (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Engine mounts

"it makes ratling noise under hood when starting or when idling on an incline. Sometimes the engine bumps or rattles when going over bumps on right side."

Anonymous, TX (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Oil leaks

"Had the leaks fixed multiple times only to have the leaks return time after time."

Anonymous, MN (2012 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Electrical failure

"Fan motor quit working due to electrical wire short"

Anonymous, VA (2012 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0-L V6)

"Problem that dealer took multiple service actions to correct. Freon leakage also."

Anonymous, MA (2012 Ford Fusion SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Coil

"fuel leak from fuel injector. High cost of 1200"

Anonymous A., OH (2012 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0-L V6)
Heated or cooled seats

""The drivers seat heater no longer works. It shuts off immediately after being activated. It has not been repaired due to the expense relative to the residual value of the car, and the lack of repair shops willing to repair it.""

Anonymous A., PA (2012 Ford Fusion Sport 3.5-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Other paint & trim problem

"Paint is peeling in numerous areas on the vehicle. A/C has needed to be fixed 3 times. When passenger airbag was changed the dash has split and yellow foam is visible."

Anonymous, AB (2012 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0-L V6)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Transmission computer

"It failed and had to be replaced for over$1000"

Anonymous, IA (2012 Ford Fusion Unsure Unsure)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"sun roof leaks during winter"

Anonymous A., OH (2012 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"On cold days in winter, the car wouldn't start. There seems to be some type of drain that wears the battery down. I had to use a tender charger on these cold days to help it start up."

Anonymous, UT (2012 Ford Fusion Unsure 3.0-L V6)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS
Mar 10, 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V158000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2602668
AIR BAGS
Feb 16, 2021
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V081000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1067
AIR BAGS
Feb 16, 2021
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair. The parts include certain driver-side air bag inflators and/or modules, designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang and Mustang GT500. It also includes certain passenger-side air bag inflators and/or modules designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang, 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, 2010-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2011 Ford Ranger, and 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX vehicles. Please see Ford's recall report for the specific part numbers. These parts may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
What should you do:
Ford will notify dealers that purchased the affected parts, and dealers will provide replacement parts to purchasers, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21E013000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 249
AIR BAGS
Jan 07, 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles and 2011-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Ford is also recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2010-2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, and 2010-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
What should you do:
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall 19S01.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V001000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 782384
AIR BAGS
Jan 10, 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
What should you do:
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V024000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 654695
STEERING
Jun 02, 2015
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V340000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 393623
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