By a vehicle’s final model year before a major redesign, you’d think an automaker would have worked out all the kinks. That may not be the case with the Ford Fusion, a midsize sedan with an unusually large number of potential issues, including a problematic throttle body that can cause the engine to go limp.
Key Points
- The 2012 Ford Fusion was one of millions of cars equipped with faulty Takata airbag inflators, which led to a number of recalls.
- Drivers have reported many issues with the car’s power-assisted steering that may require heavy steering effort.
- Even after a recall, the power steering system has proven problematic, according to owner complaints.
- A faulty throttle body can cause the engine to go into “limp” mode with reduced power.
- All things considered, the 2012 Ford Fusion may not be a great choice for drivers seeking a reliable and affordable midsize car.
Major Recalls for the 2012 Ford Fusion Address Issues With its Airbags and Power Steering System
The 2012 Fusion has been recalled six times. Five recalls are over faulty airbag inflators made by now-defunct automotive supplier Takata. Nearly 70 million vehicles – including the 2012 Fusion – were built with inflators that could explode and send dangerous shrapnel hurtling toward occupants.
Recalls cover components related to both the steering wheel-mounted driver-side airbag and the dashboard-mounted passenger-side airbag.
Following an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford recalled select Fusion models to replace parts of the steering system and to update its software.
The Fusion was Ford’s first midsize sedan with electric power steering. Owners report to the NHTSA loss of power steering assist, which makes the cars difficult to steer. Some drivers have reported that the steering wheel won’t turn at all.
Many 2012 Ford Fusion models are too old to qualify for free replacement of the power steering control module since the recall was valid for the first 10 years following the car’s original in-service date.
2012 Fusion Owners Also Note Transmission Problems That Include Hard Shifting and Overall Failure
Most 2012 Fusion models use a six-speed automatic transmission, though a manual gearbox was standard with the base four-cylinder engine and the Fusion Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The most common transmission is a troublesome unit, unfortunately, as owners have complained about hard shifting especially when cold.
Repair Pal notes over 1,100 complaints about delayed shifts. A replacement automatic transmission can cost upward of $2,200, according to the Transmission Repair Cost Guide. That may be enough to mechanically total one of these sedans.
Some owners have reported transmission failures with fewer than 80,000 miles on the odometer.
The CVT fitted to the Fusion Hybrid has been subject to fewer complaints of overall failure, although this model sold in fewer numbers so its sample size is smaller. Some owners have noted that the CVT can surge or only operate at higher engine speeds.
Costly Anti-lock Braking System and Throttle Body Modules Come Under Fire From Owners, Too
The NHTSA has logged more than 50 complaints about the 2012 Fusion’s braking system, with most of those centering around soft or completely ineffective brakes. Owners have reported having to use the hand brake to stop the car. Some owners noted various lights and messages on the dashboard, including those related to the anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, and stability control.
The fault covers an ABS module and its hydraulic control unit. While Ford recalled earlier Fusion models to potentially replace some of these components, the automaker claims the 2012 model has an updated system.
Dealers have quoted $2,000 or more to replace the faulty parts in order to restore braking power.
Separately, owners have reported their cars going into “limp-home mode,” which results in reduced engine power, as a result of a faulty throttle body that regulates the amount of air the engine takes in.
Owners say that Ford previously replaced throttle bodies for free on many Fusion sedans even if their warranties had recently expired, but that goodwill gesture is likely long gone given these cars’ ages.
That issue was widespread enough that Car Complaints calls the 2012 Fusion a “Clunker.”
Mixed Crash-test Ratings Mean That the 2012 Ford Fusion May Not Be The Safest Choice
When it was tested by the NHTSA, the 2012 Fusion scored a four-star (out of five) crash-test rating, including an especially concerning three-star frontal rating. The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, conversely, called the 2012 Fusion a Top Safety Pick.
However, overall, the 2012 Fusion may not be the best choice. Its six recalls and over 2,000 owner complaints exceed rivals such as the Toyota Camry (two recalls and 550 complaints) and 2012 Honda Accord (eight recalls and about 340 complaints).
If you’re set on a 2012 Ford Fusion, the most reliable version may be one with the rare manual transmission given how prevalent issues are with the automatic transmission. Better yet, look at the alternatives.
Photos: Ford
