Throughout its 14-year run, the Ford Fusion quickly rose through the ranks of the midsize sedan segment, establishing itself as on par with the likes of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The 2012 model represents the last year for the first generation, giving then-new buyers a reliable and well-sorted alternative to the usual offerings of the day. Even today, the 2012 Ford Fusion remains a stellar choice for anyone in search of a well-equipped midsizer at a discount.
Despite its proven track record for quality and reliability, the 2012 Ford fusion isn’t immune to vehicle recalls. The 2012 model has fewer recalls than most, but of the three listed below, two of them involve the infamous Takata airbag recall. So far, over 63,000,000 airbags manufactured by Takata were recalled due to the risk of serious injury or death upon deployment.
If you currently own a 2012 Ford Fusion or have one in mind as a used buy, then you’ll want to know about the following recall issues potentially affecting your vehicle. Diving into a vehicle history report can help you uncover more recall information, as well as whether these issues have already been addressed by previous owners.
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V340000
Recall Date: June 2, 2015 – Components Involved: Steering
In certain 2012 Ford Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter I4 engine, the electric power steering system may suddenly shut down due to a steering motor sensor fault. A sudden loss of power steering can be disconcerting to drivers, making it harder to turn the steering wheel at lower speeds. In some cases, this can also increase the likelihood of a collision.
Upon discovering any diagnostic trouble codes from the Power Steering Control Module, your dealer will replace the steering gear at no cost. Otherwise, your dealer will simply update the PSCM software as part of the recall fix, again at no cost.
Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V024000
Recall Date: January 10, 2017 – Components Involved: Airbag
Certain 2012 Ford Fusions may be equipped with passenger frontal airbags manufactured by Takata. These airbags may contain defective inflators that could rupture in the event of a crash, resulting in metal fragments that could seriously injure or even fatally harm occupants. The main culprit involves propellant that degrades with long-term exposure to temperature and humidity changes.
This recall affects 2012 Ford Fusion models that were originally sold and/or registered in the following states and territories:
- Alabama
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Puerto Rico
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan)
- U.S. Virgin Islands
The fix involves replacing passenger frontal airbag inflators at no cost to the owner.
Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V001000
Recall Date: January 7, 2019 – Components Involved: Airbag
This recall also addresses 2012 Ford Fusion models equipped with Takata-manufactured passenger frontal airbags, this time involving vehicles sold and/or registered in the following states:
- 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
- West Virginia
Like the previous recall, this one involves faulty airbag inflators that may rupture upon deployment. The resulting metal fragments can strike occupants inside the vehicle, resulting in injuries ranging from serious to potentially fatal. If you own a 2012 Fusion that meets the above criteria, then you should notify your dealer and have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
As part of the recall effort, your dealer will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator at no cost.
