2012 Ford Fusion hybrid problems
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the mid-sized Ford Fusion sedan manufactured and marketed by Ford, now in its second generation. A plug-in hybrid version, the Ford Fusion Energi, was released in the U.S. in February 2013.
The first generation was launched to the U.S. market in March 2009 for model year 2010, together with its badge-engineered variants, the Mercury Milan Hybrid and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The second generation was launched under the Ford and Lincoln brands for model year 2013, went on sale in the U.S. in October 2012.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid at 39 mpg‑US (6.0 L/100 km; 47 mpg‑imp) combined city/highway. The second generation hybrid improved the fuel economy rating to 42 mpg‑US (5.6 L/100 km; 50 mpg‑imp) for combined city/highway driving. The EPA rated the Energi's combined city/highway fuel economy in all-electric mode at 88 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPG-e) (2.7 L gasoline equivalent/100 km; 106 mpg-imp). In hybrid operation (charge-sustaining mode), the Energi has a combined fuel economy of 38 mpg‑US (6.2 L/100 km; 46 mpg‑imp).
The Fusion Hybrid has won the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award, and the entire 2013 Ford Fusion line-up, including the Fusion hybrid and plug-in variants, won the 2013 Green Car of the Year. As of December 2016, over 285,000 units of the Fusion hybrid family have been sold in the United States since 2009, including the plug-in hybrid variant. As of December 2016, sales of the Fusion Energi totaled 43,327 units delivered in its main market, the U.S.
Social links
Common 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid problems
The 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to engine issues, power steering, and fuel system.
Engine Problems
The most significant issue with the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the engine problems, which rank as the worst category for this model year. These issues can lead to inconvenience, additional repair costs, and potential safety concerns.
Power Steering (EPAS) Failure
Power steering is a critical component for the safe and comfortable operation of a vehicle. The 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid has been reported to have power steering failures, especially in the 2010 model year, with 17 complaints of power steering totally going out. This issue can lead to difficulty maneuvering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, and may pose a safety risk, particularly in tight spaces or during parking.
Fuel System Issues
Another common problem with the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid is excessive fuel consumption, with user reports indicating that the vehicle tends to burn through fuel more quickly than expected. This issue can lead to increased fuel costs and the need for more frequent refueling, which can be inconvenient for owners.
Excessive Oil Consumption
The 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid has also been reported to have issues with excessive oil consumption, with blue smoke coming out of the engine bay as a symptom.
Swollen Lug Nuts
The 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid has been reported to have swollen lug nuts, which can make it difficult to remove the tires using a standard tire socket.
Additional Issues
Other issues reported for the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid include squeaks and creaks over bumps and while turning, harsh or delayed shifting with the 6-speed automatic, and brake failure. These issues can lead to inconvenience, additional repair costs, and potential safety concerns.
In summary, the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid has several common problems, primarily related to engine issues, power steering, and fuel system. These issues can lead to inconvenience, additional repair costs, and potential safety concerns. It is essential for owners to be aware of these issues and consider them when making decisions about maintenance and repairs.
What is the common problem with 2012 Ford Fusion?
Transmission Minor
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Is the 2012 Fusion a reliable car?
It's a very reliable car
This is a very roomy car I love the body style the color is black. The interior is great this car has everything anyone would want. The trunk is big and roomy its fully electronic mine has a sunroof.
Is it worth buying a Ford Fusion Hybrid?
The 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid ranks in the top third of the hybrid and electric car class. The Fusion has a comfy interior, intuitive tech features, and good safety and predicted reliability scores, but it also has a small trunk and back-of-the-pack fuel economy.
How long will a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid last?
We've discussed that a typical Ford Fusion will last around 250,000 miles. Thanks to this information, high mileage for a Ford Fusion lands at about 200,000 miles.
What is the common problem with 2012 Ford Fusion?
Transmission Minor
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Is the 2012 Fusion a reliable car?
It's a very reliable car
This is a very roomy car I love the body style the color is black. The interior is great this car has everything anyone would want. The trunk is big and roomy its fully electronic mine has a sunroof.
How much does it cost to replace a Ford Fusion hybrid battery?
Typically, you can expect hybrid battery replacement costs to range anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000.
How long will a 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid last?
We've discussed that a typical Ford Fusion will last around 250,000 miles. Thanks to this information, high mileage for a Ford Fusion lands at about 200,000 miles.
2012 Ford Fusion hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Fusion hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid
The NHTSA has received 216 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid vehicles.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-17
- VIN: 3FAHP0JG1CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The vehicle’s power steering failed on a major roadway with a 17 year old driver at the wheel. This is a defect in the power steering that is known to Ford, the recall was supposedly fixed but it failed again so the fix is also very unsafe. Ford needs to find a way to actually make the steering safe.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- VIN: 3FAHP0GA9CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The power steering went out. They had a recall for it but its no longer available. I never had an issue til now so if it was a danger then it should still be a recall no matter what year it is now
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-13
- VIN: 3FAHP0HA8CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Power steering was repaired under recall warranty about 3 years ago. The replacement part failed. This part should have outlasted the car, this it's a known issue
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- VIN: 3FAHP0GA6CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I am the original owner of this 2012 Ford Fusion. It currently has 122,000 miles. The power steering went out on my car last week. SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW light came on. Had the car towed to the Ford dealership in Sandusky. I was advised the repair would be $2100.00. In doing research I found that while there was not a recall on the car there was the following that was put out by Ford. 15s18 Supplement 3. I contacted Ford customer service and was advised that my car was 2 months out of the build date for the service advisory from Ford. From what I have read this is not an uncommon problem for this model year. Please feel free to contact me. My cell number is [XXX] . Thanks! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
- VIN: 3FAHP0HA8CR
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park, the vehicle rolled backward with no warning light illuminated The contact engaged the parking brake pedal, and the vehicle stopped. The contact also noticed that the transmission shifter cable had dislodged from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-10
- VIN: 3FAHP0JG2CR
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: This is an open recall that I'm sure has been stated many times, but the dealerships are not accepting the recall or granting it. The power steering aka. Steering assist system failed. Which is an ongoing issue with my vehicle model and year. It has caused me so many "almost" bad accidents and making it so I have lost an incredible amount of income due to my vehicle being down for repair and unsafe to drive and too expensive to fix. Especially when there is a recall about said thing. I need help.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
- VIN: 3FAHP0HG6CR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: When coming to a stop the brake pedal went straight to the floor. No warnings were lamps were present. A mechanic checked the brake lines, master cylinder, and calipers and was not able to reproduce the issue. The mechanic deduced that the likely culprit was a faulty ABS control module. Had I been on the interstate or even had another vehicle infront of me, this would have been absolutely disastrous. This seems related to the recall for the older model fusions. This needs to be looked at.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 3FAHP0JG6CR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The door locks on the driver and passenger doors open on their own and not working properly. Car has 53000 original miles. It is just like the problem that are in the recall of the 2014 and 2015 Ford Fusion. The latch on both doors are independently sprung in open mode. One incident where the driver door opened while driving.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
- VIN: 3FAHP0JA6CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact's father owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Service Now" was displayed, and an excessive effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-12
- VIN: 3FAHP0HG3CR
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's side door failed to open using the interior door handle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side interior door handle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred three years later. The contact stated that on the second occasion, the driver’s and front passenger’s side windows were rolled down and the door was opened using both outside door handles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,945.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-14
- VIN: 3FAHP0JA6CR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, the brake pedal briefly became squishy. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and required increased effort to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the hydraulic control unit and anti-lock braking system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- VIN: 3FAHP0HA4CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the wheels were shuddering. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel was locked. The message "EPAS System Inspection Required" was displayed, and the Advancetrac warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- VIN: 3FAHP0HA9CR
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The driver power steering system message goes on every so often and I have to turn off and on to reset the light, but my concern is that it’s going to go off as I’m driving, and the fuel mileage as I’m driving it says mileage to empty and one time I was trying to get to the gas station and it hit 0 and it was still going the car, and the suspension makes noise when I go over the bumps and also when I’m reversing and turning the wheel there’s a popping sound from the front it sounds like,
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- VIN: 3FAHP0HA7CR
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: My 15 year old permit driver was driving the car and a power steering message flashed. The car became very difficult to steer and very difficult to pull to the side of the road. This could have caused a major accident. I was told when I called there was a recall for this in the past but had been fixed on this particular car. It must not have been fixed well. The car is not technically high mileage by today’s standards.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- VIN: 3FAHP0JA7CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: My power steering failed and caused me a great deal of grief financially and left me without a vehicle. This was a known issue with my car and a recall was not brought to my attention. I spoke with a representative at Ford and was informed to ask for an investigation: 15V340. I wish to be reimbursed by Ford for the inconvenience and failure to be notified about this recall.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-19
- VIN: 3FAHP0HA9CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that when the vehicle started, the steering wheel seized. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with electronic steering rack failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic steering rack. The contact was informed that the electronic steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 144,277.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 3FAHP0JA8CR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The abs control module failed at 59,000 miles. It's difficult driving on wet rainy roads with no ABS System, it's a Hughe safety risk especially on wet roads. The month of August was really rainy and it was extremely stressful driving. I have been looking for a repair but several auto repair shops including FORD can't get the part.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- VIN: 3FAHP0JA1CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Power steering assist fault failed, should have been covered under NHSTA forms but was not honored.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 3FAHP0HG2CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear box had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-13
- VIN: 3FAHP0JG6CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Last few years I have advance trac, steering assist, steering locks up intermittent issues documented by dealer, not abke to find anything wrong when i still had extended warranty, now they suspect it no recall / no warranty it's 2400 $ It's a safety issue many people have documented .
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-10
- VIN: 3FAHP0JG2CR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I noticed a couple of months ago my brakes where acting weird one minute they were fine and then sometimes the pedal would go to the floor and one day I was behind someone who had stopped suddenly and I hit my brakes fast and they went to the floor, for me not to hit the person in front of me I had to run off the road I was doing 30 mph and nobody was hurt but if I didn't have the options to run off the side of the road I would have rear-ended the other car and would have put me and the other people in a dangerous situation now my brakes go to the floor all the time I had it checked and every time I hit the brakes while in park they hear air coming from the ABS module which needs to be replaced is what I was told there was never no warning light that came on and never have come on before, this incident would have been much more dangerous if I was on interstate doing 70 + and I could have not stopped I've learned that the same problem has a recall on the 2006 - 2010 Ford fusion and all the reviews I've read the same problem is happening for the 2012 Ford fusion also so why hasn't it been put on the recall list because this puts people's life's in danger and it is a very hazardous safety issue
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 3FAHP0JG0CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: One week ago I started experiencing a grinding noise when steering my vehicle, at any speed. The steering also catches in certain positions and becomes difficult to turn. The issue can be isolated to the electronic power steering gear in my vehicle: the grinding persists after disconnecting the tie rods, but disappears after disconnecting the steering column. I have a 2012 Ford Fusion with 104,000 miles on it. It has been well maintained and driven carefully for its whole life with zero accidents or failures. The steering issue appeared suddenly and spontaneously. There are no warning lights, or service codes, but the steering is clearly failing and making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Power steering failures at speed are unsafe and can cause accidents. Recall 15S18 and extended warranty 15N01 specifically address this faulty part in 2011-2012 Ford Fusions and many other vehicles. Because my vehicle is 2 months outside of the manufacture date range, it is not covered by this recall. However, it is built in the same plant with the same faulty part number. This leaves me with either a $2000+ repair, or I can drive with faulty power steering which is not only a major safety issue but one that is known to Ford as well as the NHTSA. Ford is refusing to cover the cost of this repair and additionally want to charge me diagnostic labor which I don't think I should be responsible for. Please look into this issue further and hold manufacturers accountable for replacing their faulty parts. Thank you.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-03
- VIN: 3FAHP0JA0CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message “Power Steering Assist Fault” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the Extended Warranty had past the 10-year limitation and was expired; therefore, there would be no coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was no longer covered under the Extended Warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
- VIN: 3FAHP0HG5CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: When getting my car I started the car the steering was stiff and a Power steering assisted fail came across my dash so I turned of the car and restarted the car and it was find. I have had to repeatedly do this on several times.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-27
- VIN: 3FAHP0HA1CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was slowly driven to the residence. The contact parked the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The following day, the vehicle was started, and the power steering function was inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid problems:
Long term owners of Ford Fusion Hybrid, how is the reliability? What ...
Jan 24, 2019 ... The transmissions and steering units are known to be a common issue with these cars, but that stretches beyond hybrids and energis. The best we ...
2012 Ford Fusion Problems To Keep In Mind - Flagship One Blog
Dec 26, 2023 ... Common Problems Reported with the 2012 Ford Fusion · Fuel Consumption Issue · Acceleration and Shuttering · Delayed Shifts in Transmission.
I bought a 2012 Ford Fusion and keep getting joked on. : r ...
Mar 8, 2021 ... My 2010 Fusion Hybrid ... engine wasn't known for timing chain stretching or component failure ... My wife had a 2013 Ford Fusion and had numerous ...
2012 Ford Fusion Problems: The Most Common Reliability Issues ...
Aug 2, 2022 ... Another common problem of the 2012 Ford Fusion is excessive fuel consumption. According to user reports, the Ford Fusion tends to burn through ...
2012 Ford Fusion Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
Top 2012 Ford Fusion Problems · Harsh or Delayed Shifting of Automatic Transmission · Squeaks and Creaks Over Bumps and Turning · Swollen Lug Nuts · Transmission ...
Other years of Ford Fusion hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid?
Leave your review of 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid