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CarComplaints.com Notes: Power steering problems started rearing their ugly head in the 2010 Fusion, so you'd think Ford had plenty of time to make sure those problems didn't creep into the 2012. But here we are.

The Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) is a mess. It fails at an alarming rate. Don’t believe us? Take a look at NHTSA’s data on the subject.

And much like the power steering, we’re still seeing the same throttle body failures that started in 2010 continue in 2012.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
13 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
55,075 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Ford Fusion brakes problems

brakes problem

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2012 Ford Fusion Owner Comments (Page 1 of 5)

problem #92

Aug 012023

Fusion

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While my Student Driver 15 year old son was practicing for his driving test, the Brakes went out. The dash was lit up like a Christmas Tree, and when the Brake pedal was depressed, it touched the floor. The car did slow down briefly, then there was no friction what so ever from the brakes. My son, and wife could have ended up in a horrible accident, as the only way to stop the car was by allowing the car to roll to a complete stop. This is actually a know issue for Ford Fusions from 2006-2010. I brought this car to a dealership, and they diagnosed it as the ABS ABS Hydraulic Control Unit. They have already completed the repairs. One of the comments that was made is that if it had been a 2006-2010, it would have been replaced under recall. After the Brakes went out the Service Advance Trac light, and Check Brake system shown on my Dash Light. This is a very dangerous issues especially since I live in a heavily populated collage town. My family, and/or another innocent bystander could have been extremely injured or even killed. I feel like Ford knows about this problem, and should be responsible to replace it.

- Lawrence , KS, USA

problem #91

May 212023

Fusion

  • miles
Their is a recall for Ford Abs Module yet their needs to be one for 2012 Ford Fusions Se as well I have paid over 3200 dollars for my brakes alone. I have had 2 near misses and was in an unreported incident today from power loss on my breaks. Very unsafe for me and those around

- Robinsonville, MS, USA

problem #90

Dec 152022

Fusion

  • miles
My braking has not been correct. The brake pedal goes, almost to the floor, unless I pump the pedal. It has put me in scary situations when I have to hit the pedal hard. When I hit the pedal hard, it starts to stop, then goes down to the floor. The pedal is very spongy most of the time, with little reaction when you put your foot on it. At a higher rate of speed, you cannot slow down fast. Advise me my next course of action please

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #89

Apr 072023

Fusion

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Brakes failed while driving. Finally stopped after multiple attempts after pressing brakes to the floor. ABS, advancetrac, and ABS lights came up on dash while this was occurring (not prior). Dealer reproduced /confirmed concern. ABS module fix of $2750. Luckily I was driving slowly and no other cars, people, or animals were in the vicinity; otherwise, this could have resulted in injury/deaths.

- Pleasanton , CA, USA

problem #88

Feb 022023

Fusion

  • miles
The braking system failed. Yes it-€™s available upon request for inspection. The safety of myself and others were put at risk because it caused me to hit something in front of me. I stepped on the brakes and the pedal went straight to the floor. This has happened multiple times it is putting my safety as well as my children-€™s safety at risk. When I step on the brake pedal there is nothing goes to the floor till I pump the pedal. Initial Lu when hitting the pedal it jerks the steering wheel out of my hand to the right every time. It-€™s not only putting my children-€™s, and my self in harms way but any other driver that might be even near me while driving considering it takes the steering wheel out of my hand uncontrollably.

- Wiggins, CO, USA

problem #87

Sep 072022

Fusion

  • miles
Brake system failed while driving. Brake pedal went to the floor and lost all brake assistance. After diagnostics, it was determined to be the ABS control module and hydraulic module. This same model was subject to a recall that ended in 2010 MY however the same issues are persisting into the 2012 MY.

- Nixa, MO, USA

problem #86

Jan 122023

Fusion

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Brake pedal intermittantly sinks to floor; vehicle will stop but braking distance is substantially increased. No brake warning light comes on. Vehicle brought to dealer in November 2022 but dealer could not reproduce issue. Problem re-occured in January 2023; vehicle was towed to dealer. Again, dealer could not reproduce issue because it is very intermittant. At my insistance, and as a customer-pay repair, dealer replaced ABS HCU (hydraulic control unit) and ABS electronic control module. Note that there is a recall on older Fusion models for HCU failure but not 2012 model.

- Monrovia, MD, USA

problem #85

Jun 042022

Fusion

  • miles
Reporting this issue after the fact as it closely resembles the events associated with earlier Ford Fusions documented under NHTSA Safety Campaign Number: 19V904000. After ABS was activated, the brake pedal felt extremely soft and the required braking distance greatly increased. This was initially fixed by replacing the master cylinder and flushing the braking system; however, that fix proved to be temporary. Soft brakes and large braking distance is now an intermittent issue. This car is available for inspection if needed.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #84

Dec 022020

Fusion

  • 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the traction control system, brakes, and power steering functionality became inoperable. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed. While driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The driver pumped the brake pedal several times before the brakes started working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed him that the failure was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

- Canoga Park, CA, USA

problem #83

Nov 142022

Fusion

  • miles
Slippery/snowy conditions, applied brakes approaching a stop sign. ABS kicked in and brake pedal dropped to the floor. With reduced braking ability. This has continued since. This has happened the past 2 winters and will eventually just release and the brakes function normally, until the ABS is needed and then the same thing happens.

- Somerset, WI, USA

problem #82

Aug 312022

Fusion

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There is intermittent failure when brakes are applied. Periodically when we push the brakes they go all the way to the floor and the car keeps moving forward and not brake. I have researched this and it seems Ford has recalled some of the ABS components in this model of car but not for this year/VIN.

- Carrollton, MO, USA

problem #81

Sep 152022

Fusion

  • miles
Shortly after a having the rear brake pads replaced, I noticed that the handbrake (or e-brake) would lose tension over night, but not always. Since this was occasional, then it appeared to be a hydraulic issue. About three months later (9/15/22), the brake pedal stopped working correctly and the pedal had to travel further, and be pushed to the floor to bring the car to a gradual stop. I almost went into the back of another vehicle, it's fortunate that I was travelling at a low speed when the brake failed. I took the vehicle to my Ford dealer/service shop and, following their inspection and diagnostic assessment, was told that there is a problem with the hydraulic control unit (HCU), and that the it would need to be replaced and the lines flushed. My vehicle is a 2012 Fusion. This sounds like the same HCU problem that lead to the recall for 2006-2010 Ford Fusion vehicles - refer Ford Motor Company (Ford) Recall No. 19S54 - https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V904-0442.pdf Per linked pdf, the NHTSA opened EA18-002 and included inquiry of 2006-2012 Fords Fusion vehicles. It appears that only the older 2006-2010 models were included in the recall. However, as the newer (2012) models reach a similar mileage or age, it may worth reevaluating and extending the scope of the recall in the interest of safety for the traveling public. Had the brake failed while traveling a higher speed, then my life, my children's lives and others would have been at risk.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #80

Jun 252022

Fusion

  • miles
Approximately three months ago the ABS system engaged due to applying my brake to avoid pedestrian crossing in front of me. After continuing to drive the brake pedal was very soft and traveled nearly to the floor of the car. The next day the system returned to normal. Several days ago, on 6/25/2022 this occurred once more when a hard brake was needed to avoid a suddenly stopped vehicle and the same problem became present with a soft petal and having to pump the pedal, my wife was the operator this time. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by any entity. I have inquired about this problem from my mechanic and also have researched the problem and see there is a recall > 19S54 also an update to the recall > EA18-002 that states my 2012 Fusion is included in the recall and will now contact the local Ford Dealership to have this concern corrected. In my research I see that is due to the ABS module sticking due to corrosion from the wrong brake fluid. I have had several close calls while operating my car, the recall states Ford advises it is safe to drive. This I strongly disagree with, particularly since my wife uses this vehicle and is not as skillful as I when it comes to mechanical issues such as this. There were no warning lights, or messages, the issue has now cleared up again and brakes are operating normally as before this incident. This vehicle is readily available for inspection on request.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #79

Aug 012021

Fusion

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop within a reasonable time. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he was able to stop the vehicle after pumping the brake pedal. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and the brake lines were flushed several times. The vehicle continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back for the third time and was informed that the rear and front brake calipers, the ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU), and the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

problem #78

Feb 232022

Fusion

  • miles
After Replacing some Calipers, Rotors & Pads I took My vehicle to Meineke Car Care Center in Lawrence, Indiana to have the Brake system Flushed ("Bled") I got my car back and immediately after pulling off I had NO PEDAL! ALMOST GOING THROUGH A FENCE! My Hand Brake saving me intime. I declined to have it reserviced at Meineke and had it looked at by a Local Mechanic I trust. He informed me After Bleeding the Master Cylinder, ABS Module with a Scan Tool and All Calipers that there was still no pedal. Which meant one thing The HCU on the ABS Module is Bad. Which was likely because 2006-2010 Models of the Ford Fusion have a Recall on the ABS/HCU for Loss of Brakes. WHY THE 2012 MODELS DO NOT HAVE A RECALL ASWELL IS BEYOND ME" Even though the 2012 Model Shares ALOT of Key components with the previous year's models. Including the ABS/HCU. Why is the 2012 not included" Obviously Corporations, Federal Regulators & Insurance companys in Kahoots to dampen the blow back to the Automotive industry AT THE EXPENSE OF PEOPLES LIVES!!! DO THE RIGHT THING

- Indianapolis , IN, USA

problem #77

Feb 182022

Fusion

  • miles
After starting the car, the brakes were not working properly--it required a lot of pressure to get the brake pedal to work. The brake light also came on indicating a problem with the ABS. After turning the car off and restarting it, the brakes worked fine again. The same thing happened the next day. That's when we took it for repairs. Our mechanic advised us to take it to a Ford dealer. Santa Monica Ford told us the ABS module and HCU need to be replaced at a cost of $2800 (and because there are delays getting the parts from Ford, it will take at least a couple of weeks). There is a related recall on Ford Fusions up to 2010, NHTSA campaign number: 19v904000 (service brakes, hydraulic). After some research, it's apparent that this is a common problem for Ford Fusion 2011 and 2012 models as well. It looks like the problem extends through 2012 and the recall should apply to those model years as well.

- Playa Del Rey, CA, USA

problem #76

Feb 072022

Fusion

  • miles
Started car and began to back out of parking space. There had been a few drops of rain, but it wasn't actively raining at the time. Brake went to floor when driver went to slow down. Numerous dashboard lights and messages came on, including ABS, Traction Control, Traction Control Off, and "Service ADVANCETRAC" message. Driver stopped car with handbrake and shut car off. Tried several times to restart vehicle over the next 30 minutes, but lights remained on and brake remained soft. Finally restarted car and brake was normal, but lights remained on. All lights went on and car returned to normal when put in drive gear. This has happened about five times to two different drivers over the past 18 months. All but one time in rain, and twice while driving at 35 mph or so. We will plan to scrap or trade in the vehicle. Vehicle has been checked out by both an independent mechanic and Richmond Ford West, with no issues identified when examined.

- North Chesterfield, VA, USA

problem #75

Oct 052021

Fusion

  • miles
On October 5th, 2021 around 6:20am, the brakes on my 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid failed to slow the car in any way. This event occurred while I was on the highway (M14) going ~65mph. Unable to conventionally stop, I was a crash hazard to those around me, and to the braking traffic in front of me. After being inspected by the Varsity Ford Dealership, I was told "the brake control unit is not actuating the valves in the hydraulic control unit" and that "there is a possibility that it will also need the hydraulic control unit as well." It has been at the dealership for the past 2 weeks and is available for inspection. There were no warning messages or signs prior to the brake failing. I received a warning sign at the point of failure, but by then I already knew the brakes did not work.

- Ann Arbor , MI, USA

problem #74

Oct 072021

Fusion

  • miles
I have a 2012 Ford Fusion and my breaks went out I replaced the master Cylinder in it as well as the brake booster and still didn-€™t have any brakes. While driving I couldn-€™t stop my Car had to go off to a ditch thankful that I didn-€™t have a accident I-€™ve been told that the ABS module might be the problem this should be a recall on this problem.

- Shoreview, MN, USA

problem #73

Aug 072021

Fusion

  • miles
On 08/07/2021 at approximately 3 pm while driving the vehicle low brake fluid level light indicated on dashboard. Stopped at a gas station and checked to make sure there was no brake fluid leaking and checked brake fluid level which was low. The cars brakes were still operating properly and we returned to the location we were staying to find an auto parts store to purchase brake fluid. At 6 pm, drove to the auto parts store to get brake fluid. We purchased the appropriate fluid and topped of the brake fluid reservoir. The low brake fluid light turned off on the dash after topping off the brake fluid. About 2 ounces were added. Upon leaving the auto parts store, we pulled out onto the road and when trying to brake, the brakes malfunctioned, the pedal went completely to the floor and the car did not stop normally and hit another vehicle. Police report attached. No injuries and minor damage to both vehicles bumpers Car was pulled off the road and was towed to shop for inspection as the brakes would not stop the car. Shop #1 replaced the master cylinder and the brakes still did not operate properly. Car was towed to shop #2 (Ford Dealer) and they diagnosed it as a failed ABS HCU unit in the vehicle that was not communicating with the onboard computer system. ABS HCU was replaced by the Ford Dealer and vehicle is now braking as normal. There were no warnings from the vehicle computer system that there were any issues with the brakes other than the low brake fluid level light, which was resolved by adding brake fluid. The 2006-2010 Ford Fusions have a recall for the ABS-HCU unit, but the recall did not include the 2011 and 2012 Ford Fusions, even though it appears to be the same ABS HCU unit. Upon doing research on the internet, this is a common problem with this year of Ford Fusion and there are no warnings or indications that this may occur. I feel the vehicle should be recalled and the brakes fixed.

- Maple Glen, PA, USA

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