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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:
17 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
12 / 2
Average Mileage:
53,543 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Ford Fusion Owner Comments (Page 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #44

Apr 142014

Fusion 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. While driving at low speeds, the engine suddenly accelerated without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000. Updated 1/13/15

- Port Orange , FL, USA

problem #43

Oct 172014

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 14,300 miles
According to the driver, the vehicle was put into reverse backing out of a parking spot, then when the car was put into drive the vehicle would not stop gaining high speeds up to 50mph. The engine rpms were high and the car was "out of control" as the driver had their foot pressed on the brake. The Fusion struck a few parked cars and eventually hit a vehicle head on coming the opposite way in a parking lot. There was one fatality as a result of the crash and other minor injuries from the victims. According to Ford a notice was sent out in January of 2014, field service action number: 13N03, which they offered an extended warranty for the defective part but never explicitly stated a throttle body could stay open causing the vehicle to surge or runaway causing a fatal accident. See also 10649298.

- Perkasie, PA, USA

problem #42

Oct 172014

Fusion

  • 14,300 miles
According to the driver, the vehicle was put into reverse backing out of a parking spot, then when the car was put into drive the vehicle would not stop gaining high speeds up to 50mph. The engine rpms were high and the car was "out of control" as the driver had their foot pressed on the brake. The Fusion struck a few parked cars and eventually hit a vehicle head on coming the opposite way in a parking lot. There was one fatality as a result of the crash and other minor injuries from the victims. According to Ford a notice was sent out in January of 2014, field service action number: 13N03, which they offered an extended warranty for the defective part but never explicitly stated a throttle body could stay open causing the vehicle to surge or runaway causing a fatal accident. See also 10649303.

- Perkasie, PA, USA

problem #41

Nov 052013

Fusion 6-cyl

  • 53,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact mentioned the instrument panel warning lights illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000. Updated 12/18/14 the consumer stated when she pressed the accelerated pedal, the vehicle slightly accelerated, and the vehicle would also jerk forward. At times, the vehicle would cut off while driving. Updated 01/07/15

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #40

Mar 102014

Fusion

  • miles
Bought a 2012 Ford Fusion brand new from a dealership. First incident occurred within first 2 yrs of ownership while driving 45 mph down an incline - sudden loss of power. It felt as if it lost power steering and thought engine shut off. Dash alarms rang and briefly saw 'power steering fault' light up. Took all my power to pull car off road and to a safe complete stop.turned off ignition. After a few minutes restarted ignition and drove directly to a dealership without further incident. Dealership stated water pump was defective and sent a signal to the engine to shut down. Pump was replaced second incident occurred months later while at a complete stop at a traffic light. Steering wheel suddenly locked, and felt engine power reduce. Dash warning sounded and saw 'power steering fault, service powertrac' light up. Turned ignition off and back on and was able to drive to dealership without further incident. Was told a chip replacement was issued. Replaced chip and was told that would extend the warranty and resolve issue. Continue to have additional incidents (4 to date ) both while moving and at a stand still where the dash warning sounded and felt a reduction or loss of power, each time having to shut off ignition and restart to clear the fault. Dealership continues to attempt to service with no resolve as yet.

- Hayes, VA, USA

problem #39

Sep 192014

Fusion 6-cyl

  • miles
While driving, the car began to shake and jerk like the engine wanted to die. Then I lost engine power. The car still had power and was on, but there was no throttle when I pushed the gas. The engine light and a little wrench came on. I put it in park, turned it off, restarted it, and it still had no engine throttle to it. But the car had a small amount of power, like I was coasting along, so that I could get through the stop light and make it to the side of the road. Every time I tried the gas pedal though, there was no response; it went to the floor. I was at the light by my neighborhood, right by the train tracks. Thank god I had enough power to get through that!

- Lincoln, CA, USA

problem #38

Sep 012014

Fusion

  • 60,500 miles

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

I was driving on interstate 70 at approximately 65 mph when I suddenly lost all engine power. I was almost hit by a semi traveling behind me because my vehicle had absolutely zero acceleration. The "wrench" light on my car came on at the same time this happened. The semi behind me swerved to miss me and I was able to get my car off to the side of the road. Lights, climate control (A/C), radio, etc. Worked fine. Engine still ran but would not move forward. I turned the car off to call for assistance. Upon seeing if the car would re-start, it did and no "wrench" light appeared. I was able to then get the car to my local Ford dealership, but being a holiday they were closed. I could have been killed when this happened on the interstate with the semi behind me!! sounds like some kind of fuel injector or throttle problem. My vehicle is not even 3 years old and I bought it brand new in Dec. 2011.

- Buckeye Lake, OH, USA

problem #37

Jun 162014

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 52,777 miles
While driving on a major highway at a set rate of speed the car acted as if it was trying to shift gears and bucked, RPM's went up and then back to normal. It went to the dealer and throttle body was replaced, a week or so afterwards the car started to do the same thing, but this time also in reverse. I took it back to the dealer where they stated that nothing was wrong but they only put 4 miles of a test drive on the car. Last week the Fusion left me on a major highway just shutting down with no warning and I happened to have my 2 year old. I left it sit about 30 minutes and turned over the ignition and it started like normal. I was just thankful to get home without and accident. It's not safe... the car looks great but its like you take your life into your own hands driving it.

- Oxford , PA, USA

problem #36

Jul 242014

Fusion

  • 54,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. While driving various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. When the contact depressed the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked. The contact had to turn off and restart the vehicle in order for it to resume normal operation. The failure occurred numerous times. The dealer stated that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The part was unavailable and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 54,000.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #35

Jun 222014

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 52,000 miles
Felt like a surge then engine stalled. Had to pull over turn the car off then restart.

- Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA

problem #34

May 112014

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 25,000 miles

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

At a very low speed, while pulling into a parking space, vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while lightly breaking and would not stop causing impact to another car.

- Niagara Falls, NY, USA

problem #33

May 222013

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 8,037 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly increased acceleration and failed to decelerate when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact then crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy with the significant impact. The contact sustained a fracture wrist and injuries to the right knee. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the severe body damages to the front end were repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,037. Updated 05/06/2014

- Brownsburg, IN, USA

problem #32

Mar 102013

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 63,000 miles
Starting out, throttle had no response on take off, now taking a right hand turn throttle has no response then jumps forward, very difficult pulling out onto a highway. I've taken it to two different Ford dealers and they refuse to do anything till the check engine lite comes on, meanwhile I'm driving a dangerous car...

- Aurora, TX, USA

problem #31

Feb 192014

Fusion

  • 66,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.

- Gastonia, NC, USA

problem #30

Feb 042014

Fusion

  • 1,500 miles
Received a letter extending the warranty of the throttle body, but I feel this is a safety issue, especially at high speeds on interstate highways, and should be a recall issue not a warranty extension.

- Gaines, PA, USA

problem #29

Jan 032014

Fusion

  • 35,944 miles
When passing another vehicle at 45 mph in 2012 Ford Fusion sel V6 (36,000 miles) car suddenly and without warning lost power but quickly regained it. A few minutes later, while turning corner, car suddenly and dangerously lost power again and didn't regain it. I managed to roll to curb; warning lights were on including wrench. I stepped on gas but car wouldn't move. Turned off engine and ten minutes into waiting for tow truck, I tried to start vehicle. It started and I was able to drive it two blocks to my home. Based on their experience with Fusion, mechanics at Ford dealership suspected throttle body problem and I was told there was nothing they could do because code for throttle body didn't appear during diagnostic check. I was told that when it happens again to bring it back to see if they could catch code and get authorization for repair. The sudden loss of power in this car while driving it is very dangerous and the series should be recalled and throttle body repair done by Ford because of this serious safety issue.

- Woodland, CA, USA

problem #28

Nov 232013

Fusion 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,445 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the wrench warning indicator illuminated as the vehicle unexpectedly lunged forward. In addition, the vehicle began to vibrate violently. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the engine was turned off. Upon restarting, the vehicle was driven with caution to the contact's residence. The vehicle was later towed to an authorized dealer, who stated that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 78,445....updated 03/07/14 the consumer stated the vehicle lunged forward and lost power. The dealer replaced the throttle body and motor assembly. Updated 03/13/14

- Bethlehem , GA, USA

problem #27

Dec 012013

Fusion

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while in reverse, the engine rpms increased as the vehicle lunged in reverse, causing the contact to crash into another vehicle. The contact was not injured and a police report was filed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 95,000.

- Rahway , NJ, USA

problem #26

Nov 112013

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 65,600 miles
Trip home from work, approx 45 miles into my trip, car on cruise control going 72 mph and stalls, the wrench light comes on. I cannot accelerate using the gas pedal. Pull to shoulder, car idles rough. Turn off and back on. Continued trip without problem. Nov. 14. 2013: Car taken to local Ford dealer and they cannot retrieve any error codes. Mention throttle body but they didn't see any need to check this but replaced a supposed dead battery. Nov. 15, 2013: On drive back home from work, about 20 miles into my drive, car on cruise control at set at 70 mph stalled again with wrench light. Have no reaction at all with gas accelerator. Pulled over to stop. Car idols rough. Turned and back on again. Nov. 15, 2013:stopped at a stop sign. As I went to press the gas to make the left hand turn, I noticed that my car had died. This was a second instance with my car on November 15th. Nov. 20, 2013: On drive home, approx. 20 miles out, car on cruise control at about 75 mph, while attempting to pass a car, the car stalled. Again no reaction using the gas pedal. Had to hit break to get behind vehicle due to incoming traffic. Very bad situation. Nov. 22, 2013: In am approx 20 miles from home heading to work, not using cruise control going approx. 70 mph, car stalls. Nov. 27: cavender dealership (selma, tx) also was not able to get an error code on the car but found research information on the throttle body on 2012 for Fusion having the same issue as my car. Cavendar does not want to replace the part and it not being the actual problem. We had no incident to or from with this trip. Nov. 28: we were exactly 100 miles into our trip, when the car stalled. The car was on cruise control at 70 mph. Stopped the car, idols high. Note: I drive 120 miles daily to/from work and issue is not resolved.

- Karnes City, TX, USA

problem #25

Nov 112013

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 65,500 miles
Trip home from work, approx 45 miles into my trip, car on cruise control going 72 mph and stalls, the wrench light comes on. I cannot accelerate using the gas pedal. Pull to shoulder, car idles rough. Turn off and back on. Continued trip without problem. Nov. 14. 2013: Car taken to local Ford dealer and they cannot retrieve any error codes. Mention throttle body but they didn't see any need to check this but replaced a supposed dead battery. Nov. 15, 2013: On drive back home from work, about 20 miles into my drive, car on cruise control at set at 70 mph stalled again with wrench light. Have no reaction at all with gas accelerator. Pulled over to stop. Car idols rough. Turned and back on again. Nov. 15, 2013:stopped at a stop sign. As I went to press the gas to make the left hand turn, I noticed that my car had died. This was a second instance with my car on November 15th. Nov. 20, 2013: On drive home, approx. 20 miles out, car on cruise control at about 75 mph, while attempting to pass a car, the car stalled. Again no reaction using the gas pedal. Had to hit break to get behind vehicle due to incoming traffic. Very bad situation. Nov. 22, 2013: In am approx 20 miles from home heading to work, not using cruise control going approx. 70 mph, car stalls. Nov. 27: cavender dealership (selma, tx) also was not able to get an error code on the car but found research information on the throttle body on 2012 for Fusion having the same issue as my car. Cavendar does not want to replace the part and it not being the actual problem. We had no incident to or from with this trip. Nov. 28: we were exactly 100 miles into our trip, when the car stalled. The car was on cruise control at 70 mph. Stopped the car, idols high. Note: I drive 120 miles daily to/from work and issue is not resolved.

- Karnes City, TX, USA

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