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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.

9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,570
Average Mileage:
80,950 miles
Total Complaints:
43 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (18 reports)
  2. replace electronic steering gear code c200d (8 reports)
  3. replace rack and pinion (6 reports)
  4. replace steering gear (5 reports)
  5. complete replacement of steering column (3 reports)
  6. fixed (1 reports)
2012 Ford Fusion steering problems

steering problem

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2012 Ford Fusion Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #23

Apr 032016

Fusion SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

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

I am extremely disappointed with Ford as my power steering just completely went out while I was driving on Sunday, April 3, 2016. The car was nearly impossible to steer out of the way of traffic and created strain on both my arms, wrist, and heart.

I contacted Ford's customer service line to inform them of the issue and to find out if there was some sort of recall on the vehicle. Turns out there is a recall on the power steering for the 2010 - 2012 Fusion however, Ford informed me that there was no such recall on my vehicle as my VIN number didn't come up in their system as having a recall on the power steering.

I was furious at this and argue back and forth with the rep as well as her manager over the phone. So, I decided to take the car to a local Ford dealership to have them assess the issue. Ford charged me a diagnostic fee of $119. I received a call from the service rep stating that the total repair cost on my 2012 Ford Fusion would be over $2,360.

I feel as though this is absolutely absurd and Ford should take full responsibility and go ahead and repair the issue without me having to pay out anything out of pocket for the simple fact that my car only has 40,000 miles. I don't think that I would ever purchase another Ford vehicle again as they do not stand behind their products and, they don't seem to care if a consumer is insured or killed because of faulty power steering gear assembly parts.

- bryanpr240, Katy, TX, US

problem #22

Jun 102015

Fusion U U

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

My father bought a 2012 Ford Fusion on 6/8/2015 from dgdg. I searched the web and found out that that model had a power steering problem that could result in impaired steering including a loss of control and potentially increasing the risk of a crash. People over the internet replied that they had their car fixed and it happened again. One internet complaint was that the problem happened after the warranty expired. They did not recall this car.Why not? Thanks to the lemon law in california, dgdg.com took the car back 3 days later. People buy cars fast. I must be careful when buying a car.

- Cynthia R., los gatos, CA, US

problem #21

Aug 282015

Fusion V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,407 miles

My car went from driving great to useless. I did not & was not having problems with my power steering and then all of a sudden the steering felt weird, was getting tougher to turn. Then by the time I reached my destination its not driveable. I then find out about a recall with 2012 Fusions. Call Ford customer service then transferred to customer relations and both tell me my car does not fall in that category....WTH I want to know why when clearly it says 2012 Ford Fusions have a recall out not "CERTAIN" Ford Fusion!!! For a issue to happen like this all of a sudden, attention needs to be addressed towards this issue!!!!!

- Jamie L., Petersburg, TX, US

problem #20

Apr 302015

Fusion SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

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

This should be recalled. No power steering. It is only 3 years old. I see a lot of complaints on this same problem. I do not feel safe in it anymore. Ford needs to recall this problem.

- Trudy M., Deer Park, TX, US

problem #19

Apr 132015

Fusion SLE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

This is a TRW electric steering gear that appears to have fail when curbed. It would be nice if the motor only was available for replacement.

There are rebuilt units available with a longer warranty than Ford.

Update from May 29, 2015: To repair the car I bought a used power steering unit off Ebay and removed the motor. I unhooked the battery, unplugged the wires and removed the motor from the steering unit in the car and put the used motor on. Reconnected the wires and battery terminal. Parts about $200.00 and about two hours labor. Steering works fine.

- Ed D., Tenino, WA, US

problem #18

Jun 012014

Fusion SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

This car steering just locked up on my wife, we had to man-handle the steering wheel for weeks just to get around. Its not everybody has thousands of dollars saved. And to hear Ford say its not covered... I am so disgusted with them. That thing costs. We had to replace the whole steering column.

- constantine52, Smyrna, GA, US

problem #17

Jan 312015

Fusion SE 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

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

I was driving to an event with my children in the vehicle, when the power steering went out. It was hard to turn and I had to take precautions to make sure me and my family made it back home safely.

- Kametria S., Flowery Branch, GA, US

problem #16

Jan 022015

Fusion SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,567 miles

My car is only 2 years old why would the power assist come on? So far, I have been able to turn on and off and continue driving. But I cannot afford to fix this problem. Ford is making the cars real cheap now so they break down and then the consumer has to spend thousands of dollars just to drive the poor made vehicles.

Update from May 30, 2015: It happened - my power steering failed. My car was towed to the dealer because I could not even steer the car. To repair it cost close to $1600.00. I was lucky and only had to pay the deductible. But - just wanted to update that the power steering suddenly failed.

- nevadaemma, Las Vegas, NV, US

problem #15

Oct 042014

Fusion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,789 miles

I was on my way home from a football championship 4 hours away when a light pooped up reading service power steering now and then suddenly my power steering went out and I could not turn the wheel! I was with two friends of mine and we nearly drove off a cliff because my car would not turn at all! I had to pull over and call a tow truck who towed us all the way back to Phoenix. I immediately called the Ford dealership and explained to them my situation. They told me that my cars warranty expired at 36,000 miles and that everything would come out of pocket. I asked them if I could bring it in to take a look at it and they said there would be a $100 diagnostic fee and could possibly be more depending on what they do to the car. Now I'm just frustrated because how in the world am I going to drive the car there with no power steering!? I'm a 20 year old girl in college and should not have to spend this much money on a car that I bought thinking it would be reliable... It's only 2 years old!!!! I just want my car fixed but can't even afford the $1,500-$2,000 in repairs!

- Alexandreah B., Peoria, AZ, US

problem #14

Dec 112014

Fusion SEL 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

On December 18,2013 paid 1825.09 to have power steering fixed, because i was told wasn't under warranty at 56,000 miles. Then in January paid 228.92 for the advance trac system. Now less than a year later they are both out again. I have heard that the power steering going out is very common. My daughter has one as well and has had the same issue. So angry that i have heard the power steering going out has caused crashes for some people. This is a very serious issue and should be recalled and fixed without costing the consumer an arm and a leg!!!! Only having one vehicle makes it difficult to get to work and back now.

- dcalhoun65, Shreveport, LA, US

problem #13

Apr 182014

Fusion SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,800 miles

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

Power assist failure problem keeps popping up even after I have taken it to the Ford Dealership for fix or evaluation. The Ford Dealership says they have no information on the problem form Ford and cannot find any information regarding the power assist failure. They have contacted Ford but they have not acknowledged the problem.

- Richard P., Meadville, PA, US

problem #12

Jul 152014

Fusion Sedan

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,744 miles

You are our last chance before we go to the General Attorney’s office about FORD MOTOR COMPANY.

My MOM’s Quote “IT WENT OUT TOO SOON!” And she is correct, read her story about 2012 Ford Fusion Power Steering Assist Module Defect.

It’s been a nightmare (for our family) ever since our mother’s (Louella Ashford) Power Steering Assist Module went out (Jul 15) on her 2012 Ford Fusion only to discover, her car was no longer under MFG warranty and she was handed a large bill of $1800 originally; we contacted FORD Customer Relations, NHTSA, BBB Auto Line, and the Federal Trade Commission.

You can review all details below but the main issue is this is a “ Major DEFECT” and FORD will not own up to it. The warranty doesn’t matter, if it was a recall (as it should be) FORD would have paid for the repairs anyway. My mom was not explained ”Extended Warranty” when she purchased the car and why would something major go out at only 36,744 miles? Shame on Ford it was only 744 miles over, I’ve been told normally they would pay for such low mileage over MFG’s warranty.

I want the entire complaint letter sent to FORD Customer Relations, CEO, COO, whomever will listen. We have been given the run around from FORD and Tim Castellaw dealership, shame on FORD. I want this letter on your website since you have FORD rated A+. They are not running an A+ operation. They DO NOT care about their customer. My mom has made every car payment on time, what we call an Excellent Paying Customer and Ford is only saying I am sorry, they should be more than happy to pay for the repairs.

My mom wants FORD to reimburse repair expenses (she does not have that kind of money and she should not have to pay for something such as this). (And as her daughter, Judy Jacob, I am here to help her. I have been in customer service 20 + years and never experienced such Poor Customer Service and normally I go through you, BBB and get great results. I depend on your website for positive and negative reviews before I make decisions now.) Tim Castellaw Ford Dealership (repaired her card) only took the price down to 1101.03 because the person my mom purchased the card from got involved. She still should not have to pay a dime. This car is too new to have a major part go out. And its all over the internet with other customers having the same issue. Please review and forward our complaint to FORD: HERE ARE HER DEMANDS: Ford reimburse $1101.03 for repairs Ford compensation for all the days she went without her car, totaling 31 days @ 42.98 (daily rate of compact rental) = $1332.38 Ford pay for extended warranty to “Warranty Company of her choice; valued at $2895 for up to 100,000 miles. Ford reimburse July’s car payment to her of $303.45

Dates and correspondence below:

WHAT IS YOUR VEHICLE SALES OR SERVICE ISSUE?: My 83 yr old mom brought a used 2012 Ford Fusion on 12/7/2012 and on 7/15/2014, she was getting ready to run an errand, all of lights started flashing and her steering wheel would not turn. She had received a "Recall" letter on Trottle; therefore when she contacted Ford Customer Relations, a tow truck was sent out to pick it up on 7/22/2014. Her car was taken to the nearest Ford dealership "Tim Castellaw"in Dyersburg, TN. When my mother called on the status of her car, the dealership did not realize her car was there, and finally on 7/31/2014, she was hit with the bad news that her MFG warranty of 36,000 had expired (she has 36,744) and the cost to repair "The Power Steering Assist Module"; would cost her $1800! First of all, had my mom been driving and the Power Steering went out, could be serious consequences, her safety and others in danger and second she does not have $1800, third, no car this new should have this major issue and last, she is requesting Ford to Pay for Repairs. WHAT ACTION HAS YOUR DEALER TAKEN TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE?:The dealership has been giving her the run around, the Service Mngr (Ricky) is always too busy to look at her paper work; says they have been short-handed and I called him several times with no luck; Ricky originally told me he would contact a Ford Sales Agent to get try and get her some assistance but never did. Finally, today, 8/5/2014, I spoke to the GM, Frank Markle and asked about a credit card Ford supposedly has to help with repairs. He called me back and said the application had to be mailed in, which will take even longer to see if my mom would get approved. There was nothing else he could do. My mom is still trying to come up with the money. She has been without a car for THREE WEEKS! This is so horrible the run-around I've been getting and especially her. I have reported to BBB, NHTSA (ODI# 10618045) and your Cust Relations with NO HELP from FORD, her case# is CAS-4989454-GOW8L4 - Vin# 3FAHP0JG7CR158887 and all Cust Relations say is I'm sorry; that is not helping WHAT ASSISTANCE ARE YOU SEEKING FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY?:My mom need her repairs paid by Ford; there is no way a car that new should have something major happen to it. At this point the warranty is not important; she could have been killed or seriously injured or vice versa. This should be a recall and this is a safety issue.

Call me with your decision, Judy Jacob 214-232-5531 or send email to jacobja@outlook.com Are you the owner of the vehicle :Yes VIN : 3FAHP0JG7CR158887 MILEAGE : 36,744 WHERE IS YOUR VEHICLE NOW : At home now HAVE YOU CONTACTED THE DEALER :Yes DEALER NAME : Tim Castellaw Contact Information First Name : Louella Last Name :Ashford Address :310 Juliet Ave City : Caruthersville, State :MO, Zip :63830 Email Address : jacobja@outlook.com Phone Number :573-333-1518

Sent from Windows Mail

- jacobja, Caruthersville, MO, US

problem #11

Aug 282014

Fusion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

I have had a problem with my power steering before. Driving around curves around a lake. SCARY! But I had it taken to a dealership, they told me if this happens again just turn it off and turn it back on. IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN?! This is my first car, I'm 20 years old and don't want to expect my car to lose power steering when it feels like it. For about 6 months this problem didn't happen again, then two days ago... yep. Luckily, I was already pulling into my subdivision and knew what to do. Then this morning, I got in my car, started it, put it in reverse and almost immediately the steering wheel locked up and I couldn't turn the wheel. I turned the car off and on four times and eventually gave up. Called my dad and a couple other older car guys I know and they all suggest I check the air in my tires first? Not sure why, but I listened. My air was low, so I slowly made it to the gas station and filled up. Nothing changed. Very frustrating. Next they told me to try unplugging my battery for ten minutes and letting everything restart itself. Did this three times, and still nothing. I just obtained a lot of responsibilities seeing as how I just moved across the United States to live on my own, last thing I needed was car problems! I did crash my car back in 2012 and don't know if that has any affect on this problem but when I took it in the first time they said it wasn't related. What can I do from here?!

- Lauren W., Fort Myers, FL, US

problem #10

Aug 242014

Fusion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

I have a 2012 Ford Fusion SE and my car is fine until I took a road trip yesterday got home but noticed my steering was as fluid. Open the car today and turned my car on and the power steering failure warning light is on and saying to replace now. I'm like wow. Can't check any fluid because there is no reservoir and since today is Sunday no open shops. Not sure if this is a recall or what. NO warning and my steering won't turn at all..

- Tanika M., Richmond, VA, US

problem #9

Aug 242014

Fusion SE 2.5L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,275 miles

I WENT TO MAKE A LEFT-HAND TURN; NO POWER STEERING. WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING: POWER STEERING FAILURE AND ADVANCE TRACK FAILURE. I NURSED THE CAR HOME WITH NO POWER STEERING. TOOK IT TO DEALER NEXT DAY(I HAD MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION SERVICED PREVIOUSLY.) THEY TOLD ME IT WAS COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY ONLY CHARGING ME FOR THE DEDUCTIBLE. NOW I AM WITHOUT A CAR FOR AT LEAST 2 DAYS.

- Mark W., Orland Park, IL, US

problem #8

May 142014

Fusion V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,044 miles

Within 2 min of leaving driveway, get message "Power Steering Assist Failure" and no power steering. Can steer with much effort. Limp to parking area; stop car and restart - no further problem. Yet.

After reading other posts here I did not get the sense that there is a (1) single identifiable problem and (2) single defined fix - sounds like dealers just try module replacement. Since it is an intermittent problem, first substitution appears to remedy it - until it occurs again.

- Phil M., Quincy, MA, US

problem #7

Apr 282014

Fusion V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,500 miles

Called the Ford Customer Care Hotline.....What a Joke.................Pleaded my case as the car is barely two years old and just out of warranty......Ford states its not covered by loyalty program or any other program...

WOW...I used to say nice things about Ford Fusion and how the US car companies are finally making head way.....Not anymore....What a horrible way to be treated....Back to the Japanese after owning two Toyotas and a Honda as well as a Isuzu (disguised as a Chevy LUV) with no issues at all taking the vehicles close two 140K miles each ....I'm done with Ford. My advise try anything else or suffer the indignation of being treated like a piece of garbage.....

- Jeffrey C., Phoenix, AZ, US

problem #6

Mar 132014

Fusion SE 2.5L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,683 miles

Purchased used 2012 Ford Fusion SE with about 46,500 miles from Ford Dealer on March 7, 2014.(I'd been nursing along my '91 Mercury Sable of 17 yrs for the last few yrs, saving for the purchase of a newer car. Found this Fusion close to the amount I'd saved & was real excited about it, though did borrow a bit to make it.) The sixth day after purchase, the power steering fault lite came on as I was leaving for work so I read in my manual that this meant I'd have to get it back to Ford, but that it would be manual steering so I thought I could at least drive it there. WRONG!! I couldn't budge the wheel to steer when trying to back out of driveway - nothing like the manual steering from yrs ago!!

So had it towed there and later was told problem was a part to be replaced, about $1800! I hadn't picked up the extended warranty as I had no more money for this & it was such a new car with the existing warranty good for another 3 yrs, I felt pretty secure. I argued them about having to pay this, as the steering is an important component for the car & wasn't that in the existing warranty? but,no dice, and as you can expect, I was super upset, where was I to get this kind of money when I'd just spent so much?? and I had NOT even had the car A WHOLE WEEK!!!

Many tears & calls later, they came down to $500 which I had to work at getting together, but the car is back with me finally. I will say I am thankful for their help with the rental car & that they did reduce the cost, but I still think I shouldn't have had to pay - it had just had a 50 point inspection for land's sake!!

After reading all the comments on your site regarding the same complaints about this same car, I do not feel very safe with this car now, am so afraid it will happen again when I'm driving & that could be so very dangerous. shouldn't there be compensation for those of us driving vehicles with this liability?? and no recall????

- michelecalifornia, San Carlos, CA, US

problem #5

Feb 202014

Fusion SEL V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,524 miles

It is absolutely wrong that a mechanism as important as the steering of a car is not included in the manufacturer's warranty. Especially since the power steering failure occurred while I was driving! The car is near impossible to steer without the power steering not to mention I have tennis elbow in both arms. I will be contacting consumer affairs on this one. I bought a Ford due to their reputation for quality and "American Made"! Turns out the car was built in Mexico. I've only had this car since December of last year so this totally sucks! And I couldn't find an extended warranty for it when I bought it. I feel like a fool who got racked over the coals and after being burned I have to live with this car still! I could trade it in for a new car but then I'll be upside down by about 5K. Boooo.

- ali z, Modesto, CA, US

problem #4

Aug 292013

Fusion SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,100 miles

I was driving down the Interstate when an alarm sounded and two warning messages appeared on the dash display. Power Steering Assist Fault and Service Advancetrac. At that time there was no power steering. The vehicle was extremely difficult to turn. Had I been executing a turn at the time of the failure I likely would have run into something. The steering is extraordinarily stiff when the power assist is off. This has occurred several times over the past few months.

In the past, restarting the vehicle cleared the error message and the power steering worked again. This time however the failure seems permanent. Ford has examined the vehicle and said the failure is in a motor in the rack and pinion and the entire steering assembly will have to be replaced to the tune of around $1900.00. This is a very dangerous problem as it occurs with no warning and at all different speeds. I have also noticed some "clunking" sounds when the steering wheel is turned while the vehicle is stationary. There needs to be a recall for this.

- Michael T., Loganville, GA, US

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