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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.

8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,810
Average Mileage:
88,500 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace steering unit (4 reports)
  2. not sure (3 reports)
  3. ford covered the repair as part of the recall (1 reports)
  4. replace control arms and power steering rack (1 reports)
2012 Ford Fusion steering problems

steering problem

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2012 Ford Fusion Owner Comments

problem #9

Oct 012020

Fusion SE 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

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

So I'll try to keep this short and simple. I received this car from my grandmother when she passed away so its pretty special to me. I currently still own it but I think this is the last straw. In 2020 I noticed that there was a knocking noise every-time I turned the Steering Wheel. Later come to find out I needed to replace the steering rack module. That cost me 1,200 the first time. Couple months later I would turn on my car from time to time and the warning "power steering assist fault" would pop up. I could get rid of it by just turning it off but 2 years later down the road, it completely failed on me. Was really upset and thought about getting a new car but I figured I would give it one last shot by fixing it again.

This time it was 2,100 $, unreal and I for sure got ripped off but my dumbass thought it might fix it for good. Got it fixed again and then 4 months later I hop in my car and turn it on, of-course I get the "power steering assist fault" warning. For anyone wondering how the car runs without power steering, it is very difficult to turn this wheel since the steering module is fully electric. You can do it but it really isn't safe. Thought this car would run longer since there is only 70K miles on it but i was wrong. For anyone thinking of buying this car, PLEASE AVOID IT. Safe your time & frustration. Probably will never drive a Ford again unless I'm desperate. Probably good ford isn't making Fusions and focus's anymore because they are junk...

- Jackson H., Cincinnati, US

problem #8

Oct 132022

Fusion ES 2.6L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

Ford know this is an issue, they refuse to recall the part and call it a customer satisfaction event. This is clearly a safety concern.

- celayamj, Glendale, US

problem #7

Aug 072019

Fusion V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

click to see larger images

power steering failure power steering failure power steering failure power steering failure power steering failure power steering failure

I did have control of steering and couldn't get my car to stop.

- Barbara Y., Florence, KY, US

problem #6

Jul 242019

Fusion SEL 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,134 miles

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

This is a real problem. No power steering, I can't drive the car. I checked with Ford and its not part of the recall. I will have to replace the Power Steering at a cost of over 1000.00 dollars.

- Paul M., Rudd, IA, US

problem #5

Mar 112019

Fusion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I have driven this car for over 5 years with no problems, have kept all maintenance up as scheduled and never expected to have a S3,000 expense with a flat tire. I had no warning other than when it happened. I've never had a problem with my power steering, no warning nothing until all of a sudden a flat tire and now being told the recall doesn't apply to my situation because my control arms went bad and need to be replaced for $1,213.23 and I need a new power steering rack for $1,809.99. This is crap! I still owe $7,000 on the vehicle, I cannot afford this much in repairs for something that shouldn't have worn out anyway. I don't drive the car off-road, I've never been in an accident and just don't understand why the recall isn't applicable to my situation!

- Laura C., Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #4

Feb 032018

Fusion SEL 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,148 miles

Completely lost power steering while driving. Almost caused a bad accident.

Update from Feb 26, 2018: Ford covered the replacement under the recall

- Lenny V., Sacramento, US

problem #3

Jan 282018

Fusion LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,756 miles

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

From the time the "Check power steering light" message came on to the failure of the electric power assist unit, 10-15 minutes elapsed. I was able to drive the unit home, about 25 miles, but steering the car was like driving a 1950 3-5 ton loaded truck that had no power steering. When subsequently checking the web I found some reports that this same part failed 100% and the vehicle had no steering whatsoever. This is frightening. It cost me $2,300 cdn to have the problem fixed since it occurred after the 100k kms warranty AND was a month and a half outside a Ford recall period on this problem, although now, in the US, I understand that the recall has been extended. I have written to the President of Ford Canada early January 2018 but as yet have had no reply. My concern is there is a serious issue with these electric units, be it design, electrical, electronics or software. I understand parts fail, but with something like power steering, if they fail, they must fail safely 100% of the time. I kept the failed unit since it's my contention it was built within the initial recall period and as such my vehicle should be covered by the initial recall. I'm sure my lawyer will agree with my argument if I have to move to stage 2 in my discussions with Ford Canada.

- Michael B., Embrun, ON, Canada

problem #2

Oct 052017

Fusion S 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,185 miles

Daughter called me this morning and told me her power steering stopped working. Had the car towed to the repair shop. Looked up the model and it says there was a recall on the vehicle concerning power steering. Just want to find out if the recall is still active.

- robertbellamy47, Cabot, US

problem #1

Jul 072017

Fusion SE 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

I had to replace the engine twice. First time it had a bad piston 4200 miles. Legacy ford replaced the engine with a Ford remanufactured by a 3rd party 6000 miles the engine failed. Second engine replaced 12/2016. Today July 7 new engine oil pan cracked. Took to the dealer they did warranty the oil pan and had the align the car. On the way home 3 miles from the dealer the electric steering went out $1500 dollar fix.. The engine was $7000 the car has been nothing but trouble and Ford is hiding from their responsibilities as an OEM. this is my daughter's college car and the cost of college is hard enough with Ford throwing us under the Freaking Ford Bus.

- tcoons8, Houston, US

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