YearToAvoid

2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid Steering Problems

Steering complaints make up 36 of 96 total complaints (38%) for the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the highest share of any model year in this comparison. One crash was linked to steering failure, with no related recalls on file for this year.

Steering complaints
36
38% of 96
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
66,623 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Power steering suddenly cuts out at low or medium speeds, often triggering a "power steering assist fault" message on the dash.
  • Steering becomes very difficult to turn once assist is lost, with some owners describing having to wrestle or force the wheel.
  • Failures sometimes occur mid-turn or while navigating a curve, in one case leading to a crash after the driver lost control.
  • Traction control and ABS warning lights frequently activate at the same time as the steering fault.
  • Problem is often intermittent, temporarily clearing after the vehicle is turned off and restarted, then recurring later.
  • Some owners report the issue tied to failed diodes in the alternator or the need to replace the electronic power steering gear or rack.

When 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid steering complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 1, 2013, latest Jul 7, 2025.

2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid steering complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2013Oct 2014Aug 2015Aug 2016Nov 2017Nov 2018Nov 2019Jul 2025
36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2013 to Jul 2025; peak Aug 2015 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Fusion Hybrid model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2010138 (27%)
  2. 201143 (33%)
  3. 201236 (38%)
  4. 201319 (15%)
  5. 201414 (22%)
  6. 201515 (33%)
  7. 20165 (9%)
  8. 201712 (17%)
  9. 20187 (12%)
  10. 20195 (14%)
  11. 20201 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering problems in the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid?
NHTSA data shows 36 steering complaints out of 96 total complaints for the 2012 model year, a 38% share, the highest share among the model years listed.
Is there a recall for steering issues on the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid?
No related recalls are listed for the 2012 Fusion Hybrid's steering complaints in this data.
At what mileage do steering problems typically occur?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2012 Fusion Hybrid is 66,622.5 miles.
Did steering failures cause any crashes?
NHTSA records show one crash linked to steering complaints for the 2012 Fusion Hybrid, with no fires or injuries reported.
How does the 2012 Fusion Hybrid compare to other years for steering complaints?
The 2012 model year's 38% share of steering complaints is higher than every other year listed, including 2010 at 27% and 2011 at 33%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.