10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
14 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
53,336 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Ford Fusion:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

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

problem #72

Jul 112021

Fusion

  • miles
A few weeks ago I went to slow to a stop at the end of my driveway at approximately 5mph. My brake pedal dropped to the floor and i had to repress on the brake pedal to come to a complete stop. It continued working properly for a week or so when it happened again. The same week I was backing out of another driveway slightly down hill and attempted to come to a complete stop to look for traffic. Luckily there was none because my stopping distance was around 12 ft or so going maybe 3mph with the brakes completely pressed. I have since had my brake pads changed and all other components checked and was told were working properly. Now my stopping distance at 10mph is at least 3-4ft. I am too afraid to drive my vehicle at higher speeds on any road due to the stopping distance issues.

- Estancia, NM, USA

problem #71

Apr 162021

Fusion

  • miles
While Driving my 2012 Ford Fusion like any other day-?? As approaching a 4-way intersection my traffic light was changing to red. When I went to stop using my brakes, my car would not stop at all and went completely through the intersection, and oncoming cars at each directions we-??re coming towards me and my children. The brakes were as if they were not there and went completely to the floor and would not or did not stop my car at all. After several times pumping the brakes and strongly engaging in pulling the emergency brake numerous times I finally got my car to somewhat stop. This was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. Most definitely the most dangerous thing I have ever experienced my entire life for myself and my young children. We are truly lucky to be alive from these brakes completely, and unexpectedly spur of the moment going out! No warning!!! Models 2006-2010 Ford Fusions have a recall on this same exact brake system and have the same exact problem with the braking system unexpectedly and dangerously going out!!! Please get the recall extended on past 2010 and include 2011 and 2012 Ford Fusions!!! As they have the same exact braking systems!!!

- Nicholasville, KY, USA

problem #70

Jun 092021

Fusion

  • miles
1) Brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) failure. Dealership removed and replaced HCU assembly and ABS module. All parts retained by Dealer. 2) HCU brake failure made stopping very difficult and slow to stop. Dealer recommended not driving until repaired. 3) Dealer confirmed HCU failure with computer code analysis. 4) HCU and effected parts not inspected by anyone other than Dealer. 4) numerous red ABS and brake warning lights upon backing out of garage to street. I shut the engine off and restart in the hope of correction, to no avail. Problem re-occurred. Vehicle could be stopped but with difficulty -- slow to stop and hard to stop. Dealer replaced HCU assembly and ABS module and added PM1C brake fluid (DOT3), This HCU failure apparently has been a problem in Ford Fusion and other Ford vehicles (see Safety Recall 19S54 -Anti-Lock Brake System Hydraulic Control Unit Valve Function -- 2006-2010 Ford & Lincoln Mercury). It doesn't look like the problem has been resolved. Note that brake fluid used is DOT 3 and not the NTSB recommended remedy DOT 4 brake fluid

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #69

Apr 272021

Fusion

  • 151,000 miles
Upon applying brake pressure, the pedal must travel a significant distance before any braking is felt. My car has had new brakes put on, where the mechanic has said there are numerous complaints from owners with the same car. Braking distance is significant and I am able to feel the floor with my foot. This should not be the case. Ford does not seem to have a solution, so they continually push it under the rug. I have verified that my master cylinder is working as expected with no air in my lines. I do a lot of freeway driving, but in order to stop on time, I have to get off the freeway doing 10 mph less to ensure I can brake in time.

- North Olmsted, OH, USA

problem #68

Apr 072021

Fusion

  • miles
The brakes are "spongy". took it to our mechanic who replaced the master cylinder twice and the brakes were still "spongy". he looked at the brakes and they looked good. He recommended that the ABS sensor be replaced, but Ford wouldn't sell it to him. So, we took it to the Ford dealer and they replaced the brakes, calipers, etc. And the brakes remain "spongy". they said they needed to replace the master cylinder, but it is brand new.

- Battle Creek, MI, USA

problem #67

Feb 012021

Fusion

  • 82,413 miles
When in motion, the vehicle's brake pedal has excessive travel, almost needing to be pushed to the floorboard before any braking occurs. The uncertainty over the car's braking ability makes it dangerous to drive. No error codes or ABS lights present. Local repair shop replaced brake pads and rotors and found no air in the system when they bled the brakes. They speculated it is possibly the hydraulic control unit for the ABS. There has been a recall on earlier Fusion models for this issue, but not 2012 models for some reason.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #66

Jan 282021

Fusion

  • 164,589 miles
Brake pedal became soft and the braking distance was increased after ABS activation on snow/ice. I tapped the brakes to check how slick the road surface was, this activated the ABS. I then traveled 30 feet and applied the brakes to make a right hand turn, the brakes went nearly to the floor causing me to take the turn at a higher than safe speed.

- Hamilton, OH, USA

problem #65

Oct 092020

Fusion

  • 68,000 miles
All thsymptoms that occur as described in your campaign involving Ford recall no. 19S54 and specifically EA18-002. The brake pedal has excessive travel before engaging the brakes. This significantly increases braking time. I have had several near misses, almost resulting in accidents.

- Poplar Grove, IL, USA

problem #64

Sep 122020

Fusion

  • 142,000 miles
The rear brake calibers have seized up twice now. 1st time was June 2017, serviced by Firestone, and just recently Sept 12th 2020. Both times required a full brake repair. First happened at 72,000 miles and now at 142,000 miles. Both cause a loss of braking in the vehicle. In June of 2017 the vehicle was moving between 30 to 45 mph when it seized up. We drove it to nearest shop in Illinois so we can start our drive back to Georgia. Second time was not as bad as I recognized the symptoms and got it in for repairs before full seizure of the brakes. Online review shows many problems with the brakes on this car model.

- Dallas, GA, USA

problem #63

Aug 292020

Fusion

  • 200,000 miles
Power steering light came on. Steering wheel wouldn't turn easily.

- Walker, MN, USA

problem #62

Jun 152020

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 95,000 miles
Brake pedal drops almost to floor at times greatly increasing stopping distance when approaching a stop or when I slow down. This necessitates the need to pump the brake pedal and in extreme circumstances needing to swerve to avoid a collision. This problem occurs with no warning at all. This seems to be a known issue with the Fusion.

- New Wilmington Rd, PA, USA

problem #61

Jun 252020

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 40,100 miles
Car was idling in line at a drive thru for about 5 minutes. Driver released floor brake to move up in line. After pulling up a few feet, and then trying to slow the car, the brake pedal traveled all the way to the floor and braking distance was extended. Driver was afraid the car wouldn't stop. Car has a new electronic throttle body and hydraulic ABS pump, but problem persists. Driver is considering getting a new car.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #60

Jan 202020

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 51,000 miles
On two occasions the brake systems failed to work. 1. driving on rt 4 (double lane state rd.) in Maine speed approx 60 mph. There was 4 to 5 cars ahead of me. Suddenly, everyone applied their brakes. The first car in line decided to take a left hand turn. I applied my brakes-brake pedal went to the floor--no antilock brakes. Had to swerve into oncoming lane. Finally car stopped. A second time it happened was on a hill in dover, nh. There is a traffic light at bottom of hill. As I started down the hill, I applied the brakes again no brakes no antilock brakes. Luckily was able to stop by time I reached the light. I took car to a local garage they test drove and it operated fine. They removed wheels and looked at all the brakes. The rear brakes, calipers, pads etc were replaced a year ago. The front brakes looked brand new even though there was almost 52,000 miles on them.pads and rotors looked like new, shiny, no scratches. Could not find the problem. We decided to replaced the rotors and pads with a softer version. Seems to be working"?"

- Berwick, ME, USA

problem #59

May 242020

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
After going to several service places with my brakes they are yet giving issues having to pump them to stop. Power steering system assist shut down while driving and door latches won't open from the inside. The local Ford place said I need to contact Ford Motor Company because there are recalls for my issues but not for my VIN number and I need to get them added under my VIN so they can fix it with no charge.

- Hattiesburg, MS, USA

problem #58

Apr 292020

Fusion 4-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
Brakes failed stopping suddenly at 70 mph nearly hitting a row of cars ahead of me pedal went to the floor increasing stopping distance probably 400 percent with very weal brakes. Brake light and ABS inop light illuminated. Was able to drive car home slowly using hybrid electric motor brakes. Repair shop said brake control module has failed this is a low mileage car unacceptable could get someone killed.

- Mishawaka, IN, USA

problem #57

Mar 172020

Fusion

  • miles
The brake pedal is soft and travels further than normal. Braking distance is significantly increased. I brought the car to the dealership and turned out that the hydraulic control and the electronic control units are both faulty, based on some research it appears this is a known issue. It has a new master cylinder and brakes have been bled professionally. This did not cure the problem. It is unsafe. I want the dealer to do something about this at no cost to me. This is a recall item for 2010 Fusion, but not 2012.why"?" I've seen several complaints about this same issue why hasn't anything been done, safety should be top priority.

- Sulphur, LA, USA

problem #56

May 232019

Fusion

  • 155,000 miles
The brake pedal goes all the way to the floor before slowing down even when accelerating at slow speeds. They're very sponges when making stops and almost non existent after hitting a bump in the road.

- Decatur, GA, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »