Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2012 Ford Fusion
The 2012 Ford Fusion has significant safety concerns, primarily due to problematic airbags and steering systems. With high complaint volumes for steering and electrical systems, prospective buyers should approach with caution. Ensuring all recalls have been addressed is essential for safety.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2012 Ford Fusion has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,517 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V158000 Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21E013000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V081000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V024000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V340000 Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 1,474 complaints
- Air Bags 404 complaints
- Electrical System 164 complaints
- Power Train 158 complaints
- Unknown or Other 119 complaints
- Engine 111 complaints
Of the 2,517 complaints on file, 107 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 2,517 complaints, owners report 64 injuries and 3 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator may explode
How to check: Verify recall completion for airbag inflators
Electric power assist system failure
How to check: Check steering assist function, especially during sharp turns
Frequent electrical system issues
How to check: Test all electrical components like windows and lights
Engine complaints reported
How to check: Look for excessive noise or leaks around engine
Brake system complaints
How to check: Inspect brake fluid level and check for vibrations
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations
Red flag: Loud knocking or heavy vibrations
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for electrical issues, lights on dashboard
Red flag: Warning lights remain illuminated
- 03
Low-speed turns
What to check: Assess steering ease and any noises
Red flag: Steering wheel is hard to turn
- 04
City driving
What to check: Check acceleration and braking smoothness
Red flag: Jerky movements or unresponsive brakes
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for smooth gear changes
Red flag: Sluggish response or gear slipping
- 06
Braking from speed
What to check: Feel for vibrations or pull to one side
Red flag: Severe pulling or grinding noise
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Any issues with the steering system?
- Have there been electrical problems?
- What's the maintenance history like?
- Are there any unresolved complaints?
- How often has it been serviced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall service records
- Maintenance log
- Title and registration
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2012 Ford Fusion at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2012 Ford Fusion? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.