Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Ford Fusion owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Rear tail light side parking marker. All marker lights in working order is required to pass Delaware state inspection. The LED is hard wired within the housing unit and is not a replaceable bulb. I have to replace the housing assembly for 160.00 plus tax for a simple light. Car is 10 years old. I don't believe Ford expected it to fail for the life of the car. Part 13404. The side marker light is not on the parts diagram. I can replace the part but was hoping Ford would cover the bill, but I admit, i am venting frustration.
This is a general concern, not limited to only my car. Daytime running lights do not turn on the tail lamps. People believe if they have the DRL turned on, they're safe, but they are difficult to see in rain/fog/tunnels etc. DRL should include tail lamps Also, automatic headlamps only come on when it gets dark enough out. It's surprising how many tail lamps come on half way through the turnpike tunnel. Auto lamps should simply come on when you turn on the key. That's a frustration of mine. Thank you for listening.
I am facing electrical issue in my car very frequently. The electrical problem occurs two ways, 1) while running 2) while starting the car while running:- when the electrical issue come while car is running then the below problem occurs, 1. Transmission should not be set to parking, if set to parking then we cannot move to neutral or drive. It will be stuck and tow is the only option. 2. Turn lights will not work. 3. Head lights will not work. 4. Door glass sliding will not work. 5. Ac will not work 6. Car display will not work for clock am/fm 2) while starting the car:- if the problem occurs while starting the car then I will be able to only start the car and the automatic transmission will not work. We cannot move the transmission from parking to neutral or drive. Towing the vehicle is the only option. …
I own a 2012 Ford Fusion se 6 cylinder this vehicle has a major safety hazard. My passenger side rtail light continues to blow and the most recent incident occurred last week when I noticed a burning smell. I have been replacing this tail light every six months for the past two years and it has caused melting around the light socket and the bulb is clearly burnt. After googling this issue I have seen numerous complaints about the same issue with the 2012 Ford Fusion and a recall needs to be issued immediately or I am going to the public. This can kill someone and start a fire especially if the blaze gets out of hand and children are in the backseat strapped in. Please email me [redacted] regarding if you are having a similar concern so I can compile this and go public because they have received several complaints and not done anything to remedy this issue. …
I moved the turn indicator lever up turn right and the quick blinker sound began. From past experience, I knew that a light bulb May be burned out. The bulb could not be checked alone because it wouldnt come out of the socket; the blackened blown bulb was fused to the socket. I replaced the entire socket/bulb set ($30.13 socket and $6 for a set of 2 bulbs). The next day, I moved the turn indicator lever down to turn left and the quick blinker sound began again. Again, the bulb alone could not be removed. The left blackened blown bulb and socket are fused. I have never had a bulb fuse into the socket before, let alone having it happen to two in a span of 24 hrs. The fuses to the lights were not burned out - there was no warning displayed to advise of a potential fire hazard. …
This car has a major problem with the gauges that also prevents the air conditioning and radio working properly plus certain external lights and directional lights as well as the high beam indicator. This is going on almost a year now and the gauges will "black out" as well so you cant see how fast you are going or other functions. This should be a major safety concern. I do have some video of the problem I will attach. This happens all the time if the car is sitting or in motion. For some reason I cant post the video of the problem but there are plenty of the same ones on you tube.
This problem began about 2 1/2 years ago with back turn signals, both left and right, will go out approximately ever 6 months. When one side goes out, I replace , but then 2 weeks later the other side goes out. Good for 6 months then same thing. As of today 1/15/2019 my right side just went out again. I have taken to dealer but they say nothing is wrong or no recalls they are aware of at the time. Never mentioned any burning as I have seen in other complaints with this vehicle issue. Not sure what to do anymore. Will call Ford directly but don't feel it will be helpful
A week ago I smelled something burning while I was driving. I had just had a belt replaced and thought fluid leaked and was burning off, checked under my hood and couldn't smell anything. A few days later my boss told me my tail light was out. I had just changed it a month or so ago, but when I looked at my light, the bulb was black, the base you plug it into is burnt and the plastic on the assembly is melting. Why is this not a recall yet? I see plenty of people on here with the same issue.
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.
Transmission slams into gear from first to second, then second to third occasionally. I've had 3 brake calipers seize and 3 rotors replaced as a result. Brake wear is beyond pathetic. Rear turning signal/brake light bulb got so hot that it melted my actual taillight. Paint flakes off fenders from just washing with a brand new sponge.
Headlight complaints in other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2012 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the lights of the 2012 Ford Fusion, 1% of the model year's 2,517 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford Fusion headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2012 Ford Fusion, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford Fusion headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.