Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and jolted with the transmission shifting into gear. The contact stated that the jolt was more violent when the vehicle was first started and shifted into drive(D). The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated before moving forward and then jolted into gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was recurring. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the battery had failed and there was battery acid on the shifter cable and connector. The dealer replaced the battery, the shifter cable, the connector, the rear parking light bulb, and the purge valve. The dealer also completed the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 92,343.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. While driving at an undetermined speed, the transmission was slipping and failed to shift into the proper gear. The vehicle intermittently lost motive power. The contact called the local dealer who informed him about the diagnostic test and also about parts not being available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park, the vehicle rolled backward with no warning light illuminated The contact engaged the parking brake pedal, and the vehicle stopped. The contact also noticed that the transmission shifter cable had dislodged from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission fluid was black in color and the fluid level was low due to a leak. The mechanic drained the transmission fluid and added new transmission fluid, then sealed the driver's side front transmission. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 68,882.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park, the vehicle rolled backwards. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact activated the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the shift cable needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contact. The failure mileage was 113,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the power steering became inoperable and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was not available.
Power Steering just locked up while driving with no warning or indicator, it still drives but it randomly locks up where i have no control over the vehicle In backing up out of our driveway i wasnt able to stop because the braking system froze up along with the steering and i hit a truck that was going down our road
Transmission issues continue to appear without warning. Car shutters at times and fails to shift properly at low speeds. When exiting the freeway and coming to a stop, car wants to surge forward, even with brakes firmly applied. I have had the wrench light come on briefly two times. Took the car into a local transmission shop and requested diagnostic scan for codes and trouble shoot. No codes were found for transmission or any other system on the car. As the car had 100K miles, shop recommended a Transmission fluid change, even though Ford does not recommend this until 150K miles. Shop noted that fluid color was still red in color and no foreign debris was found in the old fluid. There is no evidence of fluid leaks either. Transmission shop recomended that I contact Ford delearship to see if they can reprogram or update Transmission Control Module. …
Drove car out of driveway, after driving approximately 150-200 feet the dashboard wrench icon ( powertrain problem ) illuminated and car went into limp mode. Read MIL codes, had codes P0715, Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction and P0717, Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal. Traced wiring problem to connector in front of drivers side shock tower. This connector is the connector between the PCM and and the transmission. The connector was causing an open on the conductors, causing the lack of TSS signal. There were no symptoms or intermittent problems prior to this - it happened suddenly. Had been on an interstate hiway the day prior to this, am glad this ( going into limp mode ) did not happen while I was traveling at 65mph - could have caused accident.
Transmission complaints in other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA has 158 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Ford Fusion, 6% of the model year's 2,517 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford Fusion transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.