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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2012 Ford Fusion Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
158about this part
Share
6%of 2,517 total for the year
Median mileage
51,380miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 158 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Ford Fusion, 6% of the 2,517 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,380 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“After driving a distance, I put the car in park and the car went into reverse, but was still showing in park. I had to quickly slam on the breaks and shut the car down. However, because it was actually in reverse , the car would not start again. It had to be manually put in drive so I could get somewhere safe. Very dangerous.”

NHTSA complaint #11299135, filed 2020-01, 130,000 miles

“I recently noticed the mark on my driveway was getting bigger. Something under the engine is leaking. Brought car in for leak, after 1/2 hour, they told me I had to replace the ptu. Of course, the warranty has expired. The cost will be around $2300. I need my car so told them to fix it of course. I am on a limited budget, thank goodness for charge cards!”

NHTSA complaint #11128700, filed 2018-09, 50,000 miles

“When I'm either taking off or in motion riding down any type of road or highway a wrench light comes on some time. I look the icon up and it says something about the power tran or transmission. While in motion it feel as if I lost speed and then the wrench icon pops on. When taking off I can feel a jerk as if it can't get the power to shift and go.”

NHTSA complaint #10865173, filed 2016-05, 84,584 miles

“My 2012 Ford Fusion sel, when accelerating from a stationary point on a city street, my engine loses power and starts to sputter before the engine shuts off on its own. This problem has happened many times in the middle of traffic, where I'd have to completely stop, put the gear in park, and restart the engine.”

NHTSA complaint #10994291, filed 2017-06, 85,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10790514, filed 2015-11, 36,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20206736%
20196922%
201810724%
201731428%
201631119%
201514515%
201423618%
201328116%
20121586%
201126810%
201089417%
2009202%
2008473%
2007747%
200615021%

Other parts of the 2012 Ford Fusion

Steering
1,474 complaintsAir bags
404 complaintsElectrical system
164 complaintsOther or unknown
126 complaintsBrakes
113 complaintsEngine
111 complaintsBody and structure
99 complaintsVehicle speed control
86 complaintsElectronic stability control
80 complaintsFuel system
65 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsWheels
28 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Ford Fusion

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology