115 of the
3,057 complaints about the 2012 Ford Fusion are about the
braking system — 4% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
77,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft and spongy. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard before the vehicle stopped. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that an inspection was completed, and the brake pads and rotors were in good working order. The contact stated that the failure had occurred two months after the brake pads and rotors were replaced by an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Azusa, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
My car does not always respond when the brakes are tapped. They are soft/squishy at times and I have to push the pedal all the way to the floor for the car to stop. This issue has been occuring off & on for approximately 3 years though it's been more frequent since June of 2026. I have never seen any warning or failure light/notification any of the times this has happened. The issue was determined to be a faulty master cylinder by the service department at Colley Ford in Glendora, CA.
NHTSA complaint #11747816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbert, MN
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake system. Pedal is soft and braking force to stop is reduced. Yes, at first they thought it was the brake booster, and know thinking it is the master cylinder, now they aren't even sure what it might be. Ford dealership techs. No, pedal was "squishy" when braking
NHTSA complaint #11746316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,021 milesAlbuquerque, NMCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that his wife was involved in a crash noting that while stopped at a traffic light upon traffic beginning to move forward, the contacts wife took her foot off of the brake pedal slightly however the vehicle continued to lurch forward and in the process bumped into the vehicle in front of her with the entire front end of their vehicle. No property damage was reported. The vehicles came to a stop upon impact. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. No warning lights were illuminated however the following message was displayed on the instrument panel that read "Brake Failure". A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the Anti Lock Braking System Module was faulty and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,021.
NHTSA complaint #11664659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown, my son in law came inside one day and said that the steering wasn't working I didn't realize at the time it didn't have a fluid port. So I wasn't sure how to get it done but then the power was being lost also from the engine. I called to see if it had any recalls but it doesn't supposedly but then why is it that other fusions same year have the issue and it was recalled or is mine just to late to be taken advantage of? I am unable to drive it and the dealership I bought it from didn't offer an extended warranty so it has been sitting on the side of my house because it is unsafe to drive. Please help me.... thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11655409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,221 milesRohnert Park, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to engage. The contact stated that the parking brake was used to slow and stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,221.
NHTSA complaint #11633453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belleview, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
I was going down the road around 50 mph and advancetrac lights came on , service power steering now . Showed up on dash . Couldn't steer vehicle almost crashed
NHTSA complaint #11632005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belleview, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving down the road around 50 mph and the steering wheel locked up on me and has not let goes in any electrical in the car keeps glitching radio the dash light
NHTSA complaint #11631896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bartonville, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
When coming to a stop the brake pedal went straight to the floor. No warnings were lamps were present. A mechanic checked the brake lines, master cylinder, and calipers and was not able to reproduce the issue. The mechanic deduced that the likely culprit was a faulty ABS control module. Had I been on the interstate or even had another vehicle infront of me, this would have been absolutely disastrous. This seems related to the recall for the older model fusions. This needs to be looked at.
NHTSA complaint #11618932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesRehoboth Beach, DE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, the brake pedal briefly became squishy. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and required increased effort to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the hydraulic control unit and anti-lock braking system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11617327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Petersburg, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The abs control module failed at 59,000 miles. It's difficult driving on wet rainy roads with no ABS System, it's a Hughe safety risk especially on wet roads. The month of August was really rainy and it was extremely stressful driving. I have been looking for a repair but several auto repair shops including FORD can't get the part.
NHTSA complaint #11614528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erin, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
I noticed a couple of months ago my brakes where acting weird one minute they were fine and then sometimes the pedal would go to the floor and one day I was behind someone who had stopped suddenly and I hit my brakes fast and they went to the floor, for me not to hit the person in front of me I had to run off the road I was doing 30 mph and nobody was hurt but if I didn't have the options to run off the side of the road I would have rear-ended the other car and would have put me and the other people in a dangerous situation now my brakes go to the floor all the time I had it checked and every time I hit the brakes while in park they hear air coming from the ABS module which needs to be replaced is what I was told there was never no warning light that came on and never have come on before, this incident would have been much more dangerous if I was on interstate doing 70 + and I could have not stopped I've learned that the same problem has a recall on the 2006 - 2010 Ford fusion and all the reviews I've read the same problem is happening for the 2012 Ford fusion also so why hasn't it been put on the recall list because this puts people's life's in danger and it is a very hazardous safety issue
NHTSA complaint #11612492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesTemperance, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt spongy and required to be pushed down to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while responding, extending the braking distance. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact state that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more increasingly. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the HCU had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11608757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mishawaka, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
After I went over a set of railroad tracks, my brake pedal went to the floor while driving. I was able to stop but it scared me so bad because I almost wrecked! After stopping, I pumped brake pedal a few times and then it worked fine. I have newer pads, rotors, and calipers. Brake fluid was still full, and no leaking. Master cylinder is good. No idea what the problem is but I have seen online that this happens to a lot of 2012 Ford Fusions.
NHTSA complaint #11599849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millersburg, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
I started slowing down because a car in front of me was turning left. My brake pedal went to floor with no pressure whatsoever. Thankfully the car turned before I hit them. I lived 2 blocks away and was able to coast into my drive. Brake pads are good, master cylinder is good, calipers good, and no fluid leaking. There has to be a recall for this because it is very dangerous!!!
NHTSA complaint #11599850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syracuse, INCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Intermittent loss of brakes, with pedal going to the floor. Couldn't stop when a deer ran out in front of me!! Entire brake system looks good. Is there a recall??
NHTSA complaint #11599853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrence, KS
SERVICE BRAKES
While my Student Driver 15 year old son was practicing for his driving test, the Brakes went out. The dash was lit up like a Christmas Tree, and when the Brake pedal was depressed, it touched the floor. The car did slow down briefly, then there was no friction what so ever from the brakes. My son, and wife could have ended up in a horrible accident, as the only way to stop the car was by allowing the car to roll to a complete stop. This is actually a know issue for Ford Fusions from 2006-2010. I brought this car to a dealership, and they diagnosed it as the ABS ABS Hydraulic Control Unit. They have already completed the repairs. One of the comments that was made is that if it had been a 2006-2010, it would have been replaced under recall. After the Brakes went out the Service Advance Trac light, and Check Brake system shown on my Dash Light. This is a very dangerous issues especially since I live in a heavily populated college town. My family, and/or another innocent bystander could have been extremely injured or even killed. I feel like Ford knows about this problem, and should be responsible to replace it.
NHTSA complaint #11561889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Robinsonville, MS2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Their is a recall for Ford Abs Module yet their needs to be one for 2012 Ford Fusions Se as well I have paid over 3200 dollars for my brakes alone . I have had 2 near misses and was in an unreported incident today from power loss on my breaks . Very unsafe for me and those around
NHTSA complaint #11523086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
My braking has not been correct. The brake pedal goes, almost to the floor, unless I pump the pedal. It has put me in scary situations when I have to hit the pedal hard. When I hit the pedal hard, it starts to stop, then goes down to the floor. The pedal is very spongy most of the time, with little reaction when you put your foot on it. At a higher rate of speed, you cannot slow down fast. Advise me my next course of action please
NHTSA complaint #11522959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasanton, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes failed while driving. Finally stopped after multiple attempts after pressing brakes to the floor. ABS, advancetrac, and ABS lights came up on dash while this was occurring (not prior). Dealer reproduced /confirmed concern. ABS module fix of $2750. Luckily I was driving slowly and no other cars, people, or animals were in the vicinity; otherwise, this could have resulted in injury/deaths.
NHTSA complaint #11519697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesCanton, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle went over a traffic speed bump, the brake pedal was depressed she felt soft. The brake pedal had to be depressed to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brake failure had become constant. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster assembly, master cylinder, and vehicle suspension arms in the front wheels needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the brake failure recurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. The contact stated that repairs have been made but something is still wrong with the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11510462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wiggins, COCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
The braking system failed. Yes it’s available upon request for inspection. The safety of myself and others were put at risk because it caused me to hit something in front of me. I stepped on the brakes and the pedal went straight to the floor. This has happened multiple times it is putting my safety as well as my children’s safety at risk. When I step on the brake pedal there is nothing goes to the floor till I pump the pedal. Initial Lu when hitting the pedal it jerks the steering wheel out of my hand to the right every time. It’s not only putting my children’s, and my self in harms way but any other driver that might be even near me while driving considering it takes the steering wheel out of my hand uncontrollably.
NHTSA complaint #11505904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nixa, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake system failed while driving. Brake pedal went to the floor and lost all brake assistance. After diagnostics, it was determined to be the ABS control module and hydraulic module. This same model was subject to a recall that ended in 2010 MY however the same issues are persisting into the 2012 MY.
NHTSA complaint #11504336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monrovia, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake pedal intermittantly sinks to floor; vehicle will stop but braking distance is substantially increased. No brake warning light comes on. Vehicle brought to dealer in November 2022 but dealer could not reproduce issue. Problem re-occured in January 2023; vehicle was towed to dealer. Again, dealer could not reproduce issue because it is very intermittant. At my insistance, and as a customer-pay repair, dealer replaced ABS HCU (hydraulic control unit) and ABS electronic control module. Note that there is a recall on older Fusion models for HCU failure but not 2012 model.
NHTSA complaint #11503930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
Reporting this issue after the fact as it closely resembles the events associated with earlier Ford Fusions documented under NHTSA Safety Campaign Number: 19V904000. After ABS was activated, the brake pedal felt extremely soft and the required braking distance greatly increased. This was initially fixed by replacing the master cylinder and flushing the braking system; however, that fix proved to be temporary. Soft brakes and large braking distance is now an intermittent issue. This car is available for inspection if needed.
NHTSA complaint #11502135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesCanoga Park, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the traction control system, brakes, and power steering functionality became inoperable. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed. While driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The driver pumped the brake pedal several times before the brakes started working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed him that the failure was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11495827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Somerset, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
Slippery/snowy conditions, applied brakes approaching a stop sign. ABS kicked in and brake pedal dropped to the floor. With reduced braking ability. This has continued since. This has happened the past 2 winters and will eventually just release and the brakes function normally, until the ABS is needed and then the same thing happens.
NHTSA complaint #11493496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesTyler, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, he drove over a bump on a train track and had to depress the brake pedal down to the floorboard for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. No warning light was illuminated. A local dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer did not service vehicles 10 years or older. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #11489300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
There is intermittent failure when brakes are applied. Periodically when we push the brakes they go all the way to the floor and the car keeps moving forward and not brake. I have researched this and it seems Ford has recalled some of the ABS components in this model of car but not for this year/VIN.
NHTSA complaint #11488650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Shortly after a having the rear brake pads replaced, I noticed that the handbrake (or e-brake) would lose tension over night, but not always. Since this was occasional, then it appeared to be a hydraulic issue. About three months later (9/15/22), the brake pedal stopped working correctly and the pedal had to travel further, and be pushed to the floor to bring the car to a gradual stop. I almost went into the back of another vehicle, it's fortunate that I was travelling at a low speed when the brake failed. I took the vehicle to my Ford dealer/service shop and, following their inspection and diagnostic assessment, was told that there is a problem with the hydraulic control unit (HCU), and that the it would need to be replaced and the lines flushed. My vehicle is a 2012 Fusion. This sounds like the same HCU problem that lead to the recall for 2006-2010 Ford Fusion vehicles - refer Ford Motor Company (Ford) Recall No. 19S54 - https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V904-0442.pdf Per linked pdf, the NHTSA opened EA18-002 and included inquiry of 2006-2012 Fords Fusion vehicles. It appears that only the older 2006-2010 models were included in the recall. However, as the newer (2012) models reach a similar mileage or age, it may worth reevaluating and extending the scope of the recall in the interest of safety for the traveling public. Had the brake failed while traveling a higher speed, then my life, my children's lives and others would have been at risk.
NHTSA complaint #11485479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.