2012 Ford Fusion: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Sep 3, 2024 · Steering · MO

One week ago I started experiencing a grinding noise when steering my vehicle, at any speed. The steering also catches in certain positions and becomes difficult to turn. The issue can be isolated to the electronic power steering gear in my vehicle: the grinding persists after disconnecting the tie rods, but disappears after disconnecting the steering column. I have a 2012 Ford Fusion with 104,000 miles on it. It has been well maintained and driven carefully for its whole life with zero accidents or failures. The steering issue appeared suddenly and spontaneously. There are no warning lights, or service codes, but the steering is clearly failing and making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Power steering failures at speed are unsafe and can cause accidents. Recall 15S18 and extended warranty 15N01 specifically address this faulty part in 2011-2012 Ford Fusions and many other vehicles. Because my vehicle is 2 months outside of the manufacture date range, it is not covered by this recall. However, it is built in the same plant with the same faulty part number. This leaves me with either a $2000+ repair, or I can drive with faulty power steering which is not only a major safety issue but one that is known to Ford as well as the federal safety agency. Ford is refusing to cover the cost of this repair and additionally want to charge me diagnostic labor which I don't think I should be responsible for. Please look into this issue further and hold manufacturers accountable for replacing their faulty parts. Thank you.

Filed Aug 9, 2023 · Steering · MS

Power steering assist fault would flash, steering locked up. Every few weeks for past couple years. Started grinding hard to turn Service power steering now light, steering completely locked. Almost wrecked numerous times. Started in 2021. Ford claimed they had no idea why. No check engine light ever. Finally locked up completely in July this year.car has maybe 127000 miles.

Filed Jul 11, 2023 · Steering · 119,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a grinding sound in the steering wheel while making a left or right turn. The service power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The contact then stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact then stated that the “Service Power Steering Assist Now” warning light illuminated and remained illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2022 · Steering · 80,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a grinding sound coming from the steering column. Additionally, the steering wheel was very unstable and the vehicle did not immediately respond while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Oct 14, 2020 · Steering · 97,000 miles · KY

Vehicle makes random squeal noise when moving and turning 5-20 MPH and sometimes feels like the steer tires are not turning when the steering wheel is turned. There are no fail lights illuminating on the dash. Sometimes brakes are being applied, sometimes they are not. According to ford, this vehicle is not covered by the recall that other owners of fusions encountered even though the description of their issue matches mine.

Filed Oct 3, 2019 · Brakes · 180,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford fusion. While driving approximately 25 MPH, a grinding noise emerged from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. In addition, the ABS, traction control, service advancetrac, and tire pressure sensor illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The calipers and brake pads were replaced by the contact. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Jul 11, 2019 · Body · 80,000 miles · PA

Squeaks and creaks heard while driving over bumps and turning can be caused be a couple common sources and should be carefully diagnosed. Possible weld issues on the lower control arms can cause the noise concern

Filed Dec 20, 2018 · Steering, Transmission · 90,000 miles · TX

There is a grinding/pooping noise from front of vehicle when turning. The recall 15s18 was reprogrammed along recall 16b38 but the noise has continued and has gotten worse. When driving slow and turning to the left and right in a parking lot it is very noticeable the dealership stated the noise was coming from the steering rack.

Filed Nov 28, 2018 · Steering · 110,000 miles · VA

One month ago, I got a "power steering assist fault" when I started the car. Restarting the car made it go away, but it would come back within a day. The car also started pulling like it was way out of alignment. So on day 3 of this, I took it to the dealership where they replaced the steering gear. One month later, my car is again pulling like it's out of alignment (or maybe I'm fighting the power steering). This time, there is also now a squeaking noise when I turn the wheel. My concern is that I will lose steering control of the vehicle while driving. After review, this appears to be a common issue that's coming up with the 2012 ford fusion so I wanted to report that I am also experiencing power steering issues with this car.

Filed Nov 14, 2018 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 105,000 miles · KY

Was driving around 35 MPH and heard a clunk. A few seconds later and another clunk. Then heard a grinding noise and the loss of traction light came on, so I put my foot on the brake, at which point it became clear that the grinding noise was from ABS engaging. Slowed down to under 25, and it stopped these issues. Sped up to above 30, and the problems reoccurred. As these things happened, it became harder to steer. Car system was malfunctioning in some way to think I was losing traction and that ABS need to be engaged. There was no reason for any of this as I was traveling straight on a dry (sunny, no rain), straight road. Eventually the service advancetrac light came on as well. Was able to find a place to pull over by keeping the car under 25 MPH (any speed above that seemed to re-engage the issue). Even at low speeds, loss of traction light and service advancetrac indicator remained on. This issue is dangerous as it makes the car harder to steer and control. I was lucky to be on a straight road with no other traffic.

Filed May 25, 2018 · 160,000 miles · AL

On interstate 59 alabama car went dead losed all power battery light came on a second got off road tried to crank turned key on and car kept grinding like it was trying to crank without touching key had to turn it to off to stop it from trying to crank set there for 30min then started.. Got home 30 miles later. Started off this morning died again 2 blocks from house. Same thing again

Filed Feb 6, 2018 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford fusion. While accelerating from a traffic light, there was a grinding noise coming from the rear brakes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rotors and brake pads needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that there was metal-to-metal contact between the brake pads and the rotors. The contact was concerned that the brake warning sensor failed to notify that the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available.