Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2012 Ford Fusion
Our scoring places the 2012 Ford Fusion at 6.8/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, while Technology at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.8/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.5/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.1/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.1/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $13,440–$15,949, 14 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Fusion sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.1/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2012 Ford Fusion is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and performance and technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2012 Ford Fusion ranks #1169 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 11% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $13,440 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 51%.
$0 — 6 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Fusion Year Should You Buy?
Across the Fusion model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 14 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2012 Ford Fusion (6 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 07/01/2019 · 19V001000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 10/01/2017 · 17V024000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto…
Steering / Electric power assist system 02/06/2015 · 15V340000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles…
Air bags / Frontal / Driver side / Inflator module 10/03/2021 · 21V158000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 16/02/2021 · 21E013000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair. The parts include certain driver-side air bag inflators and/or modules, designed to fit…
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2012 Ford Fusion that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2012 Ford Fusion
Is the 2012 Ford Fusion reliable?
We rate the 2012 Ford Fusion's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Fusion have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2012 Ford Fusion worth buying?
It scores 6.8/10 overall, ranking #1169 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 11% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2012 Ford Fusion cost?
The 2012 Ford Fusion starts at $13,440 and ranges up to $15,949 across trims (MSRP when new). At 14 MPG, expect roughly $3,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Fusion years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Fusion years we've rated are 2013 (6.7/10), 2014 (6.8/10), 2012 (6.8/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2012 Ford Fusion have?
The documented issues for the 2012 Ford Fusion are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Steering (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Ford Fusion
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Similar Sedan to Consider
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
2012 model shown
