FORD Fusion Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used FORD Fusion options? We analyzed 10 model years (2011–2020) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD Fusion has 13,545 owner complaints and 91 safety recalls across model years 2011–2020. The most reported issue area is STEERING. 2011 drew the most complaints; 2020 drew the fewest.
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- Fusion
- Model years analyzed
- 2011–2020 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 13,545
- Safety recall campaigns
- 91
- Crash-related complaints
- 468
- Fire-related complaints
- 151
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2011 (2,783 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2020 (176 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- STEERING
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
FORD Fusion: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe FORD FUSION has 13,545 NHTSA complaints and 91 recalls on record. 468 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 13,545 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 91 federal recall campaigns
- 468 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
91 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2011–2020. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 13,545 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
13,545 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
While driving at 75mph on the freeway, my 2020 Ford Fusion suffered a sudden, catastrophic EcoBoost engine coolant failure. The vehicle instantly lost power and dropped to 35mph in active traffic, creating an extreme highway collision hazard. A mechanic has confirmed internal coolant intrusion in the engine block.
A failed transmission cooling line caused the transmission fluid to leak. At no point did the vehicle display a check engine light, transmission warning, or any other indication that there was a problem. According to the Ford dealership, the transmission fluid had been leaking for some time. Because the transmission pan is wrapped in a fabric-like insulating material, the leaking fluid was absorbed rather than dripping onto the ground, making the leak virtually impossible for an owner to detect during normal use. The dealership also advised that this condition could have created a potential fire hazard within the engine compartment. The vehicle has only approximately 40,000 miles, making this type of catastrophic transmission failure especially concerning for a relatively low-mileage vehicle. The first and only symptom occurred when I started the vehicle one day. It hesitated, struggled to shift out of first gear, and drove abnormally. I immediately drove it to the Ford dealership, where it was diagnosed with a complete transmission failure. The vehicle is currently at the dealership, and I have been presented with an estimated repair cost of approximately $12,000. My primary concern is that there was absolutely no warning before this major failure. No warning lights, no diagnostic alerts, and no indication that a significant transmission fluid leak or internal transmission damage was occurring. A safety-critical failure of this magnitude should provide drivers with some form of warning before resulting in complete transmission failure.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine stalled. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinders 3 and 4. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,127.
I’ve learned a while ago that the vehicle doesn’t have a working horn, I’ve replaced the fuse at least five times and it’s still not working. Yes the car was sold to me this way. Also I’ve been getting this warning to my ford app: “The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)/Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) has detected a fault and may not function. What Should I Do? If either BLIND SPOT NOT AVAILABLE/SENSOR BLOCKED SEE MANUAL or CROSS TRAFFIC NOT AVAILABLE/SENSOR BLOCKED SEE MANUAL is in the information display, the system may not function. Check the exterior vehicle sensors for damage or debris covering them (see Owner's Manual for sensor locations). If the problem persists, please have the system checked by an authorized dealer.” For the last month my car has become hard to drive as if there’s a power steering issue.
I have had this car for 6 years and the transmission has gone out on top of the purge valve, I have seen many people have the same issues with this model and year of this car. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADRESSED. I also see that there is a lawsuit against this issue with the transmission model 6F35
The front left lower control arm (driver's side) snapped off (broke) while turning a corner. There was no reason for the breakage other than turning. It was repaired through insurance. The driver's safety as well as the safety of pedestrians were put at risk because the breakage forced the car to turn sharply to the left. Because of this, the vehicle struck a utility pole. The pole had very little damage, but damage was done to the car. The policeman at the scene inspected the damage, as well as the insurance adjuster in the days following the accident. No warning lights or messages were displayed before the control arm broke. If this had happened at hi-way speeds, it is likely that the resulting loss of control would have resulted in a multi-vehicle accident, resulting in fatalities.
Read 14 more owner reports
2020 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost engine completely failed. Ford dealership diagnosed need for complete engine and turbo replacement at $13,475. Believed to be related to known EcoBoost coolant intrusion defect.
Coolant problems and cylinder damage on engine due to coolant intrusion. Ford has not issued a recall on this well known problem and issue on ALL Ford Fusion Models. Several complaints have been made by many Ford Fusion owners for putting drivers and vehicle owners at risk of driving unsafe vehicles and poor driving conditions.
While turning into a parking lot the lower control arm snapped (broke in half, approximately). The picture I sent is of a front lower control arm, however it is not a picture of the actual control arm that broke. After it broke, the car was forced into a sharp left turn, resulting in the car crashing into a telephone pole. The pole was not damaged but there was damage to the car.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon rolling to a stop, the vehicle started shuddering while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Not in Park" was displayed. The gear shifter then unexpectedly shifted to several positions independently. The contact discovered a YouTube video that assisted with correcting the issue. The contact used a screwdriver to manually shift the gear shifter back to park(P). The contact was forced to maneuver the shifter back and forth until the gear shifter engaged and resumed normal operation. The contact stated while his wife was driving the vehicle on one occasion, the failure recurred, and the driver was forced to tow the vehicle to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) and associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
I don't know if this qualifies as an immediate safety issue, however, if the vehicle is stopped and placed into park on a busy freeway, or in traffic in any way, then this absolutely is a safety issue after the fact because the vehicle cannot be moved due to not being able to get it into gear. This involves the shift linkage component and not being able to get the car out of park and into any other gear. It's already an active recall but it's VIN specific and my VIN was not included. It really needs to be though. It should be all Fusions at this point. I drive a 2020 Ford Fusion and the shift linkage bushing broke. Initially I got the "shift system error" message back in January and could not get my car into gear. It would just bounce right back into park. I had to call a tow truck but eventually the driver was able to somehow reset the system using the hidden reset button in the center console. It was enough to keep me running for a couple of months. However, two weeks ago it happened again and the reset option was no longer working. The car was towed to my dealership and they replaced the "missing" bushing and I was charged $511.00 for the repairs. Considering how widespread this issue this seems to be, I would like to see a full model-specific recall issued for these Fusions and possibly reimbursement for the costs I was subjected to due to the issue. I can provide the service receipts from the dealership showing that it was replaced and the total cost. Thank you!
Automatic transmission failed No warning No smells no shaking no jerking no light on dash board until it went out that's when it jerk and still no check engine light just a wrench that popped up once
HEAD GASKET FAILING, common problem in car. Broke down in the middle of busy Main Street and started smoking out of exhaust pipes. It has been confirmed by my service center that they now have 3 ford fusions, including mine, that they are replacing a head gasket on right now. They were no warning signs, it happened out of nowhere.
I am reporting a life-threatening incident involving my 2020 Ford Fusion PHEV. On December 5, 2025, while my wife was driving on a public street, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete engine failure followed by smoke and fire originating from the high-voltage battery pack in the trunk. There were no prior warning signs or dashboard alerts before the incident. This vehicle was sold via IAAI auction in September 2023 without disclosing the active, critical safety recall (NHTSA 23V440 / Ford 23S33) issued in June 2023. This non-disclosure placed my family in extreme danger. When the fire started, my wife was in a state of panic. I arrived at the scene before emergency services. Being a technician, I performed a high-risk manual extraction of the burning battery pack to prevent the entire vehicle and the surrounding residential area from a potential explosion. I risked electrocution and toxic chemical exposure to save lives. The damaged battery pack is currently preserved and available for professional inspection upon request. As a result of the fire and exposure to extinguisher chemicals, I suffered respiratory distress and asthma-like symptoms for several days. I have contacted Ford Motor Company through official channels and documented all interactions. Ford representatives stated that they 'only assist customers in the United States' and local representatives in [XXX] have officially refused to provide the remedy, stating they are not authorized or equipped for this specific recall. I am now left with a charred, unusable vehicle. I demand a full investigation into the failure of the recall remedy process and manufacturer liability for these life-threatening damages. ( Form fields about my location are place holders. Contact me in [XXX] (Country) at [XXX] / [XXX] ]. I hope you do don't ignore our lives due to geography. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
purge solenoid unplugged, several times for years, which causes the vehicle not to start up after getting fuel. Check engine light come on often due to this. When I bring vehicle to Mecanic shop they plug it right back. P0443 evap purge control valve “a” circuit
Shifter Cable broke in multiple vehicles of the same year make and model in our fleet of vehicles within a short amount of time. Car would not change gears properly. Issue confirmed and fixed by a local mechanic shop. No warning messages or other symptoms prior to failure.
Multiple vehicles of the same year make and model had the shifter cable fail within a short amount of time. car would not change gears properly. problem confirmed and fixed by local mechanic shop. no inspections. no warning lights or messages prior to failure.
I have a check engine light on due to an issue in the emissions system. The issue is that the purge valve is stuck open. I know that this is an issue that you had a recall on for older models of the ford focus for this same reason. All the systems of a stuck purge valve are the issues I am having with the vehicle.
I keep getting SHIFT SYS FAULT error. My car will not move out of P (park). I towed my car to repair shop on 2/11/2026 - 02/13/2026 the mechanic told me he replaced the bushing kit and the gear dial. Less than a week later on 02/26/2026 I got the same error and was able to drive my car to Village Ford Dealership (my car is still there) I was told on Monday that the technicians thought they fixed the issue but the same thing happen and now they are unable to get the car out of P (park) and that the technicians would have contact FORD HOTLINE because the repairs are not working. The issue was once recalled on older Ford fusions but according to google 2020 fusions have reported the same issue.
I only have about 45K miles on my car. I began to hear a rattling sound while vehicle is idling and more pronounced with the air conditioning on. I took it to the Ford service department at the dealership where I bought it and was told it was a cracked engine flex plate and it would be a $3000 cost to repair. I was extremely surprised at such an expensive fix for such low mileage and looking online I found a Ford customer satisfaction program 22N12 for this exact issue. I checked and my car was indeed manufactured at the plant in Hermosillo, MX covered in the program. However I was told that I am not covered because it is for the 2.0L engine and not the 1.5L engine. It seems to be more than a coincidence that I would have this issue on this model of car from this manufacturing plant. There were no warning lights of any kind that went off. I have seen that this could have been a major issue had it went unrepaired and caused a major safety issue. I am unfortunately being forced to pay for this out of pocket on such a new car but also this issue is clearly not only on the 2.0L vehicles and the recall/customer satisfaction program should be expanded to include 1.5L
Showing 20 of 13,545 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact FORD Fusion
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used FORD Fusion, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD Fusion has 13,545 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD Fusion has 91 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 468 of the FORD Fusion's 13,545 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD Fusion vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FORD Fusion vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD Fusion has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Check a FORD Fusion by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used FORD Fusion.
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FORD Fusion reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the FORD Fusion reliable?
Poor. The FORD Fusion has 13,545 NHTSA owner complaints and 91 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is STEERING. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which FORD Fusion years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2011 (2,783 complaints), 2012 (2,607 complaints), 2013 (1,948 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common FORD Fusion problems?
Top reported issues: STEERING (4,142 complaints); ENGINE (2,533 complaints); POWER TRAIN (2,014 complaints).
Does the FORD Fusion have recalls?
Yes — 91 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the FORD Fusion. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.