2013 Ford Fusion Problems
Shopping for a used 2013 Ford Fusion? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 500 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Steering Defects the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2013 Ford Fusion has 500 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2013 Ford Fusion Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2013 Ford Fusion. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2013 Ford Fusion Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Ford Fusion 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Ford Fusion has 500 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 18 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Fusion
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 18
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 28
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 24 / 35
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 550
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2013 Ford Fusion problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2013 Ford Fusion?
The 2013 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2013 Ford Fusion
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the steering system for any issues before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, engine, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the steering system for any issues before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, engine, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Ford Fusion, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 500 NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Ford Fusion, the data suggests that steering defects and engine problems are the most frequently reported issues. However, with a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Steering defects account for 154 complaints, the highest among all components.
- Engine problems are the second most reported issue with 136 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 90 complaints.
- Steering defects are the most common complaint component.
- Engine problems are frequently reported.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are also notable.
Full breakdown
All 2013 Ford Fusion complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Fusion. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 154 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 136 | 1 | 25 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 90 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 51 | 2 | 6 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 41 | 1 | 6 | — | |
| Brake System | 40 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 23 | — | 4 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 18 | 4 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 16 | 4 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 11 | — | 2 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 2 | — | 2 | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Fusion. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I was driving the vehicle and a warning message came on related to the power steering module not functioning correctly. Immediately after the steering column locked up and was stiff and to tough to continue driving. I looked into repairs and notice a recall # 19S26 was issued in …
Brakes went out while driving. Brake fluid reservoir is full.
See attached document for complaint.
Power steering / power steering assist failure. Complete loss of power steering
The steering locked up while driving. I was unable to turn the steering wheel. My self and my brother were in the vehicle. At this time, I am contacting the dealer to look at the unit. It will not turn and is stuck in my driveway. I am being told the electronic steering rack…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after her daughter had parked and exited the vehicle, she informed her mother that the windshield wipers had failed. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnose…
The transmission shift cable bushing at the transmission end of the shifter cable has completely degraded and detached, which is a component available for inspection upon request. This failure caused a significant safety risk as the gear shifter inside the cabin moved freely whil…
I own a 2013 Ford Fusion SE with a 1.6L EcoBoost engine. Prior to the incident, the vehicle displayed a “Check Charging System” warning and the engine overheated. After parking the vehicle and shutting it off, a fire started under the hood in the engine compartment. The fire occu…
My vehicle has this issue and is not in the recall notice. Due to the on going issue we parked the vehicle and have not drove it. The affected cars have an engine block heater that may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short-circuit when the block heater is plugge…
1. My car began to produce white smoke after a burning smell. Then caught fire under the hood in engine area. The car is buried in snow/ice, not available to access. 2. The car caught fire. 3. The problem has not been reproduced nor confirmed by anyone (dealer/independent ser…
The power steering module/rack, passenger side air bag Safety is a risk due to steering not working properly/ seat belt constantly locking Yes Yes others inspected Seat belt sensor has been on several months Service steering assist/Lane keep system malfunction service required a…
Rear view camera intermittently works. Blackout when reversing. Car is in reverse camera starts then stops
UNKNOWN - I was driving the car on a highway, there were no alerts and my engine light was not on, and my car started smoking and within 5 minutes my car was completely on fire. After the fire was put out, the whole front of the car was gone and then engine looked melted.
I had multiple electric power steering failures. the first in 2022, and the second in June of 2023. In 2023 we did a complete replacement that cost over $3000.
Vehicle: 2013 Ford Fusion Mileage: ~165,000 miles Issue Type: Engine stalls / loss of power My 2013 Ford Fusion has experienced intermittent engine stalling and hesitation since early ownership. The vehicle will stall or “putter” when slowing down or coming to a stop, often with…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine overheated. The contact was informed that there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact was called for hel…
My transmission failed for the 2nd time, possibly due to the recall involving the bushings. My engine has oil leaking from the head gasket, I read it could be due to the coolant overheating and getting into the engine. My cruise control doesn't work, when i press lower speed it …
The rear view camera intermittently stops working, giving a message “camera unavailable” in a black screen. This has happened many times during use and caused near misses during vehicle reversing.
The car is experiencing jerks between gear shifts. Almost hit another car due to this car movement when it shifts between gears
A couple of weeks ago My Steering wheel locked up and the codes were reset which unlocked the wheel so i was able to turn it. Mechanic said it was moisture getting to the part and then the power steering light came on & it became Hard to turn the steering wheel while driving. The…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Ford Fusion.
Safety recalls
2013 Ford Fusion recalls
18 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Fusion. 18 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
AIR BAGS
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
STEERING
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2013 Ford Fusion buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Ford Fusion reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 18 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Fusion?▾
#1: Steering Defects (154 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (136 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (90 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Ford Fusion?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Ford Fusion?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Ford Fusion, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 29 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 10 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Ford Fusion have any recalls?▾
Yes. 18 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Ford Fusion. A major recall area is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. 18 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Ford Fusion?▾
The 2013 Ford Fusion shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Fusion reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Ford Fusion based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.