Ford Fusion problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 7,973 owner complaints and 46 recalls on file for the Ford Fusion (2006–2020). The 2016 Fusion has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.
- Complaints
- 7,973
- Recalls
- 46
- Model years
- 15
- Worst year
- 2016
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Ford Fusion years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2016 Ford Fusion — 1,261 complaints, 41 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Engine
- 2010 Ford Fusion — 912 complaints, 34 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Steering
- 2017 Ford Fusion — 960 complaints, 19 crashes, 8 fires; top problem: Engine
- 2014 Ford Fusion — 672 complaints, 22 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Steering
- 2012 Ford Fusion — 817 complaints, 28 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Steering
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2006 (44 complaints).
Every Ford Fusion model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Fusion | 183 | 10 | 3 | 5 | 3 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2019 Fusion | 307 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 3 | Engine |
| 2018 Fusion | 430 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 2 | Engine |
| 2017 Fusion | 960 | 19 | 8 | 14 | 4 | Engine |
| 2016 Fusion | 1,261 | 41 | 4 | 15 | 13 | Engine |
| 2015 Fusion | 645 | 14 | 3 | 5 | 13 | Engine |
| 2014 Fusion | 672 | 22 | 5 | 28 | 19 | Steering |
| 2013 Fusion | 616 | 17 | 34 | 10 | 19 | Steering |
| 2012 Fusion | 817 | 28 | 1 | 6 | 5 | Steering |
| 2011 Fusion | 709 | 13 | 2 | 12 | 7 | Steering |
| 2010 Fusion | 912 | 34 | 1 | 24 | 11 | Steering |
| 2009 Fusion | 176 | 16 | 2 | 11 | 6 | Brakes |
| 2008 Fusion | 170 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 5 | Brakes |
| 2007 Fusion | 71 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 4 | Airbags |
| 2006 Fusion | 44 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 4 | Brakes |
Most common Ford Fusion problem areas (all years)
- Steering2,097 complaints
- Engine2,070 complaints
- Brakes1,359 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain1,060 complaints
- Electrical System649 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech348 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion344 complaints
- Airbags320 complaints
- Body & Structure253 complaints
- Wheels & Tires182 complaints
Complaint trend
Ford Fusion recalls
Risk: A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Risk: A separated brake pedal bumper can cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously, causing confusion to other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash. On automatic transmission vehicles, a missing brake pedal bumper can allow the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Risk: If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A failed seat belt anchor cable cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, increasing their risk of injury.
Risk: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: If the air bag does not inflate as intended, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Other Ford models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology