Ford Fusion 2nd generation (2013–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 198+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
22,128
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2013–2026
78
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2013-2026 Fusion generally describe it as a comfortable, quiet, and stylish sedan that serves well as a commuter, with the hybrid variants earning particular praise for fuel economy and longevity.
14 problems reported (1 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 8 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentHard, delayed, or harsh shifting from the 6F35 automatic transmission
- RecurrentTransmission fluid leaks, including from the axle bushing and seal
- RecurrentCoolant intrusion into cylinders causing engine failure on 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost engines
+ 11 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentABS
Traction control, and airbag warning lights caused by corroded wheel speed sensors or connectors.
- RecurrentBattery drain, sometimes traced to the audio control module (ACM)
- RecurrentSync/MyFordTouch and APIM failures, including blank screens and loss of aux or Bluetooth
- IsolatedElectronic parking brake failure on hybrid models
- IsolatedPower steering loss accompanied by warning lights
- IsolatedRandom stalling or shutting off at low speeds
- IsolatedThrottle body failure causing stalling
- IsolatedWheel bearing or backing plate noise
- IsolatedRemote start features disabled by vehicle warning lights
- IsolatedHybrid battery replacement concerns and long dealer waits for reprogramming
- IsolatedTransmission failure requiring rebuild or replacement
The version owners recommend
Owners most consistently praise the 2.5L four-cylinder and the hybrid drivetrains for longevity, with the 2.5L described as an engine that "will run forever" and the hybrid noted for reaching very high mileage on original components. The 2.7L EcoBoost Sport is praised as a powerful sleeper but criticized as overpriced when new. The 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost engines are the most frequently criticized for coolant intrusion and short-block failures. Among model years, later 2017-2019 cars are viewed as having fewer transmission bearing issues than early 2013-2015 cars.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Tesla Model 3 and Ford Maverick Hybrid.
Is a 2013–2026 Fusion right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2013-2026 Fusion generally describe it as a comfortable, quiet, and stylish sedan that serves well as a commuter, with the hybrid variants earning particular praise for fuel economy and longevity. The most common criticisms center on the 6F35 automatic transmission, which owners repeatedly flag for hard or delayed shifts, leaks, and occasional failures, and on engine problems in the turbocharged EcoBoost engines, especially coolant intrusion in the 1.5L and 1.6L. Later model years (2017-2019) draw somewhat fewer transmission complaints, and the Sport trim with the 2.7L EcoBoost is admired for its power and sleeper character. Overall the tone is mixed-to-positive: many owners report high-mileage dependability, while a vocal minority describe expensive, recurring drivetrain repairs.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners cross-shop the Fusion Hybrid against the Prius mainly on fuel economy and resale, acknowledging the Prius's stronger reliability reputation and resale value while preferring the Fusion's styling, Sync 3 infotainment, and driving feel. Against the Accord and Camry, owners treat the Fusion as the cheaper, quicker-depreciating alternative with comparable comfort but weaker long-term reputation. The Fusion Sport is positioned against V8 muscle sedans like the Mustang GT and Charger as a less expensive, less focused but more practical sleeper. The Maverick Hybrid is mentioned as sharing a well-regarded engine lineage with the Fusion's 2.5, and the Focus is repeatedly cited as the Ford model to avoid due to its dual-clutch transmission, which owners stress the Fusion does not share.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 2.5L non-turbo engine and the hybrid for reliability, and advise draining and filling the transmission fluid every 30,000-40,000 miles. Several owners suggest avoiding the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost engines due to coolant intrusion risk, and caution that the 2.0L EcoBoost can also suffer engine failure requiring replacement. For the Sport, owners note the 2.7L responds well to tuning, intercooler, and downpipe modifications. Owners also advise confirming hybrid battery health and checking for flood damage on low-mileage cars from hurricane-affected regions.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers wanting an affordable, comfortable commuter or a high-mpg hybrid, provided they inspect the transmission and engine carefully. Owners recommend a pre-purchase inspection, checking for open recalls, verifying transmission fluid service history, and scanning for ABS and airbag codes. Buyers are advised to prefer the 2.5L or hybrid, to be cautious with early 1.5L/1.6L EcoBoost cars, and to budget for potential transmission bushing, seal, or solenoid repairs. Owners also suggest undercoating for cars in salt-belt regions and caution that low-mileage examples may hide flood damage.
Remarks
Owners frequently note that the Fusion's transmission problems are distinct from the Focus's dual-clutch issues, and several stress that the 6F35 is a conventional automatic. High-mileage examples are commonly reported, with some owners citing 200,000 miles or more on original hybrid components. The 2.7L Sport is often described as underappreciated and discontinued too soon. Analysis based on approximately 198 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 233 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 771 | 4 | engine |
| 2018 | 505 | 2 | engine |
| 2017 | 3,223 | 4 | engine |
| 2016 | 4,629 | 13 | engine |
| 2015 | 3,051 | 13 | engine |
| 2014 | 4,125 | 19 | steering |
| 2013 | 5,591 | 20 | steering |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2020 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery:management system/energy control module (bms/becm)campaign 23V440000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
2020 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V442000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
2020 · equipment:electrical:engine block heatercampaign 25V685000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
2019 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery:management system/energy control module (bms/becm)campaign 23V440000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
2019 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V442000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
2019 · equipment:electrical:engine block heatercampaign 25V685000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
2019 · hybrid propulsion systemcampaign 19V099000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Fusion Energi Hybrid models. The affected vehicles may not adequately protect against direct and indirect contact of high voltage sources during normal operation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 305, "Electric-Powered Vehicles: Electrolyte spillage and electrical shock protection."
2018 · steering: steering wheel/handle barcampaign 18V167000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
2018 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 23V162000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
2017 · steering: steering wheel/handle barcampaign 18V167000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
2017 · seats:mid/rear assemblycampaign 16V874000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured September 27, 2016, to September 28, 2016. The left rear seat backs pivot pins may have been improperly welded.
2017 · power train:automatic transmission:torque convertercampaign 17V427000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge and Fusion vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
27 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.