Ford Fusion years to avoid and best years
Newer Ford Fusion years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2012 has the most complaints per year, at 140 (2,614 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 8 (from 439 complaints), 2020 at 12 (from 181 complaints), and 2019 at 13 (from 377 complaints). On the 2012 Ford Fusion, 1,259 of 2,614 complaints name Steering.
Data as of .
Ford Fusion reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Ford Fusion. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 → Fewest | 12 | 181 | 3 | Powertrain | 33.3 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 13 | 377 | 3 | Engine | 31.9 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 8 | 439 | 2 | Engine | 29.1 |
| 2017 → | 51 | 1,109 | 4 | Engine | 29.1 |
| 2016 → | 84 | 1,698 | 13 | Engine | 30.4 |
| 2015 → | 46 | 1,061 | 13 | Engine | 30.4 |
| 2014 → | 65 | 1,429 | 19 | Steering | 30.1 |
| 2013 → | 93 | 1,955 | 19 | Steering | 30 |
| 2012 → Most | 140 | 2,614 | 6 | Steering | 24.4 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-20 (all engines) · 5.3 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/60R16 (S) to 255/45R18 (Sport)
Known issues for this generation
2011-2012 Fusion sedans built between September 2010 and February 2012 are covered by Ford's 2015 recall of the electric power-assist steering (EPAS) system (NHTSA campaign 15V-340, Ford reference 15S18); all available engines except the 3.5L are affected. An intermittent electrical connection inside the steering gear motor, caused by conformal coat contamination and ribbon cable pin misalignment, can cause loss of the motor position sensor signal and loss of power steering assist. The mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the road is maintained at all times and the system defaults to manual steering, but steering effort rises, especially at lower speeds; drivers are alerted by an audible chime and a power steering assist fault message in the instrument cluster. Ford's no-charge remedy checked the Power Steering Control Module for diagnostic trouble codes, updating the module software if none were present and replacing the steering gear if they were. The same recall also covered the contemporary Taurus, Flex, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKS/MKT/MKZ built in the same window.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-20 (1.6L EcoBoost, 2.5L); 5W-30 (2.0L EcoBoost) · 5.7 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/60R16 (S) to 235/45R18 (Titanium); Sport 235/40R19
Known issues for this generation
2013-2014 Fusion sedans built with the 1.6L EcoBoost engine (Hermosillo plant, February 2012-June 2014) were part of a 2017 Ford safety recall (NHTSA campaign 17V-209, Ford reference 17S09) after the automaker found that coolant loss well below the minimum level in the coolant (de-gas) bottle at the time of a cool or cold start could let the cylinder head crack, producing a pressurized oil leak and, in 29 reported cases across the affected model lines in the US and Canada, an under-hood fire. The same recall covered the 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, and 2013-2015 Transit Connect with the same engine. Ford's remedy added a coolant-level sensor with supporting hardware and software at no charge; no injuries were reported. Only the 1.6L GTDI engine is covered.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Fusion years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 8 (from 439 complaints), 2020 at 12 (from 181 complaints), and 2019 at 13 (from 377 complaints).
Which Ford Fusion year has the most owner complaints?
2012 has the most complaints per year, at 140 (2,614 complaints). On the 2012 Ford Fusion, 1,259 of 2,614 complaints name Steering.
How do Ford Fusion owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Ford Fusion years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
What oil does a Ford Fusion take?
1st gen: 5W-20 for all engines (~5.3 qt). 2nd gen: 5W-20 for 1.6L EcoBoost/2.5L and 5W-30 for 2.0L EcoBoost (~5.7 qt common fill).
Does recall 15V-340 cover the Ford Fusion?
Certain 2011-2012 Fusion sedans are covered by Ford's EPAS recall 15V-340 (15S16): electric power-assist steering may fail; dealers update software or replace the EPS as directed.
What generation is the 2016 Ford Fusion?
2nd generation (2013-2020). 2006-2012 are 1st generation in this catalog.