Ford Fusion owners filed 4,656 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2016 Ford Fusion drew the most complaints (1,621); across all years, owners complain most about engine (32% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2016, with 1,621 complaints, led by engine (441) and 13 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Engine drew 1,511 complaints but no recalls, so for most of these owners the repair falls to warranty or their own pocket, not a free recall fix.
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2016 (1.6 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: electrical system complaints came at a median 43k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 23 complaints mention a fire and 154 a crash, with 95 injuries reported.
Ford Fusion complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 13 recalls | 992 | Engine (271), Steering (163), Transmission / powertrain (143) median 74k mi · 34 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2016 13 recalls | 1,621 | Engine (441), Transmission / powertrain (310), Steering (176) median 78k mi · 59 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2017 4 recalls | 1,109 | Engine (394), Transmission / powertrain (310), Engine and cooling (134) median 71k mi · 37 crashes · 8 fires |
| 2018 2 recalls | 439 | Engine (202), Transmission / powertrain (106), Engine and cooling (88) median 90k mi · 9 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2019 3 recalls | 314 | Engine (153), Transmission / powertrain (68), Engine and cooling (54) median 79k mi · 5 crashes |
| 2020 3 recalls | 181 | Transmission / powertrain (67), Engine (50), Electrical system (38) median 71k mi · 10 crashes · 3 fires |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 38, more than the 22 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Ford Fusion problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,511 | 32% | 0 | 79k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 1,004 | 22% | 6 | 80k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Electrical system | 473 | 10% | 1 | 43k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Engine and cooling | 442 | 9% | 0 | 97k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Steering | 428 | 9% | 3 | 65k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Brakes | 234 | 5% | 2 | 61k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Fuel system | 217 | 5% | 1 | 61k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Backup camera / rear sensors | 150 | 3% | 2 | 88k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Ford Fusion owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Engine
The engine over heats out of nowhere. We took it to a Ford dealer, our car has 68,000 miles on it and we are being told we need a full engine replacement at a cost of $9,000. There was a technical service bulletin put out 12/10/2019. Ford is aware of this issue on two models for a few years. No compensation or recalls are being offered.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11530127
Ford dealership is stating engine and transmission needs to be replaced. They said this is a known issue with the 1.5L engine and Ford is aware of it. They've never seen the transmission go at the same time. Estimated repairs are $6,300. I'm the original owner, regularly maintained, with 95,000 miles on it. Just turned 4 years old.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11343884
None of these 1,511 engine complaints is matched by a recall on these model years, so a repair is covered only by warranty or paid by the owner.
1,511 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
Transmission started whining from the pump and then immediately lost power/acceleration. Electronic diagnosis found code P0733 for incorrect gear ratio for 3rd gear. Dealership recommends torque converter replacement and transmission overhaul. Fine metal debris found in transmission fluid sample. Estimate $5,500 and occurred at 110,000 miles on odometer.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11709703
The vehicle started hesitating but was not bad until the car geared down in traffic, almost causing an accident. The trouble indicator was a "wrench" which indicated a power train issue. I got the car back home and had it towed to the car dealership, where the diagnosis was I need a new transmission for a 2017 Ford Fusion, with 66,238 miles. Cost of repair is quoted at $4875 to replace the transmission.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11253566
Related recalls: 26V376000 (2015–2016): 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. 22V413000 (2015–2016): 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. 19V362000 (2015–2016): 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.
1,004 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Electrical system
In november 2024 my back up camera failed. The dealership diagnosed a failed camera and installed a new one for $ 800. In july 2025 the camera failed again. It was under warranty but the dealer diagnosed the issue as a low power failure and replaced the battery for $ 600. This week the back up camera is beginning to intermittently fail with a message "see dealership for repair".
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11687749
Vehicle is a plug in hybrid, it was left in the garage (first floor of the house) overnight charging the EV battery. Sometime in the night, plugged in, no key in the ignition, the engine started and ran until it ran out of gas (in the garage with the door closed and my son sleeping on the 2nd floor over the garage). We were lucky no one died of carbon monoxide poising.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11430397
Related recalls: 23V440000 (2019–2020): A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash.
473 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Ford Fusion recalls
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V376000 | 2026-06-09 | 2015–2016 | Transmission / powertrain | 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. |
| 25V695000 | 2025-10-13 | 2016 | Backup camera / rear sensors | 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. |
| 25V685000 | 2025-10-10 | 2019–2020 | Equipment / accessories | An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 25V442000 | 2025-06-27 | 2019–2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | 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. |
| 23V775000 | 2023-11-17 | 2016 | Latches and locks | Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 23V440000 | 2023-06-23 | 2019–2020 | Electrical system | A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V162000 | 2023-03-10 | 2015–2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V413000 | 2022-06-10 | 2015–2016 | Transmission / powertrain | 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. |
| 22V011000 | 2022-01-13 | 2015 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. |
| 20V177000 | 2020-03-23 | 2015–2016 | Latches and locks | A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. |
| 19V632000 | 2019-08-29 | 2015–2016 | Steering | 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. |
| 19V590000 | 2019-08-12 | 2015 | Seat belts | A failed seat belt anchor cable cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 19V362000 | 2019-05-13 | 2015–2016 | Transmission / powertrain | 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. |
| 18V471000 | 2018-07-16 | 2015–2016 | Transmission / powertrain | 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. |
| 18V167000 | 2018-03-12 | 2015–2018 | Steering | A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V427000 | 2017-07-06 | 2017 | Transmission / powertrain | 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. |
| 16V875000 | 2016-12-05 | 2015–2016 | Seat belts | If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury. |
| 16V874000 | 2016-12-05 | 2017 | Seats | During a crash, the improper welds may fail, allowing any stowed luggage to move into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 16V250000 | 2016-04-27 | 2016 | Seat belts | An improperly welded driver seat riser may fail to adequately restrain the driver during crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 15V618000 | 2015-10-01 | 2016 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel tank that cracks may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 15V250000 | 2015-04-28 | 2015 | Steering | If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist. Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 14V736000 | 2014-11-18 | 2015 | Transmission / powertrain | If the key can be removed despite that the transmission is not in Park, a driver may think the vehicle is safety parked, when it is not, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway that could cause the vehicle to strike and injure the driver, other vehicle occupants, or bystanders. |
What this data can and can't tell you
4,656 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Ford models in the index
- Ford F-150 (11,842)
- Ford Escape (9,632)
- Ford Explorer (9,079)
- Ford Edge (5,190)
- Ford F-250 SD (3,942)
- Ford Focus (3,929)
- Ford Expedition (2,537)
- Ford F-350 SD (2,147)
- Ford EcoSport (1,850)
- Ford Mustang (1,750)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.