If you're considering buying a used Ford Fusion, you'll want to avoid certain model years due to reported problems. The 2013-2016 Fusion models, in particular, have been plagued with transmission issues, electrical problems, and engine failures. Consumer Reports gave the 2013 Fusion a "much worse than average" reliability rating, and the 2014-2016 models received a "worse than average" rating.
The most common problem with the 2013-2016 Fusion is a faulty transmission. Many owners have reported that their transmissions have failed prematurely, sometimes with as little as 30,000 miles on the odometer. The symptoms of a failing transmission can include slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and shuddering. In some cases, the transmission may fail completely, leaving the car stranded.
2013-2014: Transmission Problems***
The 2013-2014 Ford Fusion is a popular midsize sedan, but it has been plagued by transmission problems. These problems can range from minor annoyances to major failures, and they can be expensive to fix.
Transmission Problems in the 2013-2014 Ford Fusion***
The most common transmission problem in the 2013-2014 Ford Fusion is a shuddering sensation when shifting gears. This shuddering can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn clutches, a faulty torque converter, or a problem with the transmission control module.
Another common transmission problem in the 2013-2014 Ford Fusion is slipping gears. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn gears, a faulty transmission solenoid, or a problem with the transmission fluid.
In severe cases, the transmission in the 2013-2014 Ford Fusion can fail completely. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a catastrophic failure of the transmission internals, a problem with the transmission case, or a problem with the transmission cooler.
Symptoms of Transmission Problems in the 2013-2014 Ford Fusion***
There are a number of symptoms that can indicate a transmission problem in the 2013-2014 Ford Fusion. These symptoms include:
- Shuddering when shifting gears
- Slipping gears
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Noises from the transmission
- Leaking transmission fluid
What to Do if You Think You Have a Transmission Problem in Your 2013-2014 Ford Fusion***
If you think you may have a transmission problem in your 2013-2014 Ford Fusion, it is important to have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring a transmission problem can lead to more serious damage and expensive repairs.
To have your transmission diagnosed, you can take it to a qualified mechanic or to a Ford dealership. The mechanic will be able to inspect the transmission and determine the cause of the problem.
Once the cause of the problem has been determined, the mechanic can recommend the best course of action. In some cases, the transmission may be able to be repaired. In other cases, it may need to be replaced.
How to Avoid Transmission Problems in the 2013-2014 Ford Fusion***
There are a few things you can do to help avoid transmission problems in the 2013-2014 Ford Fusion. These include:
- Changing the transmission fluid regularly
- Following the recommended maintenance schedule
- Avoiding driving in harsh conditions
- Not overloading the vehicle
By following these tips, you can help keep your 2013-2014 Ford Fusion's transmission running smoothly for many years to come.
2015-2016: Cooling System Issues
The 2015 and 2016 Ford Fusion models have been reported to have cooling system issues. These issues can lead to overheating, which can cause serious damage to the engine.
Symptoms of Cooling System Issues
Some of the symptoms of cooling system issues in the 2015-2016 Ford Fusion include:
- Overheating
- Leaking coolant
- Reduced coolant levels
- Engine knocking
Causes of Cooling System Issues
The cooling system in the 2015-2016 Ford Fusion can experience issues due to a number of factors, including:
- Faulty thermostat
- Clogged radiator
- Leaking water pump
- Blown head gasket
Risks of Cooling System Issues
If the cooling system issues in the 2015-2016 Ford Fusion are not addressed, they can lead to serious problems, including:
- Engine damage
- Loss of power
- Stalling
- Fire
Recommended Repairs
If you experience any of the symptoms of cooling system issues in your 2015-2016 Ford Fusion, it is important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. The mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the necessary repairs.
Some of the common repairs for cooling system issues in the 2015-2016 Ford Fusion include:
- Replacing the thermostat
- Flushing the radiator
- Replacing the water pump
- Replacing the head gasket
2017-2018 Ford Fusion: Engine Stalling
The 2017-2018 Ford Fusion models have been recalled due to a potential engine stall issue. The recall affects approximately 490,000 vehicles worldwide.
What is the problem?
The problem is caused by a software issue in the Fusion's engine control module (ECM). The ECM is responsible for controlling the engine's fuel and air mixture, as well as its ignition timing. The software issue can cause the ECM to send incorrect signals to the engine, which can lead to the engine suddenly losing power and/or stopping.
What are the symptoms of the problem?
The symptoms of the engine stall problem can include:
- The engine suddenly losing power while driving
- The engine suddenly stopping while driving
- The engine failing to start
What should I do if my car is affected?
If your car is affected by the recall, you should contact your local Ford dealer to schedule a free repair. The repair involves updating the software in the ECM.
What is Ford doing to fix the problem?
Ford is recalling all affected Fusion models and updating the software in the ECM. The repair is free of charge to all owners.
How long will it take to get my car fixed?
The time it takes to get your car fixed will depend on the availability of parts and the schedule of your local Ford dealer. However, most repairs can be completed in a few hours.
Is there anything I can do to prevent the problem from happening?
There is nothing you can do to prevent the problem from happening, as it is caused by a software issue in the ECM. However, if you experience any of the symptoms of the engine stall problem, you should pull over to a safe location and contact your local Ford dealer.
Conclusion
The engine stall problem in the 2017-2018 Ford Fusion is a serious safety issue. If you own an affected vehicle, you should contact your local Ford dealer to schedule a free repair as soon as possible.
2019-2020: Electrical Faults
The 2019-2020 Ford Fusion is a popular midsize sedan, but it has been plagued by a number of electrical problems. These problems can range from minor annoyances to major safety hazards.
Common Electrical Faults
Some of the most common electrical faults reported by Fusion owners include:
- Battery drain
- Electrical shorts
- Faulty wiring
- Glitching infotainment system
- Malfunctioning power windows
- Inoperative door locks
- Airbag deployment failures
Causes of Electrical Faults
The causes of electrical faults in the 2019-2020 Ford Fusion can vary. Some common causes include:
- Defective electrical components
- Loose or corroded wiring
- Water damage
- Software glitches
- Design flaws
Safety Concerns
Some of the electrical faults that have been reported in the 2019-2020 Ford Fusion can pose serious safety concerns. For example, a battery drain can leave you stranded on the side of the road, while a faulty airbag deployment system could increase your risk of injury in a crash.
Recalls
Ford has issued several recalls for the 2019-2020 Fusion to address electrical problems. These recalls include:
- A recall for 2019 Fusion models to fix a problem with the electrical wiring that could cause a fire.
- A recall for 2020 Fusion models to fix a problem with the airbag deployment system that could increase the risk of injury in a crash.
What to Do if You Have Electrical Problems
If you are experiencing electrical problems in your 2019-2020 Ford Fusion, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. You can take your Fusion to a Ford dealership or an independent mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Conclusion
The 2019-2020 Ford Fusion is a popular car, but it has been plagued by a number of electrical problems. These problems can range from minor annoyances to major safety hazards. If you are experiencing electrical problems in your Fusion, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
2021-2022: Fuel System Problems
The 2021-2022 Ford Fusion has been reported to have several fuel system problems. These problems can range from minor inconveniences to major safety hazards.
Minor fuel system problems may include:
- Difficulty starting the car
- Stalling while driving
- Rough idling
- Decreased fuel efficiency
More serious fuel system problems may include:
- Fuel leaks
- Fuel injector failure
- Fuel pump failure
These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Faulty design
- Poor manufacturing
- Lack of maintenance Use of low-quality fuel
If you are experiencing any fuel system problems with your 2021-2022 Ford Fusion, it is important to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in more serious problems, such as a fire or explosion.
Choosing a Reliable Ford Fusion Year
When selecting a Ford Fusion, it's important to consider the model year, as certain years may have potential reliability issues. After thorough research, we've identified the following Ford Fusion years to avoid:
- 2013: Known for problems with the power steering assist, causing loss of steering.
- 2014: Reports of issues with the 2.5-liter engine, including oil consumption and premature timing chain failure.
- 2016: Concerns over the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, experiencing turbocharger and intake manifold issues.
In contrast, the following Ford Fusion years generally have a better reputation for reliability:
- 2010-2012: Considered more reliable with fewer reported issues.
- 2015: Improvements in the 2.5-liter engine and fewer power steering assist problems.
- 2017-2019: Further advancements in engine reliability and overall build quality.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a reliable Ford Fusion is to research specific model years and consider factors such as maintenance records, owner reviews, and professional mechanic insights. By avoiding the potentially problematic years and selecting a more reliable option, you'll increase your chances of owning a trouble-free Fusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What years of Ford Fusion to avoid?
1999-2005: Transmission problems, engine issues, electrical problems, suspension problems, interior problems, and braking problems.
Why should you avoid these years of Ford Fusion?
The 1999-2005 Ford Fusion models are known for their numerous reliability issues, which can lead to costly repairs and reduced driving experience.
What are the most common problems with these years of Ford Fusion?
Transmission problems, engine issues, electrical problems, suspension problems, interior problems, and braking problems are the most commonly reported issues with the 1999-2005 Ford Fusion models.
What are the alternatives to these years of Ford Fusion?
If you are looking for a reliable and efficient car, there are several alternatives to the 1999-2005 Ford Fusion models, such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Mazda 6.
What should you do if you already own one of these years of Ford Fusion?
If you already own a 1999-2005 Ford Fusion, it is important to stay up-to-date on maintenance and repairs to minimize the risk of experiencing any major problems. Regularly check for recalls and service bulletins, and have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify and address any potential issues.