One of Ford’s most well-known cars, the Ford Fusion offers comfort and economy at a competitive price. It’s also proven to be one of Ford’s most adaptable vehicles. But does the Fusion have many problems, given that it was one of Ford’s most reasonably priced models during its run? Here are the top four Ford Fusion issues.
But like any automobile, it has drawbacks, and in this post, we’ll discuss some of them.
6 Common Ford Fusion Problems With Solutions
1. Power Steering Failure
The most frequently reported problem with the Fusion is related to its steering, specifically that the power steering fails. At the same time, the car is being driven, according to data from Car Problem Zoo, a website that gathers input from car owners.
The following model years have had several reports of these problems. The years 2010 through 2012 were the most severely impacted by this problem.
Even though it would be highly inconvenient, stopping and contacting roadside help should be easy if you drive at a low pace and your power steering fails. Losing power steering, should it happen at high speeds, is extremely dangerous and terrifying, as you can see from these owners’ testimonies.
Solution:
- Due to a steering motor sensor issue, the 2011–2012 Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine were recalled for power steering failure.
- Ford fixed the issue by looking for DTCs in the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) (DTC). The steering gear will be replaced if any loss of steering assist DTCs is discovered.
- The PSCM software will be updated even if no error codes are found.
- All of which ought to be provided without charge.
The electric power steering gear motor attachment nuts on some 2013–2016 Ford Fusion vehicles have been recalled due to the possibility of corrosion from road salt or other impurities leading to failure.
If the nuts rust, the steering gear motor could separate from the gear housing and lose its ability to provide power steering.
Ford must replace the steering gear motor bolts. Most of those affected by this recall are from areas where wintertime road salting is standard. To be safe, check your vehicle’s VIN to determine whether you have been subject to any memories.
Be ready to use all your might to turn the wheel if you lose power steering while driving. As soon as you can, stop. You should apply more brake pressure to stop the automobile if the power steering fails due to the engine cutting out.
2. Head Gasket Failure / Engine Failure
The head gasket failing is a frequently reported problem with Ford Fusion models from 2013 through 2019 powered by the 1.5- and 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines. The common signs of a blown head gasket, which can result in engine failure, include coolant leakage and engine misfires.
The head gasket closes the space between the engine block and the cylinder head. This seal prevents the oil and coolant from mingling while pressuring the combustion chamber’s gasses.
External oil or coolant will seep out of the joints between the engine block and the cylinder head in the event of a blown head gasket.
Solution:
Some owners only needed to replace the head gasket, while other owners had to rebuild the engine completely. Being one of the most expensive repairs to undertake on any car, unfortunately, not everyone who encountered engine failure could afford the repair.
If you’re driving your Fusion and suddenly hear an odd noise from the engine or notice a misfire, stop and pull over.
3. Airbag problems
Airbag-related issues alone have generated 3,443 complaints about the Ford Fusion on the Car Problem Zoo website, making it the second-most frequently reported case after power steering failure.
Ford Fusion models from 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 have a history of airbag-related issues that have been widely publicized. These issues are primarily connected to the infamous Takata airbags that were recalled owing to their propensity to explode and fire off sharp metal pieces that could result in severe damage and occasionally even death.
Solution:
Ford Fusion sedans from 2006 to 2012 have had their airbags recalled. Always check the VIN using either Ford’s search tool on their website or the NHTSA website to determine if the car has been the subject of a recall, whether you are the owner of a Fusion or in the market for a secondhand one.
Because of this issue, you must get your automobile repaired at the dealership; if your vehicle has been recalled, they will do it at no cost to you.
4. Throttle Body Failure
Ford Fusion owners have recounted how their car stalls, hesitates, and jerks while driving; in many cases, this has been connected to a defective throttle body, as was widely observed on models from 2010 to 2016.
A throttle body controls how much air may enter the engine and functions like a butterfly valve.
If not enough, no electricity will be produced.
Solution:
Your Ford Fusion may be experiencing stalling and hesitation due to a malfunctioning throttle body, in which case the body has to be changed.
A replacement throttle body should cost around $1,000, including components and labor, according to online estimates.
5. Service Brakes Issues
Braking troubles with Ford Fusion vehicles from 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 are a frequent complaint (and to a lesser extent, 2011 and 2012 models).
Owners have noted numerous issues with the Fusion’s brakes.
- Need to exert more force to get the vehicle to stop
- The brakes failed while driving, and the pedal reached the floor
- Pressing the brakes causes the car to stop abruptly.
Solution:
Due to issues with the valves inside the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit, Ford issued a recall for the 2006–2010 Ford Fusion models. The valves were prone to not closing correctly, significantly impacting the car’s braking. Check your VIN to discover if you are subject to the recall to be on the safe side.
6. Bushing Failure
The bushing that connects the shifter cable to the transmission on Ford Fusion vehicles from 2013 to 2016 has a history of degrading or coming apart, making it impossible for the car to change into the correct gear. Other times, Ford cars have rolled away as the owners believed the transmission was in Park even though the gearbox wasn’t in that gear.
Solution:
Nearly 500,000 Ford Fusion cars from 2013 to 2016 with 1.5, 1.6, or 2.0-liter engines and 6F35 or ECVT gearboxes were subject to a recall.
Heat and humidity have been associated with bushing deterioration. Ford will fix this issue at no cost to the customer by replacing the under-the-hood shift bushing and adding a protective cap over the shift cable bushing.
Is a Ford Fusion a Reliable Car?
The Ford Fusion scored a respectable 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal‘s reliability scale. The Fusion only places 18th overall out of the 24 cars tested, however, due to the fierce competition in the midsize segment, its $581 average yearly repair cost indicates average ownership expenditures.
Compared to all other vehicles, the severity and frequency of repairs required are likewise moderate. The Ford Fusion has been one of the most well-liked competitors in the fiercely competitive midsize car sector because of its reasonably low pricing and more than acceptable standard equipment.
Conclusion
The Ford Fusion does appear to have a few difficulties, but these issues seem to surface more frequently as the vehicle accumulates more miles.
The Ford Fusion is still a reliable and affordable vehicle that you may decide to swap before reaching 100,000 miles.