Ford Fusion is a popular midsize sedan that sold over 300,000 in 2014. However, Ford discontinued the fusion in 2020 due to dwindling sales. If you are planning to buy a used fusion, knowing which Ford fusion years to avoid makes sense.
According to NHSTA, CarComplaints and other reliable car review forums, you should avoid buying Ford Fusion 2010, 2006 and 2008 model years. These models have the most complaints and will require expensive annual repair costs.
If you want a reliable Ford Fusion for the safest and most comfortable ride with minimal repair cost, buy the latest models. Potential buyers of pre-owned Fusions should be aware of Ford Fusion problems, as certain years pose reliability concerns.
Article Summary
List of Ford Fusion Years To Avoid
Below are some of the worst Ford Fusion model years according to the owners feedback and complaints of various trusty domains:
1. 2010 Ford Fusion is The Worst Model Year
Ford Fusion 2010 is the worst year that you want to avoid when planning to buy a new or used Ford car. This model gets the highest complaints around the world for transmission problems, steering and engine. Ford Fusion 2010 received 4986 complaints in NHSTA and 436 complaints on carcomplaints.
Users mostly complain that this model year of Ford Fusion has a power steering assist fault, steering assist failure, and power steering not working properly. It costs around $1600 to $2000 to fix these problems. This model year also causes transmission glitches and ABS malfunctions.
The most concerning complaint against Ford Fusion 2010 is its faulty airbags system. This problem is so common that it alone triggers seven recalls out of 13. Other recalls were for ABS valve defects, fuel leaks, and faulty service breaks.
2. 2006 Ford Fusion
The next Ford Fusion year to avoid is 2006. This model year received 728 complaints in NHTSA and 125 complaints in carcomplaints. The most common problems with Ford Fusion 2006 are weak door handle mechanism, light problems, motor running rough and transmission problem.
It costs between $500 and $5600 to fix these issues. Owners also complain that its airbags don’t deploy during a collision. This model triggered five recalls for airbags and service breaks.
3. 2008 Ford Fusion
What if your car has spongy brakes that don’t work when you need to stop your vehicle? You may have this horrible experience or even a serious accident if buy a Ford Fusion 2008. This model mostly causes spongy brake system problems along with ABS failure, emergency brake stuck, and exterior lighting problems.
Ford Fusion 2008 received 156 complaints on car complaints and 1344 complaints on NHSTA. It triggers seven recalls for the brake system, interlock brake, and airbag.
4. 2011 Ford Fusion
Most common problems with Ford Fusion 2011 are power steering failure, stuck door problems, faulty temperature sensors, brake problems, and engine problems. If you own this model year, you may need to spend $1500 to $3000 to fix power steering failure or transmission slipping but no check engine light.
Ford Fusion 2008 gets 268 complaints on car complaints and 2626 complaints on NHTSA. This model brings nine recalls for fracture wheel studs, power steering assist, cracked fuel tank, and airbag system.
5. 2012 Ford Fusion
If you own a Ford Fusion 2012, you may face some serious issues like power steering failure, door handle failure, transmission problems, and AC problems. If so, you’ll need up to $2200 to fix these problems.
Ford Fusion 2012 gets 292 complaints on carcomplains and 2394 complaints on NHTSA, making it one of the worst cars to avoid. This car also has four recalls for airbags and steering system assist reduced.
6. 2013 Ford Fusion
Though Ford Fusion 2013 doesn’t get many complaints compared to other model years, it has the highest recalls. This model year has 19 recalls, particularly for steering gear motor, ruptured front brake hose, leaked engine cylinder, and faulty exterior lighting.
Ford Fusion 2013 gets 1790 complaints from NHTSA and 284 complaints on carcomplaints. You may need to spend $1500 to fix the engine stall or $3000 to fix rough shifting problem after owning this model year.
7. 2014 Ford Fusion
This model has many engine problems, including low power while driving, engine misfire, vibration while idling, and engine failure. Other problems the Ford Fusion 2014 may cause are interior ceiling trim changes, transmission problems, steering issues, and fuel system problems.
This model gets 193 complaints on car complaints and 1213 complaints on NHSTA. Ford Fusion 2014 also has 19 recalls for detached steering gear motor and wheel, leak engine cylinder, door problem, and brake light malfunction.
Also Read: Buick Lucerne Years To Avoid
Best Years For Ford Fusion Those Are Most Reliable
If you want to enjoy the safest family ride with improved convenience and fuel economy, opt for these Ford Fusion model years:
2015 Ford Fusion is Most Reliable
Ford Fusion 2015 is one of the most reliable model years that has solid build quality. Its sturdy chassis helps reduce vibration and provide improved handling. This model is available with 3 different engine options a sleek exterior and a comfortable interior.
Ford Fusion also gets positive reviews, highly reliable ratings, and satisfied performance. It has a 29 mpg fuel economy rating and its annual repair cost is only $616, making it a dependable midsize car. This car gets only 851 complaints in NHTSA.
2018 Ford Fusion
If you want a Ford Fusion that is packed with technology and elegant design, you can opt for the Ford Fusion 2018 model. This model has solid reliability scores and comes in a combination of composed ride and sharp handling.
Its impressive driver assist feature will provide you peace of mind, making it a perfect midsize family sedan. Annual repair cost of this model is $603 and its fuel economy rating is 24 mpg. Ford Fusion gets only 217 complaints on NHTSA.
2019 Ford Fusion
Ford Fusion 2019 comes with a handsome shape, impressive safety tech, low center of gravity, making it a highly demanding model. Some incredible models this car include is blind Spot information system with cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and a lane-keeping system.
With a classy interior and ample seating capacity, this midsize sedan is exceptionally comfortable and safe to ride. This car gets a 4.7 out of 5.0 reliability score on Edmunds and only receives 96 complaints on NHTSA. Fuel economy rating of the Ford Fusion 2018 is 23 mpg and its annual repair cost is $552.
2020 Ford Fusion is Most Reliable
Ford Fusion 2020 is designed with a crisp style and a roomy cabin to provide a comfortable and satisfying ride. This model has spacious seating and all-wheel drive (AWD) to ensure quiet on the move even in colder climates. Even if you want the safest car on the road while enjoying sharp handling, you can buy this Ford Fusion 2020.
This model features adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Ford Fusion 2020 received only 46 complaints from NHTSA and gets a 4.6 consumer rating on Edmunds. Annual repair cost of the Ford Fusion 2020 is $581 and its fuel economy is 34 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. Road Clutch also claimed that 2020 Ford Fusion is reliable.
FAQs on Ford Fusion Years To Avoid
Are Ford Fusions A Good Car?
Yes, Ford Fusion is a reliable car. This midsize sedan provides improved fuel efficiency and convenience for smaller cars, making it perfect choice for family rides. However, avoid first generation of Ford Fusion model years to avoid expensive repair costs.
Which Ford Fusion Has The Most Reliable Engine?
Second-generation Ford Fusion model years like 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020 have the most reliable engine. These Ford Fusions have a 2.5L i-VCT I4 standard engine that provides long-lasting and reliable performance.
Do Ford Fusions Overheat?
Yes, even engine overheating is a common problem for early Ford model years. Ford Fusion engine can overheat due to coolant leaks on radiator, water pump, and hose. Engine can also overheat due to thermostat failure and low engine oil level.
Final Words
Ford has made significant improvements in recent models compared to earlier. So the Ford Fusion years to avoid are 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2011. Whether it is old or new, these model years will cost more expensive annual repair costs than other models and might not provide reliable performance.
Instead opt for Ford Fusion 2018, 2019, and 2020 to enjoy the benefits of a midsize sedan and a safe as well as comfortable driving experience.
Thank you so mush. I was planning to buy used Ford Fusion 2010 model. You saved my money man. Now I’m clear that I should go for 2015 Ford Fusion model or latest one.
I hope you get better machine with lifelong durability.