Ford Fusion: best & worst years

No Ford Fusion model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Below is every year (2006–2020) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Ford Fusion year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2020 Caution 7 Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.; Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.; Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 7 Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.; Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.; Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 7 Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.; Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.; Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 7 Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.; Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.; Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear. Full report ↗
2009 Recommended 7 Front airbag inflators fall under the Takata recall and may rupture or fail to deploy properly; some owners report warning lights remaining on or long waits for replacement parts.; Brake pedal can drop toward the floor with reduced braking, linked to ABS hydraulic control unit faults, sometimes triggered on rough or bumpy roads. Full report ↗
2008 Recommended 7 Front airbag inflators fall under the Takata recall and may rupture or fail to deploy properly; some owners report warning lights remaining on or long waits for replacement parts.; Brake pedal can drop toward the floor with reduced braking, linked to ABS hydraulic control unit faults, sometimes triggered on rough or bumpy roads. Full report ↗
2007 Recommended 7 Front airbag inflators fall under the Takata recall and may rupture or fail to deploy properly; some owners report warning lights remaining on or long waits for replacement parts.; Brake pedal can drop toward the floor with reduced braking, linked to ABS hydraulic control unit faults, sometimes triggered on rough or bumpy roads. Full report ↗
2006 Recommended 7 Front airbag inflators fall under the Takata recall and may rupture or fail to deploy properly; some owners report warning lights remaining on or long waits for replacement parts.; Brake pedal can drop toward the floor with reduced braking, linked to ABS hydraulic control unit faults, sometimes triggered on rough or bumpy roads. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.; Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.; Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 6 Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.; Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.; Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 6 Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.; Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.; Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.; Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.; Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 6 Brake pedal can go to the floor with a loss of hydraulic pressure or ABS faults; tied to brake recalls, though owners report cars just outside the recall windows.; Sudden loss of electric power-steering assist, with the wheel becoming very hard to turn or locking up; no broad recall covered many of the affected cars.; Automatic transmission shift flare and slipping, typically in the 2-3 and 4-5 gear changes, on the 6-speed automatic. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 6 Brake pedal can go to the floor with a loss of hydraulic pressure or ABS faults; tied to brake recalls, though owners report cars just outside the recall windows.; Sudden loss of electric power-steering assist, with the wheel becoming very hard to turn or locking up; no broad recall covered many of the affected cars.; Automatic transmission shift flare and slipping, typically in the 2-3 and 4-5 gear changes, on the 6-speed automatic. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 Brake pedal can go to the floor with a loss of hydraulic pressure or ABS faults; tied to brake recalls, though owners report cars just outside the recall windows.; Sudden loss of electric power-steering assist, with the wheel becoming very hard to turn or locking up; no broad recall covered many of the affected cars.; Automatic transmission shift flare and slipping, typically in the 2-3 and 4-5 gear changes, on the 6-speed automatic. Full report ↗

Ford Fusion problems by year

2020 Ford Fusion Caution

A well-sorted final-year Fusion with strong reviews, good tech and economy; prefer the naturally aspirated 2.5L and verify any 1.5L EcoBoost for coolant-intrusion history.

  • Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.
  • Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.
  • Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear.

2019 Ford Fusion Caution

Mature, comfortable and well-equipped; the 2.5L is the safer pick, while the 1.5L EcoBoost carries the well-documented coolant-intrusion engine-failure risk.

  • Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.
  • Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.
  • Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear.

2018 Ford Fusion Caution

A refined, highly rated midsize sedan; reliability is good apart from the EcoBoost coolant-intrusion defect, so check engine and recall history.

  • Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.
  • Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.
  • Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear.

2017 Ford Fusion Caution

Comfortable, stylish and well-liked by owners, but the 1.5L/2.0L EcoBoost coolant-intrusion failures and a few recalls warrant a careful inspection.

  • Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.
  • Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.
  • Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear.

2016 Ford Fusion Caution

Good to drive and well-equipped, yet the EcoBoost coolant-intrusion risk plus steering and camera complaints make a thorough pre-purchase check essential.

  • Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.
  • Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.
  • Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear.

2015 Ford Fusion Caution

Roomy and refined for the class; weigh the EcoBoost coolant-intrusion engine-failure pattern and steering-related recalls before buying.

  • Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.
  • Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.
  • Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear.

2014 Ford Fusion Caution

Attractive and comfortable, but early CD4 cars show coolant intrusion on the small EcoBoost engines plus steering and backup-camera complaints.

  • Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.
  • Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.
  • Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear.

2013 Ford Fusion Caution

The stylish first year of the redesign, undercut by EcoBoost coolant-intrusion failures, a steering recall and shifter-bushing issues, inspect carefully.

  • Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders on the 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost (and some 2.0L EcoBoost) engines, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and catastrophic engine failure that often requires a full engine replacement.
  • Loss of electric power steering assist; some cars were covered by a recall for a steering gear motor bolt that can loosen and let the steering wheel detach, but many owners report failures on VINs left out of the recall.
  • Shifter cable bushing degrades and falls apart, leaving the car stuck in Park or unable to be shifted into the intended gear.

2012 Ford Fusion Caution

Pleasant to drive and generally liked, but power-steering, brake and transmission complaints on these years mean a careful inspection is wise.

  • Brake pedal can go to the floor with a loss of hydraulic pressure or ABS faults; tied to brake recalls, though owners report cars just outside the recall windows.
  • Sudden loss of electric power-steering assist, with the wheel becoming very hard to turn or locking up; no broad recall covered many of the affected cars.
  • Automatic transmission shift flare and slipping, typically in the 2-3 and 4-5 gear changes, on the 6-speed automatic.

2011 Ford Fusion Caution

Comfortable and efficient, though recurring electric power-steering and brake complaints make these years a cautious buy.

  • Brake pedal can go to the floor with a loss of hydraulic pressure or ABS faults; tied to brake recalls, though owners report cars just outside the recall windows.
  • Sudden loss of electric power-steering assist, with the wheel becoming very hard to turn or locking up; no broad recall covered many of the affected cars.
  • Automatic transmission shift flare and slipping, typically in the 2-3 and 4-5 gear changes, on the 6-speed automatic.

2010 Ford Fusion Caution

High complaint volume for power steering, brakes and transmission on this year; only buy with strong service records and a thorough mechanical inspection.

  • Brake pedal can go to the floor with a loss of hydraulic pressure or ABS faults; tied to brake recalls, though owners report cars just outside the recall windows.
  • Sudden loss of electric power-steering assist, with the wheel becoming very hard to turn or locking up; no broad recall covered many of the affected cars.
  • Automatic transmission shift flare and slipping, typically in the 2-3 and 4-5 gear changes, on the 6-speed automatic.

2009 Ford Fusion Recommended

A dependable, comfortable first-generation Fusion with Camry-like durability; main caveat is confirming the Takata airbag and any brake recalls were completed.

  • Front airbag inflators fall under the Takata recall and may rupture or fail to deploy properly; some owners report warning lights remaining on or long waits for replacement parts.
  • Brake pedal can drop toward the floor with reduced braking, linked to ABS hydraulic control unit faults, sometimes triggered on rough or bumpy roads.

2008 Ford Fusion Recommended

Reliable and roomy with a strong ownership reputation; verify the Takata airbag recall repair and check the brakes, otherwise a sensible used pick.

  • Front airbag inflators fall under the Takata recall and may rupture or fail to deploy properly; some owners report warning lights remaining on or long waits for replacement parts.
  • Brake pedal can drop toward the floor with reduced braking, linked to ABS hydraulic control unit faults, sometimes triggered on rough or bumpy roads.

2007 Ford Fusion Recommended

A solid, dependable early Fusion praised for reliability and comfort; confirm the Takata airbag recall was done and inspect the ABS/brake system.

  • Front airbag inflators fall under the Takata recall and may rupture or fail to deploy properly; some owners report warning lights remaining on or long waits for replacement parts.
  • Brake pedal can drop toward the floor with reduced braking, linked to ABS hydraulic control unit faults, sometimes triggered on rough or bumpy roads.

2006 Ford Fusion Recommended

The debut Fusion, well regarded for reliability and value; main checks are the Takata airbag recall completion and the brake/ABS system.

  • Front airbag inflators fall under the Takata recall and may rupture or fail to deploy properly; some owners report warning lights remaining on or long waits for replacement parts.
  • Brake pedal can drop toward the floor with reduced braking, linked to ABS hydraulic control unit faults, sometimes triggered on rough or bumpy roads.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Ford models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.