2013 Ford Fusion: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

The stylish first year of the redesign, undercut by EcoBoost coolant-intrusion failures, a steering recall and shifter-bushing issues, inspect carefully. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2013 Ford Fusion ranged from $21,900 to $32,200 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

6/10
Mixed track record

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

Sources (3)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=fusion&m…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=fusion&m…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=fusion&m…

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (3)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=fusion&m…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=fusion&m…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=fusion&m…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Comfortable, quiet ride with a roomy, well-finished cabin.
  • High owner satisfaction, most owners rate it highly and would recommend it.
  • Wide engine choice including efficient EcoBoost turbos, a frugal hybrid/Energi plug-in, and an available AWD V6 Sport.
  • Attractive, upscale styling that still looks modern years later.
  • Good infotainment and available driver-assist technology for the class.

Cons

  • The 1.5L/1.6L EcoBoost engines are prone to coolant intrusion that can destroy the engine and cost thousands to repair.
  • Shifter cable bushing and steering-related complaints, with some defects left out of the recalls.
  • Backup camera and infotainment glitches are commonly reported.
  • Resale value and perceived value are weak points versus Japanese rivals.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
S $21,900 discontinued 2.5L I4 (naturally aspirated) —
SE $23,830 discontinued 2.5L I4 (naturally aspirated) —
Titanium $30,200 discontinued 2.0L EcoBoost turbo I4 —
AWD Titanium $32,200 discontinued 2.0L EcoBoost turbo I4 —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2013-ford-fusion-price
  • fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2013&make=Ford&…

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $550–600/yr
Expected lifespan~250k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)
  • repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/fusion
  • moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/ford-fusion-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2013 Ford Fusion have?

Documented issue patterns include: 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; Backup (rearview) camera shows a black screen, frozen or distorted image, reducing rear visibility when reversing. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2013 Ford Fusion reliable?

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

How much did the 2013 Ford Fusion cost new?

Between $21,900 and $32,200 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Ford Fusion expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.