Ford Fusion research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Fusion is a comfortable, good-handling midsize sedan. 2011-2012 models offer simple four-cylinder and V6 choices plus a Hybrid. The stylish 2013-2020 generation added EcoBoost turbo engines, an efficient Hybrid rated around 41-42 mpg combined, the Energi plug-in, and from 2017 a 325-hp AWD Fusion Sport. 2019-2020 models have standard automatic emergency braking. Ford ended the Fusion after 2020, but parts and service remain available.

Model years covered: 2011–2020. The U.S. Fusion ended with the 2020 model year (production ended July 2020); there are no 2021 or later U.S. Fusions.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Comfortable ride and good handling
Attractive styling
Efficient hybrid option
Energi plug in hybrid option
Available all wheel drive
325 hp V6 sport 2017 2019
Standard co pilot360 2019 2020
Good used value

Things to know before you buy

Engine choice changes by year resolve by VIN
1.6 liter ecoboost recall history
Shifter bushing recall 2013 2016
Steering wheel bolt recall 2014 2018
1.5 liter coolant intrusion program 2017 2019
Energi has smaller trunk
Fusion discontinued after 2020
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 1 (2006–2012)

The first-generation Fusion (2006-2012 model years) was refreshed for 2010; the 2011-2012 cars covered here offer a 175-hp 2.5L four, a 240-hp 3.0L flex-fuel V6, a 263-hp 3.5L V6 in the Sport, and the Fusion Hybrid (2.5L, 191 combined hp, eCVT). Gas models use a 6-speed automatic or, on the 2.5L, a 6-speed manual; AWD came with the V6.

Buyer takeaway: An inexpensive, straightforward sedan; the Hybrid is efficient and the V6 smooth. Confirm the power-steering recall and check the hybrid system on Hybrids.

Generation 2 (2013–2020)

The 2013-2020 Fusion, built in Mexico and Michigan, brought sleek styling and turbo EcoBoost engines: 2.5L, 1.6L (2013-2014), 1.5L (2014-2020), 2.0L (AWD available), plus a 188-hp 2.0L Hybrid and the Energi plug-in (about 20 miles EV range, rising to about 26 by 2019). The 2017 refresh added a rotary shifter, SYNC 3, Platinum and the 325-hp 2.7L Sport; 2019 made Co-Pilot360 standard. Production ended July 2020.

Buyer takeaway: 2017-2020 models have the newer tech; 2019-2020 add standard safety features. The Hybrid is the efficiency pick, the Sport the performance pick. Verify recalls and, on 2017-2019 1.5L cars, engine coolant history.

Ford Fusion by model year

2020 Ford Fusion

The 2020 Fusion is the final model year; production ended in July 2020 as Ford left the U.S. sedan market. Trims are S, SE, SEL and Titanium, plus Hybrid (SE, Titanium) and Energi Titanium. Engines: 175-hp 2.5L (S), 181-hp 1.5L EcoBoost, 2.0L EcoBoost with AWD, 188-hp Hybrid and Energi (about 26 miles EV range). The V6 Sport was dropped. Parts and service remain available at Ford dealers.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 175 hp s trim; 1.5 liter ecoboost turbo I4 181 hp; 2.0 liter ecoboost turbo I4 240 to 245 hp; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 188 hp combined; 2.0 liter energi plug in hybrid about 26 mile EV range
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic with rotary shifter; Electronic CVT hybrid and energi
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.0 liter ecoboost
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Final model year in north america
Production ended july 2020
V6 sport dropped
Lineup cut to s se SEL titanium

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Rotary shifter operation; Hybrid or energi battery and charging if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2019 Ford Fusion

The 2019 Fusion got light styling updates and standard Co-Pilot360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The 181-hp 1.5L EcoBoost became standard on SE and above, the SEL replaced the Platinum, and the Energi's range grew to about 26 miles. It is the last year of the 325-hp V6 Sport.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 175 hp s trim; 1.5 liter ecoboost turbo I4 181 hp; 2.0 liter ecoboost turbo I4 240 to 245 hp; 2.7 liter ecoboost twin turbo V6 325 hp V6 sport; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 188 hp combined; 2.0 liter energi plug in hybrid about 26 mile EV range
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic with rotary shifter; Electronic CVT hybrid and energi
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.0 liter and V6 sport
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Standard co pilot360 with automatic emergency braking
1.5 liter ecoboost standard on se and above
SEL trim added platinum dropped
Energi range rises to about 26 miles
Last year of the V6 sport

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Coolant intrusion and unexplained coolant loss 1.5 liter; Rotary shifter operation; Six speed automatic shift quality; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Hybrid or energi battery and charging if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2018 Ford Fusion

The 2018 Fusion carries over the refreshed lineup: 175-hp 2.5L, 181-hp 1.5L EcoBoost (about 23/34 mpg), 2.0L EcoBoost, the 325-hp Fusion Sport with AWD, the 188-hp Hybrid (about 42 mpg combined) and the Energi plug-in (about 21 miles EV range). 2017-2019 1.5L engines were covered by a Ford program for coolant intrusion, so check coolant level and engine history.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 175 hp; 1.5 liter ecoboost turbo I4 181 hp; 2.0 liter ecoboost turbo I4 240 to 245 hp; 2.7 liter ecoboost twin turbo V6 325 hp sport AWD; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 188 hp combined; 2.0 liter energi plug in hybrid about 21 to 22 mile EV range
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic with rotary shifter; Electronic CVT hybrid and energi
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.0 liter and sport
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2017
Last year covered by steering wheel bolt recall

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Coolant intrusion and unexplained coolant loss 1.5 liter; Rotary shifter operation; Six speed automatic shift quality; Steering wheel bolt recall status; Hybrid or energi battery and charging if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2017 Ford Fusion

The refreshed 2017 Fusion added new styling, a rotary gear dial, SYNC 3 and two new trims: the luxurious Platinum and the Fusion Sport with a 325-hp 2.7L twin-turbo V6 and standard AWD (about 17/26 mpg). Other engines carry over (2.5L, 181-hp 1.5L, 2.0L EcoBoost at 240-245 hp, 188-hp Hybrid). The Energi rises to about 22 miles of EV range.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 175 hp; 1.5 liter ecoboost turbo I4 181 hp; 2.0 liter ecoboost turbo I4 240 to 245 hp; 2.7 liter ecoboost twin turbo V6 325 hp sport AWD; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 188 hp combined; 2.0 liter energi plug in hybrid about 21 to 22 mile EV range
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic with rotary shifter; Electronic CVT hybrid and energi
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.0 liter and sport
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Refreshed styling and rotary gear selector
Fusion sport with 325 hp 2.7 liter twin turbo V6
New platinum top trim
Sync 3 infotainment
Energi range rises to about 22 miles

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Coolant intrusion and unexplained coolant loss 1.5 liter; Rotary shifter operation; Six speed automatic shift quality; Steering wheel bolt recall status; Hybrid or energi battery and charging if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2016 Ford Fusion

The 2016 Fusion is the last year before the 2017 refresh, with the 175-hp 2.5L, 181-hp 1.5L EcoBoost, 2.0L EcoBoost, 188-hp Hybrid (about 41 mpg combined) and Energi plug-in. It uses a conventional shift lever rather than the later rotary dial. 2013-2016 2.5L cars were recalled for a shifter cable bushing that could let the car roll away; confirm the fix.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 175 hp; 1.5 liter ecoboost turbo I4 181 hp; 2.0 liter ecoboost turbo I4 231 to 240 hp; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 188 hp combined; 2.0 liter energi plug in hybrid about 20 mile EV range
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic; Electronic CVT hybrid and energi
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.0 liter ecoboost
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Last year before the 2017 refresh
Sync 3 arrives on later builds verify by VIN

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Steering wheel bolt recall status; Shifter cable bushing recall status; Six speed automatic shift quality; Hybrid or energi battery and charging if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2015 Ford Fusion

The 2015 Fusion drops the manual transmission, so every gas model uses a 6-speed automatic. Engines are the 175-hp 2.5L, the 181-hp 1.5L EcoBoost (about 25/36 mpg), the 2.0L EcoBoost (about 231-240 hp, AWD available), the 188-hp Hybrid and the Energi plug-in (about 20 miles EV range, 88 MPGe). Check the shifter-bushing and steering-wheel bolt recalls by VIN.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 175 hp; 1.5 liter ecoboost turbo I4 181 hp; 2.0 liter ecoboost turbo I4 231 to 240 hp; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 188 hp combined; 2.0 liter energi plug in hybrid about 20 mile EV range
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic; Electronic CVT hybrid and energi
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.0 liter ecoboost
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Manual transmission dropped
Largely carryover

2014 Ford Fusion

For 2014, a 181-hp 1.5L EcoBoost replaced the 1.6L in automatic Fusions (about 23/35 mpg), while the 1.6L stayed only with the 6-speed manual. The 2.5L, 2.0L EcoBoost, 188-hp Hybrid (about 43/39 mpg) and Energi carry over. Recalls covering 2014 models include the shifter cable bushing (2.5L), 1.6L coolant-related overheating and a steering-wheel bolt that can loosen.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 175 hp; 1.5 liter ecoboost turbo I4 181 hp; 1.6 liter ecoboost manual only 2014; 2.0 liter ecoboost turbo I4 231 to 240 hp; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 188 hp combined; 2.0 liter energi plug in hybrid about 20 mile EV range
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual 1.6 liter; Electronic CVT hybrid and energi
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.0 liter ecoboost
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

1.5 liter ecoboost replaces 1.6 liter with the automatic
1.6 liter remains with the manual only
Steering wheel bolt recall begins with 2014 models

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Steering wheel bolt recall status; Engine overheating recall status 1.6 liter; Shifter cable bushing recall status; Six speed automatic shift quality; Hybrid or energi battery and charging if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2013 Ford Fusion

The 2013 Fusion was all-new and widely praised for its styling. Engines: a 2.5L four (about 170-175 hp), a 1.6L EcoBoost (about 173-178 hp, with a rare 6-speed manual), a 2.0L EcoBoost (about 231-240 hp, AWD available), a 188-hp Hybrid and the Energi plug-in with about 20 miles of EV range. The 1.6L had overheating/fire recalls, so check recall completion.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 170 to 175 hp; 1.6 liter ecoboost turbo I4 173 to 178 hp; 2.0 liter ecoboost turbo I4 231 to 240 hp; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 188 hp combined; 2.0 liter energi plug in hybrid about 20 mile EV range
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual 1.6 liter; Electronic CVT hybrid and energi
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive 2.0 liter ecoboost
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

All new design with aston martin like grille
Ecoboost turbo engines replace V6
New 2.0 liter hybrid rated 47 mpg originally
Energi plug in hybrid introduced
Available driver assists

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Engine overheating and fire recall status 1.6 liter; Shifter cable bushing recall status; Six speed automatic shift quality; Hybrid or energi battery and charging if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2012 Ford Fusion

The 2012 Fusion is the last first-generation car and the last with the 240-hp 3.0L and 263-hp 3.5L V6 engines (AWD available with either). The 175-hp 2.5L four is the most common choice, and the 191-hp Fusion Hybrid is rated about 41/36 mpg. Ford recalled 2011-2012 Fusions for a power steering fault that could suddenly remove steering assist; confirm the fix by VIN.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 175 hp; 3.0 liter V6 240 hp flex fuel; 3.5 liter V6 263 hp sport; 2.5 liter hybrid I4 191 hp combined
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual 2.5 liter; Electronic CVT hybrid
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive V6 only
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Last year of the first generation
Last year of V6 engines until 2017
Electric power steering recall applies

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Electric power steering recall status and operation; Hybrid battery and inverter if hybrid; AWD system if V6 AWD; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2011 Ford Fusion

The 2011 Fusion carries over the 2010 refresh. Engines: a 175-hp 2.5L four (6-speed manual or automatic, about 23/32 mpg automatic), a 240-hp 3.0L flex-fuel V6, a 263-hp 3.5L V6 in the Sport, and the Fusion Hybrid (2.5L, 191 combined hp, about 41/36 mpg). AWD was offered with V6 engines. 2011-2012 models were recalled for possible loss of power steering assist.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 175 hp; 3.0 liter V6 240 hp flex fuel; 3.5 liter V6 263 hp sport; 2.5 liter hybrid I4 191 hp combined
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual 2.5 liter; Electronic CVT hybrid
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive V6 only
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Carryover of the 2010 refresh
Fusion hybrid rated about 41 city mpg
Sport trim with 3.5 liter V6

Known issues and what to check

1.6L EcoBoost Overheating and Fire Recalls (2013–2014)
2013-2014 Fusions with the 1.6L EcoBoost were recalled because coolant leaks or low coolant could make the engine overheat; an overheated cylinder head can crack and leak oil onto hot parts, creating a fire risk. Separate recalls covered 2013 build-period cars and, later, 2013-2014 cars driven with low coolant.
What to do: On a 1.6L Fusion, confirm every engine recall is complete before buying.
Shifter Cable Bushing Recall (Rollaway Risk) (2013–2016)
Ford recalled 2013-2016 Fusions with 6-speed automatics (including a 2019 recall of about 270,000 2.5L cars) because the bushing attaching the shifter cable to the transmission can degrade and detach. The car might not be in Park even when the lever shows Park.
What to do: Confirm the shifter bushing recall is complete.
Steering Wheel Retaining Bolt Recall (2014–2018)
Ford recalled 2014-2018 Fusions (and Lincoln MKZs) because the steering wheel retaining bolt could loosen, in rare cases letting the steering wheel detach.
What to do: Confirm this recall shows complete.
1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion (2017-2019) (2017–2019)
Ford ran customer satisfaction programs (19B37 and 21N12) for certain 2017-2019 Fusions with the 1.5L EcoBoost, providing short-block replacement after coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Symptoms include unexplained coolant loss, white smoke and rough running.
What to do: Ask for engine program history on 2017-2019 1.5L cars and avoid ones with unexplained coolant loss.
Electric Power Steering Assist Loss (2011-2012) (2011–2012)
After an NHTSA investigation into sudden loss of power steering assist, Ford recalled 2011-2012 Fusions (except some 3.5L models) to address the electric power steering system. The car can still be steered, but with much more effort.
What to do: Confirm the power steering recall is complete and test steering effort.
Hybrid and Energi Battery and Charging Check (2011–2020)
Fusion Hybrid and Energi models rely on a high-voltage battery; older cars may show reduced electric range or efficiency. The Energi's trunk is also smaller because of its battery. A hybrid-system scan and, for the Energi, a full-charge range check are worthwhile.
What to do: Have the hybrid system checked and, on an Energi, verify charging and range.
Generation and Engine Disambiguation (2011–2020)
2011-2012 Fusions use 2.5L, 3.0L V6, 3.5L V6 or hybrid powertrains; 2013-2020 models use 2.5L, 1.6L/1.5L/2.0L EcoBoost, the 2.7L V6 Sport (2017-2019), Hybrid or Energi plug-in. The Lincoln MKZ and Mercury Milan are related models, and the European Ford Mondeo is a sibling.
What to do: Confirm engine and drivetrain before comparing prices.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, build date, engine, transmission and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls and completed remedies.

Similar vehicles to consider

Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Ford Fusion?
Which engine does this Fusion have?
Is the 1.6L or 1.5L EcoBoost a concern?
What recalls should I check on a Fusion?
How efficient is the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi?
What is the Fusion Sport?
Which Fusions have all-wheel drive?
Why was the Fusion discontinued, and can I still get parts?
What should I inspect on a used Fusion?
What similar sedans should I consider?