2013 Ford Fusion Owner Complaints

On October 16, 2017, we were driving this vehicle on the interstate when we noticed smoke in the rearview mirror. We pulled over right away, and within seconds of getting out, the car was engulfed in flames. It burned so fast that by the time firefighters arrived, about seven minutes later, there was nothing left of it. Neither of us was physically injured, but we got out with almost no time to spare. The fire department responded and a report was filed. The car was equipped with the 1.6L GTDI EcoBoost engine and falls within the population of Safety Recall 17S09 / NHTSA 17V-209, which covers localized cylinder head overheating and cracking that can cause a pressurized oil leak and an engine compartment fire. At the time our car burned, the interim recall notice had gone out but no remedy parts were available; the actual recall repair did not begin until January 5, 2018. Ford later contacted us and offered a small settlement, conditioned on signing away any right to bring future claims. We declined.

NHTSA ID

11766038

Incident

Oct 16, 2017

Car has element B direct clutch issue. This is recalled on other 2013 fusions but not on my specific car.

NHTSA ID

11763318

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

My power steering failed. There is no pump it's electronic so I can get it replaced without taking it to a dealer. There were 2 recalls for the Power Steering for this make and model, but my VIN number does not show up in the search. You need to expand the recall. My Power steering failed

NHTSA ID

11761671

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while stopped in a drive-thru, there was an abnormal hissing sound coming from the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and excessive force was needed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the "Check Engine" warning light was illuminated and the "Brake Level Low" message was displayed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); but was unable to secure an appointment with two local dealers for a timely repair. The contact requested authorization to have the vehicle repaired by an independent mechanic with reimbursement, but the manufacturer declined the request. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer denied a request for a loaner vehicle. The contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 172,318.

NHTSA ID

11761586

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Mileage

172,318 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes became inoperable. The brake pedal was depressed all the way to the floorboard for the vehicle to stop. There was no warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband became aware that brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle after the contact and her son returned to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle had been recently serviced on June 8, 2026, and there was no mention of an issue with the braking system. The dealer was contacted and stated that the brake pads were extremely worn, and the brake lines needed to be replaced along with the brake master cylinder. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,385.

NHTSA ID

11759164

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

Mileage

122,385 mi

While driving my Ford Fusion, I experienced a serious transmission-related loss of propulsion. Leading up to the failure, I noticed that the engine RPM would fluctuate considerably and the vehicle appeared to have difficulty maintaining engagement in a gear. On the day of the failure, I was traveling approximately 50 mph when the vehicle suddenly stopped responding normally to the accelerator. When I pressed the accelerator, the engine RPM increased significantly, but the vehicle would not accelerate accordingly. It appeared that engine power was no longer being properly transferred through the transmission to the wheels. I was only able to get the vehicle home in a severely reduced-performance/limp condition. The vehicle was also leaking fluid associated with this failure. I subsequently received an NHTSA recall alert for Recall 26V376, “Transmission Clutch May Fracture and Leak Fluid,” which includes certain Ford Fusion model years. The failure I experienced appears very similar to the condition described in this recall, particularly the loss of propulsion accompanied by increased engine RPM and the presence of a fluid leak. However, when I checked my VIN, I was informed that my vehicle is not currently included in the recall. I am submitting this safety complaint because my vehicle experienced what appears to be a substantially similar failure, including loss of propulsion while traveling approximately 50 mph and subsequent fluid leakage. I am requesting that NHTSA review my vehicle's failure in connection with Recall 26V376 and determine whether the affected vehicle population may need to be expanded.

NHTSA ID

11759150

Incident

Jan 9, 2026

Vehicle blew upper radiator hose due to blown head gasket. Vehicle has trouble starting and releases grey blue smoke via exhaust at all times. Has not been looked at by anyone other than an odot employee and myself. Hose was replaced but issues continue. Vehicle engine light came on after low coolant warning and overheating. Vehicle is available for inspection. Google states this is an extremely common occurrence with this particular year and model of vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11758036

Incident

Aug 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V551000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11753980

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

My 2013 Ford Fusion equipped with the 1.6L EcoBoost engine started blowing thick white smoke (Burning Coolant) while I was driving on the freeway. Engine coolant was leaking and my card died right there, that had blown the head gasket. I received no warning, no message. This was an incredibly dangerous situation because I was on the freeway and was forced to stop immediately. Ford Motor Company has refused to include my vehicle’s VIN in the applicable recall programs despite my vehicle experiencing the same issues described in NHTSA recalls 12V551000 (Ford Campaign 12S41) and 17V209 (Ford Campaign 17S09) The recalls identify issues involving coolant loss, overheating, insufficient warning of coolant loss, potential engine damage, cylinder head damage, and the risk of engine compartment fire. My vehicle exhibited these same symptoms and consequences which can be confirmed by the autobody shop where it was evaluated. The purpose of these recalls was to address a known safety concern involving the 1.6L EcoBoost engine cooling system. Despite this, when I contacted Ford and requested assistance and asked that my VIN be added to the recall population, Ford denied my request and stated that my vehicle was not included. I believe this decision fails to address the fact that my vehicle experienced the same defect and safety risk identified in the recall documents. The safety issue is not limited to the VINs currently listed in the recall population; rather, my vehicle demonstrates the same failure mode that prompted the recalls. My concern is that vehicles equipped with the same engine and experiencing the same defect may continue to pose a safety risk to drivers and passengers. A coolant loss event and overheating condition can result in significant engine damage, sudden loss of vehicle operation, costly repairs, and the potential for an engine compartment fire. respectfully request that this matter be reviewed and that Ford be required to re-evaluate their decision.

NHTSA ID

11749772

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

Vehicle transmission shifts harshly from 2nd to 3rd gear and occasionally from 1st to 2nd gear I believe it’s a safety issue because it causes slower acceleration and jerkiness which causes vehicle instability The problem has been reproduced by the dealer but no solution was found yet The transmission hasn’t been fully inspected yet There are no warning lamps or codes present for this issue yet

NHTSA ID

11749396

Incident

Aug 24, 2024

Vehicle makes strange sounds from the fuel fill inlet and proceeds to stall shortly after while driving and most of the times fails to restart based on my own research it looks like purge valve issues My safety was put at risk by almost being rear ended multiple times from stalling on the expressway and red lights The problem has not been reproduced yet by the dealer it will be looked at on 07/15/26 The component has not been inspected yet The check engine light illuminated when the issue started

NHTSA ID

11749394

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

Engine lacks substantial power and has almost cause multiple collisions. Check engine light is on for a P0299 turbocharger underboost code Based off of my own research it looks like the part is the whole turbocharger assembly or the east gate solenoid I believe it’s a safety issue for merging onto expressways and not being fully up to speed and because of trying to turn onto busy highways The problem has been reproduced by the dealer but not fixed The components themselves have not been inspected There was no check engine light until the issue started happening

NHTSA ID

11749393

Incident

May 22, 2025

While driving home from work. I heard a pop and seen smoke coming from my tire. I pulled over and seen fire behind the wheel. After looking it over the emergency parking brake motor that attaches to the brake caliper was blown apart. The pistons in the caliper pushed so hard against the brake pad that it was bent to a 90 degree angle. Had to replace pads, rotors, and calipers in both sides.

NHTSA ID

11748680

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

“Temporary loss service climate system ford fusion 2013” Ac turns on and off windows lock up when ac turns off. everything freezes up! I see online this should be a recall a lot of ford owners having the same problem!

NHTSA ID

11746938

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

The steering wheel of my 2013 ford fusion S.E 2.5 Lm was tightly connected to the steering system until now. It has start wobbling over time and the problem have greatly increased as of 05\31\2026. I fear that if I can’t this problem fixed soon the whole steering wheel will disconnect one day. When I told a mechanic about the problem he told me there was a recall put out by Ford Fusion Motors on many Ford Fusion Sedans for similar issues. I truly believe my car had to miss the recall.

NHTSA ID

11741108

Incident

May 31, 2026

The vehicle goes into limp mode without warning no matter the speed. cylinder head temp sensor is not applicable on this 1.6 engine model. The coolant over temp light illuminates with or without the car running. coolant temperature sensor was replaced and indicates no faults to the obd. the coolant level and temperature is within spec.

NHTSA ID

11740876

Incident

May 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while steering the vehicle at various speeds, an abnormal, grinding sound would emit from the vehicle without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact made an appointment and spoke with the dealer about the failure. The contact was informed by a dealer mechanic that the grinding noise was not related to brake system but the Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS). Upon further investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA ID Number: 15V250000(Steering) which the contact linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.

NHTSA ID

11738162

Incident

May 1, 2026

Mileage

210,000 mi

A power steering assist fault warning popped up on my vehicle after starting my car. It’s now extremely difficult to turn the wheel. There was no previous indication that there was an issue with the power steering.

NHTSA ID

11735941

Incident

May 5, 2026

No incident - back up camera issue. Glitches often, then goes black and does not work. Have also received error messages indicating "Camera is unavailable. Please contact your dealership." Has happened a few times in the past but is now happening more often

NHTSA ID

11735833

Incident

May 3, 2026

I was driving the vehicle and a warning message came on related to the power steering module not functioning correctly. Immediately after the steering column locked up and was stiff and to tough to continue driving. I looked into repairs and notice a recall # 19S26 was issued in 2019 with my specific vehicle in the list by year, brand and model for the exact problem described. When I contacted Ford, they advised me that my VIN # was not included in the recall. Wanted to file complaint due to the lack of coverage Ford offers for cars specifically covered under the recall.

NHTSA ID

11730945

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Brakes went out while driving. Brake fluid reservoir is full.

NHTSA ID

11729166

Incident

Feb 28, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11728778

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

Power steering / power steering assist failure. Complete loss of power steering

NHTSA ID

11727871

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

The steering locked up while driving. I was unable to turn the steering wheel. My self and my brother were in the vehicle. At this time, I am contacting the dealer to look at the unit. It will not turn and is stuck in my driveway. I am being told the electronic steering rack may have failed. Why does this not break way and allow some turning like the old hydraulic models? If I had been driving highway speeds, this would have been a serious accident.

NHTSA ID

11725073

Incident

Mar 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after her daughter had parked and exited the vehicle, she informed her mother that the windshield wipers had failed. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had been using a spray bottle to clear the windshield. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (VISIBILITY); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11723805

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

Mileage

92,000 mi