2013 Ford Fusion Fuel system Problems

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 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

1. After vehicle is given gas it won’t crank. 2. Tire sensors won’t turn off. Even with brand new tires and mounts. 3. Random electrical malfunctions. (Flickering dash lights, delayed engine start after turning the key, light bouncing back and forth between gears, etc.)

NHTSA ID

11682758

Incident

Aug 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present inside the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered fuel leaking underneath the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel delivery module was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11665695

Incident

Jun 2, 2025

Mileage

160,000 mi

I had coolant leaking in my 2013 Ford Fusion SE 1.6L causing a misfire in cylinder 3 from diagnostics code P0303. After going to a repair shop on 3 seperate occasions and paying to fix issues thought to remedy the issue, I had the Ford dealership in Hudson WI look at it while they took care of a recall. They quoted me $9,900 to replace the engine due to a cracked block. It was hard to get a response from the technician and they were really unprofessional towards me when I requested the part numbers. So much time has been spent on this not to mention that I have been without a vehicle for 1.5 years because my inability to cover additional repairs or the cost of a new car. I also lost my job due to my transportation issues, and paid over $19,000 for this vehicle. I wish Ford would issue a recall because this is a very common issue for this make and model. 2013 Ford Fusion SE L4 1.6L (102K miles)

NHTSA ID

11654835

Incident

Jan 14, 2023

Two recalls for this make year and model car had been recalled previously but not for my VIN specifically and the issues are appearing. The first is “doors may open driving” recall on your website and the second is “engine cylinder head may leaks oil” which is also on ur website. Both were recalled for this make and year of the ford fusion but not for my VIN so ford is stating they cannot fix it and want to charge me even for a diagnostic.

NHTSA ID

11631349

Incident

Dec 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the front and rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was 162,037.

NHTSA ID

11623678

Incident

Oct 4, 2024

Mileage

162,037 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while entering the vehicle to start the vehicle, the contact smelled the odor of gasoline. The contact checked the vehicle underneath the gas tank and observed that the tank was soaked by gasoline. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ID

11618949

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

Mileage

85,000 mi

The purge valve is likely malfunctioning, which affects the fuel system. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The malfunction caused the vehicle not to start after pumping gas, potentially leaving me stranded in unsafe locations, which could be hazardous, especially in high-traffic areas or remote locations. The issue has not yet been officially reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or messages before the failure. The issue first appeared when the vehicle failed to start immediately after refueling.

NHTSA ID

11611745

Incident

Jul 2, 2024

Coolant leaks and never fills the reservoir.

NHTSA ID

11611416

Incident

Aug 27, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact about a recall. The contact called the local dealer, who informed him about scheduling an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but only received an automated message from the system. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

NHTSA ID

11569478

Incident

Jan 22, 2024

Mileage

111,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was a fuel odor entering the vehicle. The vehicle was then driven home where there was a noticeable puddle of fuel coming from the fuel gasket. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the canister purge valve; however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID

11568649

Incident

Jan 19, 2024

Mileage

99,000 mi

SAFETY RECALL 13S04

NHTSA ID

11546240

Incident

Sep 24, 2023

As I was going down the highway my car started smoking dramatically. There were no warning lights so I assumed it might be a belt. I pulled to the side of the road and opened the hood to find flames coming from the backside of the engine. I have had it in the shop now for the last two months and the initial thought was that the water pump could have caused the issue. However, after that set of repairs it was burning oil. Further investigation has shown that the head is cracked.

NHTSA ID

11545435

Incident

Jul 11, 2023

My fuel tank has an excessive build up of gasses and it causes a loud burping noise at the fuel door flap. I do have a Video of this incident.

NHTSA ID

11531043

Incident

Jul 8, 2023

I’ve received a letter in March regarding this safety recalls and I not been contacted by the manufacturer for any remedy. I have not had this vehicle for a full six months. Now the break fluids leaks, there’s an issue with a gasket, and I cannot longer drive vehicle due to the smell of something burning. The recall states it’s an increasing risk of a crash. I have to search for transportation to and from work because I refuse to cause harm to myself or others. Safety Risk IF THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKS, YOUR VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE AN INCREASE IN BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL TOGETHER WITH A REDUCTION IN THE RATE OF DECELERATION OVER TIME, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Ford should provide another vehicle as a loaner until this issue has been resolved.

NHTSA ID

11522779

Incident

Apr 3, 2023

An unknown component of the fuel system is faulty, causing a very strong odor of fuel to enter the cabin upon starting up, as well as when coming to a stop & idling. The manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle, but an automotive technician confirmed the odor and attempted to remedy the problem by replacing the evaporative system lines, with no change. Fuel lines and tank/vent were inspected, with no fault found. The odor can cause a feeling of illness & headache when driving. It is unknown if there is a leak which could lead to a fire. No warning lamps.

NHTSA ID

11518557

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 72 MPH, the vehicle began shaking and then stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after the fifth attempt and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the EVAP system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

NHTSA ID

11517598

Incident

Feb 16, 2023

Mileage

197,000 mi

When putting gas and or driving in low idle car stalls As if the fuel pump is bad

NHTSA ID

11516221

Incident

Apr 9, 2023

2013 Ford Fusion with 99,799 miles on it; went out to go start it after work one day, unable to get into car or start car as battery was completely drained. Did not leave lights on etc. Had someone jump car; on way to repair shop, car shut down and would not restart; thankfully I was NOT on a highway. Since that time, it has had 2 new batteries placed in it, will run for about 5 minutes then shut off and you cannot restart it again; it has also been to 2 repair shops and is presently at the Ford dealership as my shop was not able to determine what was wrong. Cooling fan also noted to be running after car died yet still not able to restart. Read on Ford forums that this has happened to other Fusion owners of the same year.Up to this point, intermittently the battery saver message would come across the dash however I had that looked at and was cleared out. With the car just shutting down without any warning on a busy street in the city, this could have ended a lot worse: I could have been hit or even killed. No warning lights appeared on dash aside from powertrain light after it was jumped but after that, there was nothing. Car was essentially dead and I could not get it to restart. When it was running I could not get the car to go over 10mph in a 35mph zone

NHTSA ID

11500779

Incident

Jan 4, 2023

Gasoline leak from gas tank. The fuel sender failed at 60,000 miles, had it replaced. Vin not under recall. Now fuel leak from replaced fuel sender. Again Vin not in recalled units. WTF?

NHTSA ID

11499055

Incident

Dec 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheating message was displayed. Additionally, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road until the vehicle cooled down. The contact then continued driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact would veer to the side of the road and add coolant to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an unknown repair was completed. The contact also stated that the front driver's side door would fail to close securely. The dealer repaired all four doors under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would fail to start immediately after refueling. The contact stated that she had to quickly depress the accelerator pedal after depressing the brake pedal to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 233,000.

NHTSA ID

11498423

Incident

Mar 21, 2022

Mileage

233,000 mi

THE CARS DASHBOARD LIGHTS KEPT LIGHTING UP AND NOT LONG AFTER I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR CAUGHT ONFIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND BURNT DOWN COMPLETE LOSS

NHTSA ID

11488892

Incident

May 18, 2020

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with his son inside the vehicle, he smelled an abnormal fuel odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel delivery module was cracked and needed to be replaced. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA ID

11446676

Incident

Oct 2, 2021

Mileage

87,000 mi

My 2013 Ford Fusion SE had the high pressure fuel pump start leaking and dripped fuel on the exhaust and started the car on fire while driving down the road. This caused about $7,000.00 in damage but could have easily gotten out of control and caused injury or death to occupant(s). I reached out to Ford Motor Company and did a chat log asking for assistance and to make them aware. Ford Motor Company Case number CAS-34734107-H6J0Z5. What is dangerous about this design is that Ford chose to design and install a secondary high pressure fuel pump directly above the exhaust manifold and the engineers surely would have known the durability and longevity along with possible outcomes due to normal use over time. For the same reason you are not to refuel a hot engine, a fuel pump should not be placed directly over the exhaust manifold. I believe Ford Motor Company should be held accountable for their finished product liability. This is dangerous enough that they should remove these vehicles from service until a safe solution is available and deployed in my opinion.

NHTSA ID

11445359

Incident

Nov 24, 2021