RoadVitals

2013 Ford Fusion Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1,791
Latest Sep 22, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
154

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Fusion, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

447
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 22, 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 · filed Sep 2, 2026
All 447 reports naming engine →

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

389
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 2, 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 · filed May 31, 2026
All 389 reports naming steering →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

271
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 9, 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 · filed Jul 9, 2026
All 271 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

164
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I own a 2013 Ford Fusion SE with a 1.6L EcoBoost engine. Prior to the incident, the vehicle displayed a “Check Charging System” warning and the engine overheated. After parking the vehicle and shutting it off, a fire started under the hood in the engine compartment. The fire occurred shortly after the overheating warning and while the vehicle was not running. The fire appeared to originate in the engine bay area and caused significant damage. There were no prior accidents or modifications to the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11722738 · filed Mar 7, 2026

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 · filed Dec 18, 2024
All 164 reports naming body & structure →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

162
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 11, 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 · filed Jun 27, 2026
All 162 reports naming electrical →

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

141
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 11, 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 · filed Jul 9, 2026
All 141 reports naming fuel system →

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

112
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on two occasions while the vehicle was parked, the interior hood latch release button failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hood release cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000,

NHTSA ID 11605704 · filed Jul 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, she observed that the driver's side door failed to securely latch closed. The door-ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the door latch. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages), and the VIN was included, but parts had already been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 122,000.

NHTSA ID 11578970 · filed Mar 22, 2024
All 112 reports naming interior & seats →

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

101
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11728778 · filed Apr 2, 2026

The power steering module/rack, passenger side air bag Safety is a risk due to steering not working properly/ seat belt constantly locking Yes Yes others inspected Seat belt sensor has been on several months Service steering assist/Lane keep system malfunction service required and steering assist fault - all came on when it got cold and steering won’t work now

NHTSA ID 11717152 · filed Feb 10, 2026
All 101 reports naming airbags →

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

100
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The engine malfunctioned and faulty rear seat belt, it is not available for inspection because it started a fire that destroyed by car. The remains of the car is at a savage yard. We were put at risk because we were driving/riding in the car at the time it starting burning. We were able to pull the car over and park it in a gas station parking lot before it became fully engulfed in flames. I am reaching out to Ford. Since it was not an accident involved, the fire department inspected the vehicle and determine the fire started in the engine. Insurance representative has determined it is a total loss. There were no warning lamps or messages from the car. However, what caused us to detect something was wrong was the thick smoke started filling the car's cabin at which time we immediately pulled over. When we stopped the car, actual flames came from under the hoods towards the windshield of the car and we proceed to exit the car. My granddaughter in the back seat was having a hard time releasing herself from her seat belt.

NHTSA ID 11614780 · filed Sep 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that one of the passengers was unable to properly engage their seat belt. The contact stated the seat belt remained locked and could not be removed from the base. The contact became aware of a failure with the hardware body of the seat belt after inspecting the vehicle. The contact was concerned that the middle seat belt section of the vehicle posed a safety hazard for his children. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact to call the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NSHTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 136,179.

NHTSA ID 11590167 · filed May 22, 2024
All 100 reports naming seat belts →

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

80
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 29, 2026

My transmission failed for the 2nd time, possibly due to the recall involving the bushings. My engine has oil leaking from the head gasket, I read it could be due to the coolant overheating and getting into the engine. My cruise control doesn't work, when i press lower speed it shifts higher and vice versa.

NHTSA ID 11710818 · filed Jan 13, 2026
All 80 reports naming driver assistance →

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

73
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 2, 2026

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 · filed Aug 24, 2026
All 73 reports naming brakes →

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

44
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 25, 2025

Lug nuts are swollen and the factory lug wrench will not fit them. I already paid Ford $100 for the rear wheels, but now they recommend replacing the lugs on the front wheels too, for another $100.

NHTSA ID 11542165 · filed Sep 1, 2023
All 44 reports naming other / unspecified →

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

30
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Turn signal prematurely cancels intermittently, in middle of turn or prior to starting turn. This is after the signal stalk switch has been locked into the continuous on position, not the momentary position. The slightest movement of the steering wheel back away from the direction of turn will induce this. Not a full 1/8 of a turn back, but a very minute amount, as little as 1 or 2 degrees of steering movement. This is a known issue by the manufacturer, as they have service bulletin instructions for dealership technicians to reprogram the steering column signal switch, however, this repair is cost prohibitive at dealership rates. It is a safety concern, as the signal sometimes cancels without immediate driver awareness, as attention is being focused outside. This should be a recall repair covered by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID 11706583 · filed Dec 22, 2025

In March of 2024 I discovered that the passenger side front turn signal was not working. I assumed it was the bulb so I replaced it but the turn signal still failed to work. I took the vehicle to the Ford dealer where the vehicle was purchased new. Upon inspection, it was determined that a control module was the cause of the issue. I was informed that Ford no longer made the control module and the dealer would reach out to a vendor that sells used control modules for my vehicle. After several modules were obtained from a third party vendor, none of the modules would work for my vehicle. It was explained to me by the service advisor at the dealership that none of the modules were a match for my vehicle but with no clear explanation why. The lack of a functioning turn signal is not only a safety violation but it is also a traffic violation. I have contacted Ford Motor Corporation but they are unable or unwilling to address my issue. This vehicle is over ten years old but has less than 50,000 miles on the odometer. It is in excellent condition and has no other mechanical issues with the exception of the non functioning turn signal.

NHTSA ID 11582726 · filed Apr 12, 2024
All 30 reports naming exterior lighting →

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 12, 2026

The rear view camera intermittently stops working, giving a message “camera unavailable” in a black screen. This has happened many times during use and caused near misses during vehicle reversing.

NHTSA ID 11710081 · filed Jan 10, 2026
All 29 reports naming visibility →

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have replaced my struts and shocks three times and I am still having trouble with my stability trac

NHTSA ID 11691101 · filed Oct 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact lost control and the vehicle was swerving side-to-side on the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the rear shocks; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who replaced the rear shocks a second time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID 11513206 · filed Mar 22, 2023
All 11 reports naming suspension →

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I bought from a dealer in live oak and told there was no recalls I only had car 2 months and the car transmission is acting crazy it smells like burnt oil or brake fluid leaking the radio has a major electrical problem it turns off and resets if I use the Bluetooth to talk through radio. This car all in all has been nothing but huge problems and here I am paying a car note on a car that's barely drivable.

NHTSA ID 11554473 · filed Nov 10, 2023

I was driving home from work in the freeway my 2013 Ford Fusion started shaking , jerking , stopping and not accelerating and all of the sudden came to a complete stop. I was almost hit by vehicles in the freeway and had to exit to get the vehicle tow due to faulty transmission issues with ecoboost. Ford was contacted and they try to tell me no open recalls for the transmission.

NHTSA ID 11496515 · filed Dec 8, 2022
All 11 reports naming transmission →

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the gear shifter was stuck in the park position and failed to shift into the intended gear. The contact stated that the TPMS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V362000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 124,515.

NHTSA ID 11483274 · filed Sep 7, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FUSION EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE RS-A TIRES, SIZE: P235/45R18. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. UPDATED 02/02/15*LJ UPDATED 9/8/2017*CN

NHTSA ID 10663669 · filed Dec 11, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .