2013–2020 CD4 (second generation)
2013–2020 Ford Fusion Common Problems and Years to Avoid
6 documented problems with the 2013–2020 Ford Fusion, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 3 of them are serious. 4 carry a recall or TSB number.
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2013–2020 Ford Fusion recalls and service bulletins
| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA 12V-551 (original, Dec 2012); NHTSA 17V-209 / Ford 17S09 (expanded, 2017) | 1.6L EcoBoost coolant loss / cracked cylinder head fire risk | major |
| NHTSA 19V-362 / Ford 19S16 (2019); expanded by NHTSA 22V-413 / Ford 22S43 (2022) | Shift cable bushing failure. Transmission can slip out of Park | major |
| NHTSA 19V-632 / Ford 19S26 | Steering gear motor bolt corrosion, loss of power steering assist | major |
| NHTSA 20V-177 / Ford 20S15 | Door latch failure (multi-model Ford campaign) | moderate |
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.
1.6L EcoBoost coolant loss / cracked cylinder head fire risk
majorA defective coolant degas bottle and, on later-affected vehicles, a coolant level sensor issue could let the 1.6L EcoBoost run low on coolant without warning; the cylinder head can then crack from overheating, leaking oil onto hot exhaust components and starting an under-hood fire. Ford issued an initial recall in December 2012 for the earliest-built cars, then a broader expanded recall in 2017 covering more 2013-2014 units.
Shift cable bushing failure. Transmission can slip out of Park
majorOn 2.5L automatics, a plastic bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can crack or detach. The shift lever can then indicate Park while the transmission is not actually locked in Park, allowing the car to roll away, including with the key removed. Ford's fix replaces the bushing; a second, broader campaign in 2022 expanded coverage.
Steering gear motor bolt corrosion, loss of power steering assist
majorRoad salt and moisture can corrode the bolts that attach the electric power steering gear's motor to the gear housing. If the motor detaches, power steering assist is lost immediately, making the car much harder to steer, especially at low speed. Ford's remedy is to inspect and replace the bolts (and the steering gear if already detached).
Door latch failure (multi-model Ford campaign)
moderateA component inside the door latch assembly can break, preventing the door from staying securely closed, in the worst case a door can open while the car is moving. This is part of a much larger, multi-year Ford door-latch recall program that also covers Escape, Fiesta, Focus, and other models built in the same window. Fix is a free latch replacement.
MyFord Touch infotainment freezes and slow response (pre-2017)
minorPre-facelift cars use the first-generation MyFord Touch touchscreen system, which is widely reported to freeze, reboot, or respond slowly, and can drop Bluetooth connections. Software updates improve behavior; the 2017 facelift's switch to Sync 3 largely resolved the complaints. Annoying but not safety-related.
6F35 automatic transmission hesitation and rough shifts
moderateOwners of several model years report occasional hesitation on take-off, flared shifts, or a delayed downshift from the 6F35 6-speed automatic, especially on higher-mileage cars. Ford issued periodic software recalibration TSBs for shift quality; a persistent shudder or slip can indicate fluid degradation or, less commonly, internal wear.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2013–2020 Ford Fusion. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Ford Fusion model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Ford Fusion built from 2013 through 2020 — the CD4 (second generation), mid-size sedan. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2013–2020 Ford Fusion
- 2013All-new CD4-platform generation launches; MyFord Touch standard on upper trims; 1.6L EcoBoost and 2.0L EcoBoost debut alongside the base 2.5L; Hybrid and plug-in Energi added.
- 20141.5L EcoBoost replaces the 1.6L EcoBoost mid-cycle.
- 2015Standard rearview camera added across the lineup (gas, hybrid, and Energi plug-in); manual transmission dropped mid-year for the SE trim.
- 2016MyFord Touch continues for its final year ahead of 2017's Sync 3 switch; minor trim and feature shuffles only.
- 2017Mid-cycle facelift: new front/rear fascias, Sync 3 replaces MyFord Touch, revised twin-scroll 2.0L EcoBoost, and the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 Sport (AWD-only) returns to the lineup.
- 2018Carryover year between the 2017 facelift and 2019's Ford Co-Pilot360 update; S/SE/SEL/Titanium/Sport lineup unchanged.
- 2019Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite (automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot/rear-cross-traffic warning, automatic high beams, auto wipers) becomes standard; Platinum trim dropped, SEL added, Hybrid no longer offered in base S trim, Energi's EV range rises from 22 to 25 miles.
- 2020Final US model year, Sport trim and 2.7L V6 discontinued for 2020; Ford ends Fusion production for the US market after this year.
2013–2020 Ford Fusion problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013–2020 Ford Fusion?
- The recurring ones are: 1.6l ecoboost coolant loss / cracked cylinder head fire risk; shift cable bushing failure. transmission can slip out of park; steering gear motor bolt corrosion, loss of power steering assist; door latch failure (multi-model ford campaign); myford touch infotainment freezes and slow response (pre-2017). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Which 2013–2020 Ford Fusion years should you avoid?
- The years to be most careful with are those affected by 1.6l ecoboost coolant loss / cracked cylinder head fire risk (2013-2014 (1.6L EcoBoost only)) and shift cable bushing failure. transmission can slip out of park (2013-2016 (2.5L with 6F35 automatic)) and steering gear motor bolt corrosion, loss of power steering assist (2013-2016). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.
Are there recalls on the 2013–2020 Ford Fusion?
- 4 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 12V-551 (original, Dec 2012); NHTSA 17V-209 / Ford 17S09 (expanded, 2017) (1.6l ecoboost coolant loss / cracked cylinder head fire risk), NHTSA 19V-362 / Ford 19S16 (2019); expanded by NHTSA 22V-413 / Ford 22S43 (2022) (shift cable bushing failure. transmission can slip out of park), NHTSA 19V-632 / Ford 19S26 (steering gear motor bolt corrosion, loss of power steering assist), NHTSA 20V-177 / Ford 20S15 (door latch failure (multi-model ford campaign)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2013–2020 Ford Fusion repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: 1.6l ecoboost coolant loss / cracked cylinder head fire risk, Free under recall; shift cable bushing failure. transmission can slip out of park, Free under recall; steering gear motor bolt corrosion, loss of power steering assist, Free under recall; door latch failure (multi-model ford campaign), Free under recall.
Sources
- Wikipedia, Ford Fusion (Americas), second-generation engine table and recall summary
- AMSOIL lookup, 2013-2018 Ford Fusion oil capacity & viscosity by engine code
- Ford dealer service content, Fusion capacities & specifications (6F35 ATF, coolant, brake fluid)
- NHTSA recall 12V-551, 1.6L EcoBoost engine/cooling fire risk
- NHTSA recall 17V-209 / 17S09, 1.6L EcoBoost coolant level sensor
- NHTSA recall 19V-362 / 19S16, shift cable bushing
- NHTSA recall 22V-413 / 22S43, shift cable bushing (expanded)
- NHTSA recall 19V-632 / 19S26, steering gear motor bolt corrosion
- NHTSA recall 20V-177 / 20S15, door latch
- Edmunds, 2013 Ford Fusion Specs & Features (fuel tank, curb weight)
- Ford Fusion bolt pattern / lug torque guide