2013 Ford Fusion

◆ Worse than typical
2013 Ford Fusion
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Fusion Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2013 highlighted. 2006: 729 complaints 2006 2007: 1064 complaints 2008: 1352 complaints 2008 2009: 1020 complaints 2010: 5124 complaints 2010 2011: 2780 complaints 2012: 2505 complaints 2012 2013: 1779 complaints 2013 2014: 1318 complaints 2014 2015: 981 complaints 2016: 1581 complaints 2016 2017: 1093 complaints 2018: 426 complaints 2018 2019: 304 complaints 2020: 175 complaints 2020
2013: 1779 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2006729
20071064
20081352
20091020
20105124
20112780
20122505
20131779
20141318
2015981
20161581
20171093
2018426
2019304
2020175

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 21%

21% of complaints: steering — 381 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ENGINE 21%

21% of complaints: engine — 378 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230919

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE KEPT OVERHEATING AND WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171117

POWER TRAIN 15%

15% of complaints: power train — 269 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 156 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230919

STRUCTURE 8%

8% of complaints: structure — 150 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE METALLIC TRIM IN THE INTERIOR CAUSED AN EXTREME GLARE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD EVEN WHEN WEARING SUNGLASSES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130905

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20121207 — engine and engine cooling

This is an update to a recently announced recall. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through November 26, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines, a

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine for coolant system leaks and reprogram the vehicle’s powertrain control module and instrument cluster with an updated calibration and over

Campaign 12V551000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20121218 — exterior lighting

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles, manufactured from February 3, 2012, through October 20, 2012, for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp assembly. The recall began on December 18, 2012. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Campaign 12V553000 — check if this car was fixed

2013 — complaint volume: 1779
I 20130221 — PE (closed 20140228)

Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction

R 20130617 — steering

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles manufactured April 19, 2013, through April 23, 2013. The steering gears may be missing an internal retaining clip. If the clip is missing, c

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S06. Owners may contact the Ford customer relations

Campaign 13V232000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20130720 — fuel system, gasoline

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicl

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1

Campaign 13V227000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140530 — seats

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and...

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.

Campaign 14V164000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20150227 — EA (closed 20151113)

Door Latch Failure

R 20150526 — air bags, seat belts

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured...

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

Campaign 14V597000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20150624 — steering

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to March 20, 2015, and 2015 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015, and...

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply sealer and replace the steering gear motor bolts as required. If one or more of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle.

Campaign 15V250000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20151218 — latches/locks/linkages

Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on April 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 Fiesta vehicles manufactured...

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed to owners on June 5, 2015. The recall began on December 18, 2015.

Campaign 15V246000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170501 — latches/locks/linkages

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began May 1, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S16.

Campaign 17V210000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170516 — seat belts

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured November 2, 2012, to July 31, 2014, and 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 14, 2012, to July 31, 2014.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge. The recall began May 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S42.

Campaign 16V875000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180105 — engine and engine cooling

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017.

Campaign 17V209000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180803 — power train

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission and 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge.

Campaign 18V169000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180920 — power train

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20.

Campaign 18V471000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190910 — power train

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S16.

Campaign 19V362000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20191018 — steering

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana,...

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle.

Campaign 19V632000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20191219 — RQ (closed 20220207)

Door Latch Failures

R 20200727 — latches/locks/linkages

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge.

Campaign 20V331000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

I 20220808 — RQ (closed 20230324)

Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures

R 20221027 — power train

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022.

Campaign 22V413000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20230627 — service brakes, hydraulic

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.

Campaign 23V162000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — power train

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43.

Campaign 26V376000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2013 Ford Fusion — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (381 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (378 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (269 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 26V376000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 12V551000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 12V553000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 13V232000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 13V227000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V164000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V597000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V250000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V246000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V210000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V875000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V209000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V169000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V471000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V362000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V632000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V331000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V413000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V162000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2020 ▲ 2019 ▲ 2018

WORST YEARS

■ 2010 ■ 2011 ■ 2012

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2013 Ford Fusion reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Ford Fusion is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Fusion?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Fusion have?

19 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.