From 2006-2020, the Ford Fusion was a popular midsize sedan, some model years were hit by problems ranging from faulty airbags to steering wheel detachment.
Key Points
- The Ford Fusion’s 2006 debut year included five National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls, with three focusing on an issue with faulty airbags, and two recalls about brake pedal problems. The airbag issues increased for about seven years, from 2007 to 2012.
- When complaints about airbag issues began to drop, new, serious issues surfaced in 2013, which had an astounding 17 recalls and turned out to be the worst redesign of the model. Problems range from unintentional roll-away and powertrain issues, to fire hazards and doors opening while driving.
- The car’s problems grew until 2018, which had only one recall, and the Fusion’s final two years of production showed vast improvement.
Ford Fusion Debuted in 2006 with Big Problems Right Out of the Gate, Including Brake Pedal Issues and Faulty Airbags
The Ford Fusion launched in 2006, spanning two generations. Ford decided to pull the plug on the Fusion in 2020, despite the midsize sedan having been one of the best-selling cars in the U.S.
So, buyers looking for a Fusion will have to consider the Blue Oval’s certified pre-owned program, or visit a used car lot. However, there are several concerns to be aware of when reviewing previous model years of the Ford Fusion. T
here are five recalls issued to the first-year model by the NHTSA. Two recalls focus on brake pedal issues, and the rest deal with faulty airbags. These problems carried over to subsequent model years, with the 2007 model registering a total of five recalls, and the 2008 saw that number increase to seven.
The next years in the first generation did not immediately improve, and the NHTSA issued eight recalls and four investigations into the 2009 Ford Fusion, and the 2010 model had a staggering 13 recalls, nine investigations, and nearly 5,000 complaints.
Per the NHTSA, in addition to the airbag issues from previous model years, the 2010 Fusion posed a fire hazard from a cracked fuel tank. Reported issues began to drop by 2011, which had nine recalls and three investigations, before the first generation ended in 2012 with six recalls and three investigations.
2010 Ford Fusion has Nine Investigations Over Dangerous Steering and Airbag Issues
One of the least reliable model years is the 2010 Ford Fusion, which has 13 recalls, nine investigations, and over 4,600 complaints.
Broken down, these complaints consist of 1,500 for steering, 500 for fuel/propulsion system, 300 for brakes, 700 for engine, 900 for powertrain, and 800 for vehicle speed control. So, if you dislike bringing your car in for recall repairs, you’ll really want to avoid the 2010 Fusion.
Car Complaints lists the steering issue as the model’s number one issue, carrying an average repair cost of $1,600 and happening roughly around the 106,000-mile mark.
Seven of the recalls were reissued for the 2010’s airbag inflator modules, which could potentially explode. Per the NHTSA, in the event of a crash, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the occupants. Additionally, the wheel studs on certain 2010 models could break, leading to the wheel separating from its hub.
2013 Ford Fusion Has 17 Recalls, the Most Ever, and Faced Problems with Power Steering and Door Latches
Redesigned for a new generation, the 2013 Fusion came with a whole new host of problems and marked the worst-ever model year in the Fusion’s lifetime with 17 recalls—and most are very serious.
Ford recalled several 2013 models for issues regarding faulty door latches leading to doors opening while driving. Several safety issues also found their way into the 2013 Fusion. Per the NHTSA, short circuits could cause the front and side airbags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function properly.
Also, a potential fuel leak is another issue. In some 2013 Fusions, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak, which could result in the car catching fire. Other problems include power steering failure, transmission leaks, the engine overheating, and cracking due to a faulty coolant circuit. Many of these same issues plagued 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years as well.
However, 2017 saw things improve, with recalls dropping to just three, and in 2018, it received only one recall. The Ford Fusion’s final two years (2019 and 2020) showed vast improvement. There were no recalls, and the number of complaints also decreased.
2016 Ford Fusion Risks Include Doors Unexpectedly Opening, Steering Wheel Detachment, and Roll Away
Much like its redesigned predecessors, the 2016 Fusion had a lot problems, and it seemed Ford displayed a lack of due diligence in rectifying past issues. In addition to over 700 complaints about the 2016 model year, the NHTSA has two investigations on record.
Plus, one of its eight recalls focuses on a concerning issue that can occur even when not driving the vehicle: unintentional roll away due to a faulty cable.
The NHTSA opened its first investigation into the 2016 Fusion in Oct. 2017, addressing a potential problem with the steering wheel detaching. Due to various issues, the steering wheel bolt may loosen and eventually separate from the steering shaft, possibly resulting in a detached steering wheel.
A second investigation in Sept. 2021 relates to faulty airbags and is part of the infamous Takata airbag recall. After prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity, airbag inflators can degrade and then rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury.
Although the 2016 Ford Fusion does not have the highest number of recalls or complaints, it should be considered with caution because of the level of seriousness of the potential hazards.
Is the Ford Fusion a Reliable Purchase Considering its Frequent Recalls?
The Ford Fusion was a short-lived but well-loved sporty midsize sedan that was manufactured by the Blue Oval from 2006 through 2020, offering gas and hybrid editions. The Fusion seats up to five people and offers up 175-horsepower from its 2.5L four-cylinder standard engine, with more power available. But, all of this good stuff comes with a little bad news: The Fusion’s recalls throughout its two generations have been frequent and many times very serious.
However, while problems with power steering, brake pedals, and airbags are certainly cause for alarm, the Fusion is still a Ford, and thus backed with the same legendary reliability and toughness. Also, many of the bigger issues plagued 2014, 2015, and 2016 models. However, 2017 saw things improve, with recalls dropping to just three, and in 2018, it received only one recall.
The Ford Fusion’s final two years (2019 and 2020) showed vast improvement, as there were no recalls, and the number of complaints also decreased. So, if you aim for finding a Fusion from the 2017 to 2020 model years, you’ll be getting a Ford Fusion that’s at the top of its game after being perfected over two generations.
Photos: Ford
