Which Ford Fusion Years to Avoid and Why? (Explained)
One of the best-expected dependability scores in the mid-size car segment belongs to Ford’s reliable mid-size car, the Ford Fusion, which was introduced in 2005.
Many Fusion owners assert that the vehicle has lasted more than 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Nevertheless, a consumer should consider the model year, engine type, and other factors when purchasing a car for the long term.
Despite showcasing outstanding performance, everything comes with some drawbacks, and so does the Ford Fusion.
Fusion has several serious flaws that many consumers are unaware of. According to history, the Fusion has problems with engine stalling, acceleration loss, gearbox shifting, creaky noises, steering failures, etc.
Regardless of its drawbacks, the Ford Fusion made history and achieved favorable customer reviews. To alert consumers, I’ll first discuss which years to avoid and later list the best years of the Ford Fusion.
Ford Fusion Years to Avoid (List of Years)
If you decide to buy a Fusion, I advise you to avoid most of the models from 2006 to 2014.
Among these years, the only redesigned model with a few problems was the one from 2014.
The Ford Fusion years to avoid include:
- 2006 Ford Fusion
- 2008 Ford Fusion
- 2010 Ford Fusion
- 2011 Ford Fusion
- 2012 Ford Fusion
- 2013 Ford Fusion
- 2014 Ford Fusion
According to the study, the 2010 model had the most complaints, while the 2011 model appeared to be the worst of the bunch because of its higher maintenance costs that could only manage to cover a short distance.
In the next section, I’ll explain why it’s better to avoid specific model years in further depth.
What Makes These Ford Fusion Years is Worth Avoiding?
In all of these years of Ford Fusion, the steering has been the core area of failure. Let’s take a closer look at each issue from a different year.
2006 Ford Fusion Problems:
The Fusion 2006’s automatic transmission might have shifting issues. Transmission damage can develop inside as mileage rises.
In addition, when users overtighten lug nuts, they bulge. An axle shaft with a subpar surface polish risks damaging the seal.
2008 Ford Fusion Problems:
Spongy brakes, cracked dashboards, and worn-out coil packs are some of the 2008 Fusion’s issues.
The most frequent owner complaint, which indicates a brake master cylinder or booster issue, occurs at roughly 115,000 miles. Spongy brakes are a consequence of this.
At about 80,000 miles, cracked dashboards appear, while worn coil packs begin to show up at about 95,000 miles.
2010 Ford Fusion Problems:
There are many problems present in 2010 Fusion and power steering failures become the main issue that pain the users most.
Flaws have plagued multiple model years of Fusion’s electronic power steering system. Moreover, failures are pricey; a replacement will run you roughly $1,600.
Another common issue is power loss due to engine issues, which occurs every 77,000 miles or so. A broken throttle body gets frequently blamed, although software problems might also be the reason for creating the issue. A throttle body replacement is roughly $400.
More frequently, at around 63,000 miles, the transmission can fail. Rebuilding or replacing the transmission, which will cost between $1,600 and $3,000, are possibilities if it breaks.
2011 Ford Fusion Problems:
Power steering failure is the most frequent issue with Fusion 2011. It happens when the electronic power steering assist system is defective, necessitating the assembly’s replacement.
Owners often complain about doors that won’t open from the inside. The lever and latch are typically to blame here. A throttle body issue is frequently to blame for claims of power loss while driving.
2012 Ford Fusion Problems:
Many users claim that Fusion2012 causes transmission problems. It is worth mentioning that the power control or transmission control module is to blame here. Over time, the poor operation of the transmission’s valves results in internal deterioration that eventually leaves the transmission useless.
Additionally, the front suspension may make popping and grinding noises while making left-or right-hand turns. The problem becomes a little more confusing because many owners claim this usually occurs during warm weather.
The Ford Fusion’s lug nuts might swell with time. When these lug nuts swell, a regular tire socket cannot remove them. Thus, the inflated lug nuts must be removed by drilling and unscrewing them.
2013 Ford Fusion Problems:
Many Ford Fusion owners have reported hearing strange noises from their cars after putting about 100,000 miles on them. Typically, issues with lower control arms and a strut assembly cause problems.
Another issue that comes from the area of the left half-shaft is a leak in the transmission. The 2013 Ford Fusion’s axle shaft seal is likely to have worn out, which is the most likely cause of oil leakage.
Steering problems are among the most prevalent and significant complaints. Due to this issue, the power steering occasionally malfunctions entirely as well as the power assist steering.
Moreover, 2013 faces issues with engine stalling, electrical problems, fuel system, etc.
2014 Ford Fusion Problems:
The major problem with 2014 Fusions is the automatic transmissions are prone to failure. The transmission may experience internal damage from simple driving and mileage increases.
Most Common Problems of the Ford Fusion
When the Ford Fusion first hit the market, it quickly became well-known and well-regarded, but several problems crept in over time. While some issues were so severe that they required extensive recalls, others became widespread, which is why they eventually appeared in many models.
I’ll go through a number of these issues in further detail below.
According to my research, the following are some of the top reasons to avoid certain years:
- Interior issues
- Engine issues
- EPAs failure
Engine problems:
This model of the Ford Fusion engine has a severe design flaw that causes coolant to leak into the cylinders.
This behavior would lead to corrosion and misfires, which in turn would cause the engine to fail and catch fire.
Since 2012, Fusion owners have complained about shifting issues, including delayed shifts, shutter and noises (breakdown) on acceleration, and shifting troubles.
The severity of the transmission issues worsens as the mileage rises. Many Fusion owners also reported odd popping and grinding noises in their reviews.
Furthermore, the sudden and delayed transmission changes result in poor fuel efficiency and excessive consumption.
Interior issues:
The interior of the Ford Fusion has repeatedly drawn criticism.
The Takata airbag crisis ensured that many Ford Fusion vehicles already had issues with the interior. When airbags got deployed, they detonated, hurling metal fragments in the direction of the passengers.
EPAS failure:
Ford decided to skip hydraulic systems in favor of a more modern, high-tech alternative. They introduced an EPAS, or electronic power-assisted steering system, which utilized small computers and a lot of code to replace the formerly mechanical components.
The system’s complex design made it challenging to identify potential flaws and even more challenging to spot them.
The system would periodically crash while driving and veer annoyingly to one side.
The 2012 model had issues similar to those of the 2010 model, with the EPAS system being a significant concern, but generally, it had minor problems.
Which Years are Safe to Buy Used?
A list given below is about the used Ford Fusion year models which are safe to buy, based on the severity of user-submitted complaints about each year model.
The following years of Ford Fusions have fewer complaints and issues. Moreover, maintenance costs are lower.
- 2007 Ford Fusion
- 2009 Ford Fusion
- 2015 Ford Fusion
- 2016 Ford Fusion
- 2017 Ford Fusion
- 2018 Ford Fusion
- 2019 Ford Fusion
- 2020 Ford Fusion
Conclusion
After examining the worst and best years for Ford Fusion, you should be able to figure out which model is right for you and avoid the lineup’s flawed and troublesome models.
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