Ford Fusion Energi Best and Worst Years (2012–2020)
Avoid the 2014, 2019, and 2020 Ford Fusion Energi. The 2019 model has the highest complaint index (100) with 121 complaints, driven mostly by Electrical System issues (83%), and a fuel system recall. The 2018 model year is the best choice, with only 6 complaints and a complaint index of 13.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 9
- 2012–2020
- NHTSA complaints
- 309
- Recall campaigns
- 2
- Crashes reported
- 8
- Fires reported
- 8
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Fusion Energi Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Ford Fusion Energi problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | No verdict | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Steering | — | — |
| 2013 | Caution | 63 | 39 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Steering | 38 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 75 | 34 | 2 | 3 | 0 | Electrical System | 38 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Good | 38 | 22 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Electrical System | 38 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 50 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 38 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Good | 25 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Electrical System | 42 | — |
| 2018 | Best | 13 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 42 | — |
| 2019 | Avoid | 100 | 121 | 0 | 2 | 1 | Electrical System | 42 | — |
| 2020 | Avoid | 88 | 43 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Electrical System | 42 | — |
Fusion Energi years to avoid: what went wrong
2019 Ford Fusion Energi Index 100 · 121 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2019 Fusion Energi has the worst complaint index of any year at 100, with 121 total complaints, 83% of them tied to the Electrical System. Owners described smoke filling the cabin after warning lights flashed, unintended acceleration after releasing the brake pedal, a trunk that opened on its own, and sunroof drains that let water leak into the cabin. Ford issued recall 19V099000 covering the fuel system, addressing inadequate protection against high-voltage contact, with a Bus Electrical Center cover installed as the remedy. Two fires and one injury were also reported.
2020 Ford Fusion Energi Index 88 · 43 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2020 Fusion Energi ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 88 and 43 complaints, 88% involving the Electrical System. Owners reported dashboard warning lights and smoke near the driver's feet leading to a fire, tires failing with only 1,800 miles on them, a 'Stop Safely Now' message with sudden loss of acceleration on the freeway, and a hot battery tied to a later electrical recall. No recalls were on file specifically for the 2020 model year in this dataset, though owners referenced a separate campaign number.
2014 Ford Fusion Energi Index 75 · 34 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2014 Fusion Energi carries a complaint index of 75, ranking third-worst of all years. Electrical System issues make up 24% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 18% and Engine problems at 15%. Owners reported brake failure during stop-and-go traffic, an electrical charging cord melting and smoking, and a steering gear failure that made the car hard to control at highway speed. The year also recorded 2 crashes, 3 fires, and 1 injury. No recalls were issued for this model year despite these reports.
Most common Ford Fusion Energi problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System185 (60%)
- Engine42 (14%)
- Other40 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain32 (10%)
- Steering24 (8%)
- Fuel System23 (7%)
- Brakes20 (6%)
- Seat Belts7 (2%)
- Structure & Body7 (2%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Ford Fusion Energi should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2014, 2019, and 2020 Ford Fusion Energi. The 2019 model has the highest complaint index at 100 with 121 complaints, most tied to the Electrical System.
- What is the best year for the Ford Fusion Energi?
- The 2018 Fusion Energi is the best year, with a complaint index of just 13 and only 6 complaints on file with NHTSA.
- Does the Ford Fusion Energi have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns across all Fusion Energi model years. One covers the 2019 model's fuel system, addressing inadequate protection against high-voltage contact, with a Bus Electrical Center cover as the remedy.
- What is the most common problem area for the Ford Fusion Energi?
- Across all model years, the Electrical System accounts for 60% of the 309 total complaints (185 complaints), making it the top problem area by far.
- Should I be cautious about any other Fusion Energi years?
- Yes, the 2013 and 2016 model years carry a Caution verdict, with complaint indexes of 63 and 50 respectively, lower than the avoid years but higher than the best years.