YearToAvoid

Ford Fusion Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2010–2020)

Avoid the 2010, 2011, and 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which carry complaint index scores of 100, 90, and 80 and top the worst-year rankings. The 2015, 2016, and 2020 model years score lowest (20, 10, and 0) and are rated Best.

Avoid 2010Avoid 2011Avoid 2013Best 2015Best 2016Best 2020

Model years
11
2010–2020
NHTSA complaints
1,197
Recall campaigns
2
Crashes reported
44
Fires reported
7
Top problem area
Steering

Fusion Hybrid 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.

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020102011201220132014201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Ford Fusion Hybrid problems and recalls by year

YearVerdictIndexComplaintsCrashesFiresRecallsTop issueMPGNCAP
2010Avoid100508900Steering39—
2011Avoid90132300Steering384★
2012Caution5096400Steering384★
2013Avoid80126141Transmission & Powertrain415★
2014Good3065301Steering41—
2015Best2046502Steering41—
2016Best1053000Engine41—
2017Caution6069710Transmission & Powertrain42—
2018Caution7059810Electrical System42—
2019Good4035310Engine41.5—
2020Best08100Electrical System41.5—

Fusion Hybrid years to avoid: what went wrong

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Index 100 · 508 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2010 Fusion Hybrid has the highest complaint index (100) of any year and ranks worst overall, with 508 total complaints. Steering issues lead at 27% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 96,197 miles, and owners describe sudden power steering loss with a service power steering warning light, sometimes ending in a crash. Airbag complaints follow at 27% (median 73,000 miles), and brake complaints at 21% (median 101,000 miles), including reports of total brake failure while driving. NHTSA lists no recalls for this year despite the high complaint volume.

2010 steering problems →2010 airbags problems →2010 brakes problems →

2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid Index 90 · 132 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2011 model ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 90 across 132 complaints. Steering problems dominate at 33% of complaints, median mileage 80,500, with owners reporting stiff or unresponsive steering wheels, sometimes preceded by a service power steering now message. Airbag complaints (26%, median 59,000 miles) and brake complaints (24%, median 70,000 miles) also appear, including one report of a fatal crash linked to power steering loss at highway speed. No recalls are on file for this year.

2011 steering problems →2011 airbags problems →2011 brakes problems →

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Index 80 · 126 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2013 Fusion Hybrid has a complaint index of 80 and ranks third-worst, with 126 complaints and 4 reported fires. Transmission & Powertrain problems are the top area at 24% (median mileage 111,000), followed by Electrical System issues at 19% (median mileage 23,352). Owners describe smoke coming from underneath the vehicle while driving and engine warning lights accompanying the smoke. One recall (18V592000) covers a convenience charge cord replacement for thermal safety concerns.

2013 transmission & powertrain problems →2013 electrical system problems →2013 steering problems →

Most common Ford Fusion Hybrid problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

  1. Steering295 (25%)
  2. Airbags236 (20%)
  3. Brakes225 (19%)
  4. Engine179 (15%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain148 (12%)
  6. Electrical System141 (12%)
  7. Other80 (7%)
  8. Fuel System68 (6%)
  9. Structure & Body61 (5%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires48 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Ford Fusion Hybrid should I avoid?
Avoid the 2010, 2011, and 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. These years have the highest complaint index scores (100, 90, and 80) and rank worst among the 11 model years covered by NHTSA data.
Which Ford Fusion Hybrid year is the most reliable based on complaints?
The 2015, 2016, and 2020 model years are rated Best, with complaint index scores of 20, 10, and 0 respectively, the lowest across the 2010-2020 range.
Does the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid have steering problems?
Yes. Steering is the top complaint area for 2010, making up 27% of complaints, with owners reporting sudden power steering loss and a median failure mileage of 96,197 miles.
Are there recalls on the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid?
Yes, one recall (18V592000) affects the 2013 Fusion Hybrid for a convenience charge cord that could overheat.
How many total complaints does the Ford Fusion Hybrid have?
Across the 2010-2020 model years, NHTSA lists 1,197 total complaints and 2 recall campaigns for the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.