Ford Fusion Best and Worst Years (2006–2020)
Ford Fusion years to avoid are 2010-2013, led by the 2010 with a complaint index of 100 and 5,129 complaints, mostly steering. The 2018-2020 model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 14, 7, and 0.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2010Avoid 2011Avoid 2012Avoid 2013Best 2018Best 2019Best 2020
- Model years
- 15
- 2006–2020
- NHTSA complaints
- 22,387
- Recall campaigns
- 46
- Crashes reported
- 791
- Fires reported
- 171
- Top problem area
- Steering
Fusion 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 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Caution | 21 | 730 | 38 | 4 | 4 ! | Airbags | 23 | — |
| 2007 | Caution | 36 | 1,064 | 58 | 5 | 4 ! | Airbags | 22 | — |
| 2008 | Caution | 50 | 1,353 | 53 | 6 | 5 ! | Airbags | 22 | — |
| 2009 | Caution | 64 | 1,022 | 65 | 5 | 6 ! | Brakes | 22 | — |
| 2010 | Avoid | 100 | 5,129 | 122 | 9 | 11 ! | Steering | 23 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 93 | 2,786 | 80 | 10 | 7 ! | Steering | 23.5 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Avoid | 86 | 2,516 | 107 | 9 | 5 ! | Steering | 23.5 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 79 | 1,791 | 63 | 91 | 19 | Engine | 26.5 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 57 | 1,330 | 51 | 9 | 19 | Steering | 26.5 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 29 | 993 | 34 | 5 | 13 | Engine | 26 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 71 | 1,627 | 59 | 6 | 13 | Engine | 26 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Good | 43 | 1,110 | 37 | 8 | 4 | Engine | 25 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Best | 14 | 439 | 9 | 1 | 2 | Engine | 25 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Best | 7 | 315 | 5 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 25 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Best | 0 | 182 | 10 | 3 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 25 | 5★ |
Fusion years to avoid: what went wrong
2010 Ford Fusion Index 100 · 5,129 complaints · 11 recalls
The 2010 Fusion has the highest complaint index (100) and complaint count (5,129) in the lineup, with steering the top issue at 32% of complaints and a median failure mileage of 101,054 miles. Engine, transmission, and fuel system problems followed, with engine complaints median mileage around 54,000. NHTSA logged 122 crashes and 9 fires for this year, plus 11 recall campaigns including 3 Do Not Drive or Park Outside recalls covering airbag inflators and brake fluid reactions in the ABS hydraulic control unit.
2010 steering problems →2010 engine problems →2010 transmission & powertrain problems →
2011 Ford Fusion Index 93 · 2,786 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2011 Fusion carries a complaint index of 93. Steering dominates at 51% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 89,500 miles, followed by engine, airbag, and brake issues. Owners described sudden loss of steering and braking control, sometimes while parked or moving slowly. NHTSA recorded 80 crashes and 10 fires. Seven recall campaigns apply, including 2 Do Not Drive or Park Outside airbag recalls tied to inflator defects shared with other Ford models.
2011 steering problems →2011 engine problems →2011 airbags problems →
2012 Ford Fusion Index 86 · 2,516 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2012 Fusion has a complaint index of 86, with steering complaints making up 59% of the total and a median failure mileage of 83,242.5 miles. Airbags were the second most common issue at 16%, with reports of non-deployment during crashes. NHTSA logged 107 crashes and 9 fires, and three deaths were reported for this year. Five recall campaigns apply, including 2 Do Not Drive or Park Outside airbag recalls.
2012 steering problems →2012 airbags problems →2012 brakes problems →
2013 Ford Fusion Index 79 · 1,791 complaints · 19 recalls
The 2013 Fusion has a complaint index of 79 and stands out for 91 reported fires, the highest of any Fusion year. Engine complaints lead at 26% with a median failure mileage of 88,000 miles, followed by steering and transmission issues. Owners described steering loss during turns and smoke or fire near the dashboard after minor impacts. The year carries 19 recall campaigns, including brake hose rupture and transmission shift cable bushing recalls, though none are Do Not Drive recalls.
2013 engine problems →2013 steering problems →2013 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Ford Fusion problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Steering5,765 (26%)
- Engine4,885 (22%)
- Airbags3,529 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3,132 (14%)
- Brakes3,121 (14%)
- Electrical System1,783 (8%)
- Fuel System1,541 (7%)
- Other1,427 (6%)
- Structure & Body1,254 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires666 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What Ford Fusion years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data points to 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 as the Fusion years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100, 93, 86, and 79 respectively, all driven heavily by steering complaints.
- What is the best Ford Fusion year to buy?
- The 2018, 2019, and 2020 Fusion model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 14, 7, and 0 and far fewer complaints overall (439, 315, and 182).
- Why is the 2010 Ford Fusion rated so poorly?
- The 2010 Fusion has the highest complaint index (100) and complaint count (5,129) of any Fusion year, led by steering problems at 32% of complaints, plus 11 recall campaigns including 3 Do Not Drive or Park Outside recalls.
- Does the Ford Fusion have steering problems?
- Steering is the top overall problem area across all Fusion years, accounting for 5,765 complaints and 26% of the total, concentrated heavily in the 2010-2012 model years.
- Is the 2013 Ford Fusion prone to fires?
- Yes, the 2013 Fusion recorded 91 reported fires, far more than any other Fusion year, alongside an engine-led complaint pattern and 19 recall campaigns.