2013 Ford Fusion Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
79/100
#4 most-complained of 15 Fusion years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2013 Ford Fusion has 1,791 owner complaints and 19 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 79 out of 100 — #4 highest of 15 Fusion model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (468 complaints, 26% of the total). Complaints report 63 crashes, 91 fires, 54 injuries, and 1 death.
- Complaints
- 1,791
- Recalls
- 19
- Crashes / fires
- 63 / 91
- Injuries / deaths
- 54 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 22.5 city / 34 hwy
Top 2013 Ford Fusion problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine468 (26%)
- Steering389 (22%)
- Transmission & Powertrain280 (16%)
- Structure & Body264 (15%)
- Other192 (11%)
- Electrical System180 (10%)
- Fuel System141 (8%)
- Airbags101 (6%)
- Seat Belts100 (6%)
- Brakes91 (5%)
2013 Ford Fusion recalls
19 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V376000Jun 9, 2026Transmission & Powertrain5,252 vehicles
Power train:manual transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Risk: A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
- NHTSA 23V162000Mar 10, 2023Brakes1,280,726 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Risk: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
- NHTSA 22V413000Jun 10, 2022Transmission & Powertrain2,925,968 vehicles
Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
2013 Ford Fusion fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22.5 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Ford Fusion a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Ford Fusion ranks #4 of 15 among Fusion model years (Complaint Index 79/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 1,791 complaints and 19 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Fusion?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (468 complaints), steering (389 complaints), and transmission & powertrain (280 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 76,431 miles.
- Does the 2013 Ford Fusion have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Fusion, most recently reported 2026, covering transmission & powertrain, brakes, structure & body, and steering.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Ford Fusion?
- EPA rates the 2013 Ford Fusion at 26.5 MPG combined (22.5 city / 34 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,450. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.