YearToAvoid

2013 Ford Fusion Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 91 brake complaints for the 2013 Ford Fusion, 5% of its 1,791 total complaints, tied to 11 crashes, 3 fires, and 3 injuries. A related recall (23V162000) covers front brake hose ruptures. Median mileage at failure was 61,452.

Brakes complaints
91
5% of 1,791
Crashes reported
11
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
61,452 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Brake pedal depressed but the vehicle fails to slow or stop, sometimes resulting in a rear-end collision at low speed.
  • Brake pedal goes to the floor with little or no stopping response even at highway speeds, leading to collisions with parked vehicles or walls.
  • Sudden loss of braking response is followed by use of the handbrake to try to stop the vehicle.
  • Smoke or fire reported near a wheel, traced to the parking brake motor and caliper pushing pistons hard enough to bend the brake pad.
  • Underhood smoke and fire reported alongside a stall and dashboard warning lights coming on while decelerating.

When 2013 Ford Fusion brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 17, 2013, latest Sep 2, 2026.

2013 Ford Fusion brakes complaints: complaints filed per quarter152013 Q22014 Q42017 Q22018 Q42020 Q32023 Q12024 Q4
91 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q2 (15).

Brakes recalls for the 2013 Ford Fusion

  1. 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.

Brakes complaints by Fusion model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200641 (6%)
  2. 2007152 (14%)
  3. 2008543 (40%)
  4. 2009534 (52%)
  5. 2010695 (14%)
  6. 2011286 (10%)
  7. 2012198 (8%)
  8. 201391 (5%)
  9. 2014150 (11%)
  10. 2015135 (14%)
  11. 2016162 (10%)
  12. 2017110 (10%)
  13. 20187 (2%)
  14. 20196 (2%)
  15. 202011 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are brake complaints on the 2013 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA lists 91 brake complaints for the 2013 Fusion, which is 5% of the 1,791 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall on the 2013 Ford Fusion?
Yes. Recall 23V162000 covers 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for front brake hoses that may rupture and leak brake fluid; dealers replace the hoses free of charge.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2013 Fusion?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints on the 2013 Fusion is 61,452 miles.
Have the 2013 Fusion's brake problems caused crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data tied to this brake complaint set shows 11 crashes, 3 fires, and 3 injuries.

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.