How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Ford Fusion?

NHTSA lists 468 engine complaints for the 2013 Fusion, which is 26% of the 1,791 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall related to engine fires on the 2013 Ford Fusion?

Yes. Recall 17V209000 covers 2013-2014 Fusion vehicles with 1.6L GTDI engines for insufficient coolant conditions, and Ford installed a coolant level sensor and updated software. An earlier recall, 12V551000, addressed coolant system leaks and engine control reprogramming on related 2013 models.

At what mileage do 2013 Fusion engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for engine-area complaints is 88,000 miles, based on NHTSA data.

How serious are the reported engine issues?

NHTSA data tied to the engine area for this year shows 81 fires, 6 injuries, and 4 crashes among the reported complaints.

2013 Ford Fusion Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 468 engine complaints for the 2013 Ford Fusion, 26% of its 1,791 total complaints. Owners reported 81 fires and 6 injuries tied to this area, with a median failure mileage of 88,000. Two Ford recalls (17V209000 and 12V551000) address engine coolant and overheating issues.

Engine complaints: 468; 26% of 1,791
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 81
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 88,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine overheats while driving, sometimes on hills or in stop-and-go traffic, followed by smoke or visible flames from the front of the vehicle.
Vehicles equipped with the 1.6L EcoBoost engine reportedly caught fire under the hood, in some cases while still moving at highway speed.
Power steering fault warnings appeared on the dash shortly before flames or smoke were seen coming from underneath the car.
Engine stalled at low speed accompanied by a fuel economy warning message, followed by smoke and fire near the rear passenger side of the engine.
Some owners reported the vehicle caught fire and became fully engulfed within minutes of a short drive, with no prior warning light.

When 2013 Ford Fusion engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 5, 2012, latest Sep 22, 2026.

468 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2017 Q2 (29).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Ford Fusion

NHTSA 17V209000Mar 27, 2017Engine208,584 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
Risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.
NHTSA 12V551000Dec 3, 2012Engine80,057 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
This is an update to a recently announced recall. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through November 26, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines, as well as certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles manufactured from February 3, 2012, through November 29, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. Coolant system leaks may cause the engines to overheat and leak flammable engine fluids.
Risk: If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicleÂs hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine for coolant system leaks and reprogram the vehicleÂs powertrain control module and instrument cluster with an updated calibration and overheat strategy software. There will be no charge to owners for this service. Owners were recently notified to contact dealers to arrange for alternative transportation as Ford developed a remedy. Owners will be shortly receiving notifications to contact Ford dealers to schedule the free remedy repair. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Engine complaints by Fusion model year

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

20101,320 (26%)
2011451 (16%)
2012181 (7%)
2013468 (26%)
2014247 (19%)
2015318 (32%)
2016564 (35%)
2017509 (46%)
2018273 (62%)
2019203 (64%)
202060 (33%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Ford Fusion?: NHTSA lists 468 engine complaints for the 2013 Fusion, which is 26% of the 1,791 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall related to engine fires on the 2013 Ford Fusion?: Yes. Recall 17V209000 covers 2013-2014 Fusion vehicles with 1.6L GTDI engines for insufficient coolant conditions, and Ford installed a coolant level sensor and updated software. An earlier recall, 12V551000, addressed coolant system leaks and engine control reprogramming on related 2013 models.
At what mileage do 2013 Fusion engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for engine-area complaints is 88,000 miles, based on NHTSA data.
How serious are the reported engine issues?: NHTSA data tied to the engine area for this year shows 81 fires, 6 injuries, and 4 crashes among the reported complaints.