Ford Fusion Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 697 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Ford Fusion across 15 model years. The 2017 model year has the most (134). The words owners use most often: “coolant intrusion” (29% of reports).
- 697engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 41%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Coolant intrusion: mentioned in 199 of 697 complaints (29%)
- Smoke exhaust: mentioned in 68 of 697 complaints (10%)
- Satisfaction program 21N12: mentioned in 43 of 697 complaints (6%)
- Short block: mentioned in 41 of 697 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 617 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 697 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 4 an injury.
Ford Fusion engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Fusion | 7 | 4% | 99,064 |
| 2019 Fusion | 55 | 17% | 85,952 |
| 2018 Fusion | 88 | 20% | 101,000 |
| 2017 Fusion | 134 | 12% | 81,571 |
| 2016 Fusion | 109 | 7% | 110,750 |
| 2015 Fusion | 52 | 5% | 100,000 |
| 2014 Fusion | 33 | 2% | 102,000 |
| 2013 Fusion | 72 | 4% | 119,000 |
| 2012 Fusion | 5 | 0% | 30,000 |
| 2011 Fusion | 14 | 1% | 31,243 |
| 2010 Fusion | 93 | 2% | 49,500 |
| 2009 Fusion | 7 | 1% | 108,252 |
| 2008 Fusion | 1 | 0% | 68,000 |
| 2007 Fusion | 16 | 2% | 58,100 |
| 2006 Fusion | 11 | 2% | 71,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2013, 2014
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2013
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a leaking the head gasket, which allowed coolant into the cylinders…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the steering wheel locked up. The temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot, and the vehicle needed to be restarted several times. The contact stated…
The contact's brother owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the owner was driving 35 MPH, the engine overheated and there was misfire coming from the engine. The check engine warning light illuminated, and there was fluid leaking into the engine. An independent mechanic was…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V551000 (Engine and Engine…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Fusions have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 697 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Ford Fusion. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford Fusion engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the Ford Fusion?
The most frequent phrase is “coolant intrusion”, in 199 of 697 complaints, followed by “smoke exhaust” (68).
Other Ford Fusion problems
- Steering problems (5,775)
- Air Bags problems (3,530)
- Engine problems (3,369)
- Power Train problems (3,138)
- Service Brakes problems (2,191)
- Electrical System problems (1,665)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (1,414)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (1,167)
See all Ford Fusion problems.