Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Ford Fusion Energi
The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi has a mix of reported issues with emphasis on steering and electrical problems. With limited complaint data, it suggests some areas for caution but isn't definitively unreliable. Conduct thorough checks, particularly for steering and electrical concerns, during inspection and test drive of the vehicle.
NHTSA data on file today
try.vin couldn't confirm NHTSA's recall list for the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi, so this page doesn't state a recall count — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for current campaigns. 39 owner complaints are on file.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 10 complaints
- Electrical System 9 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 6 complaints
- Unknown or Other 6 complaints
- Power Train 5 complaints
- Service Brakes 5 complaints
Of the 39 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash; across all 39 complaints, owners report 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Steering issues or failures
How to check: Check for ease of steering and unusual sounds during test drive.
Persistent electrical issues
How to check: Inspect all electronic functions and dashboard alerts during ignition.
Engine performance problems
How to check: Listen for unusual noise and check for warning lights.
Power train issues
How to check: Test smooth shifting and listen for noises during gear change.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for odd noises and check warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth and responsive acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or sputtering
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test steering responsiveness around corners.
Red flag: Steering wheel resistance
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for power and smooth gear shifts.
Red flag: Jerky shifts or power loss
- 05
Braking
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and unusual noises.
Red flag: Grinding or delayed response
- 06
Parking
What to check: Confirm tight steering with no noises.
Red flag: Steering feels heavy or noisy
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the steering system been checked?
- Have there been electrical issues?
- Has the car ever stalled?
- Are there any power train repairs documented?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Previous owner's maintenance records
- Repair invoices and receipts
- Title and registration paperwork
- Vehicle recall history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Ford Fusion Energi? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.