Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2011 Ford Fusion
The 2011 Ford Fusion has notable issues, primarily with airbag inflators and steering systems, supported by several recalls and complaints. Buyers should be cautious, especially regarding airbag recalls and steering complaints, and conduct a thorough inspection to ensure safety and performance. Documentation of all previous repairs and maintenance is essential to understand the vehicle's history.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2011 Ford Fusion has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,795 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V158000 Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V081000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21E013000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V384000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V793000 Fuel Tank May Crack NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V340000 Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14E028000 Driver Side Accessory Floor Mat may Trap Pedal NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V574000 FRACTURE WHEEL STUDS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 1,436 complaints
- Air Bags 330 complaints
- Engine 276 complaints
- Power Train 268 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 256 complaints
- Electrical System 203 complaints
Of the 2,795 complaints on file, 80 report a crash and 11 a fire; across all 2,795 complaints, owners report 46 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator may explode
How to check: Ensure airbag recalls have been addressed with seller or dealer
Electric power assist failure
How to check: Test steering response, especially in low-speed maneuvers
Fuel vapor canister issue
How to check: Check for fuel smell and visible leaks under the car
Service brake complaints
How to check: Inspect brake pads and rotors for excessive wear
Wheel stud fracture
How to check: Check wheel studs and lugs for damage or looseness
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises
Red flag: Knocking or loud ticking noise
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe any warning lights on the dash
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
Low-speed turns
What to check: Check steering responsiveness and smoothness
Red flag: Stiff or jerky steering
- 04
City driving
What to check: Feel for consistent brake performance
Red flag: Brakes feel weak or vibrate
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth power delivery and shifting
Red flag: Transmission hesitates or jerks
- 06
Straight-line braking
What to check: Check if vehicle pulls to one side
Red flag: Car pulls sharply when braking
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have airbag recalls been addressed?
- Ever had steering issues or repairs?
- Any engine warning lights recently?
- Has the fuel system been repaired?
- History of any brake or suspension work?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Full maintenance records
- Recall repair confirmations
- Emission test results
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2011 Ford Fusion at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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