Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Ford Fusion
The 2014 Ford Fusion has notable issues, with over 1,300 complaints and 19 recalls. Significant concerns include steering, powertrain, and electrical problems. However, without a substantial number of complaints detailing patterns, the exact reliability of this model year remains unclear. Prospective buyers should focus on these areas during inspection and test drives.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Ford Fusion has 19 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,334 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 3 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V376000 Transmission Clutch May Fracture and Leak Fluid NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V162000 Front Brake Hoses May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V413000 Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V011000 Brake Light Malfunction and Possible Rollaway Risk NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V331000 Doors May Open While Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V177000 Doors May Open While Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V632000 Steering Gear Motor May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V362000 Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V471000 Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V167000 Steering Wheel may Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V169000 Transmission Clutch Slip and Fluid Leak NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V210000 Doors may Unexpectedly Open NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V209000 Engine Cylinder Head may Leak Oil NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V875000 Front Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupants NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V250000 Loss of Power Steering Assist From Salt Corrosion NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V246000 Doors may Unexpectedly Open NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V736000 Key Removal When Not In Park/FMVSS 114 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V597000 Air Bags may not Deploy as Intended NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V164000 Welds on Seat Assemblies may Fail/FMVSS 207 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 329 complaints
- Power Train 236 complaints
- Engine 205 complaints
- Electrical System 163 complaints
- Unknown or Other 153 complaints
- Service Brakes 90 complaints
Of the 1,334 complaints on file, 51 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 1,334 complaints, owners report 46 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
loose steering wheel bolt
How to check: Check for play in the steering wheel.
shifter cable detachment
How to check: Ensure gear shifts match PRNDL display.
brake pedal corrosion
How to check: Inspect brake pedal for rust or wear.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Knocking or ticking sound
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Check engine light stays on
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Assess steering responsiveness.
Red flag: Loose or unresponsive steering
- 04
City driving
What to check: Shift gears and ensure smooth transitions.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifting
- 05
Braking
What to check: Test for smooth and firm braking.
Red flag: Grinding or delayed stopping
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for vibration or noise.
Red flag: Vibration during acceleration
- 07
Ending the drive
What to check: Inspect for transmission fluid leaks.
Red flag: Fluid spots under vehicle
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recall repairs been completed?
- Any history of transmission issues?
- Have you experienced steering problems?
- Any electrical system malfunctions?
- Has the brake system been serviced recently?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall repair history
- Service and maintenance records
- Title and registration documents
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Ford Fusion at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Ford Fusion? 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.