2013 Ford Fusion Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 9, 2025 · Filed: October 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The failure had occurred over twenty-five times. The vehicle was able to be restarted three times, and on other occasions, the vehicle was towed by AAA to the residence. AAA informed the contact that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact had Walmart replace the battery and perform an oil change, during which an engine oil leak was found. An independent mobile mechanic then diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist, who replaced the transmission, clutch filter seal, and piston, and performed a suspension alignment. The failure persisted. Another mobile mechanic replaced the alternator and performed electrical repairs. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined, and the contact was refunded the diagnostic test fee. The contact associated the failure with an unknown DTC and an unknown recall for a 2016 Ford Fusion.

Incident: October 16, 2017 · Filed: September 22, 2026

On October 16, 2017, we were driving this vehicle on the interstate when we noticed smoke in the rearview mirror. We pulled over right away, and within seconds of getting out, the car was engulfed in flames. It burned so fast that by the time firefighters arrived, about seven minutes later, there was nothing left of it. Neither of us was physically injured, but we got out with almost no time to spare. The fire department responded and a report was filed. The car was equipped with the 1.6L GTDI EcoBoost engine and falls within the population of Safety Recall 17S09 / NHTSA 17V-209, which covers localized cylinder head overheating and cracking that can cause a pressurized oil leak and an engine compartment fire. At the time our car burned, the interim recall notice had gone out but no remedy parts were available; the actual recall repair did not begin until January 5, 2018. Ford later contacted us and offered a small settlement, conditioned on signing away any right to bring future claims. We declined.

Incident: August 24, 2026 · Filed: September 10, 2026

Car has element B direct clutch issue. This is recalled on other 2013 fusions but not on my specific car.

Incident: July 20, 2026 · Filed: September 2, 2026

My power steering failed. There is no pump it's electronic so I can get it replaced without taking it to a dealer. There were 2 recalls for the Power Steering for this make and model, but my VIN number does not show up in the search. You need to expand the recall. My Power steering failed

Incident: September 1, 2026 · Filed: September 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while stopped in a drive-thru, there was an abnormal hissing sound coming from the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and excessive force was needed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the "Check Engine" warning light was illuminated and the "Brake Level Low" message was displayed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); but was unable to secure an appointment with two local dealers for a timely repair. The contact requested authorization to have the vehicle repaired by an independent mechanic with reimbursement, but the manufacturer declined the request. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer denied a request for a loaner vehicle. The contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 172,318.

Incident: August 5, 2026 · Filed: August 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes became inoperable. The brake pedal was depressed all the way to the floorboard for the vehicle to stop. There was no warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband became aware that brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle after the contact and her son returned to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle had been recently serviced on June 8, 2026, and there was no mention of an issue with the braking system. The dealer was contacted and stated that the brake pads were extremely worn, and the brake lines needed to be replaced along with the brake master cylinder. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,385.

Incident: January 9, 2026 · Filed: August 24, 2026

While driving my Ford Fusion, I experienced a serious transmission-related loss of propulsion. Leading up to the failure, I noticed that the engine RPM would fluctuate considerably and the vehicle appeared to have difficulty maintaining engagement in a gear. On the day of the failure, I was traveling approximately 50 mph when the vehicle suddenly stopped responding normally to the accelerator. When I pressed the accelerator, the engine RPM increased significantly, but the vehicle would not accelerate accordingly. It appeared that engine power was no longer being properly transferred through the transmission to the wheels. I was only able to get the vehicle home in a severely reduced-performance/limp condition. The vehicle was also leaking fluid associated with this failure. I subsequently received an NHTSA recall alert for Recall 26V376, “Transmission Clutch May Fracture and Leak Fluid,” which includes certain Ford Fusion model years. The failure I experienced appears very similar to the condition described in this recall, particularly the loss of propulsion accompanied by increased engine RPM and the presence of a fluid leak. However, when I checked my VIN, I was informed that my vehicle is not currently included in the recall. I am submitting this safety complaint because my vehicle experienced what appears to be a substantially similar failure, including loss of propulsion while traveling approximately 50 mph and subsequent fluid leakage. I am requesting that NHTSA review my vehicle's failure in connection with Recall 26V376 and determine whether the affected vehicle population may need to be expanded.

Incident: August 18, 2026 · Filed: August 19, 2026

Vehicle blew upper radiator hose due to blown head gasket. Vehicle has trouble starting and releases grey blue smoke via exhaust at all times. Has not been looked at by anyone other than an odot employee and myself. Hose was replaced but issues continue. Vehicle engine light came on after low coolant warning and overheating. Vehicle is available for inspection. Google states this is an extremely common occurrence with this particular year and model of vehicle.

Incident: July 28, 2026 · Filed: July 31, 2026

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 Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Incident: April 13, 2026 · Filed: July 11, 2026

My 2013 Ford Fusion equipped with the 1.6L EcoBoost engine started blowing thick white smoke (Burning Coolant) while I was driving on the freeway. Engine coolant was leaking and my card died right there, that had blown the head gasket. I received no warning, no message. This was an incredibly dangerous situation because I was on the freeway and was forced to stop immediately. Ford Motor Company has refused to include my vehicle’s VIN in the applicable recall programs despite my vehicle experiencing the same issues described in NHTSA recalls 12V551000 (Ford Campaign 12S41) and 17V209 (Ford Campaign 17S09) The recalls identify issues involving coolant loss, overheating, insufficient warning of coolant loss, potential engine damage, cylinder head damage, and the risk of engine compartment fire. My vehicle exhibited these same symptoms and consequences which can be confirmed by the autobody shop where it was evaluated. The purpose of these recalls was to address a known safety concern involving the 1.6L EcoBoost engine cooling system. Despite this, when I contacted Ford and requested assistance and asked that my VIN be added to the recall population, Ford denied my request and stated that my vehicle was not included. I believe this decision fails to address the fact that my vehicle experienced the same defect and safety risk identified in the recall documents. The safety issue is not limited to the VINs currently listed in the recall population; rather, my vehicle demonstrates the same failure mode that prompted the recalls. My concern is that vehicles equipped with the same engine and experiencing the same defect may continue to pose a safety risk to drivers and passengers. A coolant loss event and overheating condition can result in significant engine damage, sudden loss of vehicle operation, costly repairs, and the potential for an engine compartment fire. respectfully request that this matter be reviewed and that Ford be required to re-evaluate their decision.