2013 Ford FUSION: complaints, problems and recalls

I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40MPH AND A MESSAGE FLASHED ON MY GAUGE STATING SOMETHING TO THE EFFECT ENGINE LOWER TEMP. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR AND MESSAGE WENT AWAY. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT MY CAR HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR POSSIBLE FIRE DUE TO ENGINE OVERHEATING. I ASSUME THAT THIS MESSAGE IS THE PRE-CURSOR TO WHAT COULD BE A POSSIBLE FIRE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND I AM AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM FORD ON A POSSIBLE FIX. THE CAR WAS ONLY 1 WEEK OLD. I HAVE REQUESTED FORD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK AND GET INTO A NON-AFFECTED ENGINE TYPE. *…

Owner-reported narrative. 185 miles reported. Look up ODI 10487483 at NHTSA ↗

PURCHASED CAR ON NOV 2 2013 RETURNED TO DEALER 31 DAYS LATER DUE TO RECALL. HAVE REQUESTED BUY BACK FROM FORD. WHO WOULD PUT THERE GRANDCHILDREN AT RISK IN THIS CAR WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE? I FEEL THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN THE PROBLEM EXISTED BUT FAILED TO ADMIT IT UNTIL SOME CARS CAME BACK. JUST WANT FORD TO BUY CAR BACK AND WILL LOOK AT ANOTHER MODEL. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10487538 at NHTSA ↗

WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY ROAD WITH MY FOOT ON THE GAS AT 35-40MPH, THE TRANSMISSION ERRATICALLY SHIFTED INTO A LOWER GEAR ON THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING THE ENGINE RPMS TO NEAR INSTANTANEOUSLY TO GO FROM 1750-2000RPMS TO JUST OVER 4000RPMS. THROUGH THE RPM INCREASE THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED THE PREVIOUS 35-40MPH SPEED. ULTIMATELY, WAS FORCED TO BRAKE TO BRING THE ENGINE RPMS DOWN. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 1,450 miles reported. Look up ODI 10488829 at NHTSA ↗

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE STARTED TURNED THE KEY FORWARD TO START AND IT DIDN'T START, THE KEY RETURNED THEN THE CAR STARTED AFTER THE KEY RETURNED TO KEY IN POSITION, THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES SINCE AND SEEMS TO BECOME MORE REGULAR I NOW HAVE 4,972 MILES ON THE CAR AND HAD THIS HAS TAKEN PLACE 8 TIME SINCE I WILL ADVISE THE DEALER WHEN MY CAR IS IN FOR RECALL NOTICE#12C27 1/3/2013 *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 850 miles reported. Look up ODI 10490793 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE KEYED IN THE CODE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS VIA THE NUMERIC KEYLESS ENTRY BUT THE TRUNK ERRONEOUSLY OPENED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOORS DID NOT ALWAYS LOCK USING THE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITHOUT THE FAILURE OCCURRING DURING DIAGNOSTICS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,200. UPDATED 2/19/13 *CN

Owner-reported narrative. 15 miles reported. Look up ODI 10492931 at NHTSA ↗

PLEASE NOTE, THIS FORM WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO SELECT WIPERS AS THE AFFECTED PART. THE ONLY OPTION THAT APPEARED WAS WHEELS. PLEASE CORRECT IF POSSIBLE. WHILE DRIVING, SNOW THAT HAD ACCUMULATED ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR SLID ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE MOTION OF THE WIPERS PUSHED THE SNOW DOWN AND TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE SNOW PROHIBITED THE WIPERS TO MOVE IN EITHER DIRECTION CAUSING ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO SEE THE ROAD. THE DESIGN OF THE WIPERS APPEARS TO ALLOW EXCESS SNOW TO BE FORCED IN THE LOWER MIDDLE PORTION OF THE WINDSHIEL…

Owner-reported narrative. 350 miles reported. Look up ODI 10495228 at NHTSA ↗

WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY 65-MPH THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING, THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL STARTS ACTING UP AS IF YOU ARE TURNING ON AND OFF THE KEY. THEY FOUND A LOSE WIRE TO THE INSTRUMENTAL CLUSTER ON THE SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED THE INSTRUMENTAL CLUSTER. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK SIX TIMES AND NOW THE DASHBOARD SHUTS DOWN AND I LOSE LIGHTS, SIGNALS, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC FEATURES. I HAVE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES IN BETWEEN. THEY OFFERED ME AN EXTENDED WARRANTY??? IT IS A SHAME THAT A CONSUMER WHO BUYS A CAR FROM A DEALER…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,524 miles reported. Look up ODI 10496264 at NHTSA ↗

SEAT HEADRESTS SIT TOO FAR FORWARD CAUSING BACK AND NECK PAIN. CANNOT ADJUST TO A COMFORTABLE DRIVING POSITION. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 250 miles reported. Look up ODI 10496583 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2012-12-03 (December 3, 2012)

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.

Consequence: If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicle’s hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine for coolant system leaks and reprogram the vehicle’s 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.

Reported: 2012-11-30 (November 30, 2012)

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles, manufactured from February 3, 2012, through October 20, 2012, for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." The affected vehicles may not have had the low beam headlamp projector coating properly cured during its manufacturing process.

Consequence: An improperly cured projector coating will become hazy through operation, over time, reducing the brightness of the low-beam lamp. This may decrease driver visibility and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp assembly. The recall began on December 18, 2012. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

Reported: 2013-05-31 (May 31, 2013)

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.

Reported: 2013-05-31 (May 31, 2013)

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles manufactured April 19, 2013, through April 23, 2013. The steering gears may be missing an internal retaining clip. If the clip is missing, components inside the steering gear may become dislodged inside the gear assembly.

Consequence: This could result in impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S06. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Reported: 2014-04-02 (April 2, 2014)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence: The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.

Reported: 2014-09-26 (September 26, 2014)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.

Consequence: The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

Reported: 2015-04-24 (April 24, 2015)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on April 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 Fiesta vehicles manufactured February 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 119,567 vehicles, including certain model year 2011 Ford Fiestas manufactured from November 11, 2009, to May 31, 2013 and certain model year 2013 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured from February 1, 2012, to June 30, 2012. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed to owners on June 5, 2015. The recall began on December 18, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S16.

Reported: 2015-04-28 (April 28, 2015)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to March 20, 2015, and 2015 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015, and originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, snow or water containing road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.

Consequence: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist. Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply sealer and replace the steering gear motor bolts as required. If one or more of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S14.

Reported: 2016-12-05 (December 5, 2016)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured November 2, 2012, to July 31, 2014, and 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 14, 2012, to July 31, 2014. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail.

Consequence: If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge. The recall began May 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S42.

Reported: 2017-03-27 (March 27, 2017)

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.

Consequence: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2017-03-27 (March 27, 2017)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began May 1, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S16.

Reported: 2018-03-12 (March 12, 2018)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission and 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Also included are four 2017 Ford Focus vehicles that had clutch replacements with potentially affected parts. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.

Consequence: A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. Owners of Fusion vehicles will have their clutch assembly replaced free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07.

Reported: 2018-07-16 (July 16, 2018)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.

Consequence: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.

Reported: 2019-05-13 (May 13, 2019)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.

Consequence: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S16. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made. This recall is an expansion of 18V471.

Reported: 2019-08-29 (August 29, 2019)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.

Consequence: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S26.

Reported: 2020-06-08 (June 8, 2020)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

Reported: 2022-06-10 (June 10, 2022)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Reported: 2023-03-10 (March 10, 2023)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Consequence: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.

Reported: 2026-06-09 (June 9, 2026)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.

Consequence: A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.