CarModelProblems.com

2013 Ford Fusion Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.0× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
1,783Complaints
19Recalls
63Crashes
90Fires
54Injured
1Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (21.4% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Engine complaints here are 2.0× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine381 · 21.4%RecalledRecall 17V209000 · Recall 12V551000
Steering381 · 21.4%RecalledRecall 19V632000 · Recall 15V250000 · Recall 13V232000
Power Train271 · 15.2%RecalledRecall 18V471000 · Recall 19V362000 · Recall 18V169000 · Recall 22V413000 · Recall 26V376000
Electrical System157 · 8.8%No official action
Structure:body150 · 8.4%Investigation closedRQ19005 → recall 20V177000 · RQ19005 → recall 20V331000 · EA15002 → recall 15V246000 · EA15002 → recall 20E010000
Fuel/propulsion System120 · 6.7%RecalledRecall 13V227000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE381 · 21.4%
STEERING381 · 21.4%
POWER TRAIN271 · 15.2%
Unspecified / other183 · 10.3%
STRUCTURE:BODY150 · 8.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM120 · 6.7%
AIR BAGS101 · 5.7%
SEAT BELTS98 · 5.5%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING69 · 3.9%

Percentages are the share of the 1,783 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 19 campaigns

Steering:electric Power Assist System

NHTSA campaign 19V632000 · 2019 · reported 08/29/2019

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

NHTSA campaign 18V471000 · 2018 · reported 07/16/2018

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

NHTSA campaign 19V362000 · 2019 · reported 05/13/2019

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts:front

NHTSA campaign 16V875000 · 2016 · reported 12/05/2016

If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:manual Transmission

NHTSA campaign 18V169000 · 2018 · reported 03/12/2018

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

NHTSA campaign 17V210000 · 2017 · reported 03/27/2017

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

NHTSA campaign 17V209000 · 2017 · reported 03/27/2017

If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags

NHTSA campaign 14V597000 · 2014 · reported 09/26/2014

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering:electric Power Assist System

NHTSA campaign 15V250000 · 2015 · reported 04/28/2015

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

NHTSA campaign 15V246000 · 2015 · reported 04/24/2015

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats:front Assembly:recliner

NHTSA campaign 14V164000 · 2014 · reported 04/02/2014

The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting:headlights

NHTSA campaign 12V553000 · 2012 · reported 11/30/2012

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling

NHTSA campaign 12V551000 · 2012 · reported 12/03/2012

If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicle’s hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering

NHTSA campaign 13V232000 · 2013 · reported 05/31/2013

This could result in impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline

NHTSA campaign 13V227000 · 2013 · reported 05/31/2013

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

NHTSA campaign 20V331000 · 2020 · reported 06/08/2020

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2022 · reported 06/10/2022

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

NHTSA campaign 23V162000 · 2023 · reported 03/10/2023

A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:manual Transmission

NHTSA campaign 26V376000 · 2026 · reported 06/09/2026

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“WHILE DRIVING NORTH ON I-25 WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 75MPH, SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE STOP FORWARD ACCELERATION AND INSTANTLY BEGAN DECREASING SPEED. IMMEDIATELY, I STEPPED…”NHTSA complaint 10574211 — filed 03/22/2014 · ENGINE
“WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS (0-10 MPH) THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. SOMETIMES WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLE DOESN'T RESPOND, CAUSING ME TO…”NHTSA complaint 10567943 — filed 03/08/2014 · ENGINE
“I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 1.6 LITER FORD FUSION ON 10/23/2013 AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. MY VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I…”NHTSA complaint 10549427 — filed 10/24/2013 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

420126911120141592032016307369201835420220201221272022132103202457472026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Fusion?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 381 of 1,783 NHTSA complaints (21.4%), followed by steering (381), power train (271), unspecified/other issues (183). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2013 Ford Fusion have?

1,783 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 63 involved a crash, 90 involved a fire, and 54 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.

Does the 2013 Ford Fusion have any recalls?

Yes — 19 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V632000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2013 Ford Fusion's reported problems?

4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.