Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Before you buy
- Power steering assist failure: about 22% of complaints. Ask whether the steering rack or power steering gear has been replaced, and watch for power steering warning messages at startup and on the test drive.
- Door latches fail to hold: about 1 in 9 complaints.
- Engine overheating and coolant loss: about 1 in 10 complaints.
- Safety: Engine stalling (can affect control: 21 of 21 reports), about 1 in 14 complaints.
- Run the free VIN recall check for the 19 recalls to confirm on this model, starting with the transmission recall (26V376000).
Based on a random sample of 300 of the 1,790 complaints filed with NHTSA for this model, read and summarized with AI. 288 of them describe a failure the owner experienced; the rest (recall notices, parts delays, worries) are left out of these counts. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Known problems
What owners report most often, grouped into named problems. Summaries are written by AI from the complaints; open a problem to read the owners' own words.
Power steering assist failure
Owners report power steering warnings followed by sudden loss of steering assist or a seized, locked steering wheel, sometimes at highway speed. Some describe grinding noises or intermittent warnings that come and go.
- How common
- 67 of the 300 complaints we read (22%), roughly 400 of all 1,790 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 59 of 67 reports; 2 reports mention a crash
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 15V250000, 19V632000, 13V232000, 23V162000. Check the VIN for it.
Before you buy: Ask whether the steering rack or power steering gear has been replaced, and watch for power steering warning messages at startup and on the test drive.
- Steering made an abnormal grinding sound at various speeds, traced to the power steering system, not the brakes; recall does not cover this car. · filed May 2026
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while steering the vehicle at various speeds, an abnormal, grinding sound would emit from the vehicle without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact made an appointment and spoke with the dealer about the failure. The contact was informed by a dealer mechanic that the grinding noise was not related to brake system but the Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS). Upon further investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA ID Number: 15V250000(Steering) which the contact linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11738162
- Steering wheel locked up, then later the power steering light came on and the wheel became hard to turn while driving; mechanic blamed moisture in a part. · filed Jan 2026
Read the owner's complaint
A couple of weeks ago My Steering wheel locked up and the codes were reset which unlocked the wheel so i was able to turn it. Mechanic said it was moisture getting to the part and then the power steering light came on & it became Hard to turn the steering wheel while driving. There was no indication of a issue before it started.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11708456
- Steering has excessive side-to-side play and randomly stiffens then loosens; today it briefly stuck then jerked to the right; owner says the recall was missed. · filed Jul 2025
Read the owner's complaint
I believe my car was missed in the steering rack recall. There’s a decent amount of side to side play that just moves the steering wheel not the wheels. The car will be all over the road. Also when I’m accelerating with my foot on the gas the steering stiffness up & goes back to feeling like normal under load. As soon as there’s no driving load it loosens back up. Today it randomly almost felt like the steering got stuck for a second while going straight then quickly jerked itself to the right then went back to feeling loose. I’ve replaced controls arms, ball joints, tie rods.I do not want to crash because fords negligence on not including my car in the recall. I’m still making payments on the car and can not afford money out of pocket to fix fords mistakes. Please help! My car needs this recall! I have videos upon being needed, it will only let me upload pictures.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11677238
Door latches fail to hold
Owners report doors failing to latch and swinging open while driving, sometimes on more than one door. Some were repaired under a recall while others were told their car was not covered.
- How common
- 33 of the 300 complaints we read (11%), roughly 197 of all 1,790 on file
- Safety
- Airbag, seat belt or door safety: 27 of 33 reports; 1 report mentions an injury
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 15V246000, 17V210000, 14V597000. Check the VIN for it.
- Owner says the vehicle's door-opening defect is covered by a recall, but the dealer says the VIN isn't included and wants to charge for diagnostics. · filed Dec 2024
Read the owner's complaint
Two recalls for this make year and model car had been recalled previously but not for my VIN specifically and the issues are appearing. The first is “doors may open driving” recall on your website and the second is “engine cylinder head may leaks oil” which is also on ur website. Both were recalled for this make and year of the ford fusion but not for my VIN so ford is stating they cannot fix it and want to charge me even for a diagnostic.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11631349
- Front driver's door would not stay closed and the rear passenger door would not open; the door locking mechanism was found faulty. · filed Apr 2023
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door failed to remain closed; and the rear passenger’s side door would not open as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the locking mechanism for the doors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11519462
- Passenger front door opened while driving and the horn honked on its own; the door would not latch securely afterward, and a prior recall repair did not stop it from recurring. · filed Jun 2020
Read the owner's complaint
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER GRANDSON WHO OWNS A 2013 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR OPENED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE HORN STARTED TO HONK INDEPENDENTLY. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO CLOSED THE DOOR HOWEVER, THE DOOR FAILED TO LATCH SECURELY. THE CONTACT USED A ROPE AND SECURED THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SPRADLEY BARR FORD LINCOLN GREELEY (4901 W 29TH ST, GREELEY, CO 80634), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE DOOR LATCHES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN RECALL HOWEVER, THE RECALL REPAIR FAILED TO STOP THE FAILURE FROM OCCURRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS A ONE-TIME FREE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11327815
Engine overheating and coolant loss
Owners report the engine overheating, losing coolant, entering limp mode or shutting off while driving. Coolant sensors, hoses, the water pump and the reservoir are among the parts named.
- How common
- 30 of the 300 complaints we read (10%), roughly 179 of all 1,790 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 12 of 30 reports; 3 reports mention a fire
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 17V209000, 12V551000. Check the VIN for it.
- Vehicle goes into limp mode without warning at any speed, and the coolant over-temperature light illuminates even though coolant level and temperature are normal. · filed May 2026
Read the owner's complaint
The vehicle goes into limp mode without warning no matter the speed. cylinder head temp sensor is not applicable on this 1.6 engine model. The coolant over temp light illuminates with or without the car running. coolant temperature sensor was replaced and indicates no faults to the obd. the coolant level and temperature is within spec.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11740876
- Coolant was leaking underneath the parked vehicle and the low coolant warning light came on; the dealer did not diagnose or repair it. · filed Dec 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed coolant leaking underneath the vehicle. The low coolant warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 139,753.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11629078
- Coolant system failed abruptly and the car shut off in traffic, leaving the owner unable to steer off the road; no warning appeared beforehand. · filed Sep 2024
Read the owner's complaint
Coolant system Failure Abruptly. Available for inspect ASAP. The car shut off immediately while operating in the middle of oncoming traffic rendering me unable to steer off the roadway. Unknown- confirmed by independent center or dealer. Yes mechanic. No warnings prior simply out of nowhere dash lights up with engine light with a message turn off engine car over temperature. Car shut Off immediately.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11616763
Engine stalling
Owners report the engine shutting off without warning while driving, at idle or when stopped at lights, sometimes with a transmission-not-in-park message. Dealers often could not find the cause.
- How common
- 21 of the 300 complaints we read (7%), roughly 125 of all 1,790 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 21 of 21 reports
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 19V632000. Check the VIN for it.
- Vehicle overheated with power steering warnings, then shut off and could not accelerate in traffic; repaired once but the failure recurred. · filed Aug 2023
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle overheated, with the power steering system, and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle shut off and the contact was unable to depress the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in the middle of traffic. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was an unknown sensor failure. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was currently at the dealer and the repair was pending. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no further assistance. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11535790
- Car shuts down at idle when going from stop to go, jerks while driving, and shows the wrong gear; owner nearly had an accident. · filed Nov 2022
Read the owner's complaint
I purchased this 2013 in September 2022. My car is jerking while driving, when put into drive from reverse, it will say in reverse. It will shut down while idling from stop to go. I am afraid because, I almost caused an accident while driving the interstate.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11493581
- Engine shut off while driving and showed a 'transmission not in park' message; it restarted only after several attempts. · filed Dec 2021
Read the owner's complaint
Engine shut off while driving, and a "transmission not in park" message was displayed. Car was able to restart after several tries. Looking online I found a lot of people with the same issue, but no answered questions.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11444700
Shifter cable and bushing failure
Owners report the shift cable or its bushing failing, leaving the shifter stuck, the car stuck in park, or the transmission in a different gear than shown. Several cars rolled away after being put in park.
- How common
- 21 of the 300 complaints we read (7%), roughly 125 of all 1,790 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 18 of 21 reports; 4 reports mention a crash; 1 report mentions an injury
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 19V362000, 18V471000, 22V413000. Check the VIN for it.
- Shift cable bushing degraded and detached, leaving the shifter loose while stuck in gear with no way to park; dealer refused the recall repair. · filed Mar 2026
Read the owner's complaint
The transmission shift cable bushing at the transmission end of the shifter cable has completely degraded and detached, which is a component available for inspection upon request. This failure caused a significant safety risk as the gear shifter inside the cabin moved freely while the transmission remained in its last gear, creating an immediate rollaway risk and preventing the vehicle from being shifted into Park. The safety of others was put at risk because the vehicle could not be secured and could have moved in an unintended direction. This specific problem has been confirmed by a Ford dealership, yet the dealer refused to perform the necessary repair under Recall 22S43 (NHTSA Campaign 22V413), claiming the VIN was not covered despite the vehicle exhibiting the exact failure and being within the recalled model year and assembly plant range. Prior to this total failure, there were no warning lamps or messages, though the instrument cluster occasionally showed a gear position that did not match the physical shifter before the bushing finally disintegrated. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11722943
- Vehicle moved backward when put into drive and the brakes locked up while pressing the gas pedal; the issue recurred after restarting. · filed May 2024
Read the owner's complaint
Complete computer system is not working, won’t show me how many miles i have, won’t blow out any air. My windows won’t roll down. This happens at least 10 times a year. I put it in drive and it went BACKWARDS as i pressed on the gas pedal and the brake locked up. So i turned it on and off and SAME thing happened.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11588612
- Car suddenly would not shift out of park, a known recall issue; owner says the dealer required payment for the tow despite the recall. · filed Mar 2023
Read the owner's complaint
1. Im driving and all of a sudden my car will not leave the park position . It turns out that theres a recall on said problem and when i called dealership to have them tow vehicle they said i have to pay for tow. Even though its a manufactor recall. And I get car serviced regularly at dealership. This clearly not my fault as a consumer so why am i a absorbing cost. I calked for road side they gave me run around and numbers which no one answers . While my car is not working and thank god i was at a stop sign when this happened it could have been worst. And i must pay for something that is not my fault. Clearly not how this works when there is a recall. 2. Another is that i found with this car was i let back seat down to put my grand babys stroller in and seat in back wont let up on hybrid due to all the wiring under neath and in trunk. Apparently u must leave middle seat belt in latched position because that what allows u to let seat up. The car seat is supposed to go in middle area. This is clearly poor nanufactoring. But yet they charge a hundred dollars to let seat up .also a manufactoring issue. Tge solution that was given was never let back seat down. But how is that a solution when seat should let down and up. I can put car seat in back anymore nor can my babys buckle their seat belt in back. It is clearly a safety issue and if i check online or youtube this is clearly a real issue but ford ignored. How many moms or kids must die from fords haphazard behavior or stand behind the vehicle recalls that the nhtsa has authorized them to repair. . I am almost 50 but i gurantee i will make this my mission to hold ford and nhtsa accountable for this negligentband poorly made cars by ford. I will not pay for an issue which is clearly a manufacters issue. I have to pay for a tow on a transmission recall . When it was never my fault to begin with.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11510291
Engine compartment fires
Owners report smoke from under the hood followed by fire in the engine compartment, both while driving and while parked. Some cars were total losses.
- How common
- 12 of the 300 complaints we read (4%), roughly 72 of all 1,790 on file
- Safety
- Fire or smoke: 12 of 12 reports; 12 reports mention a fire
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 17V209000, 14V597000, 15V246000, 16V875000, 12V551000. Check the VIN for it.
- Check charging system warning appeared and the engine overheated; after parking, a fire started under the hood while the car was off. · filed Mar 2026
Read the owner's complaint
I own a 2013 Ford Fusion SE with a 1.6L EcoBoost engine. Prior to the incident, the vehicle displayed a “Check Charging System” warning and the engine overheated. After parking the vehicle and shutting it off, a fire started under the hood in the engine compartment. The fire occurred shortly after the overheating warning and while the vehicle was not running. The fire appeared to originate in the engine bay area and caused significant damage. There were no prior accidents or modifications to the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11722738
- Engine caught fire while exiting the highway; owner says Ford dismissed the report despite insurance calling it a common EcoBoost engine issue. · filed Oct 2025
Read the owner's complaint
Vehicle ran very well, however engine caught fire while exiting highway. Insurance adjuster states common issue with Ford EcoBoost engines. Reported to Ford whom dismissed issue of engine fire
NHTSA complaint ODI #11694903
- Vehicle caught fire in the engine area while parked, was declared a total loss, and the fire spread to nearby vehicles. · filed Jun 2025
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owned a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the contact's work parking lot, the vehicle caught on fire due to unknown reasons. A security guard discovered the fire, and called the Fire Department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. No police report was filed. The contact was at work during the incident, and it was not until he finished his shift that he discovered that his vehicle had caught on fire. The contact believed the fire started from the engine area, per witnesses. The vehicle was towed to a local towing yard. The contact notified his insurance company and deemed the vehicle totaled. The fire spread and damaged several vehicles parked nearby. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11665885
Cracked cylinder head and oil leaks
Owners report cracked cylinder heads that leaked oil, in some cases onto hot parts where it caught fire. Others found the crack after the engine overheated or a coolant warning appeared.
- How common
- 8 of the 300 complaints we read (3%), roughly 48 of all 1,790 on file
- Safety
- Fire or smoke: 5 of 8 reports; 4 reports mention a fire
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 17V209000, 12V551000. Check the VIN for it.
- Engine oil leak caused the engine to catch fire twice while driving; the brake light also stays on. · filed Jan 2025
Read the owner's complaint
Engine was leaking oil and it caught fire twice. Emergency activates while driving and yes it's available upon request. My, family members and others around where at Risk because whole car could of caught fire. No one has confirmed it or inspected yet. Brake light stays on. Engine was leaking about a week.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11633693
- Cylinder head cracked and caused an oil leak; manufacturer said the recall for this problem did not cover this VIN. · filed Jul 2023
Read the owner's complaint
The contact’s friend owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact who is an independent mechanic, stated that the vehicle was inspected due to an oil leak. The contact determined that the cylinder head had cracked, causing the oil leak. The contact determined that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact was unsure if a warning light had illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was then transferred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11531272
- White smoke came from the engine and entered the cabin while driving; a mechanic found a cracked cylinder head leaking oil, which owner says is the same defect covered by an engine recall already performed on the car. · filed Dec 2020
Read the owner's complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ENTERING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CALLED TO THE RESIDENCE, AND INFORMED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE RESULT OF A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD WHICH CAUSED AN OIL LEAK. MCCOY & MILLS FORD (700 W COMMONWEALTH AVE, FULLERTON, CA 92832, (855) 710-0183) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED INFORMATION ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V209000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WHICH WAS LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11378353
Transmission slipping and shudder
Owners report the transmission slipping, shuddering, shifting harshly or downshifting on its own, with some citing clutch problems inside the transmission.
- How common
- 8 of the 300 complaints we read (3%), roughly 48 of all 1,790 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 5 of 8 reports
- Car has an element B direct clutch problem that is covered by a recall on other 2013 Fusions, but not on this one. · filed Sep 2026
Read the owner's complaint
Car has element B direct clutch issue. This is recalled on other 2013 fusions but not on my specific car.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11763318
- Transmission suddenly downshifted on its own while driving downhill at 80 mph. · filed Apr 2023
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving downhill at 80 MPH, the transmission inadvertently downshifted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11517882
- Transmission bucks hard when put into gear and shifts harshly enough to shudder the car, roughly weekly; two dealers said this was normal. · filed Aug 2020
Read the owner's complaint
5 OUT OF 10 TIMES WHEN CAR IS PUT INTO GEAR THE TRANSMISSION BUCKS HARD. 3 OUT OF 10 TIMES TRANSMISSION SHIFTS EXCEEDINGLY HARD TO THE POINT IT SHUTTERS THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN LOOKED AT BY 2 DEALERSHIPS AND WAS TOLD "IT'S NORMAL" I HAVE OWNED CAR SINCE 33K, CAR NOW HAS 160K, STILL BUCKS AT LEAST ONCE WEEK AND SHIFTS HARD AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11343170
Loose steering wheel
Owners report the steering wheel becoming loose or wobbly and worsening over time, with one blaming an attachment bolt that would not hold torque.
- How common
- 7 of the 300 complaints we read (2%), roughly 42 of all 1,790 on file
- Safety
- Safety impact unclear
- Steering wheel has started wobbling and is getting worse, raising fear it could separate from the steering column, similar to a later-model recall. · filed Oct 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The steering wheel of this 2013 Ford Fusion SE, until now tightly connected to the rest of the steering system, has started wobbling. This problem has gradually been worsening over the past few days (as of today's date: 10/4/2025). If this problem is not addressed at some point by a mechanic, it appears that the steering wheel might eventually come loose and separate entirely from the steering column. This very same problem appears to have resulted in a recall and associated repairs by Ford Motor Company of many Ford Fusion sedans of model year 2014-2017. It may be that Ford Fusion sedans of the 2013 model year have the same or a similar problem that gave rise to the noted recall for 2014-2017 Ford Fusion sedans. If so, owners of 2013 Ford Fusion sedans could potentially benefit from a similar recall/repair.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11618117
- Steering wheel felt loose and could be wiggled by hand after starting the vehicle. · filed Jan 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was loosened. The driver was able to wiggle the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11563794
- Steering wheel attachment bolt has not held torque, causing the steering wheel to loosen over time; owner fears it could separate from the steering column. · filed Aug 2021
Read the owner's complaint
The steering wheel attachment bolt has not maintained torque. As a result, the steering wheel has loosened over time. I fear the steering wheel may separate from the steering column shaft, increasing the risk of a crash while driving.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11429588
Airbags fail to deploy
Owners report airbags not deploying in crashes, including collisions with a fence and a deer.
- How common
- 4 of the 300 complaints we read (1%), roughly 24 of all 1,790 on file
- Safety
- Airbag, seat belt or door safety: 4 of 4 reports; 4 reports mention a crash; 1 report mentions an injury
- Airbags did not deploy after being rear-ended at about 40 mph and pushed into metal pipes. · filed Sep 2019
Read the owner's complaint
I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND WHILE STOPPED READY TO TURN IN TO MY DRIVE WAY PICKUP HIT ME ABOUT 40 MILE PER HR.PUSH ME ACROSS THE STREET INTO SOME MEDAL PIPES WHY DID THE AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF?????I WAS ON A STATE HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint ODI #11256064
- After hitting a deer at 45 mph, neither the airbag nor the seat belt pretensioner activated despite a dashboard message indicating airbag deployment; owner says Ford has no recall parts available for a year. · filed Mar 2015
Read the owner's complaint
HIT DEER GOING 45 MILES AN HOUR WHEN HE RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME. VEHICLE CHECK WAS DEPLOYED. SAID AIRBAG ACTIVATED. NEITHER THE AIRBAG WENT OFF NOR DID THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT TIGHTENED. OBTAINED 7000.00 IN FRONT END DAMAGE INCLUDING RADIATOR, HOOD FENDERS AND PUSHED IN DRIVER DOOR. POLICE OFFICER CHECKED THE AIRBAG FOR ME AND STATED THAT I NEEDED TO LET THEM KNOW IT SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND DID NOT. HAD VEHICLE TOWED AND CALLED PECK FORD. AFTER 3 WEEKS IN THE AUTO REPAIR STATED THEY RAN A CHECK AND IT SEEMED THE AIRBAG WAS FINE. THEY HAD TO DO A REALIGNMENT AND THE RADIATOR HOSE AND BOLTS SNAPPED OFF PLUS THE BODY WORK. FORD STATED IT WAS IN A RECALL BUT THAT THEY WOULD NOT HAVE THE PARTS FOR A YEAR. I TOLD THEM I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE ACCIDENT AND THE FAILURE OF THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY NOR THE RESTRAINTS. PECK FORD ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NOT MUCH THEY COULD DO UNLESS THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON WHEN CAR WAS OPERATING. PREVIOUSLY, IN SUMMER OF 2014, I WROTE THE WARRANTY CENTER BECAUSE MY HEADLINER HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WRINKLING AND FALLING IN FRONT. THEY REPLACED THE HEADLINER BUT IT STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN SO I WROTE THEM IN SUMMER OF 2014. THEY STATED THE ONLY RECALL THEY HAD WAS FOR THE AIRBAG AND THAT I SHOULD STOP DRIVING THE CAR IMMEDIATELY AND CALL FORD. I CALLED THEM AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO PARTS AVAILABLE AND STATED THEN THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAD TO BE ON. FAST FORWARD TWO MONTHS LATER AND I HIT A DEER, NO AIRBAG DEPLOYED, THE RESTRAINTS DID NOT WORK. FEARFUL WHEN DRIVING THE CAR NOW AND NO HELP AVAILABLE. DRIVER SEAT NOW SAGS TO ONE SIDE
NHTSA complaint ODI #10706734
- After hitting a deer, the seat belt did not tighten and the airbag did not deploy despite the system indicating it had; owner says Ford refused the recall repair because the airbag warning light was not illuminated. · filed Feb 2015
Read the owner's complaint
WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES PER HOUR WHEN DEER HIT CAR IN FRONT . THE IMPACT TOOK OUT FRONT BUMPER BUMPER GUARD HOOD LEFT FENDER AND LEFT DOOR. THE RADIATOR BOLTS CRACKED AND DROPPED THE RADIATOR. I WAS THROWN FORWARD BUT NEITHER SEAT BELT TIGHTENED OR AIR BAG WENT OFF. THE SYSTEM RADIO WENT INTO SYSTEM CHECK AND CONTINUALLY CHECKED , STATING AIRBAG DEPLOYED BUT IT DID NOT DEPLOY. ONE SIDE OF THE SEAT ON DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT RISE WHEN TRYING TO BRING SEAT UP AND SO SEAT SAGS TO LEFT OFFICER THAT I CALLED TO THE SCENE STATED THAT IT LOOKED LIKE THE AIRBAG STARTED TO DEPLOY BUT WHEN I GOT THE CAR FIXED THEY SAID THEY FOUND THE AIRBAG STILL IN TACK. BOTH PARTIES POLICE AND MECHANIC STATED THAT THEY WERE SURPRISED AIRBAG DID NOT GO OFF. I CALLED FORD ABOUT THE RECALL AND THEY SAID CANNOT REPAIR UNLESS AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON . I WROTE SAFETY FOR FORD AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. I CALLED DEALER BACK AND THEY STATED THAT I CANNOT BRING IN TILL LETTER ARRIVES BECAUSE THE PARTS TO REPLACE WOULD NOT BE IN TILL END OF 2015. *JS
NHTSA complaint ODI #10681871
Less common problems (complaints in the sample)
- Throttle body and accelerator non-response (4)
- Transmission failure to engage (4)
- Airbag warning light (3)
- Brake fluid loss and sinking pedal (3)
- Front seat belt won't extend (3)
- Rear seat belt jams folded seat (3)
- Backup camera blackouts (2)
- Electronic parking brake warnings (2)
- Fuel odor (2)
- Fuel vapor purge valve failure (2)
- Hood latch failure (2)
- No-start ignition failure (2)
- Sudden loss of engine power (2)
- Tire blowouts (2)
- Turn signals cancel early (2)
- Unintended acceleration and surging (2)
- AC compressor failure (1)
- Airbag caught fire (1)
- Automatic emergency braking failure (1)
- Brake pedal jerk (1)
- Control module communication fault (1)
- Dim headlights (1)
- Driver seat rattle (1)
- Engine knocking noise (1)
- Engine smoke (1)
- Engine suction noise (1)
- Exhaust manifold leak (1)
- Fuel pump failure (1)
- Fuel tank pressure valve failure (1)
- Fuel tank vibration noise (1)
- Fuel tank won't fill (1)
- High-pressure fuel pump leak fire (1)
- Intermittent vehicle shudder (1)
- Key not detected (1)
- Loss of braking after collision (1)
- Lower control arm fracture (1)
- Multiple electrical malfunctions (1)
- Passenger airbag unexpected deployment (1)
- Premature rear brake pad wear (1)
- Radio button placement (1)
- Rear shock failure (1)
- Reduced fuel range (1)
- Rough idle after refueling (1)
- Rusted fuel line leak (1)
- Seat belt restraint failure (1)
- Seized lug nuts (1)
- Sharp trunk edges (1)
- Stability control failure (1)
- Steering sway (1)
- Torque converter clutch fault (1)
- Transmission bearing noise (1)
- Transmission shift noise (1)
- Wheel speed sensor fault (1)
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Transmission recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Brakes recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Transmission recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Steering recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Transmission recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Transmission recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Transmission recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Engine recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Seat belts recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Steering recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Steering recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Fuel system recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Engine recall
If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicles 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 vehicles 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Exterior lighting recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
How does it compare with other years? The 2013 has 1,790 complaints on file, fewer than the 2012 (2,514) and more than the 2014 (1,330). Of the 11 model years of the Ford Fusion we cover, the 2010 has the most (5,126). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.