Home · 2013 Ford Fusion Energi · Complaints

What 1,774 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,774)Crash / fire / injury (157)Steering (389)Engine (372)Transmission & drivetrain (280)Body & structure (166)Electrical system (160)Fuel system (144)Seat belts (102)Airbags (98)Latches & locks (85)Brakes (73)

Newest first · 1,774 complaints · page 2 of 71

Jan 3, 2025

Vehicle has coolant leaking and temp getting hot just like the Ford coolant recall on my year, make and model of car, yet my VIN doesn't bring up a recall. Took to Ford dealership for a coolant sensor recall and told can't fix it the coolant issue is fixed and that it should be on the recall list. Bao I sit with no car.

NHTSA ODI 11633859

Jan 2, 2025EngineFire

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 ODI 11633693

Dec 31, 2024Steering

Steering stopped working during drive home. It is now at my house. Safety was impacted because it became problematic during the drive. I had an independent mechanic evaluate the car today, he stated that this make and model of a vehicle is known to have this problem, and diagnosed it with a need to replace the steering rack. A warning appeared during the drive right before we got home, now car won't turn on for safety reasons.

NHTSA ODI 11633357

Dec 30, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while her son was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled with a whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic for a second opinion and remained with the mechanic. A dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train), which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall repair had already been performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

NHTSA ODI 11633058

Dec 27, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact safely guided the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. In addition, the contact noticed white smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion to cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that recall repair NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) was performed, however it did not remedy the failure because the head gasket was warped. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11632673

Dec 24, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Automatic transmission issues. When putting car into reverse, the car pauses and then jumps into gear very hard. When driving down the road above 2k rpm, the car will drop into first gear, pegging the rpm gauge and throwing you forward. Only way to resolve is to pull over and cycle power. This happened multiple times with cars almost hitting me.

NHTSA ODI 11632246

Dec 18, 2024Body & structureEngineFuel system

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 ODI 11631349

Dec 17, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer scheduled an appointment, but the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11631239

Dec 9, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11629698

Dec 7, 2024Steering

Power steering fault.

NHTSA ODI 11629423

Dec 5, 2024Steering

Steering wheel pulls to the right even after new alignment caused me to hit a curb

NHTSA ODI 11629058

Dec 5, 2024Engine & cooling

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 ODI 11629078

Nov 17, 2024Electrical systemEngine

Low coolant light keeps coming on. Overheat light then comes on causing car to go into limp mode and causing me to almost get hit. I have had this happen almost ten times now and all Ford can tell me is my warranty ran out and it will cost more than car is worth, which is true. Ford knew the problem with these cars and they can't help us now. I don't know what to do, everyone with a Ford eco is having same problems,we need help!

NHTSA ODI 11625766

Nov 15, 2024Backup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing, the center display failed to display a rear image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11625450

Nov 5, 2024Fuel system

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the front and rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was 162,037.

NHTSA ODI 11623678

Nov 2, 2024Brakes

I received a recall notice for my 2013 Ford Fusion. The Recall was 23S12- Multi Vehicle Front Brake Jounce Hose Leaks. I contacted Ford about the repairs for this recall and was told that the repairs would take 1.3 hours because the brake lines needed to be bled as part of the repair. When I contacted my local Ford dealership about getting the repairs, I was told I would have to leave my vehicle for at least 2 days if I wanted the repairs done. No loaner vehicle has been offered. I cannot be without my car for 2 days. How am I to get the repair work done?

NHTSA ODI 11623231

Oct 22, 2024Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with power steering rack assembly failure. The contact was informed that the power steering rack assembly needed to be replaced and reprogrammed. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact stated that in July 2023 the first failure occurred, and the relays in the steering box were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recently reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V232000 (Steering); however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,510.

NHTSA ODI 11621256

Oct 18, 2024Steering

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11620568

Oct 11, 2024Engine & coolingEngine

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that an independent mechanic went to the residence and performed a diagnostic test on the vehicle. The diagnostic test received the code for a misfire in cylinder #4. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and a misfire in cylinder #4. The contact was informed that the head gasket and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,800.

NHTSA ODI 11619323

Oct 9, 2024Fuel system

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while entering the vehicle to start the vehicle, the contact smelled the odor of gasoline. The contact checked the vehicle underneath the gas tank and observed that the tank was soaked by gasoline. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11618949

Oct 4, 2024Steering

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 ODI 11618117

Oct 2, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving approximately 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The cause of the engine failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11617724

Sep 27, 2024Engine

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 ODI 11616763

Sep 26, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant level warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ODI 11616641

Sep 26, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the engine coolant warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the head gasket had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ODI 11616675

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Ford Fusion Energi verdict →