What 1,948 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Fusion Hev

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

NHTSA ODI 11749772

Engine lacks substantial power and has almost cause multiple collisions. Check engine light is on for a P0299 turbocharger underboost code Based off of my own research it looks like the part is the whole turbocharger assembly or the east gate solenoid I believe it’s a safety issue for merging onto expressways and not being fully up to speed and because of trying to turn onto busy highways The problem has been reproduced by the dealer but not fixed The components themselves have not been inspected There was no check engine light until the issue started happening

NHTSA ODI 11749393

Vehicle makes strange sounds from the fuel fill inlet and proceeds to stall shortly after while driving and most of the times fails to restart based on my own research it looks like purge valve issues My safety was put at risk by almost being rear ended multiple times from stalling on the expressway and red lights The problem has not been reproduced yet by the dealer it will be looked at on 07/15/26 The component has not been inspected yet The check engine light illuminated when the issue started

NHTSA ODI 11749394

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 ODI 11740876

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 ODI 11722943

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 ODI 11722738

My vehicle has this issue and is not in the recall notice. Due to the on going issue we parked the vehicle and have not drove it. The affected cars have an engine block heater that may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short-circuit when the block heater is plugged in, increasing the risk of fire. Customers with affected vehicle may notice coolant spots on the driveway or garage floor, a loss of cabin heat, overheating, smoking or a warning indicator for low coolant levels. No accident or injury has been reported linked to the malfunction, according to Ford.

NHTSA ODI 11721133

1. My car began to produce white smoke after a burning smell. Then caught fire under the hood in engine area. The car is buried in snow/ice, not available to access. 2. The car caught fire. 3. The problem has not been reproduced nor confirmed by anyone (dealer/independent service center) 4. No, due to weather conditions. (Blizzard) 5. Only the burning smell and white smoke.

NHTSA ODI 11720518

My transmission failed for the 2nd time, possibly due to the recall involving the bushings. My engine has oil leaking from the head gasket, I read it could be due to the coolant overheating and getting into the engine. My cruise control doesn't work, when i press lower speed it shifts higher and vice versa.

NHTSA ODI 11710818

Unknown and it's whole electrical system is failing and constantly keeps shutting the car off saying no key detected and strands me more places than I can count it's stalled out in the middle of the road and said no key detected and I had to wait for it to basically let me start the car back up after like being shut off for 20 mins or if I unhooked the battery and hooked it back up then it would start and only go for a day or so and the heat only works if it's raining outside

NHTSA ODI 11698539

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 ODI 11694903

Engine coolant leaking into cylinder 2. This is a known common issue on eco boost engines. Engine repair was quoted as replacement needed for 8000$. This is dangerous because the car will stop and potentially leave you stranded in the middle of the road with traffic. Additionally, this may result in fires due to water pump running dry and water being burned off in the cylinder which results in blue smoke on cold starts. Ford has been knowing of the engine defect and continued to place the engines in their cars as late as 2019.

NHTSA ODI 11682146

In 2019, my car suddenly began to leak engine coolant. A low engine coolant signal alarmed, the car started to smoke, and then was un-usable. I took it to a Ford dealership, they ran some diagnostics, and determined that the issue was related to a known recall. They repaired the issue and for 5 years, things seemed ok. This April, the engine coolant warning came back on and the car shut down. I inspected the engine coolant revisor and it was extremely low and the check engine light came on. I took the car in to be inspected and it was noted that the hoses and gaskets were corroded. The hoses and gaskets were replaced and that seemed to resolve all of the alarms and check engine light, but weeks later, the low engine coolant light came back on. This week the same Ford dealership determined that there was an issue with the water pump and that it needed to be replaced. I wondered if anyone else with a Ford Fusion experienced water pump issues and there seem to be two class action lawsuits against Ford siting several vehicle models with faulty water pumps. I can submit my water pump replacement receipt when I receive it from the Ford dealership on Monday.

NHTSA ODI 11676275

Constantly drinks coolant and has been fixed at least once.

NHTSA ODI 11662840

I had coolant leaking in my 2013 Ford Fusion SE 1.6L causing a misfire in cylinder 3 from diagnostics code P0303. After going to a repair shop on 3 seperate occasions and paying to fix issues thought to remedy the issue, I had the Ford dealership in Hudson WI look at it while they took care of a recall. They quoted me $9,900 to replace the engine due to a cracked block. It was hard to get a response from the technician and they were really unprofessional towards me when I requested the part numbers. So much time has been spent on this not to mention that I have been without a vehicle for 1.5 years because my inability to cover additional repairs or the cost of a new car. I also lost my job due to my transportation issues, and paid over $19,000 for this vehicle. I wish Ford would issue a recall because this is a very common issue for this make and model. 2013 Ford Fusion SE L4 1.6L (102K miles)

NHTSA ODI 11654835

Engine was losing power while driving. Upon inspection of engine it was noticed that coolant was being lost. I took it to dealership and was told I needed a new engine. I went ahead and got the engine replaced at the ford dealership. I was told this would fix the issue. After having the car back I noticed I was still losing coolant. I took it back and they claimed to have fixed the leak in coolant system. It was fine for a while but it’s back to losing coolant with no visible signs of where the coolant is going.

NHTSA ODI 11644024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The engine malfunctioned and faulty rear seat belt, it is not available for inspection because it started a fire that destroyed by car. The remains of the car is at a savage yard. We were put at risk because we were driving/riding in the car at the time it starting burning. We were able to pull the car over and park it in a gas station parking lot before it became fully engulfed in flames. I am reaching out to Ford. Since it was not an accident involved, the fire department inspected the vehicle and determine the fire started in the engine. Insurance representative has determined it is a total loss. There were no warning lamps or messages from the car. However, what caused us to detect something was wrong was the thick smoke started filling the car's cabin at which time we immediately pulled over. When we stopped the car, actual flames came from under the hoods towards the windshield of the car and we proceed to exit the car. My granddaughter in the back seat was having a hard time releasing herself from her seat belt.

NHTSA ODI 11614780

The purge valve is likely malfunctioning, which affects the fuel system. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The malfunction caused the vehicle not to start after pumping gas, potentially leaving me stranded in unsafe locations, which could be hazardous, especially in high-traffic areas or remote locations. The issue has not yet been officially reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or messages before the failure. The issue first appeared when the vehicle failed to start immediately after refueling.

NHTSA ODI 11611745