Last updated: 2026-10-10
Ford Fusion Reliability by Year
Ford Fusion (2018 to 2020) rates good for reliability, but repairs cost $581 a year against $526 for midsize cars. 2020 is the year to buy.
Ford Fusion Reliability Overview
Reliability is good and close to average among sedans, with 2020 the year to favor and 2018 and 2019 the ones to check more closely. The problem that matters most is coolant leaking into the cylinders, which usually ends in a replacement engine quoted at $7,200 or more. Transmission failure and a cracked flex plate come next.
Current generation: 2nd gen (2013–2023), facelifted 2017, 2019.
Best & Worst Ford Fusion Years
Best Ford Fusion Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2020 has the lowest complaint rate of the three years, 15.9 per 10,000 sold against 24.7 for 2018 and 22.3 for 2019. Engine complaints are the big gap: 20 for 2020, versus 132 and 110 for the older years. It is not trouble free, since flex plate cracks and coolant intrusion still appear.
Ford Fusion Years to Avoid
No Ford Fusion years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 68 and 71 across 3 scored model years.
Ford Fusion Reliability Score Trend
Ford Fusion reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 69/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2020 Ford Fusion
3 recalls · 176 complaints
Best of the three scored Fusion years, with far fewer complaints than 2019, though cracked flex plates remain the main worry.
2019 Ford Fusion
3 recalls · 370 complaints
The weakest of the three scored Fusion years, held back by EcoBoost coolant-in-cylinder failures and cracked flex plates, though it still rates good overall.
2018 Ford Fusion
2 recalls · 429 complaints
Middle of the three scored Fusion years, with 429 owner complaints, mostly coolant leaking into the cylinders, and two recalls covering steering and brakes.
Common Ford Fusion problems
Problem areas with the most owner complaints, each with the years affected, symptoms, and fixes.
Found Your Ford Fusion? Check Its History
Power train (63) problems come up most in Ford Fusion owner complaints, and 8 recalls cover the years we track. A VIN check shows whether the car you found had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Ford Fusion Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$581
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
12%
$55 above the midsize cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #18 of 24 among midsize cars.
Ford Fusion Resale Value
The Ford Fusion is estimated to retain about 47.4% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
- Value Retained
- 47.4%
- Depreciation
- 52.6%
- Listings Analyzed
- 486
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Ford Fusion depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comFord Fusion Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Ford Models
Compare all Ford models by reliability
Compare Ford Fusion With Similar Sedans
The Ford Fusion competes with other midsize sedans such as Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima.
Fusion vs Honda Accord
9 years tracked · 3503 complaints
Fusion vs Toyota Camry
9 years tracked · 1604 complaints
Fusion vs Nissan Altima
9 years tracked · 741 complaints
Fusion vs Kia K5
6 years tracked · 370 complaints
Fusion vs Hyundai Sonata
9 years tracked · 1050 complaints
More Ford Fusion comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best year for the Ford Fusion?
- 2020 is the best pick among the tracked years. It has the lowest complaint rate, 15.9 per 10,000 sold, and far fewer engine complaints than 2018 or 2019. It still has known issues, mainly a cracked flex plate and coolant leaking into the cylinders on the 1.5L engine.
- Is the Ford Fusion reliable long term?
- The Fusion is rated good and sits close to average for sedans, but the engine is the long-term risk. Owner complaints describe coolant leaking into the cylinders, often between about 60,000 and 100,000 miles, with a replacement engine as the usual fix. Check the car's history for that repair before buying.
- What are the most common Ford Fusion problems?
- Engine trouble leads the complaints, mainly coolant leaking into the cylinders with no outside leak, misfires, white exhaust smoke and overheating warnings. Next come transmission failure, with harsh shifts and slipping, and a cracked flex plate that rattles. Electrical complaints include engine shutoffs while driving and touchscreen module failures.
- How much does it cost to repair a Ford Fusion?
- Independent repair-cost data puts the estimated annual repair cost at $581, above the $526 average for midsize cars. The big risk is the engine. Dealers have quoted a long block or full engine at figures such as $7,200 and $9,742, and some owners say Ford declined to help pay.
- Which Ford Fusion engine has problems?
- Owners name both the 1.5L and 2.0L engines for coolant leaking into the cylinders. In 2020 reports, owners blame the 1.5L EcoBoost for coolant intrusion and a failed head gasket. Warning signs include coolant that drops with no visible leak, white exhaust smoke and sudden power loss at highway speed.
How we score the Ford Fusion
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Ford Fusion.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
See incorrect data? Report an issue