Last updated: 2026-07-25
Ford Fusion Reliability by Year
The Ford Fusion averages 69/100 across 3 model years, rated good.
Ford Fusion Reliability Overview
The Ford Fusion, covering model years 2018 to 2020, receives an average reliability score of 69 out of 100, indicating a "Good" rating according to Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues reported by owners include engine problems related to coolant intrusion, powertrain failures, and electrical system malfunctions, with annual repair costs estimated at $581, slightly above the midsize cars average of $526. This model, with its medium reliability rating of 4 out of 5, is best suited for buyers aware of potential repair costs and familiar with the specific issues documented in technical service bulletins.
Current generation: 2nd gen (2013–2023), facelifted 2017, 2019.
Best & Worst Ford Fusion Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford Fusion Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Ford Fusion year is 2020 with a reliability score of 71/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2019 (68/100) and 2018 (68/100).
Ford Fusion Years to Avoid
No Ford Fusion years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Ford Fusion maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
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
The 2020 Ford Fusion has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 176 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Fusion. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (63), Electrical System (27), Engine (20).
2019 Ford Fusion
3 recalls · 370 complaints
The 2019 Ford Fusion has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 370 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Ford Fusion. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (110), Power Train (72), Electrical System (70).
2018 Ford Fusion
2 recalls · 429 complaints
The 2018 Ford Fusion has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 429 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Fusion. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (132), Power Train (97), Engine And Engine Cooling (80).
Found Your Ford Fusion? Check Its History
Every Ford Fusion has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- 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 Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima.
Toyota Camry reliability
9 years tracked · 1604 complaints
Honda Accord reliability
9 years tracked · 3503 complaints
Nissan Altima reliability
9 years tracked · 741 complaints
Hyundai Sonata reliability
9 years tracked · 1050 complaints
KIA K5 reliability
6 years tracked · 370 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Ford Fusion reliable?
- The Ford Fusion has good reliability with an average score of 69/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Ford Fusion?
- The best year for the Ford Fusion is 2020 with a reliability score of 71/100, rated good. It has 3 recalls and 176 owner complaints on record. See full 2020 Ford Fusionanalysis →
- What are the Ford Fusion years to avoid?
- No Ford Fusion years in our database are statistical outliers — all tracked model years score consistently within the model average. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Fusion?
- The Ford Fusion has an estimated annual repair cost of $581, which is $55 above the midsize cars average of $526. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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