Last updated: 2026-10-10

Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion Years to Avoid

3 scored model years (2018–2020) · model average 69/100

No Fusion year from 2018 to 2020 falls well below the model's own average. What changes is the complaint load: 2018 and 2019 draw far more engine complaints, while 2020 draws fewer and mostly about the power train. The year to buy is 2020.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2020 71/100
Model average
69/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Ford Fusion Problems?

Fusion engine problems

262 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Coolant leaks into the cylinders, and the usual outcome is a replacement engine.

POWER TRAIN

232 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Two problems dominate.

Fusion engine problems

136 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Nearly every complaint here is coolant intrusion into the cylinders.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

118 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2018

2019: Battery trouble on the plug-in hybrid dominates.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

70 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Shift system faults are the clearest pattern.

STEERING

38 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: Power steering assist cuts out suddenly, often mid-turn.

Best Ford Fusion Year to Buy Instead

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Ford Fusion

2020 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.

Score: 71/100 (Good)3 recalls176 complaints
View full 2020reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2020 Ford Fusion has 3 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Ford Fusion Years by Generation

Ford Fusion Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Ford Fusion years should I avoid?
None of the tracked years, 2018 to 2020, falls well below the model's own average. 2018 and 2019 draw more complaints, mostly engine and power train, so they deserve a closer inspection. 2020 is the year the site recommends.
Which Ford Fusion years have transmission problems?
Power train complaints, which include transmission failure, appear in all three years. They are the top category for 2020, with 63 complaints, and also show up heavily in 2018 and 2019. Reports describe harsh shifts, slipping, shudder and failed torque converters, some between 40,600 and 68,000 miles.
Is the 2018 Ford Fusion a good used car?
The 2018 Fusion is rated good, but it has the highest complaint rate of the three years, 24.7 per 10,000 sold. Engine complaints lead, at 132. Buy one only with a clean inspection and proof of any engine work. 2020 is the safer choice.
Is the 2019 Ford Fusion reliable?
The 2019 Fusion is rated good, with 22.3 complaints per 10,000 sold. Engine complaints lead at 110, followed by power train and electrical problems. It has 3 recalls and 2 fire reports. It is acceptable with a careful inspection, but 2020 has fewer complaints.
Is the 2020 Ford Fusion worth buying?
Yes, 2020 is the site's recommended year. It has the fewest complaints and the lowest complaint rate. Still check for a cracked flex plate, which causes rattling at idle, and for coolant loss on the 1.5L engine. It also has 3 fire reports, the most of any year.

How we score every Ford Fusion model year

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue