Last updated: 2026-07-25

Ford Fusion

0 Ford Fusion Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Ford Fusion average of 69/100

All Ford Fusion years score consistently around the model average of 69/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2020 71/100 and the weakest is 2018 68/100.

Verdict

All Ford Fusion years score consistently around the model average of 69/100 (68–71 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2020 71/100 and the weakest is 2018 68/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Ford Fusion Problems?

Top reported issues across all Ford Fusion model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

262 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

232 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

136 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

118 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

39 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020

STEERING

38 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Ford Fusion Year to Buy Instead

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Ford Fusion

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).

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

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Ford Fusion year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Ford Fusion Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Ford Fusion Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2020 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ford Fusion years should you avoid?
All Ford Fusion years in our database score consistently around the model average of 69/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
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 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 176 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Ford Fusion have?
Across all years in our database, the Ford Fusion has a total of 8 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Ford Fusion worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2020 model year, which scores 71/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 69/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Ford Fusion problems?
The most common Ford Fusion problems are engine (262 complaints), power train (232 complaints), engine and engine cooling (136 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Ford Fusion reliable long-term?
The Ford Fusion has an average reliability score of 69/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Ford Fusion generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Ford Fusion generation is the Second generation (2013) with an average score of 69/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Fusion?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Ford Fusion is $581 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2020 Ford Fusion a good used buy?
Yes, the 2020 Ford Fusion is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 71/100 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 176 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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