PROBLEM GUIDE

2013–2016 Ford Fusion Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated May 2026

1,952

complaints filed for the 2013 model year

2013–2016

Model years affected

$7,500+

Typical repair cost, by problem

11 documented engine fires — most tied to overheating or coolant leaks, one described as 'whole front of car was gone and engine looked melted' — are linked to coolant intrusion into engine cylinders, which requires full engine replacement at $7,500+.

Quick Scan: 17 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Engine fires tied to coolant intrusion and overheating

One described as "whole front of car was gone and engine looked melted"

Check engine light: On

11 documented engine fires for a single sampled model year, most tied to overheating or coolant leaks — several directly linked to the coolant-intrusion engine defect below rather than a separate ignition source.

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Coolant intrusion into engine cylinders

Full engine replacement required, typically between 60,000-150,000 miles

Check engine light: On

Coolant intrusion into engine cylinders requires full engine replacement, typically occurring between 60,000-150,000 miles. It is one of the most expensive repairs documented for this vehicle, and it is implicated in several of the fire incidents above.

$7,500+60,000 – 150,000 mi

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Recall coverage gaps reported by owners

Owners with the exact recall symptoms excluded from coverage

Check engine light: On

Multiple complaints describe experiencing the exact symptoms covered by a recall, but their specific VIN was not included in the recall's coverage list, leaving owners without manufacturer assistance.

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Sudden loss of power steering assist

Described as "extremely stiff and difficult to turn," often without warning

Check engine light: On

The largest single complaint category for this vehicle (~60+ complaints): sudden loss of power steering assist, described as 'extremely stiff and difficult to turn,' often without warning.

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Shifter cable bushing degradation, rollaway risk

Gear shifter moves freely while the transmission stays in its last gear

Check engine light: On

Shifter cable bushing degradation allows the interior gear shifter to move freely while the transmission stays in its last gear — the shift lever no longer accurately reflects or controls the actual gear, creating a rollaway risk since Park cannot be reliably engaged.

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Backup camera intermittent blackouts while reversing

Displays "camera unavailable" during reversing

Check engine light: Off

~20+ complaints describe the backup camera going black or showing 'camera unavailable' while reversing, creating a near-miss collision risk.

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Harsh or Delayed Shifting of Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission shifts harshly or with a delay

Check engine light: Off

The automatic transmission shifts harshly or with a delay. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 1,180 owner reports on file.

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Squeaks and Creaks Over Bumps and Turning

Squeaks and creaks occur over bumps and while turning

Check engine light: Off

Squeaks and creaks occur over bumps and while turning. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 479 owner reports on file.

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Swollen Lug Nuts

Lug nuts swell, making wheel removal difficult

Check engine light: Off

Lug nuts swell, making wheel removal difficult. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 294 owner reports on file.

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Brake Issues Leading to Spongy Pedal and Repeated Component Replacement

A spongy brake pedal leads to repeated replacement of calipers, pads, and rotors

Check engine light: Off

A spongy brake pedal leads to repeated replacement of calipers, pads, and rotors. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 243 owner reports on file.

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Transmission Oil Leaks from Left Side Half Shaft Area

The transmission leaks oil from the left side half shaft area

Check engine light: Off

The transmission leaks oil from the left side half shaft area. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 205 owner reports on file.

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Sunroof Not Closing Properly, Leaving Gaps and Water Intrusion

The sunroof does not close properly, leaving gaps and causing water intrusion

Check engine light: Off

The sunroof does not close properly, leaving gaps and causing water intrusion. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 176 owner reports on file.

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CD Player Not Working

The CD player does not work

Check engine light: Off

The CD player does not work. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 147 owner reports on file.

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Key Will Not Come Out of Ignition

The key will not come out of the ignition

Check engine light: Off

The key will not come out of the ignition. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 108 owner reports on file.

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Cold Start Issue With Cranking But No Start Below 30 Degrees

The vehicle cranks but does not start in cold weather below 30 degrees

Check engine light: Off

The vehicle cranks but does not start in cold weather below 30 degrees. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 81 owner reports on file.

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Sport AWD PTU Leaking Fluid Causing Burning Smell and Performance Issues

The Sport AWD power transfer unit leaks fluid, causing a burning smell and performance issues

Check engine light: Off

The Sport AWD power transfer unit leaks fluid, causing a burning smell and performance issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 75 owner reports on file.

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Trunk Will Not Latch Closed

The trunk will not latch closed

Check engine light: Off

The trunk will not latch closed. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 54 owner reports on file.

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Multiple owners report a recall gap on this generation: the exact symptoms are covered by a recall, but their specific VIN was not included, leaving owners without manufacturer assistance. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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