Free used car buyer guide / Second generation / 2013-2020
Ford Fusion common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
7.4/10
1 walk-away risk, 7 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 1.5l ecoboost coolant intrusion. Score methodology.
The 2013-2020 Fusion is one of the better-looking used family sedans, but the right one is usually the boring one. The expensive traps are 1.5L EcoBoost coolant intrusion on 2014-2019 cars, 2.0L EcoBoost coolant-in-cylinder failures on 2017-2019 builds, 1.6L GTDI overheating campaigns on early cars, front brake hose rupture on 2013-2018 cars, and 6F35 transmission/shifter-bushing problems. The safest configuration is a 2017-2020 Hybrid or a 2.5L gasoline car with clean brake-hose recall history and smooth transmission behavior. Current owners should separate nuisance items from urgent ones: coolant loss, brake-pedal travel change, and gear-selector mismatch need action before daily use continues.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
1.5L EcoBoost coolant
Best years
2017-2020
Best buys
- 2017-2020 Fusion Hybrid with documented coolant, brake, and hybrid-system service.
- 2016-2020 2.5L gasoline car if the 6F35 shifts cleanly and recall work is closed.
Inspect hard
- 2014-2019 1.5L EcoBoost: pressure-test the cooling system and borescope if coolant history is unclear.
- 2017-2019 2.0L EcoBoost AWD: inspect for coolant intrusion and transmission harshness.
- 2013-2018 cars: confirm front brake hose replacement under campaign 23V162.
Avoid
- Any EcoBoost with disappearing coolant, white exhaust, or rough cold start.
- Cars with soft brake pedal, fluid seepage at front hoses, or steering assist warnings.
- 2013-2014 1.6L GTDI with incomplete overheating campaign records.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Ford Fusion viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Ford Fusion should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
2.5L Duratec I4
2013-2020
BEST GASOLINE CHOICE
The 2.5L is slower and less fashionable than the EcoBoost cars, but it avoids the coolant-intrusion story. Its main risks are ordinary age, 6F35 shift quality, and shifter-bushing recall status.
1.5L EcoBoost I4
2014-2020
AVOID WITHOUT COOLANT PROOF
The 1.5L is common and efficient, yet Ford's own bulletin path points to short-block replacement when pressure testing and borescope inspection confirm coolant intrusion. A cheap 1.5L sedan can quickly become an engine job.
1.6L EcoBoost I4
2013-2014
EARLY-CAR RISK
The 1.6L is tied to Ford's lack-of-coolant-circulation safety action. It is worth considering only with complete campaign proof, stable coolant, and no heat-related service history.
2.0L EcoBoost I4
2013-2020
GOOD DRIVE, EXPENSIVE FAILURE MODE
The 2.0L makes the Fusion feel premium, especially with AWD, but 2017-2019 coverage for coolant intrusion is the issue that dominates inspection. A healthy one is pleasant; a coolant consumer is not a used-car bargain.
2.0L Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid
2013-2020
BEST OVERALL IF BATTERY CHECKS OUT
The hybrid system is generally the safer ownership path than the turbo engines. It shifts the inspection toward high-voltage battery health, brake blending feel, cooling fans, and 12V condition rather than cracked block/deck concerns.
2.7L EcoBoost V6 Sport
2017-2019
ENTHUSIAST ONLY
The Sport is quick and desirable, but it adds AWD, turbo heat, tire/brake cost, and a harder-used buyer pool. It is not the sensible Fusion; it is the one to buy only after a real performance-car inspection.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2013
New second-generation Fusion launch with 2.5L, 1.6L EcoBoost, 2.0L EcoBoost, Hybrid, and Energi. Early recalls include steering, lighting, fuel, seatbelt, door-latch, brake-hose, and later shifter-bushing coverage.
Buyer: Choose Hybrid or 2.5L unless a turbo car has exceptional records. Early Fusions are attractive, but their recall stack is longer than the styling suggests.
Owner: Verify steering, brake hose, door latch, and shifter campaigns by VIN. Age now matters as much as mileage.
2014
1.5L EcoBoost replaced much of the 1.6L volume. Door-latch, seatbelt, pedal, steering wheel bolt, transmission-control, and brake-hose recalls affect various builds.
Buyer: A 2014 1.5L needs coolant testing, not just a clean dashboard. The 2.5L is the safer private-sale choice.
Owner: Watch coolant and front brake hose condition. If the brake pedal changes travel, park the car until inspected.
2015
The range settled, but electric power steering, transmission/shifter actions, seatbelt pretensioner work, and front brake hoses remain important.
Buyer: This can be a good year as a Hybrid or 2.5L. On EcoBoost cars, review repair history for repeated plugs, coils, coolant bottles, or overheating.
Owner: Keep brake hose recall completion evidence. A hose rupture is too serious to leave as a future-owner problem.
2016
Last year before the facelift. Many 2013-2016 cars are covered by shifter-bushing and steering actions; rear-camera recall exposure appears on some later records.
Buyer: Test the shifter mechanically. A car that does not hold Park cleanly is not ready for sale.
Owner: If you have a 6F35 car, plan fluid service before rough shifts become the first symptom.
2017
Facelift year with Sport 2.7L V6 and updated trims. 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost coolant-intrusion concerns become the main engine-screening issue.
Buyer: Do not let facelift styling distract from the cooling system. The Hybrid is the least dramatic 2017 buy.
Owner: Store a baseline scan report. It helps identify new misfires and cooling faults before they become a debate.
2018
Front brake hose recall coverage still includes this model year. Steering-wheel bolt and other body/hardware recalls affect the later production run.
Buyer: A 2018 1.5L or 2.0L needs coolant history. A 2018 Hybrid with strong battery behavior is often better value.
Owner: Have brake hoses visually checked at tire rotations even if the recall is shown closed.
2019
Final full year for many trims and one of the last years covered by 1.5L/2.0L coolant bulletins. Some 2019-2020 Fusions appear in later block-heater and rear-camera actions.
Buyer: Late-year cars are not automatically fixed. Build date and engine matter more than model-year optimism.
Owner: Keep coolant and recall records tidy; late Fusions still sell well when the engine story is clean.
2020
Final model year, mostly fleet and simplified trim availability. Hybrid and plug-in cars remain the most rational versions.
Buyer: Buy condition and powertrain, not "last year" status. A 2020 1.5L still deserves coolant scrutiny.
Owner: Preserve high-voltage battery and hybrid cooling-service records. They protect resale better than cosmetic upgrades.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
1.5L EcoBoost coolant intrusion
Affects
2014-2019 Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost, with 2020 cars still worth screening because inventory and engine replacement histories vary.
Symptoms
Low coolant, white exhaust smoke, rough cold start, repeated plug or coil replacement, overheat messages, and misfire codes.
Typical repair cost
$4,000-7,500 for engine replacement; less if Ford assistance applies.
Codes / scan clues
P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285, P1299.
Root cause: Coolant enters the cylinder through the block/deck area. Ford's diagnostic route uses pressure testing and borescope inspection; confirmed cases require short-block work.
Quick check
- Check coolant cold before start-up.
- Scan for current, pending, and stored misfires.
- Look for recent coils or plugs that may mask the first symptom.
- Pressure-test and borescope any attractive 1.5L with unclear history.
Buyer note
This is the fault that changes the Fusion buying decision. A clean-looking 1.5L with coolant loss is not a cheap commuter.
Owner note
Build a paper trail while the symptom is small. Ford goodwill discussions are much harder after repeated overheating.
Fault 2
2.0L EcoBoost coolant-in-cylinder failure
Affects
Primarily 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/Edge 2.0L EcoBoost bulletin population; inspect all used 2.0L Fusions for coolant behavior.
Symptoms
Misfire on start-up, low coolant, white exhaust, coolant smell, or overheat DTCs after highway driving.
Typical repair cost
$4,500-8,500 for long-block or engine replacement.
Codes / scan clues
P0300-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285, P1299.
Root cause: Coolant migrates into a cylinder and combustion pressure can worsen the leak path. Ford bulletin diagnostics look for pressure drop and borescope evidence.
Quick check
- Inspect coolant level and color cold.
- Road-test after the car has sat overnight if possible.
- Scan mode 6 misfire counters as well as stored codes.
- Reject cars with coolant stop-leak residue.
Buyer note
The 2.0L is enjoyable, especially with AWD, but coolant loss turns it into one of the costliest Fusion variants.
Owner note
Do not let a shop replace only plugs and coils repeatedly. Confirm whether coolant is entering the cylinder.
Fault 3
Front brake hose rupture
Affects
2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.
Symptoms
Longer brake-pedal travel, brake warning light, fluid seepage at the front flexible hoses, or sudden loss of brake fluid.
Typical repair cost
$0 under campaign; $250-650 for hose replacement and bleed outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Brake fluid level warning; ABS codes may follow low fluid.
Root cause: Front brake hoses can rupture and leak fluid. NHTSA campaign 23V162 covers affected 2013-2018 Fusion/MKZ vehicles.
Quick check
- Confirm campaign 23V162 completion by VIN.
- Inspect both front hoses while the wheels are turned left and right.
- Check for a sinking pedal with steady pressure.
Buyer note
This is not a cosmetic recall. A soft pedal or wet hose means the test drive is over.
Owner note
Replace aged hoses in pairs. Keep the completion receipt because buyers will ask.
Fault 4
Electric power steering assist loss
Affects
2013-2016 Fusion/MKZ, especially vehicles in corrosion states.
Symptoms
Steering assist warning, heavy steering at low speed, intermittent assist after restart, or stored steering gear/module faults.
Typical repair cost
$0 under applicable recall; $1,200-2,500 for rack/EPAS repair outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
U3000, U3003, C200B, steering control module codes vary.
Root cause: Ford recalls 15V250 and 19V632 address steering assist loss risks on Fusion/MKZ and related Edge vehicles, with corrosion exposure part of the later population.
Quick check
- Turn lock-to-lock at parking speed before the road test.
- Scan the steering control module, not only the engine computer.
- Check original sale/registration state for corrosion-region coverage.
Buyer note
A steering warning on a Fusion is not a normal used-car light. Price the rack before considering the car.
Owner note
If assist drops out once, store the code and repair it. Restarting the car may hide the symptom temporarily.
Fault 5
Shifter cable bushing detachment
Affects
2013-2016 Fusion, including 2.5L-specific and wider six-speed automatic populations.
Symptoms
Lever position does not match cluster, car will not start in Park, vehicle can roll, or selector feels loose.
Typical repair cost
$0 under campaign; $150-400 outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Transmission range mismatch codes possible; often no DTC.
Root cause: The shift cable bushing can degrade and detach from the transmission lever, breaking the link between the cabin selector and actual gear position.
Quick check
- Confirm 18V471, 19V362, or 22V413 completion by VIN.
- Select Park on level ground and confirm the car holds before leaving it.
- Inspect for aftermarket bushing repairs on private-sale cars.
Buyer note
The part is small but the failure mode is serious. Any mismatch during viewing means the car needs repair before purchase.
Owner note
Use the parking brake consistently, especially before recall completion or if the selector feels vague.
Fault 6
6F35 automatic harsh shifts and converter slip
Affects
2013-2020 gasoline Fusion with six-speed automatic; higher risk above 90,000 miles with old fluid.
Symptoms
Firm 2-3 shift, flare, delayed Reverse, shudder at light throttle, or bang into Drive from cold.
Typical repair cost
$250-450 for fluid service; $1,500-3,500 for valve-body or converter repair; $4,000+ for rebuild.
Codes / scan clues
P0741, P1744, P0732, P0733.
Root cause: Converter clutch wear, valve-body wear, and aged Mercon LV fluid can create shift timing and lockup problems. The same Ford six-speed family appears across Fusion, Escape, and related Lincoln models.
Quick check
- Drive the car cold and hot; do not accept a pre-warmed-only viewing.
- Perform light-throttle cruise at 35-50 mph to feel converter shudder.
- Scan for transmission codes after the test drive.
Buyer note
A Fusion with poor shifts is not the sedan bargain it appears to be. The repair can exceed the price gap to a cleaner car.
Owner note
Service fluid before symptoms become heavy. Once lockup slip codes appear, postpone cosmetic spending.
Fault 7
Door latch failure
Affects
2013-2016 Fusion and MKZ in several recall populations.
Symptoms
Door bounce-back, door-ajar message, latch that needs slamming, or a door that may open while driving.
Typical repair cost
$0 under recall; $250-650 per latch outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
BCM door-ajar codes may store.
Root cause: Internal latch parts can break or bind. Ford issued several latch actions across early second-generation Fusion/MKZ vehicles and related models.
Quick check
- Open and close all doors gently and firmly.
- Drive slowly over a rough surface and watch for door-ajar warnings.
- Check campaigns 15V246, 17V210, 20V177, and 20V331 by VIN.
Buyer note
A latch problem is acceptable only if it is priced and scheduled. It is not something to ignore because the door closed once.
Owner note
Keep latch repairs documented by door position. Future recalls and buyer questions often depend on exact build and region.
Fault 8
Hybrid/Energi battery age, cooling fan, and brake-blending issues
Affects
2013-2020 Fusion Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid.
Symptoms
Reduced EV range, engine running constantly, fan noise from rear battery area, uneven brake feel, or weak 12V battery causing strange warnings.
Typical repair cost
$200-600 for 12V/battery-fan service; $2,000-6,000 for used or refurbished HV battery work if needed.
Codes / scan clues
P0A7F, P0A80, hybrid battery cooling and brake-system codes vary.
Root cause: The hybrid system is generally durable, but battery cooling airflow, 12V health, and brake blending degrade with age. Energi cars also depend heavily on charging habits.
Quick check
- Check EV range and hybrid battery state behavior on a long test drive.
- Listen for battery cooling fan noise from the rear seat/trunk area.
- Test gentle stops from 10 mph for smooth regenerative-to-friction blending.
- Scan hybrid control modules with a tool that can read Ford HEV data.
Buyer note
The Hybrid is still the smart Fusion, but do not buy one blind. A short city loop tells you more than a highway-only test drive.
Owner note
Keep the rear battery intake clear and replace weak 12V batteries early. Many strange hybrid warnings begin with low voltage.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- VIN recall completion for brake hoses, shifter bushing, steering, seatbelt, and latches.
- Coolant and engine repair history for every EcoBoost car.
- Transmission fluid service invoices for gasoline automatics.
- Hybrid battery and 12V battery history for Hybrid/Energi cars.
Walk around
- Inspect front brake hoses with wheels turned.
- Check coolant cold before start-up on EcoBoost cars.
- Open every door gently and firmly.
- Inspect charge port and cord history on Energi.
In the car
- Check steering assist warnings, brake warning lights, and all gear indications.
- For Hybrid/Energi, watch battery state and EV operation after start-up.
- Check rear camera and instrument panel behavior.
Test drive
- Drive from cold until fully warm, including light throttle and stop-go traffic.
- Test one firm stop in a safe area and note pedal travel.
- Check low-speed brake blending on hybrids.
Scan tool
- Scan PCM/TCM/ABS/PSCM and hybrid modules where fitted.
- Look for P0300-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285, P1299, P0741, and P1744.
- Review permanent codes and monitor readiness.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2017-2020 Hybrid if the battery behavior is healthy, or a 2.5L gasoline Fusion with closed recalls and smooth shifts. These versions preserve the Fusion's comfort without accepting the worst EcoBoost engine risk.
Avoid: Avoid 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost cars that lose coolant, any 2013-2018 car with unresolved brake-hose recall status, and any Fusion with steering assist warnings or a loose gear selector.
Quick answers
Ford Fusion buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Ford Fusion 2013-2020 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: 1.5L EcoBoost coolant intrusion; 2.0L EcoBoost coolant-in-cylinder failure; Front brake hose rupture. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Ford Fusion years are the best to buy?
2017-2020 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2017-2020 Hybrid if the battery behavior is healthy, or a 2.5L gasoline Fusion with closed recalls and smooth shifts. These versions preserve the Fusion's comfort without accepting the worst EcoBoost engine risk.
Which Ford Fusion should I avoid?
Avoid 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost cars that lose coolant, any 2013-2018 car with unresolved brake-hose recall status, and any Fusion with steering assist warnings or a loose gear selector.
Is the Ford Fusion 2013-2020 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 7.4/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 7 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 1.5l ecoboost coolant intrusion.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Ford Fusion guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-10163592-0001.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-10162071-0001.pdf
- tsbsearch.com: 20-2100
- ford.oemdtc.com
- carcomplaints.com: Fusion
- FordEscape.org discussion including Fusion/Edge 2.0L reports
- Reddit Fusion coolant-intrusion discussion
- RepairPal Ford Fusion brake hose repair context
- NHTSA recall API, 2016 Ford Fusion
- Ford Fusion Hybrid owner manual/service information via Ford owner resources
- CarComplaints Ford Fusion Hybrid reports