5 Best And Worst Years For The Ford Fusion

ford fusion model reviews

Ford Fusion is a midsize family sedan that has been on the market since 2007. It is one of the best-selling cars in its class, and it’s easy to see why.

It offers many features at a great price, making it perfect for people who don’t want to spend a lot to get a decent car.

Although people have loved the Ford Fusion for over a decade, there have been some inconsistencies in the past, which led to many owners voicing their frustrations.

And this is why this article is here. It will be covering the best and worst years for Ford Fusion, so buyers will not have to face those problems.

Let’s list these models down so you have an idea of the car’s history.

Worst Years for Ford Fusion:

  1. 2010
  2. 2011
  3. 2012
  4. 2013
  5. 2014

Best Years for Ford Fusion:

  1. 2015
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020

You may already see a pattern here. The worst models came in succession to each other, with no breaks.

The same was the case with the best ones, which carried on until the final 2020 model of the sedan.

But don’t worry. They will be discussed in detail, so you can know exactly what makes each model good or bad.

What Are The Worst Years For The Ford Fusion? Which Years To Avoid

I will start with the worst models of the Ford Fusion that have been launched yet. They were listed in the introduction above, but you need to know what is wrong with them.

You should avoid these models at all costs.

1. 2010 Ford Fusion

The 2010 Ford Fusion is one of the most complained about models in the car’s history. It is deemed by many as the worst model ever released.

The most common issue is power steering issues, which can cause the car to suddenly decelerate or stall. In addition, there is also a problem with the engine stalling.

This is pretty dangerous and can lead to serious accidents on the road.

Other complaints include issues with the transmission, which would also completely fail. That is an expensive repair that no one wants to deal with.

All in all, this model is not worth considering. It will be filled with issues, and spend more time at the mechanic than at your place. So, considering it will not be a good decision.

2. 2011 Ford Fusion

I’ll discuss the Ford Fusion model that came a year later than the previous one. The 2011 Ford Fusion has some issues that make it quite a hard car to drive.

Most of these issues were present in the previous model, which clarifies that Ford did nothing to alleviate them.

The power steering was prone to failing, making the car impossible to drive. This is extremely dangerous.

The doors would not open from the inside, even when the child lock was disabled, making it very hard for anyone to get out of the car.

The engine also lost power, which made for a dangerous driving experience. As you can see, these issues are pretty dangerous. You should make sure to avoid this model.

3. 2012 Ford Fusion

The 2012 Ford Fusion has some serious problems. Its total number of complaints was higher than the 2011 model, making it a worse model to own.

Even after two years, Ford had no signs of fixing the issues that plagued previous models.

Steering issues were still present in this model, and door handles would fail, preventing users from opening the doors from the inside.

The transmission would shift erratically, leading to jerking when shifting.

This made this model a headache to own, someone no one wants. This issue alone should be enough for you to steer clear of this model.

These issues not only made the car difficult to drive but dangerous too. You should stay away from this model. It will cause you nothing but headaches, which is not worth it.

4. 2013 Ford Fusion

If you’re looking to buy a 2013 Ford Fusion, you may want to think twice.

The 2013 Ford Fusion brought a list of issues, including engine stalling and dying while driving—a dangerous occurrence.

There were also reports of engine fires, which rendered the car completely obsolete. The transmission would also not shift properly, leading to a rough drive.

And if all that wasn’t enough, the fuel economy was also very poor. This means more trips to the gas station than normal.

This was the fourth model in a row that was plagued with issues. Ford was on a losing streak, and I would not recommend this model to anyone.

The surprising thing is the manufacturer did not do anything to fix these issues. That is unbelievable and unacceptable.

5. 2014 Ford Fusion

The losing streak continued with the next model of the sedan. The 2014 Ford Fusion is, unfortunately, no better than its predecessor.

It’s the same, which is not a good thing. It was riddled with issues, making its drive experience unacceptable.

The engine would lose power when driving, leading to a serious accident. The issue is extremely dangerous.

Moreover, the transmission also had rough shifting, which led to an unpleasant driving experience. The famous power steering failure issue was also present here.

This was the fifth model in a row plagued with similar issues while Ford did nothing to fix or address them.

It is another one that should not be bought or considered for daily driving unless you want to spend more money on fixing it.

What Are The Best Years For The Ford Fusion? Which Years To Buy

I have finally arrived at the list you have been waiting for. There are many models of the Ford Fusion that are close to perfect. Let’s see what makes them so good.

1. 2015 Ford Fusion

The 2015 Ford Fusion is an aging model, but it’s packed with features, has an attractive design, and offers excellent drive quality.

Along with all of this, the 2015 model is also extremely reliable. This was a surprise because the 2014 model and its predecessors were not very good cars. So, it was a sight for sore eyes.

Despite being an aging model, the Fusion is still a strong contender in its class because of its attractive design, excellent drive quality, and ample features.

You should consider it, especially if you are on a budget and don’t want to spend money on a newer model. It is modern enough not to stand out too much from the crowd. Its safety feature list is also decent, perfect if you have a family.

2. 2017 Ford Fusion

The 2017 Ford Fusion is one of the best mid-size sedans you can buy. The 2.0L Ecoboost engine is a great choice for those looking for some power but is also concerned about fuel economy.

It has decent acceleration, which you will love. The engine can output a very impressive 240 HP, which is plenty of power for a sedan of this size.

Furthermore, it also got great handling and will even compete with a basic premium car! You will be able to make those sharp turns with ease. This is something rarely seen in cars of this budget.

The 2017 Ford Fusion is not too old and is a model that should be considered. It has the latest features and safety systems, making it fun and safe to use on the road.

3. 2018 Ford Fusion

The 2018 Ford Fusion is a great choice. The 2018 Fusion also has the infamous Sync3 infotainment system that is fun and easy to use.

It’s available in multiple trim options, so you can get the configuration you want. Ford has also provided users with a lot of trunk space, which is perfect for people who travel with cargo.

The fuel economy on the hybrid variant is excellent, with 43 mpg possible. That is pretty good, especially nowadays, with the soaring gas prices. It is a great option to consider.

You are getting a great look alongside multiple features. It checks all the boxes, which makes it a great and solid car. It should be right at the top of your list of considerations.

4. 2019 Ford Fusion

The 2019 Ford Fusion has many safety features, normally absent in similar variants of other cars. That alone should be enough to convince you to consider this model.

There are three engine options available, with the top one being a V6 engine which can output an impressive 325 HP. That is a lot of power for a midsize sedan.

The 2019 Fusion is a great option, especially if you want to get looks and performance all in one package. The 2019 model also has the latest shape, so you are getting the latest and greatest.

Its safety and entertainment features, such as the Sync3 system, are great additions and make the experience more enjoyable.

5. 2020 Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion has been on the market for years, and in the 2020 model, it’s finally reached its full potential. The Ford Fusion has always been a great car, but this final model is the best yet.

The 2020 Ford Fusion has excellent performance, steering and handling, comfortable seats, and great ride quality.

It’s the least complained about sedan model, making it a perfect buy for anyone looking to own its latest and greatest model.

You will certainly enjoy driving it. You will not have to worry about unexpected issues or failures. Ford discontinued it due to dwindling sales, and that is a loss.

The Fusion finally became a good sedan, and people loved it. But great things don’t last forever, which was the case with the Ford Fusion.

How Reliable Is A Ford Fusion?

The Ford Fusion is a pretty reliable car overall. It’s ups and downs, but the most recent models were pretty reliable.

There were little to no complaints about how long it lasted or how much trouble it gave people.

They were generally satisfied with how well their cars ran and were happy with their overall experience.

If you talk about the older models, the story changes. It does not even look like you are discussing the Ford Fusion when discussing those years.

They were plagued with issues, making them simply unusable. It is quite unbelievable that Ford improved it in so many regards.

How Long Do Ford Fusions Last?

The Ford Fusion is a great car. It’s safe and reliable and has a lot of room for the whole family. But the main question is, how long does it last?

Well, that depends on your mileage. If you’re like most Americans—who drive about 15,000 miles per year—you can expect more than ten years out of your Fusion.

The car has been designed to last for a minimum of 200000 miles, which is pretty good. So, you can expect one to last for a long time.

What To Do To Lengthen The Life Of Your Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion is a great car; you know it can last for years if you take care of it.

Here are a few things you can do to make sure your Ford Fusion stays in tip-top shape:

  • Get your Ford Fusion maintained by Ford itself. While you can opt for third-party services, they may not be as good.
  • If you have experienced a part failure, use OEM parts only. They will not only have a perfect fit but will last longer too.
  • One of the easiest ways to lengthen the lifestyle of the Fusion is by improving your driving habits. Don’t step too hard on the pedals.
  • Make sure you keep the tire condition in check if they are worn down; waste no time replacing them.
  • Make sure to replace the spark plugs and ignition coils once every 60000 miles. Also, use platinum or iridium plugs only.

These are some of the commonly known tips that can be implemented to improve the lifespan of the Ford Fusion, so it can be driven for as long as possible.

Things That Shorten The Lifespan Of Your Ford Fusion

Just like things that can improve the lifespan of the Ford Fusion, some things can hurt it.

Let’s see the ones that can prevent your Ford Fusion from lasting longer:

  • Improper tire alignment can shorten the lifespan of your Ford Fusion. This is because the tires must be aligned to ensure that they wear evenly and provide safe handling.
  • This is a big one. You might think you’re saving money by going to someone who isn’t certified, but the truth is that they may not be trained in the correct procedures set by Ford.
  • You might be surprised to learn that overloading your car can shorten its lifespan. Sedans are not designed to handle much weight, regardless of the advertised weight capacity.
  • Low-quality fuel can also result in a decrease in the engine’s lifespan of the Ford Focus.
  • People also tend to use low-quality parts for their Ford Fusion. This can severely impact the lifespan, especially if the parts are cheaply made.

So, you should always be aware of these factors and how they can affect the lifespan of your Ford Fusion. You may not even reach the 200,000-mile number if you do these things.

3 Most Common Ford Fusion Problems You Should Know

It has already been established that the Ford Fusion is not a perfect sedan. It has had issues in the past that need to be highlighted.

This section will be doing that for you, so you don’t have to waste any time on research.

1. Transmission Issues

Transmission problems are one of the most common Ford Fusion problems.

This can be caused by internal metal parts wearing out and usually requires a complete transmission replacement—which is expensive.

Ford Fusions may experience rough shifting, or the car will not shift to a higher gear. The issue normally requires thousands of dollars worth of investment to get it fixed.

2. Steering Issues

One of the most common Fusion problems owners have encountered is steering issues in the 2010-2014 models.

The power steering can fail or stop working properly in these vehicles, leaving drivers struggling to drive their cars.

In some cases, the power steering will fail and leave drivers unable to control their vehicles. This is pretty dangerous, especially if it happens while driving the car.

3. Swollen Lug Nuts

Another common issue with Fusions is swollen lug nuts. The aluminum cap is supposed to protect the steel core, but unfortunately, it often swells up.

This makes getting those lug nuts off safely difficult! Ford used a two-part design instead of crafting the lug nuts from a single piece of metal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Ford Fusion A Good Car?

Despite its problems, there are plenty of reasons to love the Ford Fusion. It has great look and feels, with an attractive interior design, roomy seats, and storage space. It’s also got a high level of safety features that make it very safe for you and your passengers.

Q2: Do Ford Fusions Hold Their Value?

According to CarEdge, Ford Fusions depreciate by 31% after five years of driving. This is pretty good for a mid-sized sedan.

A Ford Fusion may be the right choice if you’re looking for a car that will hold its value. Even after half a decade, you will be able to sell the car at 70% of the price you bought it at.

Q3: How Many Ford Fusions Have Been Sold?

The Ford Fusion has been on the market since 2005, and it has sold more than a million units over that time. The lowest number of sales was in 2020, which was around 110000.

The year with the most sales was 2014 when sales crossed 300000. That is very impressive, even though the model was riddled with issues.

Q4: Which Ford Fusion Engine Is The Most Reliable?

The 2.5L Duratec I4 was present in the last few models of the sedan and is considered by many as the most reliable engine ever in a Ford Fusion.

This engine can produce 175 hp, which is decent for a midsize sedan and will get you where you need to go.

Q5: Is Ford Fusion Expensive To Maintain?

The first ten years of maintenance on the Ford Fusion is $6540. That’s pretty good, and it’s less than the industry average for similar sedans by roughly $500.

So, technically, it is cheaper to maintain than other cars in its class. Owning it will not cost you a fortune.

Conclusion

As the years progressed, we saw a lot of changes in the Ford Fusion. Some of these have been great, and others have been less than stellar.

We’ve seen that some years have been better than others in terms of performance and reliability.

All in all, there is no denying that there have been ups and downs in the sedan, leading to this article which discusses the best and worst years for Ford Fusion.

I hope this article gave you all the information you need, so you can make an informed decision about purchasing this sedan.

References:
https://www.ranker.com/list/best-ford-fusions/ranker-cars
https://shift.com/articles/interested-in-a-ford-fusion-heres-our-review

Written by Kane Dan

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