general problems of the 2013 Ford Fusion - part 1

200 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2013 Ford Fusion. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2013 Ford Fusion based on all problems reported for the 2013 Fusion.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/02/2025

The contact owned a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 75 mph, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the message "coolant over temperature" was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact then exited the vehicle and raised the hood and there was black smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact backed away from the vehicle and approximately 3 minutes later the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department was contacted and arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed however, the contact had not received a fire report number. The police also arrived on scene and collected information from the contact; however, the contact was unaware of a police report being filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17v209000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/21/2025

In 2019, my car suddenly began to leak engine coolant. A low engine coolant signal alarmed, the car started to smoke, and then was un-usable. I took it to a Ford dealership, they ran some diagnostics, and determined that the issue was related to a known recall. They repaired the issue and for 5 years, things seemed ok. This April, the engine coolant warning came back on and the car shut down. I inspected the engine coolant revisor and it was extremely low and the check engine light came on. I took the car in to be inspected and it was noted that the hoses and gaskets were corroded. The hoses and gaskets were replaced and that seemed to resolve all of the alarms and check engine light, but weeks later, the low engine coolant light came back on. This week the same Ford dealership determined that there was an issue with the water pump and that it needed to be replaced. I wondered if anyone else with a Ford Fusion experienced water pump issues and there seem to be two class action lawsuits against Ford siting several vehicle models with faulty water pumps. I can submit my water pump replacement receipt when I receive it from the Ford dealership on Monday.

3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/23/2025

Constantly drinks coolant and has been fixed at least once.

4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/03/2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and opened the hood to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, the contact became aware that oil was leaking at the rear of the engine compartment by the firewall. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the cylinder head had fractured. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 17v209000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/03/2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford focus. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 55 mph, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(h). No warning lights were illuminated. The contact exited the highway, however, upon pulling over to the side of the road, the vehicle shut off and coasted to a stop. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/25/2025

Engine was losing power while driving. Upon inspection of engine it was noticed that coolant was being lost. I took it to dealership and was told I needed a new engine. I went ahead and got the engine replaced at the Ford dealership. I was told this would fix the issue. After having the car back I noticed I was still losing coolant. I took it back and they claimed to have fixed the leak in coolant system. It was fine for a while but it’s back to losing coolant with no visible signs of where the coolant is going.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/25/2024

Engine was leaking oil and it caught fire twice. Emergency activates while driving and yes it's available upon request. My, family members and others around where at risk because whole car could of caught fire. No one has confirmed it or inspected yet. Brake light stays on. Engine was leaking about a week.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/18/2024

Two recalls for this make year and model car had been recalled previously but not for my VIN specifically and the issues are appearing. The first is “doors may open driving” recall on your website and the second is “engine cylinder head may leaks oil” which is also on ur website. Both were recalled for this make and year of the Ford Fusion but not for my VIN so Ford is stating they cannot fix it and want to charge me even for a diagnostic.

9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/05/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed coolant leaking underneath the vehicle. The low coolant warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 139,753.

10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact safely guided the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. In addition, the contact noticed white smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion to cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that recall repair NHTSA campaign number: 17v209000 (engine and engine cooling) was performed, however it did not remedy the failure because the head gasket was warped. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2024

Low coolant light keeps coming on. Overheat light then comes on causing car to go into limp mode and causing me to almost get hit. I have had this happen almost ten times now and all Ford can tell me is my warranty ran out and it will cost more than car is worth, which is true. Ford knew the problem with these cars and they can't help us now. I don't know what to do, everyone with a Ford eco is having same problems,we need help!.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that an independent mechanic went to the residence and performed a diagnostic test on the vehicle. The diagnostic test received the code for a misfire in cylinder #4. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and a misfire in cylinder #4. The contact was informed that the head gasket and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,800.

13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/26/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the engine coolant warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the head gasket had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/23/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant level warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/07/2024

The engine malfunctioned and faulty rear seat belt, it is not available for inspection because it started a fire that destroyed by car. The remains of the car is at a savage yard. We were put at risk because we were driving/riding in the car at the time it starting burning. We were able to pull the car over and park it in a gas station parking lot before it became fully engulfed in flames. I am reaching out to Ford. Since it was not an accident involved, the fire department inspected the vehicle and determine the fire started in the engine. Insurance representative has determined it is a total loss. There were no warning lamps or messages from the car. However, what caused us to detect something was wrong was the thick smoke started filling the car's cabin at which time we immediately pulled over. When we stopped the car, actual flames came from under the hoods towards the windshield of the car and we proceed to exit the car. My granddaughter in the back seat was having a hard time releasing herself from her seat belt.

16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/02/2024

Engine coolant leaking into cylinder 2. This is a known common issue on eco boost engines. Engine repair was quoted as replacement needed for 8000$. This is dangerous because the car will stop and potentially leave you stranded in the middle of the road with traffic. Additionally, this may result in fires due to water pump running dry and water being burned off in the cylinder which results in blue smoke on cold starts. Ford has been knowing of the engine defect and continued to place the engines in their cars as late as 2019.

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/27/2024

Coolant leaks and never fills the reservoir.

18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/12/2024

Been getting a low coolant warning, coolant is not low ,is actually over limit. Car then says overheating service now,goes into limp mode. Engine light comes on. I cannot drive car until it shuts off, sit awhile and then go. Engine light on get a p1299 reading,have had that reading for years,they replaced motor while under warranty ,now four years later the exact same thing is happening and I have no warranty,I cannot pay for this . This is an ecoboost 1. 6 motor and needs recalling,I read where thousands of people are having the exact same problems,this is not new. . . Please help us people trying to help ourselves with the exact problems over and over again. The 2013 ecoboost 1. 6 has given me problems for years and it just now started again big time on Aug 12 2024.

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/02/2024

The purge valve is likely malfunctioning, which affects the fuel system. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The malfunction caused the vehicle not to start after pumping gas, potentially leaving me stranded in unsafe locations, which could be hazardous, especially in high-traffic areas or remote locations. The issue has not yet been officially reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or messages before the failure. The issue first appeared when the vehicle failed to start immediately after refueling.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph, the engine temperature indicated that the engine was "hot" and the message "low engine coolant" was displayed before the vehicle stalled. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 17v209000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 214,934.

21 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/10/2024

Coolant system failure abruptly. Available for inspect ASAP. The car shut off immediately while operating in the middle of oncoming traffic rendering me unable to steer off the roadway. Unknown- confirmed by independent center or dealer. Yes mechanic. No warnings prior simply out of nowhere dash lights up with engine light with a message turn off engine car over temperature. Car shut off immediately.

22 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/27/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving approximately 65 mph, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The cause of the engine failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

23 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/21/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine was overheating. A message indicating that the coolant level was low was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that there was a coolant leak. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine and spark plugs. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

24 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/03/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph the check engine light and a chime began to sound. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking and he saw that the temperature gauge needle was in the "hot zone. " the contact was able to pull over and turned the vehicle off. The contact tried to restart the vehicle but the chime would immediately sound and the temperature gauge needle was in the "hot zone," the contact waited more than 30 minutes and was able to start the vehicle and return to his residence. The contact stated that he tried to restart the vehicle the following day but it would not start. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

25 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine, abs, air bags, pcm, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The "engine coolant over temperature" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak, but the contact was unaware of what needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign numbers: 12v551000 (engine and engine cooling) and 17v209000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

26 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/06/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling in the driveway, the "engine coolant overtemperature" message was displayed, and the cooling fan made loud sounds. The contact stated that smoke was coming from underneath the hood and the exhaust pipe. The contact turned off the vehicle and opened the hood. The contact discovered that coolant had leaked everywhere underneath the hood and the foam insulator, engine cover, valve cover, high-pressure fuel pump connector and plug, and radiator cap had all melted. The contact added coolant and replaced the radiator cap. The contact then noticed oil leaking from the rear cylinder head. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 17v209000 (engine and engine cooling) which associated with the VIN. The dealer sent pictures of the failure to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer denied the repair and informed the contact that the failure was not related to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 211,000.

27 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/06/2024

The engine makes a very loud ticking and whirring sound, there are also quite a few electrical components that will not communicate with the pcm causing errors on the vehicle code such as a switch component failure u2002-96 battery voltage circuit below and above threshold u3003-16 and u3003-17, electric park break enable - deactivated b1111-53. Lost communication with restraints control module u0151-00 lost communication with pscm u0131-00 invalid data received from pscm - alive/sequence counter incorrect/not updated and right rear tone wheel - mechanical failures c0039-07 even though there have not been any accidents and all maintenance has been done on proper time frame. The car shifts very hard and sometimes hangs on rpm before a shift causing an even harder gear change. The emergency breaking system does not work at all and there is no warning when you come close to any object wall or person. The reverse parking sensors also came loose and recessed into the back bumper by themselves with no tampering or touching.

28 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/22/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact about a recall. The contact called the local dealer, who informed him about scheduling an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but only received an automated message from the system. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 13v227000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

29 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/08/2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and then stalled. The contact was able to pull over and several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but gradually became more frequent. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated during the failures. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the throttle body needed to be serviced or replaced and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact called a local dealer and was advised that there was a customer satisfaction program: 13n03 (engine) associated to the throttle body but the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

30 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/04/2024

The fire started in the engine, unsure of exact cause according to the fire report. My wife(brianna), I, and my one year old daughter’s safety was compromised bc there was no warning until a minute before us realizing fire and exited the vehicle. Car was investigated by local department. Check engine light flashing crazy less than a minute before car loss power.

31 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/29/2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving or while the vehicle was started, a message to unknown message to “stop the vehicle” was displayed and the coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a small radiator hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that coolant was added monthly. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 12v551000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

32 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/29/2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence and called an independent mechanic to diagnose the vehicle at the residence. The contact stated that the mechanic determined that the head gasket was leaking coolant and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 17v209000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was unknown.

33 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at unknown speeds, it was slow to accelerate and there was a loud knocking sound. The contact discovered an unknown NHTSA campaign number. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The recall was repaired, however, the contact was informed that there was another unknown failure. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred and the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that the warning message "low coolant" was displayed. The coolant was refilled, however, one week later the failure recurred several times, and the vehicle was smoking. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was going to catch on fire. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

34 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/12/2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 10 mph, the vehicle had stalled and had overheated. Engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 192,800.

35 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/10/2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine would misfire before running smoothly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to technical service bulletin number: 19-2139 coolant intrusion into the cylinders (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.



Fusion Service Bulletins
Fusion Safety Recalls
Fusion Defect Investigations