Ford Fusion owners have reported 2,596 problems related to engine and engine cooling (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Fusion based on all problems reported for the Fusion.
Vehicle is experiencing coolant intrusion from a crack in the engine block 3rd cylinder which is a known issue by Ford for my particular vehicle year (2017). Ford has issued a TSB/recall for model years 2017-2019, I believe this issue should qualify for manufacturer recall as this is known issue.
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My engine is on my car will not go over 25 miles and if it does it shakes and I place the car in park or shut it off u can hear like water sound coming from the engine were it’s seems as if it was boiling.
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all problems of the 2018 Ford Fusion
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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was taken back to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start. The message "see owner's manual" was displayed. The contact related the failure to the customer satisfaction program: 21n12 (short block replacement after coolant intrusion). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
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all problems of the 2016 Ford Fusion
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Vehicles engine has been affected due to a know manufacturing flaw with design that caused coolant to leak into the cylinder walls of the engine block causing a rough idle, white smoke out of the exhaust and cylinder 2 misfire.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was abnormal white smoke coming out of the tailpipe. The contact stated that upon inspecting the oil dipstick, the contact noticed that there was coolant in the oil, and the contact also noticed that there was a small amount of oil in the coolant reservoir. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 17v209000 (engine and engine cooling), for which the VIN was included. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair would be performed on the vehicle; however, the contact was concerned that the recall remedy would not correct the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,200.
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all problems of the 2013 Ford Fusion
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The contact owned a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the engine gasket was replaced, and the vehicle was diagnosed with a warped engine block. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that there was a coolant intrusion leak and an engine overheating failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Technical safety bulletin 19-2346; coolant infiltrating cylinder #2. Quoted $8350 for long block repair.
2019 Ford Fusion equipped with the 1. 5l ecoboost engine has experienced overheating and misfire issues, linked coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, which can lead to engine overheating and potential fire hazards. This is a known issue by Ford but they have not issued a recall, or even let me know in the 6 years that I have had the vehicle.
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all problems of the 2019 Ford Fusion
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Car began leaking coolant, overheating, smoking (white smoke) and misfiring on cylinder #3. Based on my research, this is an issue Ford knows about due to it being a defect in the design, yet I'm being told I have to pay to replace the engine. We replaced the spark plugs, coils, and nothing helped. We took it to a mechanic and were told we need an entire engine replacement and it won't be covered by Ford.
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all problems of the 2015 Ford Fusion
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During a road trip, received an error message indicating "shift sys fault" after the vehicle would not shift out of park. Upon inspecting the vehicle, it was noticed that the transmission linkage cable bushing was missing. The error message had appeared the day before, but the vehicle would still shift and the error message went away after a few seconds. I was unable to recover the original bushing as it was missing when the vehicle was inspected after the error message. Luckily the error did not happen while driving and instead was noticed while the car was in park. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than myself, and I was able to buy a replacement bushing from a local dealership to replace the missing bushing.
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all problems of the 2020 Ford Fusion
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I was experiencing engine vibration while driving and lack of power when I pressed gas pedal. I took it to an independent garage first, and then to the dealer. Both told me there was coolant and water in the cylinders, and the dealer told me I needed a total engine replacement consisting of the long block and the head gasket. And it was going to cost me $14,000. My car only has 44,000 miles on it and Ford told me there was nothing they could do about it even though it was a known issue dating back several years.
2017 Fusion 1. 5 ecoboost. (purchased at 128k) 148k miles- 1 time white smoke at start up no check engine light. All of a sudden while driving started to drive rough. Towed too mechanic, determined cylinder #2 has coolant intrusion. Conducted the TSB. For this defect. All symptoms confirmed for the coolant intrusion. Got quoted $10k for engine replacement. Vehicle has been parked in driveway since 10/24/25 too expensive too repair for a defective problem from Ford.
See attached document for complaint.
I took my car in to diagnose low coolant and white exhaust smoke on cold start. The technician said he "observed the presence of coolant inside the cylinder walls which can lead to "serious damage. . . Corrosion. . . Failure and wear and could seize up and told me to get a new engine or car. The vehicle component was inspected by an independent service center. No warning lights prior to failure. Other symptoms include low coolant, white exhaust smoke and runs rough condition especially on acceleration. Vehicle condition report (photos and videos) that shows you what our technicians saw today and includes any recommendations. The link to your report [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Coolant leaking into cylinder, causing sudden rough driving, engine overheating warnings that don’t match temperature readings and distract driving.
Engine replaced due to flaw in design. I had my 60,000-mile service done and after it was completed, I started having serious issues with my vehicle. Kept getting check engine light cylinder 2 misfire. I took my Fusion back to the dealership, and they advised me that my engine had to be replaced. Apparently when they put my vehicle under pressure during the service it caused the coolant to leak into my engine. I have researched this and found many complaints with the same problem. Unfortunately, the owners of the other Fusions (like me) found out their vehicle was no longer under warranty, and they had to foot the entire bill. Luckly for me, I had purchased the Ford extended warranty, and my out-pocket pocket is $100. I was told by the dealership that Ford is aware of this issue but has not issued a recall. My service advisor was absolutely shocked when Ford authorized the necessary repairs in a couple hours berceuse it normally takes a few days to get authorization. I have owned this car since it was new and have always kept up with the required maintenance. They gave me a rental vehicle and said it would be about 7 days before the repairs are completed.
Coolant intrusion.
In early October 2025, the vehicle was taken to an independent dealership service department for a routine oil change. Several weeks later, the vehicle appeared to be leaking fluid and began experiencing loud knocking/clacking noises, significant vibration, and drivability concerns, especially during acceleration. On October 10, 2025, while parked at a family member’s residence, the vehicle would not start. Due to safety concerns, the servicing dealership arranged for the vehicle to be towed for inspection. Technicians found a split transmission hose causing transmission fluid loss, which was repaired; however, the abnormal noises, vibration, and drivability issues persisted. Further inspection identified loud popping/clacking noises from the bell housing area. The technician physically inspected the flex plate and documented that the flex plate was cracked. The dealership advised that a cracked flex plate can worsen, cause severe vibration, damage related components, and lead to drivability issues or potential loss of propulsion. Because of the nature of the failure and symptoms, the vehicle was removed from regular use due to safety concerns. The vehicle was later taken to a manufacturer-authorized Ford dealership, which confirmed flex plate failure but stated the vehicle did not qualify for a customer satisfaction program due to engine variant. A goodwill/financial assistance request was submitted and denied. Technician diagnostic documentation from the manufacturer-authorized dealership was requested but not provided prior to filing this complaint. No crash or injury occurred; however, the failure created a risk of sudden inability to propel the vehicle while driving, including at highway speeds. The vehicle remains unrepaired and parked due to cost and safety concerns.
Vehicle ran very well, however engine caught fire while exiting highway. Insurance adjuster states common issue with Ford ecoboost engines. Reported to Ford whom dismissed issue of engine fire.
Misfire in cylinder 2 caused by coolant leak into the bore.
According to auto zone, after being placed on scanner, the power train system (p0456) has a evaporative emissions system leak (very small leak) diagnosed at 76,919miles. Ford dealership says they cannot find a problem. When I put gas in the car I have to sit and wait at least 10 minutes before my car will start again. It takes a couple of tries and much hesitation, but it will start. Once you get started it has difficulty accelerating or may slow down on its own. Again, Ford dealership reports they can't seem to find a problem. When I told them the problem, they came up with a price to charge me to fix something they could not find. Ridiculous!! my Ford app clearly states check engine problem detected, but nooooo they cannot find anything wrong. Two different dealerships. Thank god I keep my paperwork because others are complaining of the same thing. They have to put the pen to the paper or we will never get a recall.
I got an engine temperature warning, then I noticed the coolant reservoir was empty. I filled it back up and everything went back to normal. I was driving down the interstate when the check engine light came on. I had a few misfires and was able to make it back to a dealership, who then diagnosed the vehicle and said it coolant intrusion due to an engine block leak. Charging over $9000 in repairs.
Coolant intrusion into the engine causing my car to missfire going down the road. Car is sitting in my yard unfit to be driven. Dealership claims it had previously been remedied. The car has only been inspected by my mechanic. No prior warnings before the misfire occurred.
Vehicle purchased used at simmons & rockwell on [xxx] mileage 16,323. Mileage 38,559 first engine failure & replaced "new" July 2019, *** indications & doc of 2nd engine failure about 70k mileage) mileage 121,163 second engine failure & replaced "new" August 2022 and finally mileage 189,323 with third engine failure sept 2025 this vehicle had regularly interval oil changes. Always serviced & maintenaced regularly information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Coolant intrusion and requires short block replacement.
Engine diagnosed with coolant intrusion problem into the engine cylinders. Car failed at 138k needing 12k repair from Ford dealership which is more than the value of the car. Transmission shifter bushing went out also in this car even though Ford did a recall for previous years of the model the issue has not been fixed.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine with white smoke coming from the exhaust system, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the message “service vehicle soon” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,112.
I have a coolant intrusion for my car it is supposed to be recalled and serviced under warranty or the csp.
The transmission failed completely. The vehicle will not engage or shift properly and cannot be driven. The failed transmission is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request.
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The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message was displayed. The power steering function was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated due to a possible canister purge valve failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering). The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 165,461.
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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v695000 (back over prevention). While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started running rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved dtc: p0302 (misfire in cylinder #2). The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who retrieved the same code and informed the contact that cylinder #2 ignition coil and spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. While driving, there was white smoke coming from the tailpipe, but the vehicle was still running rough. The engine overheated, and the contact pulled over and added additional fluids to the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact obtained an extended warranty, but the claim was denied due to not meeting the mileage requirements. While driving at 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
Coolant is leaking into the cylinders and causing overheating and no start.
This Fusion has the same coolant leak as described in customer satisfaction program 21n12.
Check engine light was on and off intermittently for a few months starting in March of 2025. No immediate problem then, vehicle had 89 90k miles. In August. The vehicles coolant was leaking into the engine . Rendering a misfire in the cylinder and blowing the head gasket after mechanical diagnosis but not checked immediately due to symptoms not occurring till after a few weeks in August. Car not once over heated but then would not start. The car would then not go past a 40 mph without the transmission pushing very hard. After 3rd party mechanic diagnosis, I looked into potential recall on Fords website and in fact there was one but I was never notified of. So I contacted Ford . The said yes, your car is under warranty, however after taking it in, they refused to repair the damages since the problem occurred 10k miles passed the mileage listed on the warranty for the repair. The car is unsafe and not drivable and the issue, which they knew would occur, did not happen till 10k miles passed Fords set parameters in which even if I took it in at that timeframe listed, the problem was not noticeable to be fixed. Very unsafe and unfair to the consumer.
The 1. 5l engine is having known issues with coolant intrusion into the engine under 100,000 miles. Many people are bringing up their issues staying Ford is confirming the mass amount of engine issues with intrusion and quoting $6,000 for new engines. This is absurd because these vehicles should not have an engine known to fail at 100,000 because of leaking coolant into the cylinder. I started losing coolant at 90,000 miles and having to fill it back up.