Power Train Problems of Ford Fusion - part 1

My Ford started making a loud noise whenever the accelerator wasn't being pressed, after taking it to the mechanic, he said it is the cracked flex plate. After some light research, it was aparent that this is an issue that Ford's cars have, and Ford has tried to make it better by offering free fixes. I contacted the local Ford dealer and since the car has 90,000 miles, it would have been covered. However, since it doesn't have a clean title, I was declined this service free of charge. I don't agree with this decision since I've been driving this car for over a year since it was purchased off iaa auction, and this issue was made clear only yesterday, but this issue is prevalent in cars like mine. The damage to my car specifically was to the back, and only affected the rear bumper and trunk. Therefore I don't think it is fair that I was declined the serve even though Ford has made it clear it is there manufacturing mistake and they are willing to fix it, just not with cars with my type of title. I was hoping to send in this incident so that this issue becomes a national recall, and more people can get their cars rightfully fixed and aware of this serious issue that can make the car completely unusable before it gets too late. I wasn't aware this was a common issue when purchasing this car, so a recall would protect more people since it will become mandatory information for owners to be aware of this issue. Thank you!.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Fusion 🔎.

Unintended acceleration event. Entered vehicle, put my foot on the brake, cranked it, held in that position while seatbelting. Engine had a very loud revving sound. Within seconds vehicle moving backwards on its own. Foot still on the brake, had not touched gas pedal, had not touched gear shifter, and was still sitting straight forward with my foot on the brake and confirmed gear shifter in park. The car quickly accelerated backwards faster and brake pedal had no effect on stopping or slowing vehicle. Went approx. 30’ across parking lot and only stopped because we hit truck parked behind us. Quickly turned off engine and removed keys. Shifter still shows park. Careful driver. No history of accidents. I found there were several thousand reported events of unintended acceleration (Ford vehicles 2002 to 2010). Ford tried to explain many as driver error or floor mat touching the gas pedal. My mat was clipped down, as designed, with no all-weather mat on top of them, and my foot did not leave the brake pedal. Ai says revving as described is "classic behavior of failing electronic throttle body on 2010 Fords", "surging without touching the pedal and known defect are extremely common". Says if "worn or failing shifter linkage/bushings vibration form high revving could make it slip into reverse". Ford has a 19s54 recall for antilock brake systems (not notified), where "a normally closed valve may be stuck open, which may result in extended brake pedal travel". Ford reports on similar vehicles "lunging" was due to deposits in the throttle body. Ford has installed brake override on vehicles after 2010 but that doesn't protect people driving older vehicles. Please look at combo of factors that could cause this. Disappointed to read Ford purged customer acceleration reports prior to hold 5 yrs and an expert they provided at trial was someone sheltered from all research Ford had on this issue so he pushed "driver error" as the case. Clearly not here.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Fusion 🔎.

Driving at approximately 65 mph a maintenance light came on. While pulling over smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle. A large jolt occurred and the vehicle no longer had power to the wheels. Upon exiting the vehicle transmission fluid had coated the side of the car. It is available for inspection. Breathing in transmission smoke seems dangerous I have found other references to this problem on forums online it has not been inspected the maintenance light appeared just before failure. And the rest of the failure lights came on after.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Fusion 🔎.

Shift actuator wouldn’t go into gear I was stranded a few times had to be towed twice. I’ve found a plastic bushing that showed a $4. 00 part could be responsible. Deadly for us disabled vietnam veterans . I can’t walk. Maine has 200 vehicles with the same issues nationwide who knows supposedly the actuator will not be made by Ford motors until February 2026. I’m 76 years old this is a hazard I can’t afford to buy another car. Please help us. Or get stranded in the middle of nowhere freezing cold thank you.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Fusion 🔎.

Technical safety bulletin 19-2346; coolant infiltrating cylinder #2. Quoted $8350 for long block repair.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Fusion 🔎.

Backup camera keeps going blank with a blue screen also back up camera stays on for a few seconds while driving then the screen turns blue having to do a soft factory reset to the system. Transmission shifts prematurely or kicks down weird. Shifting from park to drive makes a klunk and clicking sound not smooth or quiet at all.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Fusion 🔎.

Wrench light came on my car while driving 30mph, then the engine light. Had it diagnosed & I am told my car that went to the shop with code p0741 needs a new transmission!! 54, 618 miles only. Fix is $6800. 00. I was told not to drive the car as it could seize up.

Date 2023-03-13 campaign 23s12/23v162 description on your vehicle, the front brake jounce hoses could rupture prematurely safety risk a ruptured front brake jounce hose will cause a progressive brake fluid leak. The driver may experience an increase in pedal travel together with a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy parts are now available to repair your vehicle. Ford motor company has authorized your dealer to replace both front brake flexible hoses free of charge parts and labor. Next steps contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service. Safety recalls* front brake flexible hose replacement recall incomplete powertrain control module pcm reprogramming recall incomplete customer satisfaction programs** powertrain control module pcm reprogramming recall incomplete note: funding to complete the many recalls are held in processing delays by department of the treasury. Thus, powertrain control module pcm reprogramming recall incomplete.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Fusion 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after shifting to drive(d), the vehicle erroneously rolled backwards up a slight incline. The failure had occurred on several occasions. Additionally, while driving down a hill and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes malfunctioned, the vehicle failed to stop, and drove through a 4-way intersection and drove approximately a half mile before stopping. During the failure, the message "transmission not in park" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

2020 Ford Fusion se- transmission problems. Only 98,000 miles on the car and have had issues with this transmission after a year of having it. Transmission fluid was good but there is a small leak, slipping gears, winding, and gear auto shifting back to park. No combustion or power until it hits 60 mph. Has been checked by mechanics. No lights on dash at all!.

The transmission in the Ford Fusion 1. 5 l engine just stop working. The car will go and then the transmission would just stop working. The you could turn the car off and it would drive again and stop working again. It took me turning the car off about 12 times to get it home. This was just a test drive after my daughter had it towed home after being stranded. This is a safety issue for not only young girls being stranded, but everybody being stranded without any warning! Ford knows there is an issue, hopefully the Ford executives are warning their love ones not to buy a Ford Fusion model that has this issue.

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.

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.

Bushing for shifter busted, pervious recalls on 2013-2016 models, numerous reports known for this happening on 2017-2019 models as well. Currently having vehicle bushing repair after car being in the shop for over a week after having front line brake hoses replaced as well.

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).

On [xxx] ,I was driving in my car heading home with my [xxx] son in the backseat when my steering wheel just locked up on me and didn't want to turn and it was just stiff. I turn off my car immediately and waited about ten minutes to turn on. The car started up and the steering wheel became un loosen but this situation is off and on and it's scary . It's the third time now it happened. Next im experience a airbag warning symbol on my dashboard today [xxx] and that's even scarier driving in the car with a toddler because it's not safety. I don't know how to remove it off my dashboard and don't know how to fix the problem either. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2012 Ford Fusion 🔎.

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 transmission lost park function, shifter position indicates the vehicle is in park. However, the indicator on the instrument panel indicates the vehicle is in drive. This happened after driving the car, and when I parked it. This condition allowed the ignition key to be removed with no instrument panel warning message or warning chime while exiting the vehicle indicating the vehicle is not secured in park. This could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of injury or crash. I searched the problem online and found the problem was related a bushing in the end of the transmission selection cable. I was able to find the transmission cable. Upon close inspection, the cable was separated from the selection lever on the transmission. The end of the cable was missing the bushing. There was a safety recall in 2018, 18s20 that dealt with this problem. I had a replacement installed back in 2018. Now I am actually experiencing what the recall was supposed to correct/prevent. Is this recall still in effect? if not, can a new one be issued. I called a dealership, but they stated that the recall had expired.

While changing my car from park to drive my vehicle got stuck in reverse and wouldn’t come out even after turning car off which usually force vehicle to go into park. This was most likely due to the shifting cable bushing no longer being there and possibly disintegrating. Due to left over residue in the general area. I saw this was a recall for Fords from I believe 2013/2014 up 2016 for the same issue. I go online and their are a couple of pages claiming this has happened to them as week or to check it to make sure it’s still on.

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.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Fusion 🔎.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact initially received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v413000 (power train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed. Recently, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift out of park(p), with the gear shift indicator on the instrument panel indicating that the vehicle was in neutral(n). Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was determined that the failure was caused by a defective shifter cable bushing, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 225,678.

I purchased my car at 36, 380 miles and at 51,380 my torque converter has failed. Shift solenoid b stuck on. My warranty has expired in February. My car was well taken care of and should not have been damaged. Ford needs to fix this issue immediately. This is unacceptable.

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 contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated and hesitated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and three independent mechanics, and was diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18v390000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 145,000.

Torque converter is gradually failing. Started at 50,000 miles. No warning lamps, messages.

This makes the third time the transmission had to be redone and I have only 95. 000 miles on it the first time was about 2months after I purchased the car brand new in December 2020 and each time the transmission gets repaired it cost more and more and they tell me that it need other stuff with it that needs to be replaced nothing in the dash showed failure to any thing.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the battery had failed and there was battery acid on the shifter cable and connector. The dealer replaced the battery, the shifter cable, the connector, the rear parking light bulb, and the purge valve. The dealer also completed NHTSA campaign number: 21v158000(air bags). The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 92,343.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated upon reversing out of the driveway and attempting to shift to drive(d), the warning message "system fault - consult manual. " was displayed. The contact was not able to shift to drive(d). The contact looked underneath the vehicle and noticed that a cable was loose. The contact stated that he was able to insert a screw driver into the end of the cable, and the contact was able to shift to drive (d). The contact drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the shifter cable bushing had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to a recall that did not include the year of the vehicle. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact the NHTSA safety hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Coolant intrusive. New motor needed.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the flywheel was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.

Shifter cable bushing degraded and fell off. Causing a condition where the car could not be shifted into or out of gear, and car applied park brake as a safety precaution and could not be disabled until the shifter was manually put back into park by mechanic. This bushing has been under recall for other year Fusions but has not been extended to this one. Research on forums shows this is a very common problem. Could be a real safety issue if car cannot be shifted and it needs to be driven away in an emergency. This part should not fail in this short of time, it is made of inferior materials and does not last. No warnings given prior, part fails catastrophically.

Delayed/ rough up shift.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Fusion 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting to drive(d), the message "shift system fault" was displayed, and the gear shifter erroneously shifted back into park(p). The vehicle was undrivable and was later towed to the local dealer who replaced the shifter cable bushing, and the vehicle was repaired. The contacted stated that the failure had recently reoccurred. The contact was able to reconnect the shifter cable bushing and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the parking brake had unintentionally activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the transmission shifter cable bushing had failed, causing the shifter cable to detach. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 22v413000 (power train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 105,000.

The car issued no warning, lights or messages prior to the damage. My [xxx] son was driving and the car started shaking which really scared him as he’s a new driver. I would say the safety of him and other drivers on the road were definitely put in danger. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership. They stated it had a broken flex plate and short block. Broken flexplate; diagnostic $210. 00 parts $1,345. 86 (flexplate, transmission fluid pump, filter, one time use parts) labor $2,600. 00 ($200. 00 x 13. 0hrs) sales tax $125. 84 total $4,281. 70 short block replacement; diagnostic $145. 00 parts $2,193. 64 (short block engine/kit, spark plugs, one time use parts) labor $4,480. 00 ($200. 00 x 22. 4hrs) alignment $159. 95 sales tax $205. 11 total $7,183. 70 tow bill $140. 00 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).