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2013 Ford Fusion engine problems

448 complaints (25% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 88,737. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
448
of this car's complaints
25%
typical mileage
88,737
crashes
4
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
    1
  • Cooling system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Fusion engine problems in other years

2006201020152020

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Ford Fusion engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Overheating 168Stalling 143Check engine light 113Loss of power 77Engine failure 58Won't start 29Misfire 16Knocking 5

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported March 27, 2017 · 208,584 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
Risk
If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.

Recall number 17V209000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported December 3, 2012 · 80,057 vehicles affected
What is wrong
This is an update to a recently announced recall. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through November 26, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines, as well as certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles manufactured from February 3, 2012, through November 29, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. Coolant system leaks may cause the engines to overheat and leak flammable engine fluids.
Risk
If flammable engine fluids come in contact with the vehicle’s hot exhaust system, a vehicle fire could occur.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine for coolant system leaks and reprogram the vehicle’s powertrain control module and instrument cluster with an updated calibration and overheat strategy software. There will be no charge to owners for this service. Owners were recently notified to contact dealers to arrange for alternative transportation as Ford developed a remedy. Owners will be shortly receiving notifications to contact Ford dealers to schedule the free remedy repair. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1‑866‑436‑7332.

Recall number 12V551000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Electronic Throttle Body MalfunctionOpened February 21, 2013, closed February 28, 2014

On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles. During this investigation, Ford identified a condition in subject vehicles equipped with 2.5L and 3.0L engines that may result in a sudden reduction of engine power.According to Ford, the ETB internal motor contacts may develop a high resistance material buildup condition on the commutator, resulting in intermittent electrical connectivity and reduced engine power. When this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Wrench light will illuminate and the vehicle may enter a limited limp home mode.Ford?s trade name for the feature is Failure Mode Effects Management (FMEM) mode.In this mode, engine power and vehicle speed are reduced, while full function of the power steering, power braking, lighting, and climate control systems are maintained.ODI?s complaint analysis indicate that the predominant failure mode involved reduced motive power associated with the limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Analysis of warranty claims provided by Ford identified 59,807 claims related to ETB replacements and approximately 50 percent of claims are associated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed.Ford described several factors where the ETB motor may fail resulting in DTCs P2111 or P2112 but the failure is not an existing stuck open or closed ETB valve position.According to Ford, the ETB control strategy provides the driver with three FMEM modes that allow varying degrees of vehicle mobility depending on the severity of the fault detected.DTCs associated with stuck open or closed throttle valves are designated the highest failure severity resulting in engine speeds limited to high idle corresponding to the limited limp home mode.Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability.Other FMEM limp modes may result in reduced engine performance but will maintain vehicle speed above 20mph. During this investigation, Ford and its suppliers, Delphi and Igarashi, updated the powertrain control module (PCM) software to include a throttle body motor cleaning cycle during key-on and modified the ETB internal motor components design, surface finish and material composition to improve durability. Additionally, Ford developed a remedy procedure and issued a special Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 13N03 extending the ETB warranty coverage and instructing dealers to update the powertrain calibration to improve vehicle performance in the event that intermittent electrical connectivity of the throttle body motor contacts occurs. The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, all vehicles are eligible for the program through January 31, 2015 regardless of mileage.Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by mail to take their vehicle to a Ford dealer who will reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration. The bulletin was sent to dealers on January 17, 2014 and the owner letter mailing began on January 27, 2014. See the investigative file for copies of Ford's bulletin and owner letter. This preliminary evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that

PE13003

What 2013 Ford Fusion owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The failure had occurred over twenty-five times. The vehicle was able to be restarted three times, and on other occasions, the vehicle was towed by AAA to the residence. AAA informed the contact that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact had Walmart replace the battery and perform an oil change, during which an engine oil leak was found. An independent mobile mechanic then diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist, who replaced the transmission, clutch filter seal, and piston, and performed a suspension alignment. The failure persisted. Another mobile mechanic replaced the alternator and performed electrical repairs. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined, and the contact was refunded the diagnostic test fee. The contact associated the failure with an unknown DTC and an unknown recall for a 2016 Ford Fusion.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Engine · GA · fire

On October 16, 2017, we were driving this vehicle on the interstate when we noticed smoke in the rearview mirror. We pulled over right away, and within seconds of getting out, the car was engulfed in flames. It burned so fast that by the time firefighters arrived, about seven minutes later, there was nothing left of it. Neither of us was physically injured, but we got out with almost no time to spare. The fire department responded and a report was filed. The car was equipped with the 1.6L GTDI EcoBoost engine and falls within the population of Safety Recall 17S09 / the federal safety agency 17V‑209, which covers localized cylinder head overheating and cracking that can cause a pressurized oil leak and an engine compartment fire. At the time our car burned, the interim recall notice had gone out but no remedy parts were available; the actual recall repair did not begin until January 5, 2018. Ford later contacted us and offered a small settlement, conditioned on signing away any right to bring future claims. We declined.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 172,318 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while stopped in a drive-thru, there was an abnormal hissing sound coming from the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and excessive force was needed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the "Check Engine" warning light was illuminated and the "Brake Level Low" message was displayed. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); but was unable to secure an appointment with two local dealers for a timely repair. The contact requested authorization to have the vehicle repaired by an independent mechanic with reimbursement, but the manufacturer declined the request. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer denied a request for a loaner vehicle. The contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 172,318.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Engine · TX

While driving my Ford Fusion, I experienced a serious transmission-related loss of propulsion. Leading up to the failure, I noticed that the engine RPM would fluctuate considerably and the vehicle appeared to have difficulty maintaining engagement in a gear. On the day of the failure, I was traveling approximately 50 mph when the vehicle suddenly stopped responding normally to the accelerator. When I pressed the accelerator, the engine RPM increased significantly, but the vehicle would not accelerate accordingly. It appeared that engine power was no longer being properly transferred through the transmission to the wheels. I was only able to get the vehicle home in a severely reduced-performance/limp condition. The vehicle was also leaking fluid associated with this failure. I subsequently received an the federal safety agency recall alert for Recall 26V376, “Transmission Clutch May Fracture and Leak Fluid,” which includes certain Ford Fusion model years. The failure I experienced appears very similar to the condition described in this recall, particularly the loss of propulsion accompanied by increased engine RPM and the presence of a fluid leak. However, when I checked my VIN, I was informed that my vehicle is not currently included in the recall. I am submitting this safety complaint because my vehicle experienced what appears to be a substantially similar failure, including loss of propulsion while traveling approximately 50 mph and subsequent fluid leakage. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review my vehicle's failure in connection with Recall 26V376 and determine whether the affected vehicle population may need to be expanded.

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Engine · WA

Vehicle blew upper radiator hose due to blown head gasket. Vehicle has trouble starting and releases grey blue smoke via exhaust at all times. Has not been looked at by anyone other than an odot employee and myself. Hose was replaced but issues continue. Vehicle engine light came on after low coolant warning and overheating. Vehicle is available for inspection. Google states this is an extremely common occurrence with this particular year and model of vehicle.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Engine · FL

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V551000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. 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 unknown.

Filed Jul 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · WA

My 2013 Ford Fusion equipped with the 1.6L EcoBoost engine started blowing thick white smoke (Burning Coolant) while I was driving on the freeway. Engine coolant was leaking and my card died right there, that had blown the head gasket. I received no warning, no message. This was an incredibly dangerous situation because I was on the freeway and was forced to stop immediately. Ford Motor Company has refused to include my vehicle’s VIN in the applicable recall programs despite my vehicle experiencing the same issues described in the federal safety agency recalls 12V551000 (Ford Campaign 12S41) and 17V209 (Ford Campaign 17S09) The recalls identify issues involving coolant loss, overheating, insufficient warning of coolant loss, potential engine damage, cylinder head damage, and the risk of engine compartment fire. My vehicle exhibited these same symptoms and consequences which can be confirmed by the autobody shop where it was evaluated. The purpose of these recalls was to address a known safety concern involving the 1.6L EcoBoost engine cooling system. Despite this, when I contacted Ford and requested assistance and asked that my VIN be added to the recall population, Ford denied my request and stated that my vehicle was not included. I believe this decision fails to address the fact that my vehicle experienced the same defect and safety risk identified in the recall documents. The safety issue is not limited to the VINs currently listed in the recall population; rather, my vehicle demonstrates the same failure mode that prompted the recalls. My concern is that vehicles equipped with the same engine and experiencing the same defect may continue to pose a safety risk to drivers and passengers. A coolant loss event and overheating condition can result in significant engine damage, sudden loss of vehicle operation, costly repairs, and the potential for an engine compartment fire. respectfully request that this matter be reviewed and that Ford be required to re-evaluate their decision.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

Vehicle makes strange sounds from the fuel fill inlet and proceeds to stall shortly after while driving and most of the times fails to restart based on my own research it looks like purge valve issues My safety was put at risk by almost being rear ended multiple times from stalling on the expressway and red lights The problem has not been reproduced yet by the dealer it will be looked at on 07/15/26 The component has not been inspected yet The check engine light illuminated when the issue started

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Engine · MI

Engine lacks substantial power and has almost cause multiple collisions. Check engine light is on for a P0299 turbocharger underboost code Based off of my own research it looks like the part is the whole turbocharger assembly or the east gate solenoid I believe it’s a safety issue for merging onto expressways and not being fully up to speed and because of trying to turn onto busy highways The problem has been reproduced by the dealer but not fixed The components themselves have not been inspected There was no check engine light until the issue started happening

Filed May 29, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · NJ

The vehicle goes into limp mode without warning no matter the speed. cylinder head temp sensor is not applicable on this 1.6 engine model. The coolant over temp light illuminates with or without the car running. coolant temperature sensor was replaced and indicates no faults to the obd. the coolant level and temperature is within spec.

Questions about the 2013 Ford Fusion engine

Does the 2013 Ford Fusion have engine problems?

Owners have filed 448 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Ford Fusion, 25% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2013 Ford Fusion engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 88,737 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Ford Fusion engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 17V209000, 12V551000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2013 Ford Fusion problems

Steering 389Transmission 281Body 164Electrical 160Fuel system 142Airbags 101Seat belts 100Locks 85Brakes 73Acceleration 43Driver assistance 43Wheels 32Lights 30Visibility 29Seats 27Suspension 11Tires 5

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