2015 Ford Fusion: engine stalls while driving

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · FL · crash

Year/Make/Model: 2015 Ford Fusion Engine Type: 1.5L EcoBoost 4-Cylinder Description of Safety Flaw and Incident: My vehicle is experiencing severe overheating and internal engine fluid loss due to the widely documented Ford EcoBoost coolant intrusion defect. The vehicle routinely runs hot, losing coolant rapidly with no external signs of a visible hose or radiator leak as well as failure of the brake lighting stop bumper and purge valve connecting to the gasline after fueling. This issue causes the vehicle to rapidly overheat while in motion, forcing sudden loss of engine power (limp mode) during highway driving. Car not properly cranking after fueling and brake light continuously being on even when brakes not being pressed. This unexpected drop in speed creates an immediate crash hazard for myself and surrounding traffic. Coolant entering the combustion chamber also fouls the spark plugs, causing severe engine stalling, rough idling, and misfires. I've spent several dollars fixing these malfunctions that have continuously persist. Ford Motor Company has historically been aware of this structural defect involving coolant leaking across the cylinder bore walls, yet failed to issue a comprehensive safety recall for 2015 models. I am filing this complaint to urge the federal safety agency to open a formal defect investigation and mandate a safety recall, as this component failure leaves drivers stranded in hazardous traffic situations.

Filed Oct 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

I have been having issues with the vehicle where it will stall. This even happened when I was driving on the NJ turnpike, it stalled while driving and I had to pull over (thankfully I could) to restart the vehicle. It took the dealer 3 weeks to finally figure out the issue and tracked it down to a bad BCM (Body Control Module). I researched this further and found some interesting information. A significant number of 2015 Fusion owners report similar electrical glitches, with some experiencing a complete loss of power to multiple systems, including the center console, AC, and power windows. Diagnostics have identified water intrusion and corrosion in specific connectors, such as C134 near the front bumper, as a root cause, which can be resolved by cleaning and applying electric grease. However, a failing BCM itself is a common diagnosis, especially when multiple systems fail simultaneously and no other obvious cause is found. Replacing the BCM is a known solution, but it requires programming with the vehicle's specific as-built information and PATS key programming to function correctly; a new OEM BCM typically costs around $500. The BCM must be programmed using specialized diagnostic tools like Ford IDS software or equivalent, and the process includes steps like parameter reset, CEI configuration, and battery monitor sensor reset. While some owners have successfully bypassed the BCM using an external relay for specific functions like parking lights, this is a complex workaround and not a standard fix for a failing BCM. Persistent issues, especially those that recur after resets or component replacements, often point to a defective BCM, though other factors like a faulty wiring harness or a bad ground connection should also be ruled out. Given the prevalence of these problems across 2010–2019 Ford Fusions, some owners have advocated for a recall, citing safety concerns.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 216,700 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and restarted the vehicle. The message "Transmission Not in Park" was displayed. The contact stated that while veering to the left lane, the vehicle started to shudder. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 216,700.

Filed Jun 4, 2025 · Engine · DC

I only have 85k miles on my 2015 Ford Fusion. One day the check engine light came on, my car started stalling, shaking, and making noise. I stopped the car and checked the engine- coolant was exhausted. Upon taking to get it checked- the head gasket and short block were blown/cracked. The coolant had leaked into the engine. This should not have happened on a car with this low of mileage. I did my research and this is a well known issue for Ford Fusions during this time range. I called Ford and they told me there is nothing that they could do.

Filed Apr 11, 2025 · Engine · CA

The engine (1.5L EcoBoost) has suffered a failure due to coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, which has led to repeated engine misfires. Trouble codes P0303 (misfire cylinder 3) and P0316 (misfire on startup) were found. The vehicle is currently available for inspection, and a diagnosis was performed by two Ford-certified mechanics using a borescope, confirming the presence of coolant in the combustion chamber. The misfires cause rough running, hesitation, and potential stalling, especially during startup and acceleration. This creates dangerous situations in traffic, such as loss of power while merging or crossing intersections, increasing the risk of a collision. Both technicians concluded the engine has coolant intrusion and recommended a short block replacement as the only viable fix. I was quoted approximately $10,000 for the repair. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer (Ford), but despite acknowledging this is a known issue with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine in various Ford models, they are unwilling to assist with covering the cost of the repair in my case. The Check Engine Light initially came on intermittently and then became constant. Symptoms such as engine misfires, rough idling, and hard starts appeared around the same time, several weeks ago, and have progressively worsened since.

Filed Mar 21, 2025 · Engine · 149,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire. Additionally, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and became aware of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

Filed Mar 4, 2025 · Engine · 128,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle was emitting white smoke from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that her husband had not observed any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and her husband had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 - Coolant intrusion into the short block (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Filed Jan 13, 2025 · Fuel system · 80,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and was diagnosed with canister purge valve failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light became illuminated. The failure recurred two more times. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2024 · Fuel system · 160,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact made several attempts to restart the vehicle before being able to continue driving. The failure at first was intermittent but became more persistent. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the EVAP system had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed May 28, 2024 · Fuel system · GA

After fueling in the car up i drive it and it stalls out while driving

Filed Jan 5, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · 39,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving on a highway at unknown speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact activated the hazard lights and veered to the side of the road. While the contact’s wife was reversing, the vehicle began to drive roughly and stalled. Upon accelerating from a stop light, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's son inspected the vehicle and received codes for low fuel pressure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed him that there was low fuel pressure and that the fuel pump and fuel sensor needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

Filed Jan 3, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

Previously, about 5-6 times the car experienced sputtering and then stalling shortly after a warm engine restart. After 2 tries, the car would continue running. No check engine. No codes stored. Final time (before a scheduled shop visit) it stalled on a busy 4-lane road at rush hour and would not restart. Wife managed to manuever into the middle turn lane. Would not restart. Car displayed (unhelpfully) to check the owners manual. Towed to Firestone who found bad spark plugs (in particular cylinder 3) showing coolant leakage. Firestone seemed to be aware of the systemic issues (said replacing plugs was not solving the root problem, but they don't do engine replacements. Estimated that the car might run correctly for maybe a year. Car stalled again 3 days later). Coolant level was low. My experience seems similar to many others (ie., 2013-19 engine coolant leak). Car at dealership.