2019 Ford Fusion: jerking or lurching

Filed Oct 18, 2025 · Transmission · TX

I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the transmission system of my Ford Fusion, specifically related to the valve body and torque converter. The malfunction of these components causes sudden, unpredictable surges or lunges in acceleration, even when the vehicle is being driven at steady speeds or when lightly applying the accelerator. The issue appears to stem from improper pressure regulation or fluid flow within the transmission valve body, which causes erratic shifting and delayed engagement. When this malfunction occurs, the torque converter can fail to properly manage torque transfer, resulting in sudden and forceful forward motion of the vehicle. While driving on a highway at approximately 65 mph, my vehicle suddenly lurched forward aggressively, as if it had downshifted or received a surge of power without any change in throttle input. This caused the car to rapidly accelerate momentarily, nearly causing me to lose control. The unexpected forward thrust startled me and forced me to take immediate corrective action to maintain my lane and prevent a collision with a nearby vehicle. In another instance, while slowing down to a stop, the car lunged forward again instead of decelerating smoothly, nearly causing me to roll into an intersection. This created a dangerous situation for myself, my passengers, and surrounding traffic. This defect creates a significant risk of collision due to the vehicle’s unpredictable acceleration behavior. The driver cannot reliably control speed or anticipate when the car may suddenly surge forward. The issue compromises both vehicle stability and driver reaction time, particularly at higher speeds or in traffic. If this problem were to occur in a congested area, at a stoplight, or near pedestrians, it could result in a serious crash, injury, or fatality. The failure of the valve body and torque converter in the Ford Fusion represents a critical mechanical defect that directly impacts safe operation of the vehicle.

Filed Nov 18, 2024 · Engine · TX

Took my car to get looked at due to car overheating, jerking and smoke coming from muffler within a few weeks turns out air coolant leaking into engine. Had to get new engine paid $5,500.

Filed Oct 8, 2024 · Engine · CA

The wrench light came on and a warning stating "SHIFT SYS FAULT Service Required" showed. The dial shifter would automatically go back to "P" after shifting to "R" or "D." At first it would drive but would not go in reverse. My daughter had driven to work and the car stalled just as she was leaving the parking space, but lurched a few times as she tried to figure out the problem. If she had been on the street, this could have caused an accident. I bought a replacement part (Transmission Shifter Bushing Transit Connect) from a Ford dealership and fixed the problem. The cap and connect had disintegrated. The wrench light went away and the car was fine for two months. The part disintegrated again today. The car has not been inspected by any representatives.

Filed Sep 27, 2024 · Engine · 50,879 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire, and the vehicle jerked abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,879.

Filed Dec 8, 2023 · Engine · 81,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed the vehicle began jerking. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that coolant leaked into the cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

Filed Mar 27, 2023 · Transmission · 78,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was jerking. There was o warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number:Â 17V427000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2023 · Engine · 84,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle misfired and jerked. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that coolant was leaking into the cylinders causing the misfire. The dealer confirmed that the failure was related to service bulletin with the federal safety agency ID Number: 10214126 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

Filed Feb 18, 2020 · Engine · 4,895 miles · NV

So when I'm driving down the road it will start doing weird stuff .. Like jerking and applying the breaks and then the car just shuts off and then it take about a couple mins for it to come back on so I think this is a danger & safety hazard