Following the execution of mandatory Emissions Recall 25E01 (PCM Reprogramming) by a Ford dealership, my vehicle suffered a severe network software corruption causing unintended engine acceleration and a sticking throttle. The engine holds its RPMs and continues holding until I release my foot off the gas pedal and when the car is placed in reverse the car puts/jerks. Additionally, the electronic trunk latch fires spontaneously , causing the trunk lid to fly open while in motion and/or while the car is off and locked along with other electrical issues. When the trunk opens after I’ve locked and secured my car, it has caused my car battery to drain overnight and required multiple jumps before operating again, I have since received a new battery as a resort of this electrical disturbance.The dealership has confirmed drivetrain issues but refuses an immediate remedy. This is forcing me to operate a criminally non-compliant and unsafe vehicle that I notified the dealership immediately and same day in June 2026. More problems continuously presents itself.
Ford Fusion jerking problems
659 of the 22,465 owner complaints about the Ford Fusion describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 2010 model year.
- owner complaints
- 659
- worst model year
- 2010
- typical repair cost reported
- $593
- typical mileage
- 60,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 101Stalling 92Loss of power 85Slipping 41Hesitation 37Power steering loss 33Harsh shifting 30Transmission failure 25
Trouble codes mentioned
P2111 9P1450 2P0302 2P0131 2U0415 1P2701 1P1299 1P07AE 1P0456 1P0303 1
What owners say
2020 Fusion SEL with 41,000 miles. While driving at 65 mph with adaptive cruise control engaged, the vehicle suddenly jerked on two separate occasions during a three-hour drive.
Orange wrench light came on dash with see manual ( symbol represents powertrain malfunction). Car lost power and started jerky shifting between second and third gear. We limped the car home and parked until we could get an appointment at the dealership for service. Took it to dealership. They found the powertrain maintenance light wasn't on and no current or historical codes present. Dealership road tested vehicle and verified delayed harsh shifting between 2-3 gears with no codes present. Dealership states most likely has an internal failure starting in the forward, direct or intermediate clutch. Transmission would have to be torn down to diagnose cause. They recommend replacing the transmission as being more cost effective. Transmission has approximately 145000 miles (engine was replaced under 36000 miles due to head gasket failure- replace under warranty as manufuring defect found at a scheduled oil change) so odometer only shows 117000 miles. This car was purchased new and we purchased the extended warranty and service package. It has been consistently serviced on schedule by the dealership.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering functionality while decelerating. The vehicle jerked, and a driver assistance system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,017.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. While the contact’s girlfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel jerked and pulled to the right. Due to the failure, the steering wheel seized, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. The driver was able to avoid striking the curve. An unknown code was displayed. The contact was called and went to the scene of the failure. The vehicle was driven back to the residence nearby. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. While researching, the contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V340000 (STEERING) and associated the failure with the recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Automatic transmission failed No warning No smells no shaking no jerking no light on dash board until it went out that's when it jerk and still no check engine light just a wrench that popped up once
I was driving my car one day and as I was coming down the road the car jerked and picked up speed like on its on and I had to really stop abruptly to stop the car. I thought that was strange, I didn't have any warning lights or any indication that anything was going on I just thought it was weird, then like 2 days later as was driving the car would do this random jerk but again no lights on any indication anything was wrong so I went to work car seemed fine, got on the high way to go pick up my grand kid after work and when I signaled to change lanes attempted to accelerate to pass, the car just hummed and my speed started to diminish and I immediately coasted to nearest exit because I could not accelerate more than 15 mies, I coasted to a strip mall turned the car off waited til I thought the car settled for a moment and attempted to start the car and when I put the car in gear it jerked but as I tried to accelerate it just hummed and no speed overc15 . So I left the car got it towed the next day to another shop because any ford dealerships I called to see if I could tow for diagnostic test said they had extensive waiting period like one had weeks before they could look at the car. So I had it towed to another car lot who had a good business rating to be told that it seems to look like something had came loose from the transmission. That i may have to get it replaced, this car starts right up, didn't give me any indication of a problem and doesn't even have a hundred thousand miles on it. Where did ford drop the ball on this car? Im very disappointed , I attempted to drive the car around the corner one day trying to explain to my neighbor the weird behavior of the car and the transmission piece I was told that cane loose, and the car ran fine for about 20 minutes even picking up speed and everything then the moment I got back on my block its like it got warm and then we had to push it back on the driveway it went back to not being able to accelerate.again
After I bought from personal owner feb. 3rd 2025 I drove 50 miles and overheated before I made it home . The check engine light came on it showed up as a bank 1 bank 3 misfire also camshaft position sensor so I replaced these things and it still was losing coolant oil is just fine. Every time I would drive it it would still overheat I would keep putting more antifreeze in to make it home. It started to misfire very badly still loosing coolant jerking when I would try to give it gas and some times would hardly move . I changed the thermostat still the same . So then I replaced the catalytic converter still nothing changed . Took it to a shop and he looked all over it couldn't find anywhere that the coolant could have been escaping he did find and replace the vvt solenoid. Worked for a very short period. So as the problems progressed and the car wouldn't even go 3 minutes without overheating and jerking losing almost all of its power my brother put a head tester on it and conducted the test to show it has a bad head so its not able to be driven to be checked by any dealership or anything also isn't under recall . Yes it is a safety hazard when I was able to drive it was losing power I couldn't gain speed even with a full pedal so took the risk of being hit from behind if a car had come up behind me .
Brakes, emergency brake, brake switchs. Backup camera turns black while backing up. And yes it’s available for inspection. Car keeps braking and jerking in the other lane by itself. Emergency brake kept coming on by itself randomly. Also I almost hit someone when my back up camera went black. Yes the problem have been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Yes it have been inspected manufactures police and insurance representatives. Yes ever single light came on. Advanctrac light. Brake light, emergency break light, abs light and traction control light and tpms and airbags light.
The car is experiencing jerks between gear shifts. Almost hit another car due to this car movement when it shifts between gears
Related recalls
Power train: manual transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
- Risk
- A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were October 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on on July 6,2026.
Recall number 26V376000 · Recall details
Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- Risk
- A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Recall number 22V413000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S16. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made. This recall is an expansion of 18V471.
Recall number 19V362000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.
Recall number 18V471000 · Recall details
Power train: manual transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission and 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Also included are four 2017 Ford Focus vehicles that had clutch replacements with potentially affected parts. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
- Risk
- A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. Owners of Fusion vehicles will have their clutch assembly replaced free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07.
Recall number 18V169000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge and Fusion vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
- Risk
- If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford or Lincoln will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16.
Recall number 17V427000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured July 27, 2013, to October 31, 2014, 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to October 31, 2014, and 2015 Ford Fusion Energi vehicles manufactured July 14, 2014, to October 31, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the key may be able to be removed even while the transmission is not in Park. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Risk
- If the key can be removed despite that the transmission is not in Park, a driver may think the vehicle is safety parked, when it is not, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway that could cause the vehicle to strike and injure the driver, other vehicle occupants, or bystanders.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14C11.
Recall number 14V736000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 fusion, milan, and escape vehicles manufactured from february 27, through march 26, 2010. The park rod guide retention pin may not have been properly installed which fails to conform to the requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection and rollaway prevention".
- Risk
- A vehicle parked without an engaged park pawl and without an applied parking brake may have unintended movement which may cause a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on may 28, 2010. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1‑866‑436‑7332 and for the hearing impaired call 1‑800‑232‑5952 (tdd). Representatives are available monday through friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm.
Recall number 10V222000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Fusion jerking
Which Ford Fusion years have jerking or lurching problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2010 (255 complaints), 2011 (70 complaints) and 2012 (57 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix jerking or lurching on the Ford Fusion?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $593 (median of 49 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Ford Fusion?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history