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Ford Fusion transmission failure problems

218 of the 22,468 owner complaints about the Ford Fusion describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2010 model year.

owner complaints
218
worst model year
2010
typical repair cost reported
$4,875
typical mileage
75,000
Is there a fix? There are 8 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Slipping 32Check engine light 26Jerking 25Won't shift 19Loss of power 18Stalling 17Harsh shifting 15Hesitation 14

Trouble codes mentioned

P0741 2P175B 1P0735 1P0352 1P0316 1P0302 1P0299 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Transmission · MD

Formal Transmission Failure Complaint – 2015 Ford Fusion I am submitting a formal complaint regarding the transmission failure of my 2015 Ford Fusion. I purchased this vehicle in 2023. In September 2026, the transmission failed, leaving the vehicle inoperable. I am concerned that this failure may be associated with a manufacturing defect or known transmission problem affecting this vehicle model. I am requesting that this failure be documented and investigated to determine whether similar complaints, technical service bulletins, safety investigations, or recalls are associated with this transmission.

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 Oct 6, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · SC

The automatic transmission failed at approximately 59,000 miles. The vehicle was delivered to an authorized Ford dealership on 09/04/2025 for warranty repair. The transmission was replaced. The vehicle remained at that dealership approximately eight months and was returned to me on or about 05/01/2026. After return, a grinding and clunking noise was present when accelerating, turning, braking and going over bumps. A power steering line failed within days of return and emitted smoke from the front of the vehicle while driving. A "Shift System Fault" message began appearing when shifting into reverse and continues to appear intermittently. The same dealership performed three further repair visits. Their repair orders document multiple loose bolts holding the transmission mount to the transmission, an improperly installed exhaust, and a loose right hand CV shaft nut. On 08/14/2026 I took the vehicle to a second, unaffiliated authorized Ford dealership for an independent inspection. On a lift they found all four subframe bolts loose, the right front subframe bolt not fully seated and cross threaded so that it could not be tightened further, and the four smaller rear subframe bolts missing entirely. They also documented that no one-time-use fasteners had been billed on the original transmission repair. They tightened the loose bolts, replaced the cross threaded bolt, installed the four missing bolts, and confirmed by road test that the noise was eliminated. The subframe carries the engine, transmission and front suspension. The vehicle was driven approximately 1,700 miles over roughly three months, including highway driving, in this condition before the loose and missing fasteners were found. Repair orders from both dealerships are available for inspection.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Transmission · LA

I was driving my 2017 Ford Fusion Platinum on my way home and the wrench light came on and said check manual when i looked in my app the only thing that was in the maintenance was my 90k maintenance . my car is driving fine no RPM jumping no smoking no burning smell no shaking nothing ( the wrench light was off when i cranked it to take my daughter to work Saturday morning ) well Saturday on my way home from bring my daughter to work my check engine light came on still my car is driving fine when i looked in my Ford App at the check engine light warning which was these two warnings The transmission control system has detected the transmission torque converter clutch is not operating as expected. Additional alerts that may provide additional information may accompany this alert .A reduction in vehicle fuel economy may also occur when the fault is present. The transmission control module has detected that the torque converter clutch failed to apply. This system failsafe logic disables the torque converter clutch when this condition is present. This results in a higher than normal engine RPM's during higher vehicle cruising speeds and reduced fuel economy. now my car is still driving fine. i took it to auto zone to put the computer on it and it read this code P0741 which gives this Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off, which indicates that the vehicle's computer commanded the torque converter clutch to lock up, but it is failing to do so. i took it to our ford dealer ship and he stated oh yes you need a whole new transmission which is 7200$ do you want to pay now .... Im shocked that my car would need a new transmission... i have seen recalls for Torque Converter for the fusion .. but my vin is not showing this recall is there anyone else experiencing this

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Transmission · TX

The flexplate has failed twice since a dealer-performed transmission replacement in June 2024, once in August 2025 and again in August 2026. A flexplate failure causes sudden loss of the ability to move the vehicle under power, which is a safety hazard, particularly while merging, accelerating onto a highway, or in traffic. A Ford service bulletin covering the closely related Escape with the same engine and transaxle architecture documents that flexplate cracking is linked to engine-to-transaxle alignment issues that arise whenever the engine and transmission are separated, which is exactly the service performed during a transmission replacement. This report is filed because the recurrence of an identical failure mode, on a known-affected platform, without resolution by the servicing dealer, appears to reflect an unresolved and potentially widespread mechanical defect rather than an isolated incident."

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Transmission · SC

I was coming home from work and when I tried to shift the gear from drive to park it was stuck on drive and Neutral I contacted the car dealer and they said ford has had this issue that it was a recall on it so I researched and found out that Ford issued major safety recalls (Recall 22S43 and 18S20) for 2017 Ford Fusions regarding a degraded transmission shifter cable bushing. This defect can cause the shifter cable to detach. Consequently, the car may roll away unexpectedly because the transmission isn't actually in Park, even though the shifter says it is.Recall DetailsThe Problem: The underhood shift cable bushing can degrade and fail over time.The Remedy: Ford dealers will replace the transmission shifter cable bushing and add a protective cap over it free of charge (parts and labor). It my VIN# was not coming up as a recall and this is an ongoing issue for this car and I would like to get this resolved as soon as possible with ford recall please thank you

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Transmission · FL

A failed transmission cooling line caused the transmission fluid to leak. At no point did the vehicle display a check engine light, transmission warning, or any other indication that there was a problem. According to the Ford dealership, the transmission fluid had been leaking for some time. Because the transmission pan is wrapped in a fabric-like insulating material, the leaking fluid was absorbed rather than dripping onto the ground, making the leak virtually impossible for an owner to detect during normal use. The dealership also advised that this condition could have created a potential fire hazard within the engine compartment. The vehicle has only approximately 40,000 miles, making this type of catastrophic transmission failure especially concerning for a relatively low-mileage vehicle. The first and only symptom occurred when I started the vehicle one day. It hesitated, struggled to shift out of first gear, and drove abnormally. I immediately drove it to the Ford dealership, where it was diagnosed with a complete transmission failure. The vehicle is currently at the dealership, and I have been presented with an estimated repair cost of approximately $12,000. My primary concern is that there was absolutely no warning before this major failure. No warning lights, no diagnostic alerts, and no indication that a significant transmission fluid leak or internal transmission damage was occurring. A safety-critical failure of this magnitude should provide drivers with some form of warning before resulting in complete transmission failure.

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Transmission · MI

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

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Engine · 119,322 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a local dealer, and the transmission was replaced; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer provided the contact with a rental vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinders #2 and #4, DTC: P0316; and associated the failure with Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact associated the failure with TSB 22-2322; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,322.

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

My transmission failed for the 2nd time, possibly due to the recall involving the bushings. My engine has oil leaking from the head gasket, I read it could be due to the coolant overheating and getting into the engine. My cruise control doesn't work, when i press lower speed it shifts higher and vice versa.

Related recalls

Power train: manual transmissionReported June 9, 2026 · 5,252 vehicles affected
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/rodReported June 10, 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles affected
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 shiftReported May 13, 2019 · 259,182 vehicles affected
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 shiftReported July 16, 2018 · 504,182 vehicles affected
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 transmissionReported March 12, 2018 · 5,361 vehicles affected
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 converterReported July 6, 2017 · 6,026 vehicles affected
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)Reported November 18, 2014 · 56,479 vehicles affected
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 transmissionReported May 24, 2010 · 19 vehicles affected
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 transmission failure

Which Ford Fusion years have complete transmission failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2010 (45 complaints), 2017 (39 complaints) and 2014 (26 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Ford Fusion?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,875 (median of 32 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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