Which year to buy
Best betNo standoutNo year is clearly better than the rest
Newest we'd buy2020The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2010Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2011–2013, 2017More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2011CAREFULSerious complaints 2.2× usual, mostly steering and air bags Extended coverage
2,733 serious complaints of 2,918, the most about steering (1,471) and air bags (364); per car on the road, 2.2× this model's usual year. 9 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA12009: floor mat interference with accelerator. NHTSA investigation EA17004: power steering failure.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2011 ford fusion. While attempting to drive the vehicle, the steering wheel shook and the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 15v340000 (steering), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Nov 2015
“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 ford fusion. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v158000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, May 2021
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Ford/lincoln: there is an extended warranty coverage for the loss of abs speed signal related communication that disable obdii system monitors for pcm reprogramming. (CSP-14N02, Aug 2014)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
2,918 owner complaints · 9 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19–38 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2011 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid; 3.0L 6-cyl, 240 hp; 3.5L 6-cyl, 263 hp · Drive: AWD, FWD
2011 Fusion trims
| Hybrid | S | SE | SEL AWD | SEL FWD | Sport AWD | Sport FWD |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Ford reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Ford aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 181 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 188–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 188–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 188–240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp | AWD, FWD | 23–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 234 | Electrical system (80) | Yes |
| 2019 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 181 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 188–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 188–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 188–240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, 325 hp | AWD, FWD | 20–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 470 | Engine (171) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 181 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 188–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 188–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 188–240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, 325 hp | AWD, FWD | 20–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 507 | Engine (209) | Yes |
| 2017 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 181 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 188–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 188–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 188–240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 141–175 hp 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, 325 hp | AWD, FWD | 20–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 1196 | Engine (404) | Yes |
| 2016 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 141–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 141–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 141–240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 141–175 hp | AWD, FWD | 25–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 13 | 1709 | Engine (463) | No |
| 2015 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 141–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 141–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 141–240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 141–175 hp | AWD, FWD | 25–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 13 | 1061 | Engine (279) | No |
| 2014 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 141–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 141–240 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 141–240 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp manual available | AWD, FWD | 25–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 19 | 1429 | Steering (343) | No |
| 2013 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 185 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 185 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 185 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp manual available | AWD, FWD | 25–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 20 | 1956 | Steering (418) | No |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl, 240 hp 3.5L 6-cyl, 263 hp manual available | AWD, FWD | 19–38 mpg | 4 of 5 | 6 | 2616 | Steering (1511) | No |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl, 240 hp 3.5L 6-cyl, 263 hp manual available | AWD, FWD | 19–38 mpg | 4 of 5 | 9 | 2918 | Steering (1471) | No |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl, 240 hp 3.5L 6-cyl, 263 hp manual available | AWD, FWD | 19–39 mpg | Not rated | 13 | 5924 | Steering (1812) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Fusion 2017–2020 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 183 |
| 2020 | Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 183 |
| 2020 | Ford Fusion Energi 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 43 |
| 2020 | Ford Fusion HEV 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 8 |
| 2019 | Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 377 |
| 2019 | Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 377 |
| 2019 | Ford Fusion Energi 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 58 |
| 2019 | Ford Fusion Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 336 |
| 2018 | Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 441 |
| 2018 | Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 441 |
| 2018 | Ford Fusion Energi 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 0 | 7 |
| 2018 | Ford Fusion Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 59 |
| 2017 | Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 1110 |
| 2017 | Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 1110 |
| 2017 | Ford Fusion Energi 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 4 | 1031 |
| 2017 | Ford Fusion Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 1083 |
| 2016 | Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 13 | 1709 |
| 2016 | Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 13 | 1709 |
| 2016 | Ford Fusion Energi 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 11 | 1465 |
| 2016 | Ford Fusion Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 11 | 1465 |
| 2015 | Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 14 | 1061 |
| 2015 | Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 14 | 1061 |
| 2015 | Ford Fusion Energi 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 13 | 995 |
| 2015 | Ford Fusion Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 13 | 995 |
| 2014 | Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 20 | 1429 |
| 2014 | Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 20 | 1429 |
| 2014 | Ford Fusion Energi 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 19 | 1348 |
| 2014 | Ford Fusion Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 19 | 1348 |
| 2013 | Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 20 | 1956 |
| 2013 | Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 20 | 1956 |
| 2013 | Ford Fusion Energi 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 18 | 1774 |
| 2013 | Ford Fusion Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 19 | 1861 |
| 2012 | Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 2616 |
| 2012 | Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 2616 |
| 2012 | Ford Fusion Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 2558 |
| 2011 | Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD | 4 | No | No | 9 | 2786 |
| 2011 | Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 9 | 2786 |
| 2011 | Ford Fusion Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 9 | 2869 |
| 2010 | Ford Fusion 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 13 | 5129 |
| 2010 | Ford Fusion Hybrid 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 795 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Fusion AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2020 | Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2020 | Fusion FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–27 |
| 2020 | Fusion Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2020 | Fusion Hybrid Taxi | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 41 |
| 2020 | Fusion Special Service PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2019 | Fusion AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo |
20–23 |
| 2019 | Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2019 | Fusion FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
25–27 |
| 2019 | Fusion Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2019 | Fusion Hybrid Taxi | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 41 |
| 2019 | Fusion Special Service Vehicle PHEV | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2018 | Fusion AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo |
20–23 |
| 2018 | Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2018 | Fusion FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
25–27 |
| 2018 | Fusion Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2017 | Fusion AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo |
20–23 |
| 2017 | Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2017 | Fusion FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
25–27 |
| 2017 | Fusion Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2016 | Fusion AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2016 | Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 38 |
| 2016 | Fusion FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo, SIDI; Stop-Start Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo, SIDI Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
26–29 |
| 2016 | Fusion Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 41 |
| 2015 | Fusion AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2015 | Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 38 |
| 2015 | Fusion FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo, SIDI; with Stop/Start Technology Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo, SIDI Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
26–29 |
| 2015 | Fusion Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 41 |
| 2014 | Fusion AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2014 | Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 38 |
| 2014 | Fusion FWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo, SIDI; with Stop/Start Technology Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo, SIDI Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo, SIDI Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
26–29 |
| 2014 | Fusion Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 41 |
| 2013 | Fusion AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2013 | Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 38 |
| 2013 | Fusion FWD | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo, SIDI Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo, SIDI; with Stop/Start Technology Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo, SIDI Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
26–29 |
| 2013 | Fusion Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 41 |
| 2012 | Fusion AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L | 19 |
| 2012 | Fusion AWD FFV | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 20 |
| 2012 | Fusion FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–26 |
| 2012 | Fusion FWD FFV | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 23 |
| 2012 | Fusion Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 38 |
| 2012 | Fusion S FWD | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 25 |
| 2011 | Fusion AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L | 19 |
| 2011 | Fusion AWD FFV | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 20 |
| 2011 | Fusion FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–26 |
| 2011 | Fusion FWD FFV | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 23 |
| 2011 | Fusion Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 38 |
| 2011 | Fusion S FWD | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 25 |
| 2010 | Fusion AWD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L | 19 |
| 2010 | Fusion AWD FFV | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 21 |
| 2010 | Fusion FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–25 |
| 2010 | Fusion FWD FFV | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 22 |
| 2010 | Fusion Hybrid FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2010 | Fusion S FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
25–27 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.