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ProblemsByVin File / 2011-FORD-FUSION NHTSA data synced 5 days ago
2011 · Ford

Ford Fusion problems

1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 2,776 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.

0 5 10
Reliability score
5.0 / 10

Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.

1
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 Fusion?
Avoid — the steering

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
1419 reports · avg $700
critical
airbags
293 reports · avg $1,100
severe
powertrain
232 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
brakes
161 reports · avg $450
moderate
cruise control
158 reports · avg $600
severe
electrical
98 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
90 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
fuel system
57 reports · avg $1,200
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2011 Fusion's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2011 Fusion?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2011 Fusion · brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford fusion. The contact stated that while his nephew was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes malfunctioned causing the brake pedal to extended to the floor. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately stop. After restarting the…
2011 Fusion · brakes
I was driving my 2011 Ford fusion hybrid at around thirty MPH on a city street and my brake system warning light popped up on the dashboard. As soon as that happen I had no brakes, and there was no resistance in the brakes. They went straight to the floor, luckily I was able to…
2011 Fusion · steering
While driving, the advance trac light came on. Then an error message telling me to service power steering. The wheel suddenly became hard to turn while driving. There was no advanced warning. As soon as the light came on, the car became difficult to steer. *js
2011 Fusion · steering
Steering failure assist light came on first thing this morning at 6:30am. Was wondering if this has ever been a recalled part for the 2011 Ford fusion. *js
View all 2,776 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2011 Ford Fusion? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 4

critical NHTSA 16V384000 May 31, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
severe NHTSA 14E028000 May 29, 2014

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain all weather driver side accessory floor mats sold for use in model year 2006-2011 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2007-2011 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 9, 2007, through October 31, 2010

The floor mat could shift such that it could interfere with the accelerator pedal, preventing its return to an idle position, which could result in unintended vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new replacement mats, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S07. NOTE: Vehicles built after October 31, 2010, while potentially equipped with the same floor mats, are equipped with a Brake Over Accelerator (BOA) feature that prevents simultaneous accelerator and brake application, allowing the vehicle to be safely stopped by pressing firmly and steadily on the brake pedal.
severe NHTSA 15V793000 November 24, 2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured July 21, 2008, to March 4, 2011, and 2010-2011 Mercury Milan vehicles manufactured July 23, 2008, to December 10, 2010

The pressure changes may cause the tank to crack and leak fuel. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle powertrain control modules and inspect the vehicle for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for this issue and perform a leak test on the Canister Purge Valve (CPV). The fuel tank will be inspected for cracks. The CPV and fuel tank will be replaced as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S34.
View all 4 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2011 Ford Fusion reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.0 out of 10 based on 2,776 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Ford Fusion has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2011 Ford Fusion?

On the NHTSA data, the 2011 Ford Fusion is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 42 crash-related complaints on the steering; Cruise-control: 158 complaints, classified severe; Reliability score 5.0/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2011 Ford Fusion?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 1,419 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Fusion has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Ford Fusion?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 2,776 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Ford/Fusion. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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