The 2013 Ford Fusion has 1,955 NHTSA owner complaints and 19 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 418 complaints (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
The problems owners report most, open recalls, and the mileage where failures cluster — straight from the NHTSA record, in seconds.
Reliability score
2.6 / 10
Significant reliability concerns on file. Read the trouble spots before buying.
0
Critical
19
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Fusion?
Avoid — the engine
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
5 fire-related complaints and 9 crash-related complaints on the steering
Engine: 317 complaints, classified severe
Powertrain: 287 complaints, classified severe
Reliability score 2.6/10 — below the segment average
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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★4/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 Ford Fusion? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 418 owner reports
· ~$700 to fix
engine — 317 owner reports
· ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 287 owner reports
· ~$2,500 to fix
body — 160 owner reports
· ~$1,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 19 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 2.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2013 Fusion· steering
Steering stopped working during drive home. It is now at my house. Safety was impacted because it became problematic during the drive. I had an independent mechanic evaluate the car today, he stated that this make and model of a vehicle is known to have this problem, and…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford fusion. While driving 35 MPH, the contact had to use excessive strength to turn the steering wheel and the low power steering warning indicator illuminated, the vehicle was taken to paul cerame Ford (11400 new halls ferry road, florissant, mo…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while her son was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled with a whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the…
Had a problem with your 2013 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845
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.
Fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. 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 NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles
A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
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
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.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 2.6 out of 10 based on 1,955 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 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 2013 Ford Fusion?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Ford Fusion is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 5 fire-related complaints and 9 crash-related complaints on the steering; Engine: 317 complaints, classified severe; Powertrain: 287 complaints, classified severe; Reliability score 2.6/10 — below the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Ford Fusion?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 418 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Ford Fusion a good used car to buy?
It scores 2.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,955 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Ford Fusion?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 418 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 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 2013 Ford Fusion?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,955 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, 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.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 12 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Fusion.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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