Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford Fusion body problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Ford Fusion have filed 160 NHTSA complaints about the body, typically surfacing around 60,000 miles at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
160
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
| Model year | body complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Fusion | 31 |
| 2010 Fusion | 64 |
| 2011 Fusion | 49 |
| 2012 Fusion | 77 |
| 2013 Fusion (this page) | 160 |
| 2014 Fusion | 71 |
| 2015 Fusion | 24 |
| 2016 Fusion | 39 |
| 2017 Fusion | 4 |
1crash
1fire
7injuries
What stands out
Of the 12 model years of Ford Fusion we track for body problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 160.
Owners have filed 160 body complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus,2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2020 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2020 F-Super Duty, 2018-2020 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2020 Ranger/Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or a clunk/thump noise on turns. This may be due to the seat pan track. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to install a reinforcement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant failure is door latches that don't latch or pop open while driving. Owners describe a plastic latch assembly with an internal spring tab that breaks, leaving the door either unable to close at all or closing partway without triggering a warning light—a dangerous combination on highway speeds. Doors swing open during turns; some owners have had to secure them with seat belts, ropes, or duct tape just to drive to a dealer.
Ford has issued multiple recalls (15S16, 15V246000, 17V210000, 20V-177) for this exact problem. The snag: many 2013 Fusions built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant are excluded from recall lists by VIN, even though owners experience identical failures. Those whose VINs do fall under recall discover that replacement parts fail again 14–48 months later—suggesting the "fix" itself is defective. Ford limits recall warranty to one year; after that, repair costs ($150–$550) fall on the owner. Dealerships sometimes replace only the failed door instead of all four latches as the recall specifies, yet owners can't force them to do otherwise until parts arrive.
One owner reported severe mold in the cabin by 2.5 years of ownership; dealership flushes and filter replacements did not eliminate it. Another noted large rear-pillar blind spots that obstruct over 50% of the crosswalk view, requiring head movement to see around them when turning.
Same Ford Fusion body reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Door latch failure — loss of secure latch function
The door latch fails to engage or remain engaged, causing the door to either not close at all or swing open while the vehicle is in motion. The latch mechanism—a plastic assembly with an internal spring tab—breaks or deteriorates, preventing the pawl from catching the door striker. Doors may close partway without triggering the door-ajar indicator light, creating a false sense of security.
When: Failures occur across the vehicle's life, from early ownership (2–3 years) to high mileage (100k+ miles). Many occur 14–48 months after recall repairs were completed, suggesting the replacement parts themselves are defective.
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not latch or remain latched when closed; Door swings open during turns or while driving; Door bounces back open after closing attempt; No warning light or door-ajar indicator when door is partially closed; Door can only be secured with external restraint (belt, rope, bungee cord); Latch engages intermittently or not at all
Codes mentioned: 15S16 (door safety latch recall, 2016), 15V246000 (door latch recall), 17V210000 (door latch recall), 20V-177 (door latch recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement parts range from $150–$550 in parts and labor. Part numbers include BE8Z 5421812B, DS7Z 54221A00 B, and FMC BE8Z 5421812 B. Owners report dealerships often replace only the failed door instead of all four latches per recall protocol. Multiple owners have paid out-of-pocket after recall warranty expires (typically 1 year from recall completion).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recalls 15S16, 15V246000, 17V210000, and 20V-177 address door latch failures. However, many 2013 Fusions built at the Hermosillo Assembly Plant are excluded from the recall based on VIN even though owners experience identical failures. Ford has extended the recall twice. Ford's position is that recall repairs carry a 1-year warranty; failures beyond that period are owner responsibility. Ford refuses to reopen closed recalls or cover failures of the replacement parts themselves. Several dealerships perform only the failed latch repair, not the full four-door recall remedy.
Mold contamination in cabin
Pervasive mold growth appears in the vehicle interior around 2–3 years of ownership, likely due to moisture intrusion through seals or the AC evaporator system. The odor is described as rancid and severe enough to affect occupants' health and professional environments. Previous repairs (cabin filter replacement, interior detailing, evaporator flushing) do not resolve the issue.
When: Around 2–3 years and 40k miles of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Rancid mold odor inside vehicle; Visible mold in cabin; Nausea and illness in occupants from mold exposure; Co-workers at owner's workplace complaining of mold smell from vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership has replaced cabin filter, detailed interior, flushed AC evaporator, and in one case planned to remove carpet and replace cabin filter again. Owner paid for these repairs with no resolution. One owner reported moisture building in front windows at 29k miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford offered repeated cabin filter replacement and interior detailing but refused buyback and acknowledged no comprehensive solution. No recall issued.
Windshield and window visibility obstruction
Large blind spots created by the rear pillar design obstruct over 50% of the view when turning, making it difficult to see pedestrians and obstructions. Driver must move head forward and backward to see around the pillar, creating a safety hazard when turning or pulling into intersections.
When: Design flaw present from ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Blocked visibility when turning right, especially at crosswalks; Blocked visibility when turning left and looking right for oncoming traffic; Requires excessive head movement to see past pillar; Potentially dangerous when turning in residential or high-traffic areas
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; design flaw acknowledged as late-stage for modification.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None noted in narratives.
Synthesized from 160 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had body trouble with your 2013 Ford Fusion?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2013 Ford Fusion?
It's a meaningful issue. 160 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 141 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 40,132 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,132; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Fusion.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.