2013 Ford Fusion powertrain problems

The shift cable bushing separates from or degrades within the transmission, causing the gear selector to display one position while the transmission is in a different gear. Owners report selecting Park but the transmission remains in Neutral, Drive, or Reverse, causing unexpected vehicle movement or inability to shift.

When: Various mileages from 16,000 to 204,000 miles; some failures within first few months of ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle in Park position but transmission in Neutral or Reverse; car rolls backward or forward; Shifter stuck in Park, unable to move to other gears; Brake pedal goes to floorboard but cannot stop rolling vehicle; Eroded or disconnected shift cable requiring manual adjustment in engine compartment; Multiple recalls issued (Campaign 18V471000, 19V362000, 22V413000) but parts unavailable or VINs excluded

Codes mentioned: No fault codes stored; dealers often cannot replicate failure

Repairs/costs cited: Shifter cable bushing replacement; cable reconnection or complete transmission replacement ($3,000–$5,000 per owners). Some owners paid $350 out of pocket before learning of recalls. Dealers charged diagnostic fees of $200 when unable to find fault.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Numbers 18V471000, 19V362000, and 22V413000 issued; however, parts remain unavailable for extended periods. Many owners' VINs reported as not included in recalls despite identical failures. Ford extended warranty/recall coverage to some 2013 models but coverage gaps remain.

Engine coolant level sensors fail to detect low coolant, or coolant system components fail, leading to engine overheating. Some failures trigger limp-home mode or complete power loss at highway speeds. Related to 1.6L engine recalls (12S41, 17S09) but 2.0L engines reportedly have same issues without recall coverage.

When: Scattered across vehicle lifespan; one owner experienced four check engine lights in 2020; another at 16,000 miles; repeated occurrences in some cases

Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates; 'Engine Overheating' warning message on dashboard; Engine temperature gauge rises to 233°F in mountains; erratic temperature behavior; Complete loss of electrical power and engine shutdown at highway speed (75 mph); Large coolant leak visible under vehicle; Engine bypass solenoid valve shorts due to faulty coolant tee on heater core; 'Power Reduced to Cool Down Engine' warning; vehicle enters limp mode or neutral

Codes mentioned: No codes or codes erase when ignition turned off

Repairs/costs cited: Engine bypass solenoid replacement; new coolant level sensors and hardware; coolant tee/heater core replacement; water pump replacement ($107 deductible in one case); one owner told a new engine needed (rebuilt offered as cheaper alternative). Repair costs not itemized in most narratives.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 12S41, 17S09 recalls issued. 1.6L engines covered, but 2.0L engines (including 2.0L Energi Hybrid) excluded despite owners reporting identical failures. One owner states 2017 recall did not include their 2.0L model despite purchase still under warranty at that time.

Transmission experiences complete failure, hard shifting, delayed shifting, or shift hang-ups. Some units are stuck in a single gear, others refuse to downshift, and some exhibit violent upshifts or downshifts. Owners report multiple transmission replacements on same vehicle.

When: As early as 3,772 miles; common between 16,000–100,000 miles; some recur after repair

Symptoms owners cite: Violent downshift or upshift at 6,000–7,000 rpm; jerking or shuddering when shifting; Transmission stuck in fifth gear and will not shift out; Hard shifting from Park to Drive or Park to Reverse; Transmission fails to shift at all; vehicle hesitates and jerks upon acceleration; Abnormal banging or grinding noise from transmission; Complete transmission failure with loss of all forward gears and reverse; Transmission fluid leaking; plastic internal component melted due to heat

Codes mentioned: P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch), P1744 (Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid), No codes in some cases; dealers unable to diagnose

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission solenoids and unspecified internal parts replaced (cost cited as $3,000+ for diagnosis and potential replacement before opening transmission). One owner paid for two transmission replacements within 1 month (Dec 2018, Jan 2019) at ~77k miles; another replaced plastic torque converter component with metal equivalent (~$350–$400 labor); complete transmission replacement quoted at $5,000 for remanufactured unit.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V362000 (Power Train) and 22V413000 (Power Train) address transmission issues. One owner in Campaign 19V362000 told by dealer vehicle not included in recall despite identical failure symptoms. Campaign 22V413000 remedy parts unavailable for months/year or more; some VINs excluded from coverage.

Vehicle surges forward or backward without driver throttle input, most commonly while braking or decelerating, or when shifting gears. Hybrid models exhibit issues related to regenerative braking system or improper handoff between electric motor and gas engine.

When: Starting January 2015 in one hybrid; occurred 6+ times; another incident at 35 mph while approaching stop sign

Symptoms owners cite: Power surge while braking or decelerating below 30 mph, especially in hybrid EV mode; Unintended acceleration from stopped position to 40 mph with no throttle input; Vehicle accelerates backward after placed in Park with engine running; Regenerative braking system malfunction; hybrid struggles to switch between electric and gas power; All warning lights illuminate during unintended acceleration events; Vehicle feels like hitting an ice patch during deceleration or turn

Codes mentioned: No codes detected; dealer finds no evidence of problem

Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in narratives provided. One owner documented incident with video sent to dealer; dealer returned vehicle without repair citing inability to replicate.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned for unintended acceleration. Dealership testing found no codes or fault. Owner contacted Ford Customer Relationship Center to document issue but no resolution offered.

Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving or at idle; vehicle loses power and enters limp mode (very low speed operation). Some failures are accompanied by warning lights; others occur without codes. Issues may be intermittent and difficult to replicate at dealership.

When: Scattered occurrences; one owner reported stalling 12–15 times in 2 months; another starting November 2016 and persisting into February

Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while on freeway at 55–70 mph; vehicle barely accelerates after restart; Vehicle lurches and loses power; maximum speed drops to 15 mph after restart; Stalling at stoplights or in traffic; difficult restart after 20–30 minutes; Humming noise around fuel tank followed by stalling and hard start; RPM gauge rises and falls; vehicle quits during fueling; Yellow wrench light ('Power Reduced to Cool Down Engine'); intermittent codes that erase when ignition turned off; Heater temperature fluctuates wildly; blower runs full speed with cold air when not requested

Codes mentioned: Codes erase when vehicle turned off, making diagnosis impossible, No codes found on multiple dealership visits

Repairs/costs cited: Coolant and oil replacement without resolution; no root cause found. One owner suspects fuel pump or air lock in fuel system. Dealership charged $200 diagnostic fee but found nothing wrong. No successful repairs cited in narratives.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford advised low voltage on accelerator as cause in one case and ordered parts (fixed on Dec 18; failure recurred Dec 24). No other manufacturer response documented.

Transmission shift cable becomes eroded or corroded, often unexpectedly and without apparent environmental cause. Owner questions whether acid or internal corrosion is responsible and notes vehicle is relatively new and in non-hazardous climate.

When: Three years after purchase (no mileage specified)

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle in Park but shifts into Reverse when gear selector moved; Vehicle will not turn on after shifting incident

Repairs/costs cited: Owner charged out-of-pocket repair cost (amount not specified) at Galpin Ford North Hills.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford stated eroded cable is owner responsibility; manufacturer deemed it not covered and offered no assistance despite owner belief that cable material may be defective.

Vehicle displays 'Stop Safely Now' warning and drivetrain disengages, preventing Drive or Reverse engagement. In hybrid models, engine may continue running at high idle despite being in Park or Full Electric mode.

When: One incident on 7/26/14 after 1-hour drive and parking; another after oil change and purge valve assembly replacement

Symptoms owners cite: 'Stop Safely Now' light appears; drivetrain disengages within 3–5 seconds of attempting to drive; Interior AC blower/fan turns on full speed after key removed and car turned off; does not respond to climate control inputs; Touch screen LCD remains on; Engine runs at high idle constantly in Full Electric mode or Park with no accessories running; firmware update reduced occurrence to 50% of the time; Issue correlates with recent service (oil change, purge valve replacement)

Repairs/costs cited: Firmware update partially resolved engine idle issue. One occurrence resolved after 5-hour sit period; vehicle worked normally for 1-hour drive after.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Firmware update issued; partial resolution achieved.

Hybrid models experience surging or inability to smoothly transition between electric motor and gas engine propulsion, causing inconsistent acceleration and hesitation.

When: Observed at low battery state (1/8 charge) and low speed in parking lot

Symptoms owners cite: Series of surges when car tries to determine which power source to use (gas or electric); Car surges forward a few feet then switches back to electric, repeating ~6 times; Engine stutters when forced to take over; vehicle attempts each power source sequentially; No codes present after restart; vehicle runs normally on subsequent drive

Codes mentioned: No diagnostic trouble codes present

Repairs/costs cited: No repairs made; issue self-resolved after restart.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.

Steering wheel suddenly locks while driving at low speed, or power steering assistance fails, making steering very difficult or impossible. One incident involved both steering lock and inability to move gear shifter.

When: One incident at 15 mph downhill; another at low speed in parking lot near 160,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks; vehicle cannot be steered; crash results; Power assist system fails; driver must use excessive force to steer; Steering warning light illuminates; Unable to move gear shifter in same incident as steering failure; Air bags do not deploy during crash; Fractured front passenger axle discovered post-crash

Repairs/costs cited: Front passenger axle replaced; transmission shifter cable bushing identified as needing replacement. Steering failure cause not determined. NHTSA Campaign 22V413000 (Power Train) parts not yet available at time of report.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V250000 (Steering) noted; VIN confirmed not included. Campaign 22V413000 (Power Train) and 20V331000 (Locks, Latches) remedy parts not yet available.

Electronic throttle body (ETB) fails to respond correctly, causing engine stalls when pulling into traffic from parking lots or during normal driving. Owner notes ETB parts are identical across affected models but coverage under Consumer Satisfaction Program 13N03 is inconsistent.

When: Multiple occasions; owner notes multiple near-fatal accidents due to stalling during traffic maneuvers

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls/dies when pulling out onto city street after starting; Near-fatal accident incidents when vehicle immobilized in traffic; Excessive pressure required on accelerator pedal for vehicle to respond

Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; owner informed by dealership manager that ETB parts are identical across vehicles but extended warranty coverage exclusion unexplained.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Consumer Satisfaction Program 13N03 extended warranty on electronic throttle body issued for certain vehicles, but contact's vehicle excluded. Ford stated nothing could be done.

Engine develops internal oil leaks; Ford diagnoses need for complete engine replacement. Owner suspects issue is related to low coolant level problems addressed in 1.6L recalls (12S41, 17S09) but their 2.0L engine not included in those recalls.

When: 2020; engine light came on 4 times between February and October 2020; discovered after out-of-warranty; car parked since November 2020

Symptoms owners cite: Engine light illuminates 4 times in single year; Oil leaking inside engine block; Risk of catastrophic fire if vehicle is driven off service lot, per owner's concern

Repairs/costs cited: Ford recommended rebuilt engine replacement (cheaper than diagnosing cause) rather than tearing down to find root cause. Owner declined due to catastrophic fire risk perception and lack of warranty coverage.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 12S41 and 17S09 issued for 1.6L engines; 2.0L Energi Hybrid engine not included despite owner's belief that identical issues exist. Owner suspects 2.0L should have been included when car was under warranty (2017).

Water pump fails, triggering engine overheat sensor and causing complete shutdown of engine and electrical system at highway speed as a safety feature.

When: October 2017; vehicle at 75 mph on Interstate

Symptoms owners cite: Ding and red check engine light indicating overheating; Engine and all electrical power shut down completely; no ability to restart; Vehicle loses power to radio, lights, and all systems; Forced to coast across four lanes to shoulder with momentum built at 75 mph

Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement; $107 deductible for owner (dealer claimed not recall-related). Dealership indicated shutdown is safety feature to prevent fire.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership explained complete shutdown is safety feature; water pump failure deemed not related to coolant sensor recall.

Both CV axle boots tear and transmission fails while climbing hills. Vehicle taken to 3 dealerships without diagnosis; 4th dealership discovered transmission and axle damage. Independent mechanic and Ford metallurgist differ on root cause.

When: First symptom at 3,400 miles (no power climbing); transmission diagnosed failed at 18,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power and cannot maintain 35 mph while climbing hills; Engine RPM revs to maximum but no power delivery; Loud whining noise at 18,000 miles; Both CV axles have torn boots; Transmission complete failure

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced under warranty; CV axles charged to owner (~$350+ based on repair estimate complexity). Independent mechanic disputes debris-cause claim, noting inner boot damage inconsistent with road debris given fairing protection.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford's 'metallurgist' manager denied responsibility without inspecting vehicle or axles.

Vehicle develops recurring stalling issues accompanied by humming noise around fuel tank area. Stalling occurs especially when slowing for red lights or during refueling. Dealership unable to diagnose over three service visits despite owner's suspicion of fuel pump or air lock.

When: One week after purchase; recurred over 2-month period with 12–15 total stall events

Symptoms owners cite: Humming noise from fuel tank area; Vehicle stalls when slowing for red light; hard restart after 20–30 minutes; RPM gauge rises and falls erratically during refueling; Vehicle quits and is very hard to start after fueling; Complete stall event lasting ~30 minutes before restart

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to find fault after 3 service visits totaling 3 weeks of work. Dealership failed to refuel vehicle when owner requested; owner suspects fuel system air lock.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.

Transmission requires complete replacement; independent inspection reveals planetary gear also requires replacement.

When: 100,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to respond when shifted into Reverse from Park; Vehicle shifts into Neutral unprompted and starts to reverse

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; planetary gear replacement needed. Repair pending at independent shop.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner referenced NHTSA Campaign 19V362000 (Power Train) in complaint.

Transmission solenoids fail (torque converter clutch solenoid), and transmission downshifts erratically, producing clunking sounds and loss of power warnings during acceleration.

When: Failure after extended driving and passing maneuvers; mileage not specified but referenced as 'long drives'

Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates with codes P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch) and P1744 (Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid); Gas mileage drops from 34 mpg to 22 mpg; Radiator fan randomly comes on while vehicle stopped and running; Transmission periodically downshifts and makes clunking sound; 'Vehicle Loss of Power' warning message appears after few hours of driving; Cannot pass other vehicles due to power loss; Engine temperature gauge indicates engine running cool despite overheating warning

Codes mentioned: P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch), P1744 (Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid)

Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner calls for investigation and recall.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.

Vehicle doors fail to latch securely or latch fails, causing door to open unexpectedly while driving. In one incident, door latch failure allowed child to fall halfway out of vehicle; seat belt saved child from serious injury.

When: Failures documented Aug 2014, Feb 2015, April 2015; fourth door failure not repaired at that time; NHTSA recall issued June 2015; repairs completed May 2016

Symptoms owners cite: Door does not latch when closed; Door flies open while turning or exiting parking lot; Child falls partially out of vehicle when door latch fails during turn; Door cannot be locked

Repairs/costs cited: Door latches replaced under NHTSA Campaign (after delay of ~1 year from failure to recall issuance to repair completion). Dealership initially refused to fix fourth door, claiming it was not a recall item.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign issued June 2015 for door latch issue; repairs performed May 2016. Delayed response and initial coverage denials noted.

Engine produces loud ticking and whirring sounds; multiple electrical components fail to communicate with PCM, generating error codes. Transmission shifts hard with hang-ups. Emergency braking system non-functional; reverse parking sensors fail.

When: No mileage specified; owner notes all maintenance done on proper timeframe with no accidents

Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking and whirring sound from engine; Multiple communication failure codes: U2002-96 (Battery voltage), U3003-16 and U3003-17 (invalid data from pscm), B1111-53 (Electric park brake disabled), U0151-00 (Lost communication with restraints), U0131-00 (Lost communication with pscm), C0039-07 (Right rear tone wheel mechanical failure); Very hard transmission shifts; hangs on RPM before shift; Emergency braking system does not work; No warning when approaching objects, walls, or people; Reverse parking sensors recessed into bumper by themselves with no tampering

Codes mentioned: U2002-96 (Battery voltage circuit below and above threshold), U3003-16 and U3003-17 (Invalid data received from pscm), B1111-53 (Electric park brake enable deactivated), U0151-00 (Lost communication with restraints control module), U0131-00 (Lost communication with pscm), C0039-07 (Right rear tone wheel mechanical failure)

Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.

Transmission cable bushing fails, causing vehicle to move in reverse when driver selects Drive or when parked. Incident resulted in contact being dragged under vehicle.

When: Rental vehicle; timing not specified

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle placed in Park but engine left running; Vehicle suddenly goes into Reverse and accelerates backward; Passenger door impacts complainant, dragging them 4–6 feet beneath vehicle

Repairs/costs cited: Rental company diagnostics found no issues; vehicle not repaired.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford referred complainant to rental company for assistance; no manufacturer support offered.