The Ford Fusion is a four-door midsize sedan marketed and produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 2006 model year until the present. Available in either an FF or F4 layout, this Ford Fusion was produced after the discontinuation of the Contour. Despite the popularity over the 15 years of production, the Ford Fusion transmission problems dismayed some users from purchasing this car.

1. Ford Fusion Transmission Fluid
2. Ford Fusion Transmission Fluid Type
3. Ford Fusion Transmission Fluid Change
4. Ford Fusion Transmission 2014

The Ford Fusion is available in either gasoline, electric, hybrid, or gas/plug-in electric hybrid variants over the two generations of Fusion. Production first began in early 2005, with the Fusion replacing the Mondeo. It is positioned between the Focus and the Taurus, providing an affordable and functional option in the market on a lineup.

2012 Ford Fusion transmission problems with 37 complaints from Fusion owners. The worst complaints are jerks when shifting, hesitates between shifts, slams into gear, surges, and transmission half.

The Fusion received numerous awards over the production lifespan, despite the prevalent and severe Ford Fusion transmission problems. In 206, the Fusion won the ‘Most Washable Car’ award and the ‘Total Quality’ award as the best-quality mid-size sedan on the market. A few years later in 2009, the Fusion won the ‘Motor Trend Car of the Year’ award and earned a spot on the ‘10 Best Cars’ list produced by Car and Driver magazine.

The Ford Fusion reviews were similar to the award- reviews gave high accolades and praise to this car model despite the frequency of Ford Fusion transmission problems. In December of 2005, Car and Driver ranked the Fusion as second place behind the Honda Accord. In 2009, Motor Trend awarded the Fusion Hybrid a spot above the Toyota Camry Hybrid, showing the dominance of the Fusion in various car categories.

Even though the Ford Fusion exceeded the car company’s expectations and sold 30,000 units during the beginning of 2016, the Ford Fusion transmission problems deterred some new car owners from buying this car in the first few model years.

Worst Ford Fusion Model Years

1. Ford Fusion HEV, Ford Fusion Energi PHEV, Ford C-Max HEV, Ford C-Max Energi PHEV, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. 2017- 10R80 Ford-GM 10-speed automatic transmission. 2017 Ford F-150 (including Ford Raptor), Ford Expedition, Ford Mustang; 2017–present 6F15—6-speed transaxle (designed for use with the 1.0 Ecoboost to replace the DPS6 Powershift.
2. Ford recommends fluid change every 60k or 48 months; you can change earlier if you think the transmission isn't shifting quite right. If you have any CEL or trans codes I'd definitely take to an ASE certified tech to further troubleshoot.
3. When you purchase a Ford remanufactured transmission assembly, you’re getting a product that’s built to the exacting specifications of Ford Motor Company – one that’s built for your vehicle. Plus, Ford remanufactured transmissions use new Ford-engineered service parts in the remanufacturing process, come equipped with sensors, and contain the proper transmission fluid, helping to make installation.

The worst model years of the Ford Fusion in terms of overall complaints and the prevalence of Ford Fusion transmission problems is the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 model years. The top three complaints across every single year of production is the steering failure in the 2011 Fusion and the power steering not working in the 2010 Fusion.

2010 Ford Fusion Problems

The main categories of concern in the Ford Fusion in 2010 focus on the steering, engine, transmission, and interior accessories. Regarding the transmission, owners complain about premature transmission failure, shifting issues, jerking during start-up, fluid leaking, and irregular shifting when decelerating.

Furthermore, throttle body concerns have led to various reports about a sudden and unintended deceleration and loss of power while driving. Lastly, this model year was the beginning of power steering failing during use.

To fix the transmission failure, owners of the 2010 Ford fusion have to pay to replace the transmission or replace the throttle body at around 63,000 miles. Owners will pay around $1,690 to repair the Ford Fusion transmission problems.

2011 Ford Fusion Problems

The following year the Ford Fusion had similar problems, with the top categories of concern being the steering, interior accessories, engine, AC and heater, and the transmission. The top transmission problems are the transmission slipping, the car shifting hard, a bumping sound when the car comes to a stop, lurching, and transmission failure.

The typical repair cost to fix the Ford Fusion transmission problems in the 2011 model is around $3,040 to replace the entire transmission at 50,000 miles.

2012 Ford Fusion Problems

The 2012 Ford Fusion has numerous reports of issues with the power steering. The electronic power assisted steering fails at an alarming rate, and the throttle body fails at a very early mileage. Not to mention, this car has numerous problems with transmission and interior accessories.

The top transmission issue is the car jerking when shifting, hesitating between shifts, antifreeze getting into the transmission fluid, and the car stalling during use. To fix the 2012 Ford Fusion transmission problems, owners should add transmission fluid to prevent any acceleration and shifting issues.

2013 Ford Fusion Problems

The final year of the Fusion that is the most problematic is the 2013 Fusion. Although this model year does not have the same power steering failure instances, owners still state that their car (and steering) fails between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Other main categories of concern in this car model are the engine, transmission, interior accessories, and fuel system.

The main transmission issues in the 2013 Ford Fusion is the transmission not shifting properly, rough shifting, the shifter cable breaking, the car jerking while accelerating, the car not being able to shift into reverse, the clutch banging when backing up, the crank shifter stuck in park and a throttle body issue.

Fixing the transmission not working properly is an expensive fix – and is one of the costliest Ford Fusion transmission problems. One of the most common solutions is to replace the transmission, replace the shifter cable, or replace the temperature sensor valve at around 45,000 miles. Owners will typically have to pay around $1,570 to solve this problem.

2014 Ford Fusion Transmission Recall

One of the first recalls announced for the Ford Fusion affected the 2014-2015 Fusion vehicles that contained a 1.6-liter GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Additionally, this recall affected 2015-2016 Fusion vehicles with a 1.0-liter engine and a 6-speed manual transmission.

These specific Fusion vehicles were susceptible to the clutch braking, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and a potential fluid leak. If the fluid leaks and the clutch breaks, this could lead to further Ford Fusion transmission problems.

2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid Transmission Recall

Ford had to recall certain 2014-2015 Fusion cars made between July of 2013 to October of 2014. Certain Ford Fusion Hybrid vehicles produced during this period were susceptible to the key’s ability to be removed even when the transmission is not placed in the ‘Park’ position.

If this occurred, the car could roll away while in a higher gear, causing an increased risk of a crash and injury to the driver, passengers, and bystanders. Ford had to notify owners and dealers to pay to fix the Ford Fusion transmission problems free of charge.

2016 Ford Fusion Transmission Recall

Ford recalled nearly 260,000 of its 2013 to 2016 Fusion sedans due to gear selection and other related Ford Fusion transmission problems. A cable that connects the gear selector to the transmission can fail during use, causing the transmission to be in a different gear than what the shifter shows to the driver.

If the driver does not know what gear the car is in, they may improperly accelerate or decelerate at the wrong time. The driver could put the gear selector into the ‘Park’ position and remove the ignition key, even though the transmission may not actually be in the ‘Park’ position. If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the car could roll away and hit other cars, people, or harm the driver and passengers inside the Ford Fusion.

The recall is specific to the Ford Fusion cars with a 2.5-liter engine specifically built from April of 2013 until February of 2016. The problem focuses on the connector to the gear selector could fail without warning, causing the car to be at risk of rolling away. Ford was in charge of confirming a repair to ensure the owners do not have to pay to fix the Ford Fusion transmission problems.

2019 Ford Fusion Transmission Recall

A recall was announced in 2018 that dealt with certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles that contained a six-speed automatic transmission. The item affected in these cars was the powertrain, automatic transmission, levers and linkages, and the floor shift mechanism. The bushing that connects the shifter cable to the transmission could wear down over time, leading to the bushing detaching completely from the transmission.

If the bushing is no longer connected to the transmission, the driver could move the shift lever to ‘Park’ and remove the key without the vehicle being placed in the ‘Park’ position. If this occurred, the car could potentially roll away.

Ford Fusion Transmission Fluid

Owners were not aware of these Ford Fusion transmission problems, since there was no warning message, alarm, or audible chime that alerted drivers. Ford had to notify owners of the issue and tell dealers to replace the shifter cable bushing free of charge.

2020 Ford Fusion Reliability

The 2020 Ford Fusion received a favorable score of #5 in the Midsize Cars category despite having notable Ford Fusion transmission problems. This model’s pros are the athletic handling, smooth ride, SYNC 3 infotainment system, large trunk space, and comfortable seats for long car drives.

The negatives of purchasing the 2020 Fusion are the lack of infotainment features, reduced fuel economy, and Ford Fusion transmission problems.

This car’s specs include 20-23 miles per gallon in the city and 29-34 miles per gallon earned on the highway. This car produces between 175 and 245 horsepower from the transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

The 2020 Fusion also earned an 8.1 out of 10 on the Car US News Scorecard, earning a critics’ rating of 8.3 out of 10, a performance rating of 7.4, an interior score of 7.5, and a safety ranking of 9.3 out of 10.

Ford Fusion Transmission Cost

A transmission replacement is one of the most extensive and expensive replacements and jobs. The average cost of the transmission replacement typically ranges from around $1,800 to $3,400 for most cars.

If you decide to save some money, a used transmission ranges from about $800 to $1,500, while a rebuilt transmission charges between $1,100 to $2,800, and a remanufactured option runs between $1,300 and $1,300 for your Ford Fusion.

The Bottom Line

When looking at the Ford Fusion transmission problems, you need to know the most common issues in each model year. Furthermore, knowing the most recent Fusion’s reliability rating can give you an idea of how the company has fixed the issues from past model years to make the car safer and more reliable. Lastly, calculating the total transmission cost can help you prepare for any repairs or replacements needed in the future.

Since its introduction in 2006, the Ford Fusion has been a popular midsize, five-passenger sedan that has been a top contender in the highly competitive economy sedan niche. However, even the most popular vehicles aren’t immune to occasional mechanical problems.

Among the most common (and costly) issues with used Ford Fusions are automatic transmission problems such as transmission failure, transmission slips and jerks, burning smells coming from the transmission, and difficulty shifting.

Here’s what you need to know about Ford Fusion transmission problems – which years are prone to having issues with the transmission, average Ford Fusion transmission repair costs, and how to avoid driving a Ford Fusion with an unreliable transmission off the lot.

Quick Answer: 2012-2014 Ford Fusions are very prone to transmission problems, but other years are reliable.

If you’re considering buying a used 2012, 2013, or 2014 Ford Fusion, don’t. Ford Fusions from model years 2012-2014 have more owner-reported transmission problems than all other years combined. Other year models of the Fusion are quite reliable.

The good news is that the CoPilot app is the easiest way to search for reliable used sedans in your area, so it’s easy to find an alternative to the Fusion.

Most commonly reported Ford Fusion transmission problems: Shuddering, hesitating in 2012-2014 models

Cost to fix: $1250

Ford Fusion owners listed their complaints at repairpal.com and the message is clear. Transmissions in 2012-2014 Ford Fusions are literally hate-worthy, with some owners resorting to profanity in order to express their feelings. In their defense, the transmission is incredibly unreliable. Most year models of Ford Fusions have somewhere in the neighborhood of five to ten transmission complaints. Ford Fusions from the years 2012-2014 each have about 250 or up. The most commonly-listed problems for these years are shuddering, hesitating, and jerking when coming from a dead stop.

Here’s what owners have to say:

I have just purchased a 2012 Ford Fusion S 2.5 litre pre-owned and have been experiencing erratic shifting in my automatic transmission. Sometimes it shifts ok and sometimes it has a delayed shift almost as if it slipped between gears. Now and then it gets harsh when shifting especially if I get stuck in traffic then try to drive normally after that. What’s up with this?

These types of complaints are far from uncommon, with over 1,000 users reporting similar transmission issues. Here’s what the owner of a 2013 Ford Fusion had to say:

I first started noticing my car shifting hard. This has been happening for about 3 weeks now. Last week while stopped at a traffic light I pressed on the accelerator and my car would not move. I pressed further on the gas pedal and still would not move. Felt as if my car was in neutral. I took my foot off the gas and then slowly pressed it again and it started going. Yesterday while driving through a canyon my car’s RPMs kept going higher and not shifting gears. Got up to 5000 RPMs and would not shift for about 3 miles. I kept playing with my gas and brakes until it shifted.

Unfortunately, there are pages and pages of comments almost identical to these on most review sites and repair forums. If you want to know more about what causes these problems, keep reading.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

Wondering what to look out for when buying a used car? With such a large purchase, it can pay to be a cautious shopper. Check out this list of red flags to look out for when buying a used car.

Causes of 2012-2014 Ford Fusion Transmission Problems

The main cause of these transmission problems is a leaking seal, but it typically costs over a thousand dollars to fix. Here’s what two mechanics have to say about it in forum posts:

Mechanic 1:

First off, the most common cause of transmission shifting issues is due to low transmission fluid resulting from a leak at the left side half shaft seal. It will cause the normal symptoms of low transmission fluid, poor shift quality, loss of engagement, erratic shifts, transmission slippage, and other issues. The symptoms are worse when the ambient temperature is cold, especially after initial startup, but can be present regardless of temp.
Check the fluid level to see if it is low; do this by driving the vehicle for an additional 5 to 10 minutes after the engine reaches operating temperature, then with the engine running and in “Park”, remove the dipstick tube, wipe it down, then reinsert completely and remove the dipstick again to check where the fluid is at on the indicator. If it is low, the first place you should look is the seal where the left CV axle enters the transaxle assembly. This issue is outlined in TSB 16-0043.

[A]nother cause of shifting concerns on this vehicle [is] issues in the software calibration of the PCM which controls the transmission. The symptoms are harsh or delayed 1-2, and 4-5 shifts, as well as shift flares on the 4-5 shift. 2.5L vehicles can have the symptoms previously listed as well as late 4-5 shifts and higher than RPMs. The proper repair procedure for this issue is to reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration.

Check for low fluid first, and fix that issue, then you can start looking at other possible causes.

Ford Fusion Transmission Fluid Type

Mechanic 2:

When [Ford]…boosts [PCM/TCM] pressure they don’t fix the issues, rather they make a leak larger…that’s why you have to take it back and have them do it again. While this leak is going on it is causing clutch wear, significantly reducing the clutch life… With all the vehicles Ford has put this in transmission in…why hasn’t Ford fixed [this] issue correctly?

In short, the 2012-2014 Fords are plagued with transmission seal leaks which cost between $1,000-$1500 to replace. While you can temporarily fix the issue by reprogramming the PCM to increase pressure, this increases seal wear and only worsens the problem over time.

Which year models of used Ford Fusions are safe to buy?

Based on complaints submitted by owners, the following year models of Ford Fusion are safe to buy used:

• 2001 Ford Fusion
• 2002 Ford Fusion
• 2003 Ford Fusion
• 2004 Ford Fusion
• 2005 Ford Fusion
• 2006 Ford Fusion
• 2007 Ford Fusion
• 2008 Ford Fusion
• 2009 Ford Fusion
• 2010 Ford Fusion
• 2011 Ford Fusion
• 2015 Ford Fusion
• 2016 Ford Fusion
• 2017 Ford Fusion
• 2018 Ford Fusion
• 2019 Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion Transmission Fluid Change

We do not recommend buying the following year models of used Ford Fusions:

• 2012 Ford Fusion
• 2013 Ford Fusion
• 2014 Ford Fusion

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Wondering what to look out for when buying a used car? With such a large purchase, it pays to be a cautious shopper. Check out this list of red flags to look out for when buying a used car.

Other Common Problems with Used Ford Fusions

Steering problems in 2012-2014 Ford Fusions

In case the 2012-2014 Ford Fusion wasn’t bad enough, owners have repeatedly lodged complaints on power steering failure. According to these complaints, the Fusions’s power steering is prone to failure at approximately 80k miles, which is low-to-average mileage for used listings of this age. The most commonly-reported symptom is a complete failure of the power steering mechanism which results in the vehicle becoming difficult to steer, particularly at lower speeds.

The power steering problem is the focus of a factory recall – check here to see if the particular model of Ford Fusion you’re looking for is covered by any factory recalls.

Key/Ignition Problems Common In 2000-2003 Ford Fusions

Cost to fix: $300

When buying a used Ford Fusion, there’s one other major issue to look out for in addition to transmission problems, although it’s much cheaper and easier to fix. From 2000-2003, Ford Fusions had a very high rate of keys not fitting or getting stuck in the ignition, sometimes leaving the user stranded until a new ignition was fitted. A new ignition for a 2000-2003 Ford Fusion costs about $300, so it’s worth mentioning.

Stuck Lug Nuts on Many Year Models

The rate at which Ford Focus owners lodge complaints on RepairPal and similar sites about swollen lug nuts is astounding, although a class-action lawsuit on this subject was dismissed.

This is another relatively minor issue, although it can be pretty serious if you’re stuck by the side of the road unable to change a tire. If you do purchase a used Ford Fusion, we recommend swapping the factory lug nuts out for some high-quality replacements.

Should you buy a used Ford Fusion?

Overall, the Ford Fusion is very reliable in comparison with other economy sedans, and the only major issues you need to look out for are the unreliable transmission and steering issues common with the 2012-2014 year models. If you’re looking for a used sedan, the CoPilot app automatically searches all dealerships in your area and will automatically notify you when good deals come up for sale or when prices drop on a car you’ve saved.

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Ford Fusion Transmission 2014

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