Is the Ford Fusion high maintenance?

The Ford Fusion is not generally considered high-maintenance compared with other mid-size sedans. Routine upkeep tends to follow the norms for its class, with major repair costs largely tied to age, mileage, and the chosen drivetrain. In short, well-maintained Fusions behave like most reputable family sedans, not a chronic money pit.

However, maintenance costs rise with age and mileage, and the specifics of the drivetrain matter. Gasoline-only Fusions are simpler to service, while the Hybrid and Energi plug-in variants add complexity and potential high-voltage system considerations that can boost repair bills if something goes wrong.

Maintenance realities by drivetrain

The Fusion’s upkeep varies notably between gasoline models and the hybrid/plug-in variants. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

Gasoline-powered Fusion

Typical maintenance for gasoline-only Fusions follows mainstream expectations for a mid-size sedan spanning the late-2000s to the 2010s. The bulk of costs come from routine service items and wear components.

Common maintenance items and cost drivers for gasoline Fusions include:

• Routine service and wear items: oil changes (synthetic or conventional depending on interval), filter replacements, fluid checks/replacements (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid where applicable), and regular inspections.


• Tires and brakes: tire replacement and brake servicing are ongoing costs; wear depends on driving style and tire choice, with higher-end tires costing more to replace.


• Electrical and sensors: occasional electrical components, sensors, and infotainment system glitches can appear with age, usually affordable to repair but timing and labor can vary by shop.


• Overall reliability by age: as with any aging sedan, higher mileage increases the likelihood of suspension, steering, or accessory wear that prompts repairs.

Concluding paragraph: For gasoline Fusions, owners typically encounter the same routine maintenance pattern seen in many mid-size sedans—predictable, with cost spikes mainly tied to mileage and part replacement needs.

Hybrid and Energi Fusion

Plug-in hybrid and hybrid versions add complexity due to high-voltage systems and battery components. Maintenance costs can be higher when issues involve the hybrid drivetrain or battery health.

Key hybrid-specific maintenance considerations include:

• Battery health and replacement: the hybrid battery pack is a significant potential cost if it fails or degrades beyond warranty coverage; however, many packs last well beyond 100,000 miles.


• High-voltage components: inverters, DC-DC converters, and related wiring require specialized service; repairs tend to be more labor-intensive and thus pricier than conventional gasoline repairs.


• Charging hardware (Energi plug-in): Energi owners may need to maintain charging cords or home charging equipment, which adds to upfront and occasional replacement costs.


• Fuel efficiency vs. maintenance: hybrids typically deliver better fuel economy, but maintenance patterns (and some parts exposure) differ from gasoline-only models, influencing overall ownership costs.

Concluding paragraph: Hybrid and Energi variants generally offer favorable fuel economy and manageable maintenance, but the added high-voltage system and battery considerations mean occasional repairs can be more expensive than those for gasoline-only Fusions.

Cost realities and ownership landscape

Beyond drivetrain specifics, the Fusion’s ownership costs align with its segment. Tires, brakes, oil changes, and fluid services dominate annual expenses, with occasional larger repairs based on model year and mileage.

Common cost drivers across all Fusion models include:

• Tires and wheels: replacement costs vary with tire size and brand; expect 2–4 tire replacements over a 60,000–100,000 mile window depending on driving style.


• Oil and fluid maintenance: regular oil changes and fluid refreshes at prescribed intervals; hybrids may have slightly different service intervals tied to battery and inverter checks.


• Brake wear and suspension: front brakes often wear faster; components like rotors, calipers, and bushings contribute to repair bills as the car ages.


• Reliability and recalls: Ford has issued recalls in the Fusion’s lifespan; service under recall is performed at no cost to the owner, but recalls can influence maintenance scheduling and parts availability.

Concluding paragraph: For a well-kept Fusion, predictable maintenance costs prevail. Larger repairs are less common than you might fear, but they do appear as the car accumulates mileage, especially on older gasoline models and hybrids with aging high-voltage systems.

Bottom line for prospective buyers

The Ford Fusion remains a solid, value-oriented choice in the used-car market. If you’re shopping, prioritize a clean maintenance history, verify that essential services (like timing/drive-system checks, transmission service where applicable, tires, brakes, and suspension) are up to date, and inspect any hybrid-specific components and battery condition if you’re considering a Hybrid or Energi.

Summary

In general, the Ford Fusion is not a high-maintenance vehicle. Routine service costs are in line with its midsize-sedan peers, and major repairs are typically tied to age and mileage rather than a systemic tendency toward expensive failures. Hybrids bring extra complexity and potential battery/high-voltage costs, but with careful maintenance and provenance, a Fusion can still offer reliable, economical ownership in the used-car market.

Is Ford Fusion expensive to insure?

The average annual premium for a Ford Fusion is $336 for minimum coverage and $1,674 for full coverage.

Are Ford Fusions long lasting?

A Ford Fusion can last 200,000 miles or more with the right care. Keeping up with regular maintenance, replacing key parts on time, and driving carefully all help extend the lifespan of your car.

What year to stay away from Ford Fusion?

The Ford Fusion years to avoid are primarily 2010–2012 due to widespread power steering failures, and 2013–2016 models with the smaller turbocharged engines (1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost) are also best avoided because of potential head gasket and coolant leak issues. 
This video explains the reliability issues with the Ford Fusion: 58sSteedaYouTube · Apr 25, 2024
First generation (2010–2012)

• Primary issue: Faulty power steering systems were a major problem, particularly in the 2010 model year, but were also prevalent in 2011 and 2012 models.
• Other problems: Some issues with interior components were reported for these years as well. 

Second generation (2013–2016)

• Primary issue: Vehicles with the 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost engines from these years are prone to head gasket failure, which can lead to expensive repairs for coolant leaks and overheating. 
• Other problems: Transmission issues have been reported in these model years, though they may be addressed with software fixes or more serious repairs. 

For other model years

• 2017 and newer: These years are generally more reliable, but transmission problems can still occur. 
• 2020: As the final model year, it had some transmission and electrical issues. 

Is a Ford Fusion a reliable car?

Ford Fusion reliability is mixed, with some models and engines being quite dependable, while others have known issues, particularly the EcoBoost 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L engines which can experience head gasket failure. Newer models like the 2019 and 2020 Fusions received high ratings and have a good reliability record, but it's best to avoid the 2013-2016 EcoBoost engines and be cautious with the early hybrid models. Common problems across various model years can include issues with door latches, fuel pumps, and certain dashboard warning lights.
 
This video explains the reliability of Ford Fusion models from 2013 to 2020: 59sThe Long Last ExpertYouTube · Aug 26, 2024
General reliability

• Decent overall: Many owners report the Ford Fusion as being a reliable and comfortable car, especially with proper maintenance. 
• Long lifespan: A well-maintained Ford Fusion can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. 
• High ratings: Newer model years like the 2019 and 2020 have received high reliability ratings from consumers, with the 2020 model having a particularly clean record. 

Reliability by engine type

• EcoBoost engines: The smaller EcoBoost engines (1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L) are considered less reliable, with head gasket failure being a significant and expensive issue on 2013-2016 models. 
• Hybrid/Energi models: Early hybrid and Energi models had some reliability issues, though mechanical updates were made for models 2016 and newer. 
• 2.5L engine: The 2.5L engine is considered more reliable, but some models have reported a "banging" noise. 

Common problems and issues

• Engine: Head gasket failure on EcoBoost engines is a major concern. 
• Transmission: Some automatic transmission issues have been reported, ranging from minor software fixes to complete replacement. 
• Door latches: A common problem, especially on 2008 models, is door latches breaking. 
• Fuel pump: A faulty fuel pump is another recurring issue. 
• Dash warning lights: Some owners have reported dashboard warning lights for ABS or the engine illuminating without any apparent fault. 
• Electrical: Some models have experienced electrical issues, including battery drain. 

This video highlights the top 5 potential problems in a Ford Fusion: 57s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Nov 6, 2024
Other considerations

• Warranty: Since Ford stopped making the Fusion in 2020, the manufacturer's warranty has already expired on all models. 
• Cost: The severity rating for repairs is similar to the average midsize car, though issues like head gasket failure can be expensive.