Are Ford Fusions Reliable?
September 11, 2022
I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.
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Ford always makes great and robust cars, and the Ford Fusion is no exception. But are Ford Fusions reliable?
Ford Fusions are reliable cars with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking 18th out of 24 mid-size cars, and an annual repair cost of $581. Although this is higher than the average $526 yearly repair cost for mid-sized cars, you won’t expect a repair regularly.
Consumer reports rated the Ford Fusion as the mid-sized sedan with the best handling. This is an impressive review for a reliable car if you ask me.
As you should know, reliability goes beyond the handling features of a vehicle. Ford Fusions boast a rugged design, decent fuel economy, and impressive engine performance. The inclusion of automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and other safety features and accessories makes it a car you can rely on for safety.
However, it is essential to note that Ford discontinued the production of Fusion in 2021.
We believe Ford Fusions are reliable cars, but more importantly, they didn’t get the fame they deserve.
This article explains everything you need to know about Ford Fusions’ reliability.
Table of Contents
Are Ford Fusions Reliable Cars?
Yes. Ford Fusions are reliable cars with impressive ratings from consumer reports and repairpal. The Ford Fusion cars won the top safety pick award from the IIHS in 2017 and 2018. If you need a safe mid-sized sedan to rely on, then you should consider the Ford Fusion.
Ford Fusion cars were released in 2006 with an impressive 160 horsepower, running on a 2.3L four-cylinder engine with an optional 3.0L V6 Engine.
There were inclusions for AWD models and hybrid models. The five-seat mid-size sedan presented cool safety features, including an automatic emergency braking standard, a 25 – 26 mpg fuel economy, and an excellent driver experience.
With the 2020 Ford Fusion ranking 4/5 on J.D power reliability rating, 8.3 critics’ rating, 7.5 for interiors, and a whopping 9.3 for safety, we cannot help but summarize Ford Fusion’s reliability in three words: “Simply the best!”
Why Ford Fusions Are Considered Reliable
1. Design
The Ford Fusion sedans feature a plain but rugged design. The 4-door sedan presents a front-wheel drive and an all-wheel-drive system.
Ford Fusion replaced the Mondeo model by introducing a 2.5L engine. This transcended the inclusion of a gasoline engine and hybrid options. With updates on the car’s body and design, it grew to become the seventh best-selling car in the USA.
Ford Fusion cars like the 2020 model run an SEL trim, giving it a great design to match car brands like Mazda, Honda Accord, and other vehicles. With daytime running lamps, a center grille, and horizontal chrome slots, the Ford Fusion’s EcoBoost motor seems to be a car from the future.
The car unleashes a 181 horsepower, 185lb-ft torque, six-speed automatic transmission, and a 23 mpg for city/ 34 mpg for highway drives. These are reliable features for a passenger car.
2. Safety
Ford Fusion has an impressive security feature. This has made the Ford Fusion one of the safest cars to drive, with a five-star rating from the national highway traffic safety administration.
So, it’s specific; you can rely on this car to get you home safely. Ford Fusion safety features include:
- Automatic emergency braking system
- Forward collision warning
- Blind spot information system
- Rear backup camera
- Auto high beam lightning
- Airbags: Side-impact, overhead, knee, and front-impact airbags
- Stability control
- Anti-lock brakes
- Seatbelt pretensioners
- High-tech security systems include adaptive cruise control and embedded navigation
Riding in a Ford Fusion assures you of depending on one of the cars with impressive crash test scores, excellent roof strength, front crash prevention techniques, and side-impact reinforcement.
3. Rides and Handling
Ford Fusion offers comfortable rides, impressive handling, and enhanced traction. Quiet rides are not the only benefits that Ford Fusions provide; you have well-tuned steering and remarkable acceleration that gives you firm rides.
4. Durability and Longevity
Ford Fusion has a record of lasting long. The Ford Fusion last up to 200,000 miles, with a lifespan of 15 – 17 years. For the duration of usage, you might only have to run minor repairs like spark plug changes, oil and filter fixes, transmission fluid, bearings, or rear shocks.
The full features of a Ford Fusion will work perfectly even after driving them for up to 100,000 miles. However, we advise you to avoid the 2010 – 2013 Ford Fusion models. You’ll end up battling steering and transmission problems.
5. Engine and Performance
Ford Fusion runs on different engines across different years and generations.
- Duratec 25 I4 for 2013 – 2020 models, delivering 175hp
- 5 Ecoboost Turbocharged I4 for 2014 – 2020 models, delivering 181hp
- 6 Ecoboost Turbocharged I4 for 2013 models, delivering 179hp
- 0 Ecoboost Turbocharged I4 for 2013 – 2020 models, 240hp
- Duratec 20 I4 for 2013 -2020 models, 141 hp at 6000 RPM, and 188hp peak system horsepower
- 7 Ecoboost turbocharged V6 for 2017 – 2019, 325hp
Ford Fusion has remained keen on engine upgrades and performance. There are speculations that Ford will return with a 2022/2023 Ford Fusion.
This will also feature a burst of turbocharged powertrains and hopefully a 2.5L turbocharged 4-6 cylinder and 8-10 automatic speed transmissions. The truth remains: Ford Fusion engines never fail to deliver.
6. Fuel Economy
It would help if you considered the Ford Fusion for drivers who are great at fuel economy. The Ford Fusion car offers different gas mileage across other models and years.
On an overall scale, you should expect a fuel economy that ranges from 27/23/34 and 25/21/31 MPG for highway, city, and combined.
Ford Fusion recorded an impressive gas mileage with the Fusion plug-in hybrid, with a 42 MPG. This is enough fuel economy to take you on a community tour.
Why Did Ford Stop Making Fusion?
It’s normal to ask, “If Fusions were that good, why did Ford stop making them?” There are a lot of speculations on why Ford discontinued the production of the Ford Fusion. Although some believe the car didn’t meet the safety requirements, production stopped.
This wouldn’t sit right with a Fusion driver because they are one of the safest mid-sized cars to drive. The Ford company stated that it discontinued manufacturing Ford Fusions to focus its budget on more popular SUVs.
This brings our doubt to a firm stand; Ford stopped making Fusion because advertising and production energy weren’t driving the speculated profits. It felt better for Ford to stop making Fusion and channel its energy to creating more popular SUVs.
Fusion wasn’t generating the buzz that was expected. Quite simply, it wasn’t selling as well as SUVs and trucks.
Ford Fusion Reliability: Pros
- Durablity/longevity
- Impressive performance
- Great steering and handling
- Amazing ride quality
- Great safety features and ratings
Ford Fusion Reliability: Cons
- Fuel Economy might not be as impressive as you would expect.
- Discontinued until further notice.
- Acceleration is not as high as you might expect.
Final Verdict
The definition of reliability might vary for different drivers, but we believe a reliable car must have durable frames and last for a long time.
This includes impressive safety features that you can rely on, body design, fuel economy, and technology support. We believe the Ford reliability comparison will help you make better choices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Ford Fusion last?
Ford Fusion will last up to 200,000 miles, with an average lifespan of 15 – 17 years. This greatly depends on the maintenance and the driving conditions they are subjected to. With regular maintenance and servicing, getting your Ford Fusion to last 250,000 miles is possible.
Do Ford Fusions have a lot of problems?
Ford Fusions do not have many problems, but some specific issues are familiar with all models. Here are some of the common problems of Ford Fusion cars:
- Transmission issues (Difficulty or delayed transmission shifts)
- Steering fails
- Engine faults
- Swollen lug nuts
- Minor technical faults (CD not playing)
- Power steering fluid leaks
What is Ford replacing the Fusion with?
Ford discontinued the production of Fusion, only to introduce Lincoln Zephyr. Lincoln Zephyr has close similarities with the Ford Fusion, such as the 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 and 8-speed automatic transmission. While many Ford fans believe that Lincoln Zephyr is just a “Fusion in suits.” We believe Ford will reintroduce the Fusion/Mondeo to the market at the end of 2022.
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