3,141 of the
28,743 complaints filed about the Ford Fusion
are about the transmission —
11% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2010.
3,141
Complaints
11%
Share of all complaints
58
Crashes
6
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
I am reporting a serious recurring safety concern involving a 2017 Ford Fusion SE with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle was purchased used in August 2022 with approximately 50,000 miles. Within months, significant coolant and engine problems began. In February 2023, at approximately 55,940 miles, the vehicle developed a coolant leak. A pressure test confirmed the water pump was leaking and it was replaced. At approximately 84,189 miles, the vehicle experienced white/gray exhaust smoke, coolant loss, very low oil, and rough-running symptoms. The servicing Ford dealership referenced Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2322 in connection with the diagnosis and ultimately replaced the engine short block. Despite this major engine repair, the problems continued. The vehicle subsequently experienced additional smoking, hesitation and loss of power and required replacement of the turbocharger. The vehicle was returned again because it continued to smoke and required additional repairs. I am concerned this is a recurring engine defect rather than normal wear and tear. The repeated engine/coolant failures, smoking, hesitation and loss of power create a serious safety concern because the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power or experience engine failure while being driven. Ford has been notified of the repeated failures but declined further relief based primarily on the vehicle's current age, mileage and expired warranty. This ignores that the problems began years earlier at substantially lower mileage and that major repairs failed to permanently correct the condition. I request that NHTSA investigate whether the 1.5L EcoBoost engine in this and similarly equipped Ford vehicles has a safety-related defect involving coolant intrusion, engine failure and loss of power. The vehicle is currently at approximately 101,000 miles, but the documented problems began at 55,940 miles and continued despite major repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11756818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is a recall for the transmission cable bushings for years 2013-2106. The recall came out in 2022. This same bushing is used in the 2018 ford fusion model that was not fixed. The bushing on my vehicle which is a 2018 complete failed while I was driving and left me immobile until I searched for a fix and found the bushing completely gone. Ford Escape: Model years 2013–2019, Ford C-Max: Model years 2013–2018; Ford Fusion: Model years 2013–2016; Ford Transit Connect: Model years 2013–2021; Ford Edge: Model years 2015–2018. Each model besides the fusion went past the 2018 model in which the 2018 fusion should be apart of
NHTSA complaint #11754361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission/cracked flexplate started approximately 12 months prior with vibrations getting progressively worse, complete failure needing replacement along with shift cable bushing causes vehicle to select wrong gear position when another is commanded by driver. Shrapnel from case or components could be expelled during flexplate/converter failure. Incorrect gear selection could lead to potential injury or damage from improper gear selection.
NHTSA complaint #11753612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine experienced a sudden failure that caused the vehicle to become completely inoperable. Prior to the failure, the vehicle exhibited intermittent hesitation, rough idling, and loss of power during acceleration. These symptoms began several weeks before the complete failure. No warning lamps were illuminated at first, but shortly before the breakdown, the vehicle displayed a check engine light and a “Service Engine Soon” message. While driving, the vehicle abruptly lost power and became unsafe to operate. I was forced to pull over immediately, which created a safety risk to myself and other drivers due to the sudden deceleration and inability to maintain speed in traffic. The vehicle would not restart afterward. A repair facility has confirmed that the engine has suffered a major internal failure and requires replacement. The estimated cost of repair starts upwards of $5,000. The vehicle is currently non‑drivable and remains available for inspection. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, I have found multiple similar complaints from other owners reporting the same type of powertrain failure, suggesting a potential pattern or defect affecting safety.
NHTSA complaint #11752956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was coming home from work and when I tried to shift the gear from drive to park it was stuck on drive and Neutral I contacted the car dealer and they said ford has had this issue that it was a recall on it so I researched and found out that Ford issued major safety recalls (Recall 22S43 and 18S20) for 2017 Ford Fusions regarding a degraded transmission shifter cable bushing. This defect can cause the shifter cable to detach. Consequently, the car may roll away unexpectedly because the transmission isn't actually in Park, even though the shifter says it is.Recall DetailsThe Problem: The underhood shift cable bushing can degrade and fail over time.The Remedy: Ford dealers will replace the transmission shifter cable bushing and add a protective cap over it free of charge (parts and labor). It my VIN# was not coming up as a recall and this is an ongoing issue for this car and I would like to get this resolved as soon as possible with ford recall please thank you
NHTSA complaint #11752546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My backup camera often freezes after I shift from reverse to drive. The screen turns blue and at time will have a live video of me driving showing what’s behind my car. Also my engine loses power and doesn’t accelerate as it should. There is a powertrain and censor error that shows due to the Che k engine light being on. I had the issue fixed once at a ford dealer however the issue was not resolved. It started up again 48 hours later.I have noticed that all other ford fusions have the same two issues and were included in the recalls but the 2019’s are not ? Please assist I have been trying to have these issues resolved for years with no success.
NHTSA complaint #11750224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle makes strange sounds from the fuel fill inlet and proceeds to stall shortly after while driving and most of the times fails to restart based on my own research it looks like purge valve issues My safety was put at risk by almost being rear ended multiple times from stalling on the expressway and red lights The problem has not been reproduced yet by the dealer it will be looked at on 07/15/26 The component has not been inspected yet The check engine light illuminated when the issue started
NHTSA complaint #11749394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle transmission shifts harshly from 2nd to 3rd gear and occasionally from 1st to 2nd gear I believe it’s a safety issue because it causes slower acceleration and jerkiness which causes vehicle instability The problem has been reproduced by the dealer but no solution was found yet The transmission hasn’t been fully inspected yet There are no warning lamps or codes present for this issue yet
NHTSA complaint #11749396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 7/8/2026, the vehicle became undriveable. Placing the vehicle in reverse on the shidfter dial using registered a conflicting direction on the dashboard indicator. The vehicle was towed to a dealership and the repair consisted of replacing the shift cable bushing. This was the same fix required in recalls 18S20 & 22V413. On 7/9/2026 the issue was verified by a Ford dealership tech. I was advised that the protective cap is now contained in the repair kit with the shift cable bushing. A brief fleeting warning on the screen indicated a "Shift Fault - See Manual" or words to that effect. The manual only seemed to reference a "Steering Fault" Ford HQ was notified - Reference No: CXH-08533100
NHTSA complaint #11749428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A failed transmission cooling line caused the transmission fluid to leak. At no point did the vehicle display a check engine light, transmission warning, or any other indication that there was a problem. According to the Ford dealership, the transmission fluid had been leaking for some time. Because the transmission pan is wrapped in a fabric-like insulating material, the leaking fluid was absorbed rather than dripping onto the ground, making the leak virtually impossible for an owner to detect during normal use. The dealership also advised that this condition could have created a potential fire hazard within the engine compartment. The vehicle has only approximately 40,000 miles, making this type of catastrophic transmission failure especially concerning for a relatively low-mileage vehicle. The first and only symptom occurred when I started the vehicle one day. It hesitated, struggled to shift out of first gear, and drove abnormally. I immediately drove it to the Ford dealership, where it was diagnosed with a complete transmission failure. The vehicle is currently at the dealership, and I have been presented with an estimated repair cost of approximately $12,000. My primary concern is that there was absolutely no warning before this major failure. No warning lights, no diagnostic alerts, and no indication that a significant transmission fluid leak or internal transmission damage was occurring. A safety-critical failure of this magnitude should provide drivers with some form of warning before resulting in complete transmission failure.
NHTSA complaint #11748773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving all of a sudden I feel the car loose power as I accelerated the car just reeved up and slowed down to a full stop. I put it in park turned it off sat for a few minutes. Restarted the car and put it in drive the engine RPM made a reving sounds but did not engage. I had to wait for a tow truck. When the tow truck arrived he started the car and drove it on the ram and locked it in and drove the car to my home. Tow truck driver unlocked my car and drove it off the bed of his truck. The car starts and that is it. It will dive a few feet then disengage.
NHTSA complaint #11744313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upon starting my car, the check engine light illuminated. Took my car to my mechanic and they confirmed an engine issue. Also stated the Ford 2.0 Liter engine has a high failure rate. My 2017 Ford Fusion SE (2.0 L Turbo Engine – VIN # [XXX]) with only 82,300 miles, which was purchased new, that has developed a water intrusion issue as identified in the Ford TSB 19-2346. After two separate requests Ford has stated it is out of warranty and will not provide and assistance in repairs, however based upon numerous reports this is caused by a design flaw. Previous recalls on the 1.6 L engine confirm the issue is across this engine family. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I’ve learned a while ago that the vehicle doesn’t have a working horn, I’ve replaced the fuse at least five times and it’s still not working. Yes the car was sold to me this way. Also I’ve been getting this warning to my ford app: “The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)/Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) has detected a fault and may not function. What Should I Do? If either BLIND SPOT NOT AVAILABLE/SENSOR BLOCKED SEE MANUAL or CROSS TRAFFIC NOT AVAILABLE/SENSOR BLOCKED SEE MANUAL is in the information display, the system may not function. Check the exterior vehicle sensors for damage or debris covering them (see Owner's Manual for sensor locations). If the problem persists, please have the system checked by an authorized dealer.” For the last month my car has become hard to drive as if there’s a power steering issue.
NHTSA complaint #11740965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rotary gear shift knob occasionally gets stuck and refuses to rotate back to Reverse (R). This intermittent failure has occurred 3 times within this month. The dashboard does not show any warning lights or error codes during the incident. This is a severe safety hazard as it could leave the vehicle stranded in traffic or unable to back away from danger. Took the vehicle to the Ford dealership(Citrus Motors Ford) for inspection, but they returned it as "Could Not Duplicate" because no active diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) were stored. However, the physical shifting malfunction remains an active threat.
NHTSA complaint #11739517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While pulling into my parking garage at work I put my 2017 Ford Fusion into park to open the door and scan my card. When I tried to shift out of park the gear shifter indicated a shifting fault that required service. The car was towed to a Ford Service Center where the problem as diagnosed to be the shift control linkage, specifically the shift cable bushing. I have come to understand that this part has had issues in the 2013-2016 Ford Fusion models resulting in a recall. This issue appears to also be in the 2017 Ford Fusion as the results of the fault are identical to those of the 2013-2016 models. The component has been diagnosed by a certified ford service center. There were no warning lamps or prior indicators of this issue. Warning lamps only turned on after the issues occured.
NHTSA complaint #11739535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUBJECT: URGENT COMPLAINT: Deceptive Practices/Misrepresentation & Services Not Rendered (Woodhouse Ford of Omaha) I. Actionable Safety Issue Summary This complaint concerns fraudulent billing and dangerous misrepresentation by Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, which claimed a vehicle's 3rd rack and pinion system was "safe" on 2/19/2026 after a known safety issue, following a previous failure. They further charged $219.22 for unrendered/improper ABS programing repairs that was not successful because the electric rack and pinion is defective on 3/5/2026 and fabricated invoice records to shift liability. II. Parties Involved •Consumer: [XXX] •Dealer/Service Provider: Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Service Manager Jeremy Sullivan, Technician Anthony Rubio. •Financial Institution: First National Bank of Omaha (Regulated by OCC). III. Nature of the Dispute 1.Safety Hazard/Misrepresentation (2/19/2026): Service Manager Jeremy Sullivan and Tech Anthony Rubio stated the vehicle’s rack and pinion was "safe" despite a prior failure. This misrepresentation has left me with a vehicle that has had the rack and pinion fail or require replacement three times in under a year. 2.Services Not Rendered (3/5/2026): Charged $219.22 for "programming the ABS module" which was not rendered or not performed correctly. 3.Fabricated Documentation: Woodhouse Ford created fraudulent service invoices stating I diagnosed the ABS fault and declined further diagnosis. This is an attempt to evade liability for ongoing, dangerous defects. IV. Regulatory Violations & Requested Action The described actions violate consumer protection laws, including: •Dodd-Frank UDAAP (12 USC § 5536): Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices. •Fair Credit Billing Act (15 USC § 1666): Billing error/services not received. •Regulation E (12 CFR 1005.11): Procedures for resolving errors. Requested Action: Initiate an investigation into Woodhouse Ford of Omaha’s service practices and safety diagnostics. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
NHTSA complaint #11737072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving and the car just stopped it wouldn't let me put in park or drive it just stayed in neutral. And I was stuck it kept the the emergency break on. Then it wouldn't turn off all the way which caused the car to drain battery.
NHTSA complaint #11737001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving, the car’s acceleration started to slow down an no matter how much I pressed the gas, it wouldn’t go. I was only able to do 5 miles an hour. It was a loud noise like it was reving up, but wasn’t going anywhere. There was no warning lights. I did not have any issues previously nor had any repairs made. I took it to the auto repair shop the same day and they had confirmed it was the transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11735779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
transmission cable bushing failed. I see there is a recall for older models. The shift cable came off the transmission just like the recall problem had. this left my car stuck in reverse so i could not move the car or start it after I turned it off and I could not get it off the street.
NHTSA complaint #11735930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.