NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode. This can happen when the propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
This page covers 7 recalls, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Ford Fusion.
19–38 mpg combined
6.2–12.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2011 Ford Fusion has 7 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag defect affecting both the driver and passenger frontal airbags, where the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The airbag concern spans multiple filings but describes the same underlying hazard: long-term exposure to heat and humidity can cause the inflator propellant to degrade, leading to an explosive rupture at deployment. This affects vehicles in high-humidity regions including several southern states, Hawaii, and U.S. territories, though some filings cover a broader population.
On the fuel system side, the fuel vapor canister's purge valve may not operate correctly, causing abnormal pressure to build in the fuel tank. That pressure can crack the tank and allow fuel to leak, raising the risk of fire if an ignition source is nearby. This recall applies to certain 2010-2011 model year vehicles.
The remaining recall covers the electric power steering system on vehicles without a 3.5L engine. If power steering assist is lost, the steering wheel becomes significantly harder to turn at low speeds, which can make the vehicle difficult to control.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode. This can happen when the propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with a new one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver or passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air bag module and replace the module or inflator if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost. Ford will mail recall notices and notify owners when parts are available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel vapor canister's purge valve may not work correctly, causing abnormal pressure changes inside the fuel tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control software, test the purge valve, inspect the fuel tank for cracks, and replace parts as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering assist system may shut down due to a steering motor sensor fault, potentially eliminating power steering.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the steering control module for fault codes. If found, the steering gear is replaced. If none are found, the steering control module software is updated.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.