NHTSA (USA)Critical
This page covers 14 recalls, 1020 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Ford Fusion.
25–41 mpg combined
5.7–9.4 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.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2015 Ford Fusion draws complaints across three main systems: the engine, steering, and powertrain. Engine complaints are the most common, with owners frequently describing coolant loss without visible external leaks, white smoke from the exhaust, cylinder misfires, and sudden loss of power or acceleration, symptoms consistent with coolant entering the engine internally. Owners report these issues sometimes surface gradually, with repeated low coolant readings preceding a more serious failure. Steering complaints center on electric power steering assist cutting out and returning unexpectedly while driving, with several owners noting the problem gets worse in wet conditions. Powertrain reports overlap with the engine complaints in some cases, describing the car failing to accelerate normally or getting stuck at very low speeds despite the engine revving, sometimes with no warning lights beforehand.
1,020
Total Complaints
36
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
16
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Ford Fusion has 14 recalls, with the most serious involving a steering wheel retaining bolt that can loosen and allow the steering wheel to detach completely while driving, causing total loss of steering control.
Several recalls involve the transmission shifter cable bushing, which can degrade and detach, leaving the vehicle unable to shift into the intended gear or causing it to roll away unexpectedly if the driver exits without applying the parking brake. A related software issue on certain Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, and Fusion Energi models can allow the ignition key to be removed even when the transmission is not in Park, creating a rollaway risk. On the braking side, front brake hoses can rupture and leak fluid, increasing stopping distance, and on vehicles registered in certain southern states, the brake pedal bumper can separate and cause the brake lights to stay on continuously.
Steering concerns appear in two forms: in high-salt regions, bolts securing the electric power steering gear motor can corrode and cause the motor to detach, requiring significantly more effort to steer. Front seatbelt anchor cables on certain vehicles can fail when the pretensioner fires in a crash, leaving occupants without proper restraint. A clutch fracture risk applies to vehicles that received an earlier repair that did not fully resolve the issue, and can lead to a transmission fluid leak and possible fire. Door latches on vehicles registered in certain warm-weather states can fail to hold the door closed while driving. Fusion Energi models also have a recall covering the 120V charge cord, which can overheat and pose a fire risk.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The clutch may fracture in vehicles that were previously repaired under recalls 18V169 and 18V845. A fractured clutch can damage the transmission assembly and cause transmission fluid to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front brake hoses at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can wear down or come loose, potentially affecting shift control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the worn bushing and install a protective cap over the cable bushing at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In certain high-temperature, high-humidity, or salt-air environments, the brake pedal bumper can corrode and separate from the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake pedal bumpers and clutch pedal bumpers at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component inside the door latches can break, making doors hard to close or appearing closed when they actually aren't.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the side door latches at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Road salt and contaminants can corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts, potentially causing them to break or loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts, apply wax sealer to protect them, and install a new steering gear if bolts are broken or missing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During a crash, heat from the seat belt pretensioner deployment can damage the front seat belt anchor cable, causing it to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable to prevent heat damage.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the transmission shifter cable to the transmission can wear out and come loose, allowing the shift lever to move to Park without the transmission actually being in Park, with no warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 120V charging cord lacks a thermistor. If your home's outlet or wiring has high resistance, the cord can overheat and melt during charging.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your cord with a new 120V convenience cord that includes a thermistor, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the transmission shifter cable can wear and separate from the transmission. This may let you shift to Park and remove the key while the transmission stays in a different gear, with no warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel retaining bolt can loosen, potentially allowing the steering wheel to detach while you're driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During a crash, heat from the seat belt pretensioner deploying may cause the front seat belt anchor cable to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Snow and water containing road salt may corrode the bolts that attach the electric power steering motor, potentially causing them to break or loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply sealer and replace the steering motor bolts. If bolts are broken or missing, the entire steering gear will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The key can be removed from the ignition even when the transmission is not in Park, which can allow the vehicle to roll away unintentionally.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the vehicles at no charge to correct the key removal mechanism.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
