Ford Fusion (2nd Gen)
13-20 · Ford Fusion
The 2nd gen Fusion looks great and has strong safety scores, but the EcoBoost engine options introduced reliability issues that the 2.5L base avoided, know which engine you're buying.
Score breakdown
Our take
What it really is
A good-looking sedan with a complex option lineup. The 2.5L base is the most reliable, simple, chain-driven, no turbo. The 1.5T and 2.0T EcoBoost engines have documented coolant leaks into the cylinder head and carbon buildup issues. Ford issued a TSB and extended warranty on some 14-15 1.5T engines for coolant leak failures.
Why it's on this list
Strong styling, good safety ratings, and competitive pricing used. The 2.5L naturally aspirated model is the right buy, it avoids the EcoBoost headaches entirely. A clean 17-18 SE with 2.5L is a legitimate $10k–$14k buy.
The honest trade-offs
EcoBoost engines (1.5T and 2.0T) have coolant leak and head issues, avoid. Maintenance costs are higher than Japanese rivals. Resale is poor, which means better deals for buyers. HVAC and sync electronics are common complaint areas.
What to buy and what to avoid
17-19 SE or SEL with the 2.5L 4-cylinder (NOT the EcoBoost). The 2.5L is paired with a 6-speed automatic, reliable and straightforward. Verify HVAC and electronics in test drive. Avoid 1.5T and 2.0T trims entirely.
Annual cost of ownership
Key specs
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Reliability data
Repairability
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.
Looking to buy a Ford Fusion?
Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.
Modernize this car
CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.
If you like the Ford Fusion (2nd Gen), also consider
Picked by segment, score, and ownership cost.
Owner ratings
Owner stories
Real owners. Real mileage. Not a press release.
No stories yet. Be the first.
Community comments
Sign in to leave a comment.