Which Years Of Ford Fusion Are Best & Most Reliable?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Generally speaking, Ford Fusion is reliable enough for its class. However, some years earned a bad reputation for issues with transmission and starting, while others are considered safe. Among the best years for Ford Fusion are 2018, 2019, and 2020. The most recent years received considerably fewer complaints on forums and review sites. The model was discontinued in 2020, so if you are looking for the most reliable Fusion, search for the last production year of this car.

But ranking does not provide much information, that's why in this article, we will explore different successful Ford Fusion years in more detail. Here you will find out what exactly makes these years stand out, their strong suits, and possible issues that still may affect your experience.

What is the Best Ford Fusion Year to Buy?

So far, the best Ford Fusion year is 2020, the last year of its production. We have researched this question using the information provided by NHTSA and the online Ford community to find the TOP-5 most reliable Ford Fusion years. The rule of thumb is that you can easily pick any of the last three years, but that would be too restricting. Unfortunately, Fusion is not the most stress-free model produced by Ford, so the final list is not very long.

Best Ford Fusion Years:

• 2020 Ford Fusion
• 2019 Ford Fusion
• 2018 Ford Fusion
• 2017 Ford Fusion
• 2015 Ford Fusion

These five years have the least complaints and recalls based on the information from NHTSA and other open resources. If you are looking for a used Ford Fusion, we would recommend keeping an eye on one of these options, preferably the newer one.

Fusion Years/Generations

Ford Fusion only has two generations throughout its history, but it makes up for that with quite a few mid-gen facelifts. The most reliable among the Ford Fusion gens are the 2nd Gen (CD4)  and both facelifts of the 2nd Gen (CD4).

The Shaky Start of the 1st Gen (CD3) Fusion

The first-ever generation of Ford Fusion is hardly the most reliable one, but it is relatively okay. Even though these cars are good in comparison to some other years, they have a list of annoying and concerning common issues.

The most frequently reported problem is associated with notoriously unreliable door handles that brake too often to ignore a certain pattern. Another thing you should be aware of is turning lights issues. They often fail in 1st gen Fusion. And last, but not least, are engine and transmission problems. Unfortunately, we will see many shifting issues across all the generations of Ford Fusion.

Do Not Buy Ford Fusion 1st Gen (CD3) Facelift Cars

The worst generation of Ford Fusion is the 1st gen after the facelift. It has the biggest number of recalls, complaints, and fuss around them. The one thing you need as a takeaway from this article is that you should avoid the 2010 Ford Fusion like the plague.

In contrast to somewhat annoying problems with bent or broken door handles, this generation features a variety of steering problems as their major drawback. If you rely on power steering a lot, avoid this generation, as it has a history of faults and failures associated with it. Engine problems are also more common, namely, abrupt loss of power, stalling, and, in rarer cases, rough running. Transmission issues traditionally come third.

Consistently Not Great Ford Fusion 2nd Gen (CD4)

This generation is neither bad nor good. The common issues for these cars pop up less often than in the previous gen, but they are concerning. Some Fusion owners reported engine problems like a sudden engine failure while driving. The transmission seems to be the weakest point of all Ford Fusion years. This generation mostly experiences improper shifting between gears as well as roughness.

If you decide to buy one of these cars, pay closer attention to the interior because there are many various reports of stuck parts, horn issues, and such

The "Solid Choice": 2nd Gen (CD4) Facelift

This generation is one of the best generations you can find. The problems are less frequent, especially in more recent years. The biggest challenge here is the faulty electrical system, predominantly in the 2017 Ford Fusion. The problems occur in the battery, charging system, or connections. Check them thoroughly and make them your routine after purchase to avoid surprises.

Another thing to keep in check is the engine. Make sure it is properly maintained, and you should be just fine

The 2nd Gen (CD4) Facelift 2 Is The Best Generation

The newest and last generation of Ford Fusion has its perks: sleek design, upgraded features, including safety and comfort, and improved performance with even more power and torque. However, the 2019-2020 Fusions still suffer from some electrical problems, but those are quite rare.

The best maintenance idea would be to set routine check-ups of transmission and electrical systems once or twice a year. This generation is vulnerable to transmission slipping and various electrical issues.

What Makes A Ford Fusion Reliable?

Ford Fusion had some nasty years in the past, but the recent models are very reliable and enjoyable to drive. According to the reviews and votes of VIN-verified owners at J.D.Power, Fusion scores very high in reliability, driving experience, and resale value. No wonder the 2020 Ford Fusion ranked third among the best midsize cars of the year.

A well-maintained Ford Fusion can last for as long as 200 000 miles! This adds to the resale value and just reliability in general. The 2020 or 2019 Ford Fusion can easily last you for many years if you take good care of it. All you need to do

What Ford Fusion has the best engine?

According to the complaints statistics, the 2018-2020 Ford Fusion vehicles have the best reliable engines. But they differ from one trim level to another, so it would be better to find out more from our Ford Fusion engine database. The 2nd generation Ford Fusion can be equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine, 2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine, or other models. 

The EcoBoost family is a popular choice for many Fusion fans, though. These engines work best for conscientious drivers who dislike wasting fuel but still want a good performance.

Is Ford Fusion Worth It?

The now-discontinued Ford Fusion is not for everyone. It can prove too much for a new car enthusiast or a person who has little time to spend figuring out what could go wrong with the car. It had its good times, and we would recommend the 2018-2020 Ford Fusion as a good reliable car, but outside of this range, it is likely not worth it. 

The older models, unfortunately, can bring you a lot of headaches. They have a variety of issues anyone with common sense has to acknowledge. Problems with the engine, transmission, and steering are nothing to shrug off.

As always, we encourage our readers to do their research. But, hopefully, this article sheds some light on the question about the Ford Fusion's reliability.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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