Most common 2013 Ford Fusion Energi problems
Share of the 39 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Fusion Energi complaints by model year
Best Fusion Energi years: 2018, 2017, 2016. Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2013, 2014. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi:
Door Latch Failures
In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Door Latch Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford Fiesta, MY 2013 Ford Fusion and MY 2013 Lincoln MKZ vehicles.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2013 Ford Fusion Energi owners say
Steering
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and attempting to turn to the right or left, the steering wheel became stiff, and difficult to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was unaware of what needed to be replaced or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
The regenerative braking will cut out under specific circumstances and the car will feel like it is lurching forward instead of slowing down. The situation is: braking using only regen brakes, no friction brakes; steady pedal pressure; going 15-20 MPH; turning the steering wheel at least 90 degrees left or right; driving on smooth pavement. Data I have logged from the sobdmc indicates that the traction motor briefly reduces its negative torque which causes the car to surge forward. In one instance that I logged the negative torque shows around 48 ft-lbs and then suddenly drops to about 8 ft-lbs. The traction motor then gradually increases torque back to the appropriate level. In another instance the negative torque suddenly went from about 28 ft-lbs to 8 ft-lbs. The drop in torque occurs in 1/10 of one second per my logged data. …
Electrical system
Initial failure of parking break switch warning light (and switch itself) follow by wire harness failure under dash due to wires rubbing against exposed steel dash frame causing unknown additional issues, including activation of dashboard check engine light. Failures happened over time as wiring became frayed and finally caused a series of short circuits. The wiring harness failure was reported to Ford customer service - case number cas-10375276-l2-w7-j7. No action was taken other than a follow-up email from the dealer's service manager suggesting I hold on to the paperwork in the event of a recall. Note that the mechanic informed the service department that "I've seen this before". The car has about 62,200 miles on it and is only 3 years old. Given the computerized nature of this car, a computer wire harness failure is clearly a safety hazard worth investigation. …
Car would not start with key in ignition; jumped 12v battery to take to dealer. 12v battery replaced 3/20/18 ($210). On 6/10/2018, again, car would not start. Was told by dealer they didn't know why new battery not working; replaced, 12v again ($0 under warranty). On 7/19/2018, again, vehicle not starting; absolutely no electronic display in dash, therefore, looks to be 12v battery problem, again. This vehicle appears to have a problem w/ ability to maintain 12v battery charged and system inoperable even after new battery replacement.
Fuel & propulsion system
While braking using light to medium pressure (and, thus, while the car is using regenerative braking), if I hit a pothole or bump just right, the car will surge forward as if the accelerator was pushed. (and, of course it wasn't.) the problem is relatively intermittent, but that doesn't mean it is nonexistent. Quite the opposite; it can be recreated as long as the conditions are correct (as described above). Even when you recreate the exact conditions, it is still intermittent (but, again, that doesn't mean nonexistent). Ford has looked at the problem repeatedly and deemed it "unable to recreate." this is a falsehood; the problem was recreated once with a dealer driving the car. Also, Ford gave me a data recorder unit and, using that, I was able to recreate the problem while the recorder ran. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion Energi. While the vehicle was stopped in a parking lot, the stop safely now warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to latrobe Ford (located at 1595 mission rd, latrobe, pa 15650, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the trans inverter control module needed to be replaced due to a short circuit in the transmission. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.
2013 Ford Fusion Energi engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | CVT | FWD | 40 / 36 / 38 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi a good car?
Based on 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Fusion Energi rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Fusion Energi at the same age. It is one of the Fusion Energi years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi?
The steering — 10 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (9) and fuel & propulsion system (6).
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Fusion Energi?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2017 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2020, 2013 and 2014. See the full Ford Fusion Energi years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Ford Fusion Energi problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.