2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Problems & Complaints

Use caution1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Fusion Hybrid at the same age

Owners have filed 126 complaints about the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 1.7× as many as a typical Fusion Hybrid model year at the same age — above average, so look closely at the problem areas below before you buy. The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain (30 complaints, typically around 111,000 miles). One recall covers this model year.

126complaints
1recalls
1crashes
4fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid problems

  • 3024%
  • Electrical system~29,000 miles
    2016%
  • Steering~90,000 miles
    1915%
  • Body & structure~50,000 miles
    1210%
  • Engine & cooling~26,000 miles
    119%
  • Brakes~35,000 miles
    119%
  • Seat belts~78,000 miles
    119%
  • Air bags~23,000 miles
    108%
  • Other / not specified~50,000 miles
    108%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~21,000 miles
    97%
  • Speed control & acceleration~37,000 miles
    65%
  • Stability & traction control~112,000 miles
    65%
  • Lights~3,000 miles
    54%
  • Wheels & tires~78,000 miles
    43%
  • Locks & latches~69,000 miles
    32%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~34,000 miles
    22%
  • Seats~89,000 miles
    22%
  • Suspension~92,000 miles
    11%
  • Driver assistance
    11%

Share of the 126 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Ford Fusion Hybrid complaints by model year

20102011201220132014201520162017201820192020509132961266546557059358
Owner complaints per model year, Ford Fusion Hybrid. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Fusion Hybrid years: 2020, 2015, 2016. Years to avoid: 2010, 2011, 2013. Compare all years →

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid recalls (1)

Equipment › Electrical

NHTSA recall 18V-592 · Sep 10, 2018 · 49,197 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 120V Convenience charge cords that were supplied with and sold for use with 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi vehicles and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into 5 possible defects involving the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures

NHTSA investigation RQ22004 · opened Aug 8, 2022 · closed Mar 24, 2023 · led to recall 23V-162

On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak.

Door Latch Failures

NHTSA investigation RQ19005 · opened Dec 19, 2019 · closed Feb 7, 2022 · led to recall 20V-177

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

NHTSA investigation EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · open

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

NHTSA investigation EA15002 · opened Feb 27, 2015 · closed Nov 13, 2015 · led to recall 15V-246

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 investigation DP22005 · opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V-063

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 Hybrid owners say

Transmission & drivetrain all 30 →

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while refueling the vehicle, fuel would spew back out of the tank. As both failures persisted, the vehicle began to jerk and hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact attempted to make an appointment with the dealer but was informed that due to a shortage of employees, the vehicle could not be serviced for months. The contact stated that while waiting for the appointment while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled upon depression of the accelerator pedal while at a complete stop. The "Stop Safely Now" message was displayed on the instrument panel. …

130,000 miles · Jan 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, she heard abnormal grinding sounds coming from the driver's side front wheel. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the ball joint and unknown suspension parts were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who referred the contact to a certified transmission specialist. The vehicle was taken to a certified transmission specialist and was then towed to a second certified transmission specialist. Both transmission specialists diagnosed that the bushings were grinding in the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. …

136,000 miles · Mar 2022

Electrical system all 20 →

The contact's granddaughter owned a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver looked in the rearview mirror and noticed black smoke coming from the rear seats of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's sons were in car seats in the rear seats of the vehicle. The driver immediately pulled over to the side of the road, exited the vehicle, and took her sons out of the vehicle. The contact stated that the entire vehicle then caught on fire. The contact stated that the driver's side of the vehicle was more burned than the rest of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department, who informed the contact's granddaughter that the fire might have originated from the trunk of the vehicle. It was unknown whether a Police report or a Fire Department report was filed. …

Jun 2025 · fire

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that the brake lights remained illuminated whether the vehicle was running or turned off. Due to the failure, the contact had to jumpstart the vehicle due to the battery being drained. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where she was provided an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered recalls on the 2014 and 2015 model year vehicles for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

159,000 miles · Jul 2022

Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The traction control and power steering assist warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering gear motor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 112,000.

112,000 miles · Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

125,000 miles · Apr 2024

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl hybridCVTFWD43 / 39 / 41

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid a good car?

Based on 126 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Fusion Hybrid rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Fusion Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the Fusion Hybrid 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 Hybrid?

The transmission & drivetrain — 30 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission › lever and linkage › floor shift. Next are the electrical system (20) and steering (19).

How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid have?

There is 1 recall for the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most recent from September 10, 2018 (electrical). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Ford Fusion Hybrid?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2015 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010, 2011 and 2013. See the full Ford Fusion Hybrid years comparison.

At what mileage do 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 46% 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.