Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward and jerked. The contact stated that the ABS fault, Pre-Collision Assist and Park Aid Malfunction messages were displayed. Additionally, the steering wheel became difficult to operate. The contact stated that upon veering to the side of the road, the warning messages disappeared. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on eight separate occasions. The dealer diagnosed that the failure was associated with the electrical system. The speed sensor replacement and several unknown repairs were completed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an unknown electrical failure. …
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that one day, while driving at various speeds and on more than one occasion, the vehicle's interior lights would all illuminate unintentionally and the vehicle would lose power shortly after. The contact would have to turn off the vehicle and then restart to regain power and proper function. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the power control module, PCM, failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the parts being on national backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
The contact's mother owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while his mother was pulling into a parking space, the vehicle abruptly stopped independently. The driver noticed that the vehicle had shifted to park(P) independently, and the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). An unknown warning light was illuminated. The driver turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the gear shifter remained stuck in park(P). An independent mechanic arrived on the scene but was unable to correct the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The RED Triangle Symbol (Master Warning Light) was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission was leaking and that the hybrid system, battery, and engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed there were no open recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that while shifting into gear, the gear shifter defaulted back to park(P). The contact stated that the shift system fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be reprogrammed and the actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be reprogrammed and the actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the parts to do the repair were back ordered and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
i spoke to the Ford dealership service department tech about the recall (22S43/22V413) & was told that Ford stopped making repairs as of the end of July for the problem until the customer has an actual problem and has to have the car towed in - then & only then will parts be sent to the dealership for the repair - Ford repaired some cars in July but notified service departments that Ford will not ship out parts until a customer's car is towed in for repairs to be fixed....Ford will pay for the tow and all parts but cars are not to be repaired until they are broken! I spoke to a rep from Ford and their story was totally different - parts are not available until at least October, so my question is - what happens to cars that exhibit this problem? …
I drive a 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid with approximately 105,000 miles. The transmission (HF35 hybrid) recently started making a whining noise. The vehicle was diagnosed at a Ford service center as needing a transmission replacement due to failure of the transfer shaft gear assembly bearings. Issues with premature failure of the transfer shaft bearings for this transmission are well documented online and in multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 14-0214, 16-0105, 17-0039) spanning several years. Previously, a Customer Service Satisfaction Program 14B07 was established to replace transmissions with this issue, for 2013-2014 model years. The program expired; however, many vehicles were produced with the same transmission issues after this Customer Service Satisfaction Program expired (including 2015 & 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrids built before Aug 2015). …
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured July 27, 2013, to October 31, 2014, 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to October 31, 2014, and 2015 Ford Fusion Energi vehicles manufactured July 14, 2014, to October 31, 2014.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14C11.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Fusion Hybrid years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (48), 2013 (30), 2017 (18), 2011 (12) and 2014 (12) model years. Transmission complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Ford Fusion Hybrid transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-736 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Nov 18, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Fusion Hybrid transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (2 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (1).
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.