Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Ford Fusion owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the advanced track failure message displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer filed a claim for the contact and referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the claim was denied. The contact was informed that the VIN was previously associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
The contact's son owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 45 MPH, the check engine, "Service Advance Trac" and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failures could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS and Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) modules needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the HECU fuse and ABS unit had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking. The contact stated that when the vehicle came to a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Was driving down a busy road with my [redacted] and [redacted] , when all of a sudden my steering wheel got super tight and the car shut down. A message stating "power steering assist fault" popped up on my dashboard. There was ZERO warning before it happened. I just bought this car 3 months ago from a facebook marketplace car dealer. When this incident happened 2 weeks ago, I googled 2011 ford fusion recalls and it says NHTSA recalled in 2015. When I'm not understanding is why a VIN number makes a difference, when I'm having the problem on the type of year/model that was recalled. I have been informed about the customer satisfaction program, which expired years before I purchased the vehicle. Again, why should that fall on me? Thanks
The contact's boyfriend owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved a fault code for a failure with the canister purge valve. The contact called another independent mechanic and was given an estimate for repair. The mechanic also referred the contact to Technical Service Bulletin: 15S34. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the TSB did not apply to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
My 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid is dangerous to me and others on the road. When I drove my car, was coming to a stopping point and it didn't want to stop. It does it off and on. I took it to the dealership and was told I needed a abs module. They didn't have any because they was on back order. This was during the pandemic and as of 2026 they are still on back order. I also purchased two abs modules used for my vehicle and took it to the dealership to be programmed and was told it wouldn't program. Please I'm needing assistance with this situation
'3 May 2013 (mileage 32,800) moab, utah. Driving in the mountains around moab for my daughters wedding. One passenger in the car beside myself. While driving around a sharp curve, all the electronics in the car went dead. The engine shut down, all lights on the dash, the radio, ac all stopped working. Power steering, power brakes were non-functioning. This happened a total of five times. '26 August 2015 (mileage approximately 55,600) time: 6:00 pm. Driving home from work. I'd stopped at a street light and when I pulled sharply out onto main road, the car went dark again and all electrical systems shut down. I quickly restarted it by shifting into neutral and starting it with the key. Three blocks later, it happened again. This was the first time it had happened on a straightaway. I was driving by myself. …
While driving at 60 miles per hour my vehicle decelerate in rush hour traffic, miles away from home. I was able to put my emergency flashers on and move over to the shoulder before my car completely lost power. I had a tool light come on the dash and the car was still on but no power. I turn the engine completely off for about t 1 minute and then restart my car. I was able to safely make it home. On my grandchildren first day of school, while picking up at 1 of 3 schools on the way to the second school my car decelerated just before a train track during rush hour once again. This time my engine light came on the dash. Following the same technique I restarted my car, made it across the track only for it to quit again. My grand baby was worried and needless to say so was I.. Using the same technique we were able to make it safely home. …
Lost power after momentary stumble while mildly accelerating on straight level city road around 35mph. Damp cool evening after much rain preceding days. Occurred about 2 miles after starting from cool engine (2-3 hours @ 60f) thought it had stalled but noted ~1000rpm, but not responding to throttle pedal at all? Clutched-in (6-speed manual) and coasted to stop, idle holding, but never responding to pedal? Noted wrench symbol glowing on dash. Wished I had my OBD-ii monitor in the car! Turned car off, removed key, opened door (to kill accessory power). Closed door, counted to 20 and restarted. It started a bit hard and stumbled a little initially, but the wrench was gone and I had a working throttle again. It seemed like it May have minimally stumbled a bit on the 2-3 miles home as well, although I was driving it very gently, and possibly overly aware. …
NHTSA investigations
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles.
Engine complaints in other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA has 290 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Ford Fusion, 10% of the model year's 2,794 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Ford Fusion engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2011 Ford Fusion, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Ford Fusion engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.