Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags). The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to drive to the residence by using manual strength to steer the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the doors and the windows had failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The lock warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a chip inside the transmission causing the transmission to seize. The vehicle was not repaired. The origin of the chip was unknown. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated as she entered the driveway, the steering wheel became hard to maneuver as the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact notified the manufacturer and was advised to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
My vehicle is a 2011 Ford Fusion, with 165,000 miles on it. When leaving my apartment, as soon as I got on the highway and went above 15 mph my car violently started to shake, I immediately pulled over safely and got out to check around and under the car. Got back in and put it back in drive. Started to drive and it once again started to violently shake. I immediately pulled over again and called to have it towed. Once able I tried to get Ford to look at it but they said the next appointment was 2 months out. I had another mechanic look at it and he said the PTU had failed and would need a full removal and installation of the transfer case. With all the work that needed done he said it would be over 4K. I don't have that kind of money right now because I just had tire rods replace and ball joints so I'm just going to have to wait. Having been without a car has been so difficult. …
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Transmission slipping,lurching,hard shift,jerking while driving. No prior lamp warnings or other symptoms. Break pedal when applied or released after acceleration or just before a complete stop vehicle makes a pin ball bouncing sound then when acceleration repeated transmission issues. This has put my saftey at risk as well as my passengers because of the sudden slipping,lurching,hard shift,jerking while driving. Trying to understand problem I came across a ongoing investigation regarding ford and knowingly using faulty transmission in a multitude of there vehicles in which mine is exhibiting exactly same behaviors.
Powertrain light came on and threw code p1450 and car went into limp mode. Car will stall at stops and lights and won't go over 40. Replaced the canister purge valve which turned light off but it immediately came back once trying to over 40 and went back into limp mode. Everything I have read and ai has said based on diagnostic information says it's the electronic throttle body which has a recall for this model and year of car but not this vin for some reason.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. While driving 60 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. Prior to the noise, the contact noticed a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who found grease inside the transfer case. The vehicle was taken to paramount Ford of valdese (101 malcolm blvd suite a, valdese, nc 28690, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
My sister was driving my 2011 Ford Fusion to go out of town , when getting back into town, she pulled into macdonalds, put shift in park. While sitting in car, we were taking food orders from passengers, one in front passenger side of car and one in back passenger side. We, my sister who was driving and I who own the car, got out of autombile , we went into macdonalds stood in line, when we got up to the counter to order, someone yelled " that car is rolling backwards" and the car rolled backwards into the side of a white truck, damanging the passenger side door on the truck, no damage on Ford Fusion. The car was running as to leave the air conditioner on because it was so hot out. I was in the resturant and not even near the Ford Fusion at the time of roll back. …
Transmission complaints in other Fusion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Ford Fusion?
NHTSA has 268 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 Ford Fusion, 10% of the model year's 2,794 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Ford Fusion transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.