Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 38 | 21% | 4,000 miles |
| 2019 | 36 | 11% | 19,000 miles |
| 2018 | 26 | 6% | 44,000 miles |
| 2017 | 125 | 11% | 30,000 miles |
| 2016 | 150 | 9% | 58,000 miles |
| 2015 | 102 | 10% | 61,000 miles |
| 2014 | 162 | 12% | 61,000 miles |
| 2013 | 160 | 9% | 55,000 miles |
| 2012 | 164 | 7% | 63,000 miles |
| 2011 | 203 | 7% | 57,000 miles |
| 2010 | 324 | 6% | 63,000 miles |
| 2009 | 23 | 2% | 67,000 miles |
| 2008 | 28 | 2% | 83,000 miles |
| 2007 | 55 | 5% | 84,000 miles |
| 2006 | 71 | 10% | 86,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to make a right turn, the parking brake activated causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. The contact was turned off and then restarted the vehicle. Approximately 3 miles later while driving, the failure reoccurred. The odometer lights began flickering, the gear shift indicator (PRNDL) light started to change, the location of the gear shifter started to switch gears, and the radio malfunctioned. The shift sensor malfunction and fault warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred a total of 5 times. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who reset the vehicle to remove of all the codes however, the failure reoccurred. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer however, the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. …
"The incident occurred immediately after shifting the vehicle into reverse and starting to move. The engine suddenly shut down with a 'System Performance' alert, and cooling fans engaged at maximum speed. Moments later, a thermal runaway event began in the high-voltage Li-ion battery pack, leading to a catastrophic fire. This is directly related to Recall 23V440 / 23S33 (BECM failure). The fire was extinguished by the local fire department in Telavi, Georgia (Country)."
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. Additionally, the vehicle lunged forward but failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local Pep Boys, where the ignition coils #3 and #4 were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where ignition coil #4 was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic replaced spark plugs #1, #2 and #3. The number four spark plug was stuck and was not removed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. …
The contact owns 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact stated that a Mobile Ford representative was contacted and arrived at the residence to inspect the vehicle. The dealer suggested that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the red triangle Master Warning Light was illuminated on the instrument panel while attempting to start the vehicle. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V440000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,800. The VIN was not available.
Son was driving 20 mph and Vehicle acted like it shut off, door chime started dinging, steering and brakes locked up and my son crashed into a group of trees, totaling the car. It had electrical issues prior and had shut off once before while he was in a parking lot. The auto shut off at stops worked correctly for a while and stopped working. Parking lights would come on while driving. Just a bunch of weird electronic things before final crash. The car had been repaired from a previous accident, but had been acting odd before that. I think previous owner had crashed it also and I'm wondering if that crash could have been caused by the same malfunctions. Also, air bags never deployed in either of his accidents which was very odd.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failure with the spark plugs. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. While the mechanic attempted to replace the spark plugs, the contact was informed that the spark plugs fuse had detached and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 119,107.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, she heard an abnormal clicking noise as she depressed the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle kept moving forward. The contact started pumping the brake and suddenly the vehicle lost power steering assist and became very stiff. The contact stated that the brakes, traction control, and Hill Start Assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact let the vehicle coast to a stop and turned the vehicle off and on and the power steering returned. The contact stated that the brake failure had become constant. …
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and required to be jumpstarted. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while coming to a complete stop. The contact stated that on some occasions, the ABS warning light would illuminate and the ABS would make abnormal sounds prior to the failure; on other occasions, the check engine warning light was illuminated and a message indicating that the vehicle was overheating was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed three times out of the five to a Cadillac dealer and a Ford dealer. The dealers replaced the water pump, the alternator and an unknown part; however, the failure persisted. …
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery › Management system/energy control module (BMS/becm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Fusion years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (324), 2011 (203), 2012 (164), 2014 (162) and 2013 (160) model years. Electrical complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Ford Fusion electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 23V-440 (management system/energy control module (bms/becm), Jun 23, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Fusion electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (16 mentions), followed by the instrument cluster/panel (16).
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.