Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | 53,000 miles |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% | 111,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2017 | 9 | 1% | 34,000 miles |
| 2016 | 16 | 1% | 43,000 miles |
| 2015 | 13 | 1% | 120,000 miles |
| 2014 | 18 | 1% | 38,000 miles |
| 2013 | 30 | 2% | 37,000 miles |
| 2012 | 21 | 1% | 46,000 miles |
| 2011 | 18 | 1% | 76,000 miles |
| 2010 | 13 | 0% | 57,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 0% | 40,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 0% | 48,000 miles |
| 2007 | 11 | 1% | 64,000 miles |
| 2006 | 21 | 3% | 95,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Steering wheel clock spring is not working. Controls wipers, turn signals, speed control, voice commands, lane aware and allows to toggle thru control settings do not work. Ford doesn't have part available or an ETA. This part covers vehicles from 2013 thru 2024 so currently vehicles coming down assembly line are using. My car is unusable like this. Aftermarket part is also unavailable. Please help
My brakes are faulty sometimes I'm not able to stop like I should. I also have transmission problems. When I put the car into reverse or drive I hear a loud boom. It is getting worse by the day. I see that the transmission is on a recall as well.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera was inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while making a turn, the turn signal delayed to engage as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,202.
Approximately 3 weeks ago my teenage driver called me at work to inform me that his display was "black" and he had no radio. When asked to provide more details, he said that the display screen in the care, which is a touchscreen that is divided into 4 sections (phone, navigation, climate, radio) was not functioning like intended. This screen also displays the backup view when in reverse. He also stated that there is no radio, his phone does not connect via Bluetooth as it did previously to allow for hands-free driving. My son said the screen was functioning as intended when he parked his car for the night, but upon starting the next day it was black- no warning or other symptoms of this problem. We had the car evaluated at the Ford dealership and told it could be two things, but unsure which-tech said have to fix one first and if that doesn't work then the other. …
Year/Make/Model: 2015 Ford Fusion Engine Type: 1.5L EcoBoost 4-Cylinder Description of Safety Flaw and Incident: My vehicle is experiencing severe overheating and internal engine fluid loss due to the widely documented Ford EcoBoost coolant intrusion defect. The vehicle routinely runs hot, losing coolant rapidly with no external signs of a visible hose or radiator leak as well as failure of the brake lighting stop bumper and purge valve connecting to the gasline after fueling. This issue causes the vehicle to rapidly overheat while in motion, forcing sudden loss of engine power (limp mode) during highway driving. Car not properly cranking after fueling and brake light continuously being on even when brakes not being pressed. This unexpected drop in speed creates an immediate crash hazard for myself and surrounding traffic. …
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to lose motive power while accelerating. The contact stated that the hill start assists warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle she became aware that the brake lights were still illuminated, causing the battery to become drained. The contact stated that she had to disconnect the battery while the vehicle was parked to stop the battery from being fully drained. The contact stated that she then took her vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the failure was caused by faulty brake light switch. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact's daughter attempted to turn off the vehicle, and the brake lights remained illuminated. Additionally, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated unintentionally while driving to the residence with smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed back to the independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that all four brakes had seized. The brakes were unlocked, and the brake switch was replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 MPH, the Hill Assist warning light illuminated, prompting the driver to return to the residence. After a visual inspection, the contact became aware that the rear brake lights failed to turn off and remained illuminated continuously even without the brake pedal being depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Safety Recall 22S02, Supplement #1. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles, manufactured from February 3, 2012, through October 20, 2012, for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." The affected vehicles may not have had the low…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp assembly. The recall began on December 18, 2012. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Fusion years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (30), 2006 (21), 2012 (21), 2011 (18) and 2014 (18) model years. Headlight complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Ford Fusion headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 12V-553 (headlights, Nov 30, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Fusion headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 43% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the brake lights (6 mentions), followed by the turn signal (5).
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.