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Midsize Sedan
Ford Fusion
→ Consider
Solid choice with some caveats
⚠ Elevated risk
1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines in 2013-2019 models suffer systematic coolant intrusion into cylinders, causing engine failure typically between 60k-100k miles. This is a known design flaw affecting multiple independent owners. The issue was not resolved until late 2019 production. Additionally, the 6F35 transmission has known shifter bushing failures and occasional complete failures requiring replacement.
The Fusion splits cleanly into winners and losers depending on what's under the hood. The naturally aspirated 2.5L is a quarter-million-mile workhorse that owners genuinely love, and the hybrid drivetrain with its Aisin eCVT is equally bulletproof while delivering 40+ MPG in the city. But the 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines from 2013 through most of 2019 have a coolant intrusion defect that kills engines between 60k and 100k miles, not a rumor, a documented pattern across dozens of independent owners. Ford fixed it late in 2019, but those earlier turbo models are landmines unless the engine's already been replaced. If you're shopping used, check the engine code before you check the CarFax. Buy the 2.5L or hybrid and you'll understand why some owners hit 250k miles and post about it. Buy a pre-2020 turbo and you're gambling with a motor that has a known expiration date.
The generation that matters
This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.
2013–2020 (2nd generation)
2013–2020
Mixed
The 2013 redesign brought a more upscale feel and strong hybrid drivetrain, but the 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines suffer from a well-documented coolant intrusion defect. The 2.5L non-turbo and hybrid powertrains are praised as reliable workhorses, while the short-lived V6 Sport (2017–2019) was a performance standout. Owners report high-mileage durability (250k+ miles) when maintained, but the EcoBoost issue is a major decision point.
−
Common complaints6 issues−1.5L/2.0L EcoBoost engines (2013-2019) suffer systematic coolant intrusion into cylinders, causing engine failure around 60k-100k miles
−6F35 transmission has known 2nd-to-3rd gear jerk, shifter bushing failures, and occasional complete failure
−Electric power steering rack failures around 120k miles, expensive repair ($1600+)
−Backup camera failures common on 2015-2016 models, recall issued but parts scarce
−Sunroof drain clogs cause water leaks into cabin, particularly driver side floor
−Discontinued in 2020, parts availability becoming an issue for some repairs
✓
What owners praise6 strengths✓
2.5L Duratec engine extremely reliable, owners reporting 200k+ miles with minimal issues
✓
Hybrid drivetrain bulletproof, Aisin eCVT praised as indestructible, 40+ MPG city fuel economy
✓
Spacious interior with huge trunk, comfortable ride quality, quiet cabin
✓
Stylish Aston Martin-inspired design holds up well, looks premium for the segment
✓
Strong crash safety, multiple owners credit the car with saving their lives in accidents
✓
AWD models praised as excellent in snow, responsive handling for a midsize sedan
📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric
High confidence▼
197 sources analysed with long-term owner data present
197 sources analysed — strong data quality
Reliability & Durability(22%)6.0
18 positive vs 12 negative long-term reports
User Sentiment(22%)7.8
312 positive upvotes vs 89 negative upvotes
Complaint Severity(16%)6.6
Complaints: 8 cosmetic, 34 functional, 15 systematic, 2 safety
Consensus Strength(8%)5.0
Opinion is use-case dependent — product divides opinion by intended use
Value for Money(15%)7.5
12 'worth it', 2 'overpriced', 3 mention better-value alternatives
Owner Advocacy(17%)7.9
6 repurchased/gifted, 14 unprompted recommendations, 4 regrets
⚠ Systematic failure pattern reported by multiple independent owners
Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.
Specifications2020
▼Pricing
Starting MSRP
$23,110
Range
$23,110 - $37,885
Capability
Fuel economy
20-42 MPG combined (varies by powertrain)
EV range
103 MPGe combined (Plug-in Hybrid)
Drivetrain
FWD standard / AWD available with 2.0L turbo and V-6
Dimensions & capacity
Seating
5 passengers
Cargo
16.0 cu ft (8 cu ft in hybrid models)
Powertrains
2.5L I-4
base engine
175 hp · 175 lb-ft
1.5L Turbo I-4
optional
181 hp · 185 lb-ft
2.0L Turbo I-4
available with AWD
245 hp · 275 lb-ft
2.7L Twin-Turbo V-6
Sport model only, discontinued after 2019
325 hp
2.0L I-4 Hybrid
hybrid and plug-in hybrid combined output
188 hp · 129 lb-ft
Trim pricing
S
Base trim with 2.5L I-4, 16-inch wheels, 4.2-inch screen
$23,110
SE
17-inch wheels, 8.0-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate
$24,385
Titanium
12-speaker Sony audio, navigation, upgraded interior
$31,385
Sport
2.7L twin-turbo V-6, 325 hp, AWD standard (discontinued 2020)
$34,740
Platinum
Top trim with quilted leather, luxury features
$37,885
🏆
How it ranks in Midsize Sedan
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7
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8
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9
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→ Consider
10
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
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→ Consider
If you're buying
Know what others paid before you walk in.