2013 Ford Fusion Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2013 Ford Fusion
- The system most likely to surface first: electric power assist steering (epas) (major severity).
- Has 19 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the steering:electric power assist system.
- Outscores the 2014 Ford Fusion by 6 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
Is the 2013 Ford Fusion Worth Buying?
The 2013 Ford Fusion, while offering sleek styling and an enjoyable driving experience, presents a moderate risk due to a few significant known issues. Its revolutionary design for the segment brought initial quirks, primarily concerning the early production 6-speed automatic transmission and the Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system. If you can find a well-maintained example with documented repairs or recall completion, it can still be a good value, but proceed with caution and thorough inspection.
The 2013 Ford Fusion is a stylish, comfortable, and engaging sedan, but it's not without its faults. The known issues with the EPAS system and the early 6F35 automatic transmission elevate its risk profile. If you can find an example with documented repairs for these specific concerns and are willing to undertake a…
Best Model Years
For the second generation Fusion, later model years (2015-2018) are generally more refined and have fewer reported issues, particularly with the 6F35 transmission and MyFord Touch system.
Years to Avoid
While not strictly 'avoid,' the 2013-2014 model years had the highest incidence of the problematic 6F35 transmission and EPAS issues, making them the riskiest choices if not thoroughly vetted.
Biggest Strengths
- Stylish and modern exterior design
- Engaging driving dynamics and comfortable ride
- Good fuel efficiency, especially with Hybrid models
What Tends to Fail First on the 2013 Ford Fusion
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2013 Ford Fusion, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The EPAS system is prone to failure, leading to a sudden loss of power steering assist. This is often due to a faulty steering gear, motor, or torque sensor. A recall (15S18/15V340000) was issued, but many may not have had it addressed,…
Early versions of the 6F35 6-speed automatic transmission suffered from hard shifts, shuddering, delayed engagement, and solenoid failures. This can be a costly repair or replacement, impacting driveability and longevity.
The MyFord Touch system is notorious for freezing, lagging, reboots, and general unresponsiveness. While not a mechanical failure, it significantly degrades the user experience and can be distracting. Software updates can help, but hardw…
2013 Ford Fusion Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2013 Ford Fusion most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Early Alert Zone
At this mileage, the vehicle should still be under its original warranty (if applicable) and relatively problem-free. However, early electrical glitches with the MyFord Touch system or minor recalls might surface.
Maintenance & Inspection Zone
This mileage is crucial for major services like transmission fluid changes and spark plugs. It's also where EPAS issues can begin to manifest, or early symptoms of 6F35 transmission problems might become noticeable. Look for signs of une…
Elevated Risk Zone
Expect further wear on suspension components, and the likelihood of EPAS or 6F35 transmission issues increases significantly. Engine accessory components like alternators or water pumps might start to fail. Thorough inspection is paramount.
High Risk Zone
Beyond this point, major component failures become a real possibility. A catastrophic EPAS or transmission failure is more likely if not previously addressed. Expect to budget for significant repairs and consider the vehicle's maintenanc…
2013 Ford Fusion Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2013 Ford Fusion on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-650
Moderate Repairs
$600-1,800 occasionally (e.g., EPAS module, transmission solenoids, major suspension work)
How Long Does the 2013 Ford Fusion Last?
Focus your search on vehicles with full service histories, ideally those where the EPAS recall has been performed and any transmission concerns were addressed. A pre-purchase inspection is non-negotiable, especially for vehicles nearing or exceeding 60,000 miles, as this is when the most significant issues tend to e…
What 2013 Ford Fusion Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Head-turning exterior styling for a mid-size sedan.
- Comfortable and quiet cabin, especially on highway drives.
- Engaging and composed handling; feels more premium than its price suggests.
- Excellent fuel economy with the Hybrid variant, and decent with EcoBoost engines.
Common Frustrations
- Frustrating and glitchy MyFord Touch infotainment system.
- Concerns about the long-term reliability of the 6F35 automatic transmission.
- Potential for sudden and expensive EPAS system failure.
- Rear seat headroom can be a bit tight for taller passengers.
Who Should Buy the 2013 Ford Fusion?
Best For
- Budget-conscious buyers who appreciate style and driving dynamics.
- Commuters seeking a comfortable and fuel-efficient ride (especially Hybrid models).
- Drivers who prioritize a quiet cabin and smooth highway cruising.
Not Ideal For
- Buyers seeking absolute bulletproof, worry-free reliability (e.g., Toyota Camry levels).
- Tech-averse individuals who will be frustrated by MyFord Touch.
How the 2013 Ford Fusion Compares to Rivals
The 2013 Fusion offered much more style and driving enjoyment than many of its direct Japanese competitors, but at the cost of some reliability concerns, particularly with its early new-generation components. It's a more engaging drive than a Camry or Accord but won't match th…
More Reliable Than
- 2013 Volkswagen Passat (for cost of ownership and overall reliability)
- 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (for driving dynamics and interior aesthetics)
- 2013 Chrysler 200 (for overall quality and refinement)
Comparable To
- 2013 Nissan Altima (similar potential for CVT issues, though different system)
- 2013 Hyundai Sonata (comparable value and feature set, but different common issues)
2013 Ford Fusion Recall History
19 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
What breaks on the 2013 Ford Fusion?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Other Ford Fusion Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Ford Fusion. Click any year for its full report.
2013 Ford Fusion Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2013 Ford Fusion
Parts and accessories matched to your 2013 Ford Fusion
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Frequently Asked Questions
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