Buckle up, Ford Fusion enthusiasts! We’re diving deep into the best and worst years of this prevalent sedan.
I’ve crunched the numbers from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and real owners to give you the inside scoop.
By the end, you’ll know which Fusion years excel and which ones to avoid like a pothole.
Ready to discover your ideal ride?
Let’s hit the highway!
Table of ContentsShow
Ford Fusion Generations
Back in 2006, Ford shook up the automotive world with the introduction of the Ford Fusion. This midsize sedan wasn’t just another pretty face – it brought a fresh blend of style and functionality that turned heads and won hearts.
Let’s take a quick pit stop to look at the Fusion’s journey through the years:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (CD3) | 2006-2012 |
| 2nd generation (CD4) | 2013-2020 |
Why does this matter? Simple. These generational shifts, with their updates in style, tech, and mechanics, are often the hidden ingredient that separates the cream of the crop from the lemons in the Ford Fusion lineup.
Ford Fusion Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. How did we separate the stars from the duds? We left no stone unturned, considering:
- Owner-reported reliability (straight from the horse’s mouth)
- Annual maintenance costs (because nobody likes surprise bills)
- Safety ratings (because your life is priceless)
- Consumer Reports reliability scores (the gold standard)
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores (happy drivers tell no lies)
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the official word)
- Edmunds owner ratings (real talk from real owners)
- JD Power owner ratings (because power to the people)
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings (the blue book doesn’t lie)
- VehicleHistory owner ratings (history has a lot to teach us)
- Cars.com owner ratings (because car people know best)
Ready for a visual feast? Check out this graph that brings all this data to life:
But wait, there’s more! We’ve sorted each Ford Fusion model year into the good, the bad, and the “meh” in this handy table:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (CD3) | 2008 2009 | 2006 2007 | 2010 2011 2012 |
| 2nd generation (CD4) | 2017 2018 2019 2020 | 2015 2016 | 2013 2014 |
What’s the deal with “neutral” years, you ask? These are the Goldilocks of Fusions – not too hot, not too cold. They didn’t set the world on fire with brilliance, but they also didn’t crash and burn.
Now, brace yourself for some number crunching. More NHTSA recalls and complaints? That’s a one-way ticket to the reliability doghouse for that model year.
Enough teasing – let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of Ford Fusion’s best, neutral, and worst years!
Best & Worst Years for Ford Fusion 1st Generation (2006-2012)
The Ford Fusion burst onto the scene in 2006, quickly becoming the talk of the midsize sedan town. But not all Fusions are created equal. Let’s break it down:
The cream of the crop? 2008 and 2009. The years to steer clear of? 2010-2012. Let’s dive deeper.
The Best Years: 2008, 2009
2008 and 2009 were Ford Fusion’s golden years. These pre-facelift models hit the sweet spot of user experience and minimal NHTSA issues.
The 2008 Ford Fusion came packing firepower:
- A 2.3L Duratec 23 inline-4 engine: 160 horses and 156 lb-ft of torque
- Fuel efficiency: A respectable 20 city / 29 highway mpg
- For the power-hungry: A 3.0L Duratec 30 V6 engine with 221 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: A smooth six-speed automatic
2009 kicked it up a notch:
- Introduced a sporty V6 AWD variant
- Debuted a hybrid model (hello, eco-warriors!)
- Tech upgrade: Ford SYNC infotainment system
- Safety boost: Anti-lock brakes and stability control in some trims
The Neutral Years: 2006, 2007
The 2006 and 2007 Fusions were reliable performers, but not without their peculiarities.
2006 Ford Fusion highlights:
- Engine options: 2.3L four-cylinder (160 hp, 156 lb-ft) or 3.0L V6 (221 hp, 205 lb-ft)
- Fuel efficiency: A decent 20 city / 28 highway mpg
- Three trims: S, SE, and SEL
- Transmission: Five-speed manual or automatic
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The 2006 model faced some electrical system, airbag, and gearbox issues. The infamous “Takata” airbag recall? Yep, it hit this model.
2007 Ford Fusion:
- Praised for smooth rides and stable handling
- But… ABS valve problems led to reduced braking performance and a recall
The Worst Years: 2010, 2011, 2012
Warning: Turbulence ahead! 2010, 2011, and 2012 are the Ford Fusion years to avoid like last week’s leftover sushi.
2010 Ford Fusion: The troublesome child
- Nearly 5,000 NHTSA complaints (yikes!)
- Major issues: Unexpected power steering assist loss, transmission glitches, ABS malfunctions
- Recalls galore: Cracked fuel tanks, ABS valve defects
- Bonus drama: A class-action lawsuit over Electronic Throttle Body malfunctions
2011 and 2012 Ford Fusion: Not much better
- Power steering issues continued (except in 3.5L engine models)
- More recalls and persistent problems
Want the down-and-dirty?
Check out NHTSA’s 2010, 2011, 2012 Ford Fusion recalls and complaints. It’s not light reading, folks.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Fusion 2nd Generation (2013-2020)
The second-gen Ford Fusion (2013-2020) kept the party going with fresh features and a sleek new look. But not all years are created equal. Let’s break it down:
The stars of the show? 2017-2020. The years to dodge? 2013 and 2014. Buckle up for the details!
The Best Years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
If you’re in the market for a used Ford Fusion, set your sights on 2017-2020. These models are the pick of the litter, boasting:
- Stellar ratings on VehicleHistory and Cars.com
- Minimal complaints and recalls on NHTSA (that’s music to a car buyer’s ears!)
Engine options galore:
- 2.5L Duratec 4-cylinder
- 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder
- 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- V6 Sport engine (for the speed demons among us)
The V6 is a beast:
- 2.7L turbocharged engine
- 325 horsepower
- 380 lb-ft of torque (hello, exhilarating drives!)
Fuel efficiency? The 1.5L model clocks in at 16 city / 34 highway mpg, according to Consumer Reports.
But wait, there’s more:
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options (Fusion Energi and Fusion Hybrid)
- Advanced driver-assistance features (adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist)
- Improved SYNC 3 infotainment system (because who doesn’t love a good tech upgrade?)
The Neutral Years: 2015, 2016
The 2015 and 2016 Ford Fusion models? They’re the “meh” years – not terrible, but not setting the world on fire either.
2015 Ford Fusion:
- New recall: Brake light malfunctions
- Otherwise, generally reliable
2016 Ford Fusion:
- Some lingering steering problems
- Overall, a steady performer
These years are like that friend who’s always dependable but never the life of the party – not bad, just not exceptional.
The Worst Years: 2013, 2014
Brace yourselves, folks. The 2013 and 2014 Ford Fusion years are the ones to avoid like a pothole on the highway.
2013 Ford Fusion: The troublesome offspring
- Coolant leaks (nobody likes a hot mess)
- Overheating issues (ditto)
- Transmission problems (slipping and erratic shifting – yikes!)
- Power steering assist losses (because who needs control, right?)
Recalls? Oh boy:
- Oil leaks from cracked engine cylinder heads
- Coolant fluid leaks
- Overheating in 1.6L engines
- Fuel leaks from compromised fuel delivery modules
- Malfunctioning door latches (don’t get locked in… or out)
- Unintentional rollaway due to detached shift cables (parking brake, anyone?)
- Front brake hose cracks leading to brake fluid leaks
Want the whole horror story?
Check out NHTSA’s 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 Ford Fusion recalls and complaints. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Ford Fusion Average Resale Values
Curious about how the Ford Fusion holds its value? Let’s take a journey through the years and see how these sedans fare in the resale market:
Conclusion
After this wild ride through Ford Fusion history, here’s the bottom line: The 2017-2020 models are your best bet. These years hit the sweet spot of performance, reliability, and cool features.
But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Have you had a dance with one of the Ford Fusion years we’ve talked about? Whether it was a dream or a nightmare, we want to hear about it!
Drop your Fusion tales in the comments below.
After all, genuine experiences from real drivers are worth their weight in motor oil!
