2011 Ford Fusion Problems And Complaints

2011 Ford Fusion User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Complaints

• Engine problems- Engine problems do contribute significantly to the complaints list on the 2011 Ford Fusion as per the NHTSA. While the base Duractec 2.5 L unit is known for valve cover oil leaks and clicking noises, the bigger 3.5L V6 unit is known for its timing chain driven water pump failure issue, which not repaired at the right time can cause extensive engine damage if the coolant mixes with the engine oil. Also, one important thing to note here about the 2.5L engine is that the clicking noises are rarely related to valvetrain issues and are mostly traced to cracked cylinder blocks or failing head gaskets which can get a bit expensive to repair. 
• Transmission Problems- Getting a bad transmission on the 2011 Ford Fusion after clocking in some decent mileage is not that uncommon of an issue. Transmission slipping, excessive lurching, grinding noises, and miss-shifts/ skipping gears are some of the common issues reported against the 6-speed unit. The issues can arise due to faulty flow-control solenoids, clutch packs, and even a damaged torque converter. The lowest failure mileage recorded is around 50,000 miles and a rebuild is estimated to cost over $3,000.
• PTU problems- Ford’s power transfer unit, as admitted by the manufacturer has inherent problems on the 2011 Ford Fusion. The loss of efficacy of lubrication has been tagged as the main reason for this issue which causes the internal gears to bind or excessively wear out resulting in a loss of drive or constant stalls at low speeds. As per a TSB, the heat from the exhaust pipe routed close to the unit is said to affect the axle fluid inversely, affecting its overall lubrication performance. This heating fluid sends out a propane-like odor through the vent holes as suggested by the same TSB.
• Service brake- Soft brakes have been a common issue on the 2011 Ford Fusion. Brand new vehicles with less than 5,000 miles on them are said to exhibit this problem. Recent updates show that Ford has a massive recall on its sedan from 2006-2010 on this problem which possible is caused by a faulty valve in the hydraulic brake control unit. However, the VINs of 2011 model year owners who face the same problems are said to be not included in this recall which has stirred controversy among owners.

 Electric System complaints

• Power steering- Close to 50% of complaints registered against the 2011 Ford Fusion on NHTSA come under steering faults. It has only been a couple of years since Ford shifted the steering rack into a fully electronic one for the Ford Fusion and unsurprisingly, it has been prone to failures. Loss of steering assistance couple with a “Power steering assist fault” and “AdvanceTrac” warning lights. Given the widespread nature of this issue, Ford did initialize an investigation into this fault and traced the root cause to be a faulty motor sensor which caused the entire system to shut down randomly. A recall (ID-15V340000) has been initiated by the manufacturer for this problem, which includes the replacement of the steering gearbox if excessive wear is found and reprogramming of the related modules.

• A/C / blower motor problems- Premature failure of the blower motor has been reported to be a common problem on the 2011 Ford Fusion. Melting connections in the blower motor resistor is the prime reason for this failure and this does necessitate a replacement. At times this can be caused by excessive current draw by a defective blower which should be inspected and replaced to prevent the same issues from recurring.

Structural Complaints

• Door lock problems- Faulty door lock actuator is another common problem on the 2011 Ford Fusion as seen with many other models this year. Users report the vehicle not responding to key fob requests or in some stances locking the driver inside of the car. The fault has been traced to be a defective door lock actuator component which requires a replacement to regain functionality. Though it has been a widespread issue, no recalls have been initiated in support.

Safety Complaints

• Airbags Issues- The 2011 Ford Fusion is a part of the ongoing Takata recall for faulty airbag modules. Over half of the recalls that have been registered against this sedan come under this aspect and owners are advised to take the car to the nearest dealer for rectification in order to prevent personal harm due to faulty restraint systems.

2011 Ford Fusion Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	10th March 2021	21V158000	The driver’s airbag inflator may explode	The driver's side airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high-temperature cycling, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.	The dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021.
2	16th February 2021	21V081000	The driver’s airbag inflator may explode	The driver's side airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high-temperature cycling, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.	The dealers will inspect the driver and passenger airbag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2021.
3	16th February 2021	21E013000	The frontal airbag inflator may explode	The driver's side airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high-temperature cycling, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.	Ford will notify dealers that purchased the affected parts, and dealers will provide replacement parts to purchasers, free of charge. The recall began on March 18, 2021.
4	7th January 2019	19V001000	Passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode	The driver's side airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high-temperature cycling, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.	The dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 13, 2019.
5	31st May 2016	16V384000	Passenger frontal airbag inflator may rupture	The driver's side airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high-temperature cycling, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.	The dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016.
6	24th November 2015	15V793000	The fuel tank may crack	The affected vehicles have fuel vapor canisters whose purge valves may not operate properly resulting in abnormal pressure changes in the fuel tank which may cause it to crack and leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.	The dealers will update the vehicle powertrain control modules and inspect the vehicle for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for this issue and perform a leak test on the Canister Purge Valve (CPV). The fuel tank will be inspected for cracks. The CPV and fuel tank will be replaced as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016.
7	2nd June 2015	15V340000	Loss of electric power steering	The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault, increasing the steering effort and possibly resulting in a crash.	The dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015.
8	29th March 2014	14E028000	Driver side accessory floor mat may trap pedal	The affected floor mats may move and possibly interfere with the accelerator pedal, preventing its return to the idle position and increasing the risk of a crash.	The dealers will install new replacement mats, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014.
9	7th December 2011	11V574000	Fractured wheel studs	The wheel studs may fracture, potentially causing a wheel to separate and increasing the risk of a crash.	The dealers will inspect the rear brake disc surface for flatness and replace the discs as necessary. Additionally, the wheel lug nuts will be replaced on all four wheels. The safety recall began on January 24, 2012

Should you buy a used 2011 Ford Fusion?

Although the Ford Fusion is having a tough time with quality and reliability aspects in recent times, we can’t deny the fact that this is one of the more modern, fun-driving, and well-rounded packages in the midsize sedan segment this year. For these reasons, the 2011 Ford Fusion did manage to pick up the top spot in our ranking for this year after our short initial tests. Also, being a sedan that has been pulled over 230,000 units this year, we are well aware that there is no stopping anyone from buying one either, although complaint numbers were even worse last year. However, given the chances higher chances of a possible failure, we advise our readers, especially those buying a used one, to get the vehicle thoroughly inspected for the above-discussed defects to avoid possible failures.