5 recalls covering model years 2018, 2019, 2020. To check whether your vehicle is affected, look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — a recall may apply only to some vehicles of a given year.
An engine block heater is the plug-in warmer some vehicles have to help the engine start in very cold weather. On these Fords and Lincolns the heater can crack and leak coolant, and the leak can cause an electrical short when the heater is plugged in. That short can start a fire. Ford is telling owners not to plug in the block heater at all until the vehicle is fixed. Dealers will replace it, or seal it off and remove the cord, free.
A software error affects the backup camera. The screen may show a blank image when you shift into reverse, so you cannot see what is behind the vehicle. Or the camera picture may stay on the screen after you have shifted out of reverse, which can distract you while driving forward. Either situation raises the risk of a crash. A dealer will update the rearview camera software free of charge.
The control unit that manages the high-voltage battery can be damaged by too much electrical current and voltage. A damaged unit can make the car lose power while you are driving, or it can start a fire. Ford is telling owners not to plug the car in to charge until the repair is done. The dealer will replace the battery and update the software. If parts are not available yet and your car is running normally, they can do a temporary fix first. Ford will also buy the car back instead, if you prefer.
The front brake hoses on certain Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars can split and leak brake fluid. As fluid escapes, the brake pedal goes farther down toward the floor and the car needs a longer distance to stop. A pedal that feels soft or sinks lower than usual is the warning sign to watch for. Ford dealers will replace both front brake hoses. Ford mailed letters to owners in June 2023 and the work is free.
On these Fusion and MKZ cars, the large bolt that holds the steering wheel onto the steering column can work itself loose over time. If it backs out far enough, the steering wheel can come off in your hands while you are driving, leaving you with no way to steer the car. Ford dealers replace the original bolt with a longer one that holds the wheel securely. The repair costs you nothing, and Ford has been notifying owners by mail.
Complaints owners have filed with NHTSA about the Ford Fusion. These are unverified reports; better-selling years collect more.
| Model year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 438 | 9 | 1 | 6 |
| 2019 | 374 | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| 2020 | 178 | 10 | 3 | 5 |
Recalls and complaint record for one model year at a time: