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Ford · Known Issues

2019 Ford Fusion Problems: 6 Known Issues

2019 model year · 3,290+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,290+ owner reports, the 2019 Ford Fusion has 6 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure ($0-$7,000 repair), Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure ($1,500-$7,000 repair), AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Fluid Leak Failure ($400-$3,100 repair), Fusion Backup Camera Displays a Blank Image or Fails to Clear (Recall 25S72 / NHTSA 25V442) and 6F35 6-Speed Automatic Harsh/Delayed Shifting and Torque Converter Shudder ($250-$3,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure with 1,890 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $156 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Fusion Engine1
  • Fusion Electrical1
  • Fusion Drivetrain1
  • Fusion Safety/Recalls1
  • Fusion Transmission1
  • Fusion HVAC1
  • Recalls18
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Electrical1
  • Drivetrain1
Safety/Recalls
1
  • Transmission1
  • HVAC1
  • Recalls18
  • FAQ
  • All 6 Known Issues

    Filter:
    ALL YEARS202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006
    Community reported
    1,890 owners

    On the 2014-2019 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost, the 1.5L EcoBoost in 2014-2019 Ford Fusion is affected by the same open-deck cylinder block design defect as the Escape. Coolant leaks internally from the block passages into the combustion chambers due to insufficient sealing surface and porous block material that cannot maintain coolant pressure over time. Ford extended warranty coverage to 7 years/84,000 miles for short block replacement per TSB 19-2139 and TSB 19-2375. A consolidated class action lawsuit covers 2013-2019 Fusion and Escape with 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost engines. Some owners have experienced engine failure with no warning - no check engine light before coolant hydrolocked the cylinder.

    This issue also affects: Ford Aerostar

    Common Symptoms

    • White or gray smoke from exhaust, especially on cold starts
    • Engine misfires with P0300-P0303 codes (1.5L is 3 cylinders in newer versions; earlier is 4-cyl)
    • Coolant level dropping without visible external leak
    • Sweet smell from exhaust
    • Coolant reservoir bubbling or pressurizing excessively
    • Engine overheating
    • Rough idle that clears up as engine warms
    • No warning light in some cases before engine fails

    How to Fix

    Ford TSBs 19-2139 and 19-2375 cover short block and head gasket replacement under extended warranty (7 years/84,000 miles from warranty start date). Verify coverage at fordowner.com or call Ford Customer Relations 1-800-392-3673. Class action lawsuit for out-of-warranty reimbursement: lieffcabraser.com/defect/ford-coolant. Post-repair: Ford recommends monitoring coolant level and using only Motorcraft Orange coolant (VC-3-B).

    Typical repair cost:$0 - $7,000

    Research This Issue

    Based on 1,890 owner reports

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    High Confidence1,890 owner reportsLast reported by owners Nov 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
    Community reported
    1,400 owners

    On the 2010-2020 Ford Fusion, ford Fusion Hybrid spans two generations with different high-voltage batteries — degradation patterns differ. 1st-gen 2010-2012 (NiMH, ~1.4 kWh): typical degradation appears at 100,000-150,000 miles with reduced EV-mode range and increased ICE intervention. Replacement runs $2,500-$4,000 at independent hybrid specialists. 2nd-gen 2013-2020 (Lithium-ion, ~1.4 kWh): better thermal management has led to longer life on average but cell imbalance issues appear at 150,000+ miles. 'Stop Safely Now' warnings often precede full failure. 2013-2020 Energi PHEV variants share the architecture but with larger 7.6 kWh batteries — separate degradation curve. Owners should check cell balance via OBD-II scanner with hybrid module support (Forscan recommended).

    Common Symptoms

    • Reduced electric-only driving range
    • Decreased fuel economy (gradual decline)
    • "Check Hybrid System" warning on dashboard
    • Slower-than-normal acceleration or power loss
    • Battery charge indicator drops faster than normal
    • Unusual noise from battery compartment area
    • Vehicle fails to start (complete battery failure)
    • Hybrid system shuts down and runs on gasoline only

    How to Fix

    Check warranty first - Ford covers 8yr/100k miles (10yr/150k in CA, CT, MA, ME, MD, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT, WA states). If out of warranty, aftermarket/remanufactured battery packs from GreenTecAuto ($1,550-2,950 installed) are significantly cheaper than dealer replacement ($4,000-7,000). Individual cell replacement at specialized hybrid shops ($800-2,000) is an option if only specific cells have failed. Battery reconditioning is a temporary fix that may restore 60-80% of capacity for $300-800.

    Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $7,000

    Research This Issue

    Based on 1,400 owner reports

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium Confidence1,400 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

    On the 2010-2019 Ford Fusion, on AWD Fusions the Power Transfer Unit holds only about a quart of gear oil with no dipstick, service interval, or cooling, sitting next to hot exhaust and transaxle. The fluid cooks and breaks down, becoming thick, gummy, and black, and the seals leak. Owners report a burning smell in the cabin, whining/growling, and eventually PTU seizure that can damage the transmission. Failures often occur relatively early in the car's life.

    Common Symptoms

    • Burning oil smell in cabin
    • Whining, growling, or grinding from center of vehicle
    • Brown/black fluid leak near transaxle/axle area
    • Vibration or shudder under acceleration
    • Loss of AWD function

    How to Fix

    Preventive fluid changes roughly every 30,000 miles greatly extend PTU life even though Ford lists it as filled-for-life. A leaking unit may be resealed for $400-$600 if caught early; a failed PTU requires replacement, which dealers quote from ~$1,600 up to ~$3,100 including labor.

    Typical repair cost:$400 - $3,100

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2019-2020 Ford Fusion, the 2019 and 2020 Ford Fusion is one of the vehicles named in NHTSA recall 25V442000, Ford's campaign 25S72. A software error in the rearview camera system can cause the camera to display a blank image when the car is placed in reverse, or leave the reversing image on the display after the driver has finished backing out. For a sedan whose rear visibility already depends heavily on the camera when reversing out of a parking space, a blank image means the driver loses that view of the area behind the car. An image that persists after the Fusion is shifted back into drive is a distraction. Ford's filing states that either situation can increase the risk of a crash. NHTSA categorized the defect under Back Over Prevention: Software.

    Common Symptoms

    • Backup camera shows a blank image in reverse
    • Reverse camera image stays on the screen after the backing event ends

    How to Fix

    A Ford dealer will update the rearview camera software free of charge; no parts are involved and the vehicle is not restricted from being driven. Owner letters were mailed September 4, 2025, but with 2019-2020 Fusions now commonly on their second or third owner, the safest check is to enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see whether 25V442000 is still listed as open. For questions call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall 25S72.

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

    On the 2010-2019 Ford Fusion, the 6F35 six-speed automatic is prone to harsh, banging, or delayed shifts (most often 2-3 and 3-4) plus a shudder/vibration when the torque converter clutch locks up at a steady 40-60 mph cruise. Root causes are worn valve-body separator-plate O-rings and bores that can no longer hold clean line pressure, clogged/worn shift solenoids, and torque-converter clutch degradation. Many units develop symptoms well before 100,000 miles. A 2019 class-action lawsuit accused Ford of concealing the 6F35 defect on Fusion and Escape.

    This issue also affects: Ford Aerostar

    Common Symptoms

    • Hard/banging upshifts especially 2nd-to-3rd
    • Shudder or vibration cruising at 40-60 mph
    • Delayed engagement into drive or reverse
    • Slipping or flaring between gears
    • Transmission overheating warning

    How to Fix

    Start with a full fluid-and-filter service using the correct Mercon LV. For confirmed harsh shifts, reman or updated valve body with new solenoids is the durable fix; TCC shudder that survives a flush usually requires torque-converter replacement. Verify the transmission calibration is up to date (Ford released updated shift-strategy PCM/TCM reflashes). Severe internal wear = rebuild or reman transmission.

    Typical repair cost:$250 - $3,500

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

    On the 2006-2020 Ford Fusion, the plastic gears inside the HVAC blend-door actuator strip out, so the door can no longer move to route air correctly. The classic symptom is a repeated clicking or knocking noise from behind the dash (often at startup or when changing temperature), along with air stuck on one temperature, wrong vent output, or one side blowing hot while the other blows cold. It is one of the most common Fusion comfort complaints across all generations.

    Common Symptoms

    • Repeated clicking/knocking noise behind dashboard
    • No heat or no cold air from vents
    • Temperature stuck on hot or cold
    • Different temperature from left vs right vents
    • Air blows from wrong vents

    How to Fix

    Replace the failed blend-door actuator (driver side of the HVAC housing, accessed by dropping the glove box). After replacement, perform the actuator calibration: reconnect the battery, turn ignition to On without starting, and let the system self-learn its range for at least a minute. Parts are inexpensive; labor rises sharply if a deeper actuator requires dash removal.

    Typical repair cost:$156 - $400

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
    NHTSA Recalls18 recalls

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.

    Campaign #23V44000023/06/2023

    BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

    Campaign #25V44200027/06/2025

    EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

    Campaign #25V68500010/10/2025

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

    Campaign #23V16200010/03/2023

    STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.

    Campaign #18V16700012/03/2018

    + 13 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

    Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

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    Other Ford Models

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the most common Ford Fusion problems?

    According to Au7o's analysis of 3,290+ owner reports, the 2019 Ford Fusion has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure, Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure, AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Fluid Leak Failure. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

    Is the Ford Fusion reliable?

    The 2019 Ford Fusion has 6 known issues documented across 3,290+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure and Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure and AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Fluid Leak Failure and Fusion Backup Camera Displays a Blank Image or Fails to Clear (Recall 25S72 / NHTSA 25V442) and 6F35 6-Speed Automatic Harsh/Delayed Shifting and Torque Converter Shudder. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

    How much does it cost to fix common Ford Fusion problems?

    Repair costs for known Ford Fusion issues range from $0 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure, typically costs $0-$7,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

    What is the 2014-2019 Ford Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Internal Engine Block Failure?

    The 1.5L EcoBoost in 2014-2019 Ford Fusion is affected by the same open-deck cylinder block design defect as the Escape. Coolant leaks internally from the block passages into the combustion chambers due to insufficient sealing surface and porous block material that cannot maintai… Repairs typically run $0-$7,000. Severity: high.

    What is the 2010-2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Degradation and Failure?

    Ford Fusion Hybrid spans two generations with different high-voltage batteries — degradation patterns differ. 1st-gen 2010-2012 (NiMH, ~1.4 kWh): typical degradation appears at 100,000-150,000 miles with reduced EV-mode range and increased ICE intervention. Replacement runs $2,50… Repairs typically run $1,500-$7,000. Severity: high.

    What is the 2010-2019 Ford Fusion AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Fluid Leak Failure?

    On AWD Fusions the Power Transfer Unit holds only about a quart of gear oil with no dipstick, service interval, or cooling, sitting next to hot exhaust and transaxle. The fluid cooks and breaks down, becoming thick, gummy, and black, and the seals leak. Owners report a burning sm… Repairs typically run $400-$3,100. Severity: high.

    What is the 2019-2020 Ford Fusion Fusion Backup Camera Displays a Blank Image or Fails to Clear (Recall 25S72 / NHTSA 25V442)?

    The 2019 and 2020 Ford Fusion is one of the vehicles named in NHTSA recall 25V442000, Ford's campaign 25S72. A software error in the rearview camera system can cause the camera to display a blank image when the car is placed in reverse, or leave the reversing image on the display… Severity: high.

    What is the 2010-2019 Ford Fusion 6F35 6-Speed Automatic Harsh/Delayed Shifting and Torque Converter Shudder?

    The 6F35 six-speed automatic is prone to harsh, banging, or delayed shifts (most often 2-3 and 3-4) plus a shudder/vibration when the torque converter clutch locks up at a steady 40-60 mph cruise. Root causes are worn valve-body separator-plate O-rings and bores that can no longe… Repairs typically run $250-$3,500. Severity: high.

    What is the 2006-2020 Ford Fusion HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure - Clicking/Knocking Behind Dash, No Heat or AC?

    The plastic gears inside the HVAC blend-door actuator strip out, so the door can no longer move to route air correctly. The classic symptom is a repeated clicking or knocking noise from behind the dash (often at startup or when changing temperature), along with air stuck on one t… Repairs typically run $156-$400. Severity: medium.

    Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

    Data sourced from 3,290+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.