What are the common problems with the 2011 Ford Fusion?

Steering has the most complaints on file. Air bags, engine and power train come next. The Problems section above has the full list.

Does the 2011 Ford Fusion have recalls?

Yes, it has recalls. Each one is listed by code in the Recalls section, along with whether a remedy is available.

How many complaints does the 2011 Ford Fusion have?

NHTSA has 2,926 owner complaints on file for this model year.

What is the gas mileage of the 2011 Ford Fusion?

See the Fuel economy section on this page. It is built from EPA data.

Is the 2011 Ford Fusion a good year?

Check the by-year comparison on this page to see how it stacks up against other years. Also look at the crash ratings section and the recall list before you decide.

2011 Ford Fusion Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 2,926 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Ford Fusion^[1]. Steering is the largest group, with 1,478 complaints^[2].

2,926owner complaints^[1]

7recalls^[3]

19–38MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

4★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints under several parts of the car, and these groups come up most often.

Steering. 1,478 complaints^[2]. Owners describe the power steering warning light coming on, then the wheel turning very stiff or barely turning at all. Some cars had to be towed to a dealer.
Air Bags. 364 complaints^[6]. In the stories we read, owners describe air bags staying shut after a crash. Others describe an air bag warning light that comes and goes.
Engine. 302 complaints^[7]. Owners describe the engine losing power or stalling while the car is moving, often with warning lights on. Some say the car ran normally after a restart.
Power Train. 280 complaints^[8]. Owners describe hard jolts when the gears change, engine revs that rise without the car speeding up, and slipping. Some say it began soon after they bought the car.
Speed Control. 261 complaints^[9].
Brakes. 218 complaints^[10].
Electrical System. 214 complaints^[11].
Fuel/Propulsion System. 180 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2011 Fusion is necessarily included.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module (21V158), March 2021. About 2,602,668 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (21V081), February 2021. About 1,067 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, a crash, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (19V001), January 2019. About 782,384 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Remedy pending
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (16V384), May 2016. About 1,892,343 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, death. The remedy was not yet available when this record was filed.^[16]
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank (15V793), November 2015. About 411,205 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Steering › Electric Power Assist System (15V340), June 2015. About 393,623 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, steering problems, loss of power. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs (11V574), December 2011. About 128,616 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash.^[19]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[20]	22 / 29 / 24	$2,800
Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[21]	23 / 32 / 26	$2,600
Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[22]	22 / 28 / 24	$2,800
Fusion AWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[23]	17 / 24 / 19	$3,550
Fusion FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[24]	18 / 26 / 21	$3,200
Fusion S FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[25]	22 / 31 / 25	$2,700
Fusion AWD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive^[26]	18 / 25 / 20	$3,350
Fusion Hybrid FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	41 / 35 / 38	$1,750
Fusion FWD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive^[27]	20 / 28 / 23	$2,900

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR AWD^[5]	4	3	4	5	9.2%
4 DR FWD^[28]	4	3	4	4	10.5%
4 DR FWD^[29]	4	3	4	4	10.5%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2011 Ford Fusion with 2.5L 4-cylinder^[30]	173 hp
2011 Ford Fusion with 3.0L 6-cylinder^[31]	223 hp

How 2011 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Fusion model year. The 2011 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2006	730	4
2007	1,064	4
2008	1,353	5
2009	1,023	6
2010	5,639	11
2011	2,926	7
2012	2,617	5
2013	1,957	20
2014	1,432	20
2015	1,066	14
2016	1,724	13
2017	1,202	4
2018	508	2
2019	473	4
2020	235	3

NHTSA's counts for the Fusion show 2,926 complaints and 7 recalls for 2011^[3]. Among the 15 model years listed, 13 have fewer complaints than 2011 and 1 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2020 (235) and the most are for 2010 (5,639)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2011 Fusion?

The 2011 Fusion has a large number of owner complaints on file^[1]. Steering stands out far above the other groups^[2], and air bags, engine and power train follow with a few hundred each^[6]^[7]^[8]. The car also has recalls, and the Recalls section lists them^[3]. These are unverified reports from owners, so read them as a guide to what to check, not as a final ruling. Ask for repair records on steering and shifting before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2011 Ford Fusion?: Steering has the most complaints on file^[2]. Air bags, engine and power train come next^[6]^[7]^[8]. The Problems section above has the full list.
Does the 2011 Ford Fusion have recalls?: Yes, it has recalls^[3]. Each one is listed by code in the Recalls section, along with whether a remedy is available.
How many complaints does the 2011 Ford Fusion have?: NHTSA has 2,926 owner complaints on file for this model year^[1].
What is the gas mileage of the 2011 Ford Fusion?: See the Fuel economy section on this page. It is built from EPA data.
Is the 2011 Ford Fusion a good year?: Check the by-year comparison on this page to see how it stacks up against other years^[3]. Also look at the crash ratings section and the recall list before you decide.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Ford Fusion

2010 5,639 complaints, 11 recalls
2011 this page
2012 2,617 complaints, 5 recalls
2013 1,957 complaints, 20 recalls
2014 1,432 complaints, 20 recalls
2015 1,066 complaints, 14 recalls
2016 1,724 complaints, 13 recalls
2017 1,202 complaints, 4 recalls

Compare all model years of the Ford Fusion

Other Ford models from 2011

2011 Ford Crown Victoria 23 complaints, 2 recalls
2011 Ford Edge 1,803 complaints, 3 recalls
2011 Ford Escape 1,355 complaints, 2 recalls
2011 Ford Fiesta 730 complaints, 3 recalls
2011 Ford Mustang 466 complaints, 4 recalls
2011 Ford Ranger 235 complaints, 5 recalls

All Ford models

Similar cars from 2011: midsize cars

2011 Buick Regal 280 complaints, 4 recalls
2011 Cadillac CTS 108 complaints, 2 recalls
2011 Chevrolet Cruze 732 complaints, 7 recalls
2011 Chevrolet Malibu 978 complaints, 3 recalls
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 284 complaints, 5 recalls
2011 Mitsubishi Galant 3 complaints, 0 recalls

All midsize cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 2,926 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Ford Fusion (83 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 48 injuries, 3 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
1,478 complaints name the steering component group (44 crashes, 0 fires, 23 injuries, median mileage at failure 88,480). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Fusion model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Fusion Hybrid FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 41 city / 35 highway / 38 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
364 complaints name the air bags component group (19 crashes, 0 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,000). NHTSA vehicle records
302 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
280 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,364). NHTSA vehicle records
261 complaints name the speed control component group (13 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
218 complaints name the brakes component group (10 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 95,500). NHTSA vehicle records
214 complaints name the electrical system component group (6 crashes, 7 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,500). NHTSA vehicle records
180 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,336). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 21V158, filed March 10, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 21V081, filed February 16, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V001, filed January 7, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V384, filed May 31, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V793, filed November 24, 2015: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V340, filed June 2, 2015: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
Recall 11V574, filed December 7, 2011: Wheels › Lugs / Nuts / Bolts / Studs. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 32 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion AWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion S FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion AWD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Fusion FWD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2011 Ford Fusion with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 173 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2011 Ford Fusion with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 223 hp. www.epa.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2011 Ford Fusion: problems, recalls and fuel economy