Research · Midsize Cars

2015 Ford FusionRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls and 1,066 owner complaints for the 2015 Ford Fusion. Most complaints involve engine (280) and steering (181). The EPA rates it 25–29 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
25–29mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
13campaigns
Latest Jun 2026
Owner complaints
1,066
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

13 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: manual transmission

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.

Power trainReported Jun 9, 2026NHTSA 26V376000

Service brakes

Free remedy

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

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Mar 10, 2023NHTSA 23V162000

Power train: gear position indication (prndl)

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Power trainReported Jun 10, 2022NHTSA 22V413000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,066 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2014 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine280
  2. Steering181
  3. Power train157
  4. Electrical system121
  5. Service brakes93
  6. Fuel/propulsion system58
  7. Engine and engine cooling53
  8. Service brakes, hydraulic42
  9. Air bags40

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Fusion model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2006730
20071,064
20081,353
20091,023
20105,129
20112,795
20122,617
20131,957
20141,433
20151,066
20161,737
20171,114
2018444
2019378
2020185
Crashes reported
40
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
19
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

280 reports1 crash1 fire
“Year/Make/Model: 2015 Ford Fusion Engine Type: 1.5L EcoBoost 4-Cylinder Description of Safety Flaw and Incident: My vehicle is experiencing severe overheating and internal engine fluid loss due to the widely documented Ford EcoBoost coolant intrusion defect. The vehicle routinely runs hot, losing coolant rapidly with no external signs of a visible hose or radiator leak as well as failure of the brake lighting stop bumper and purge valve connecting to the gasline after fueling. This issue causes the vehicle to rapidly overheat while in motion, forcing sudden loss of engine power (limp mode) during highway driving. Car not properly cranking after fueling and brake light continuously being on even when brakes not being pressed. This unexpected drop in speed creates an immediate crash hazard for myself and surrounding traffic. Coolant entering the combustion chamber also fouls the spark plugs, causing severe engine stalling, rough idling, and misfires. I've spent several dollars fixing these malfunctions that have continuously persist. Ford Motor Company has historically been aware of this structural defect involving coolant leaking across the cylinder bore walls,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 8, 2026Exterior lighting, Service brakes, EngineCrash reportedODI 11762932

Steering

181 reports3 crashes
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the messages "Loss of Traction Control" and "Advancetrac Off" were displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact safely pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gear motor had failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V250000 (Steering) and 19V632000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V250000 (Steering); however, the recall repair failed to prevent the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2026SteeringODI 11757983

Power train

157 reports5 crashes
“Formal Transmission Failure Complaint – 2015 Ford Fusion I am submitting a formal complaint regarding the transmission failure of my 2015 Ford Fusion. I purchased this vehicle in 2023. In September 2026, the transmission failed, leaving the vehicle inoperable. I am concerned that this failure may be associated with a manufacturing defect or known transmission problem affecting this vehicle model. I am requesting that this failure be documented and investigated to determine whether similar complaints, technical service bulletins, safety investigations, or recalls are associated with this transmission.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Power train, Unknown or otherODI 11771173
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

5 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl turbo · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Fusion FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo, SIDI; with Stop/Start Technology · Front-Wheel Drive
253629$2,200307
Fusion FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive
243628$2,300321
Fusion FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive
223326$2,450341
Fusion FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
223326$2,450342
Fusion AWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
223125$2,550357
  • Fusion FWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo, SIDI; with Stop/Start Technology
    25 city · 36 hwy · $2,200/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • Fusion FWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo, SIDI
    24 city · 36 hwy · $2,300/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Fusion FWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI
    22 city · 33 hwy · $2,450/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Fusion FWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    22 city · 33 hwy · $2,450/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Fusion AWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 31 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
4 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
4 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 9263Vehicle 9262
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2015 Fusion questions

How many recalls does the 2015 Ford Fusion have?

13 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2015 Ford Fusion problems?

Owners filed 1,066 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (280), steering (181), power train (157). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2015 Ford Fusion get?

The EPA rates the 2015 Ford Fusion at 25–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).

How safe is the 2015 Ford Fusion?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Ford Fusion 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026