The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a midsize car that was produced for the 2010 – 2020 model years.
It’s known for its spacious interior, surprisingly capable handling dynamics and solid fuel economy.
In this article, we’ll uncover all of the best and worst model years of the Fusion Hybrid.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Ford Fusion Hybrid Are:
The best Ford Fusion Hybrid model years are 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015. The worst model years of the Fusion Hybrid are 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Ford Fusion Hybrid?
2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2020 Fusion Hybrid was the final model produced and also the most reliable. It benefits from a decade of trial and error and refinement.
It has a great Sync 3 infotainment system, a hushed interior, and a swanky cabin design.
For 2020 there were no major changes albeit a few trim-dependent aesthetic tweaks.
This model has 3 trim levels: SE, SEL, and Titanium.
All variants are powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, giving a total of 188 horsepower.
All units are equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
2020 Fusion Hybrid, Edmunds review:
“I love my new Fusion. I’ve had it for about 3 or 4 months now and I love it. No buyer’s remorse here. I’m a little older, got back troubles, and I love the ride. It’s comfy. It may not be speedy, but it’s plenty fast enough. If I need a quick pick-up, I just turn off the Eco with a push of a button…”
2019 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2019 Fusion Hybrid is exceptionally good-looking, fun to drive, and very fuel efficient.
Fuel estimates are 42 MPG for combined city and highway driving.
This model year received some revised features and shuffled equipment across the 3 different trims (SE, SEL, and Titanium).
Owners have highlighted the following aspects of this model: interior, comfort, fuel efficiency, engine, spaciousness, handling, steering, value for money, and ride quality.
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
2019 Fusion Hybrid, Edmunds review:
“Let me first tell you, don’t let anyone else especially the haters tell you this car is bad, cause it’s not! This has not subpar gas mileage, I got this all the way up to 607 miles range!!! Yes, for a 2019 Ford Fusion Titanium Hybrid I just bought only 6880 miles on it. I’m loving all the safety tech and stuff. It’s a big step from my Cruze!!! The people that viewed this and gave a subpar fuel economy are just hating and don’t know how to view cars at all, seats are comfortable, tech is amazing sync 3 works flawlessly…”
2018 and 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2018 and 2017 Fusion Hybrids are good choices that benefit from a variety of updates, including a restyled front end, a new Sync 3 infotainment interface, a new rotary transmission selector and push-button engine start as standard.
Both models deliver great fuel economy of 42 MPG for combined driving according to EPA estimates.
There are also plenty of standard and optional tech and safety features. Some of our favorites are the Reverse Sensing System, Blind Spot Information System, and Lane Keeping System.
In addition, both models secured a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
For 2017,
2018 Fusion Hybrid:
- Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
2017 Fusion Hybrid:
- Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
2017 Fusion Hybrid, Edmunds review:
“Ok. I have had this car for 120,000+ miles and overall the mileage 48.9 for the entire time I have owned the car has been exceptional. I do a lot of highway driving but also my share of up and down steep hills. The seats are fantastic and the driver assist package I would recommend to anyone especially the side sensors. I know that the press felt it was a distracted drive but it is the opposite once you are used to things…”
2016 and 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2016 and 2015 Fusion Hybrid are essentially the same and both have secured strong reviews from owners and auto journalists alike.
They are noted for their impressive fuel economy, advanced tech and driver assistance features, quiet ride, and eye-catching exterior.
Both models are fitted with a 2-liter 4-cylinder that works in tandem with a lithium-ion powered electric motor, providing a combined total of 188 horsepower.
Fuel economy is 42 MPG for combined driving, which is fairly impressive.
According to owners, the highlights of these models include fuel economy, comfort, interior, value for money, appearance, seats, spaciousness, handling, and steering.
2016 Fusion Hybrid:
- Edmunds: 4.6 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
2015 Fusion Hybrid:
- Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
2015 Fusion Hybrid, Edmunds review:
“This is an update from my initial review, which I placed at about 12K miles. My usage has been consistent, with a mix of congested city, rural two-lane, and high speed interstate driving, in temperatures ranging from 20 F to 118 F. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the car. I have had the oil changed twice, and the tires rotated once via the Ford dealer. No squeaks, rattles or other maladies have appeared…”
Consumer Scores For Best Ford Fusion Hybrid Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating |
| 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| 2019 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 4.6 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
Related: How Long Do Ford Fusion Hybrids Last? (12 Important Facts)
What Are The Worst Years For The Ford Fusion Hybrid?
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2010 Fusion Hybrid is the most problematic model year ever produced according to NHTSA data. This should come as no great surprise as it was also the debut model and teething issues are somewhat expected.
The most common problem reported was loss of power steering whilst driving.
“Steering suddenly stopped working altogether without warning. Alert displayed was “service power steering now”. There was no way to even turn the steering wheel under manual power.”
“My daughters car electric steering assist motor locked up while driving on a major road, causing the car which was turning to almost go off the road into on coming traffic.”
Another common problem was failure of the brakes, owners reported that despite pressing the brake pedal the car did not respond.
“Brakes stopped working while driving on a city street. Extreme pressure on the pedal was required to slow the car.”
This model was also affected by the notorious Takata airbag recall – the airbags were prone to exploding firing metal shards into the cabin.
Due to the widespread nature of the recall, owners were forced to wait weeks and in many cases months, for repairs.
- The 2010 Fusion Hybrid had a total of 117 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 605 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Power steering totally went out
- Brake failure
- Engine stalls/dies while driving
2011 and 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2011 and 2012 Fusion Hybrids shared many of the same issues that the 2010 model exhibited, albeit with fewer reported complaints.
The most common issue, again, was failure of the power steering whilst driving making it extremely difficult to steer.
This was often accompanied by the warning message “service power steering”.
There were a number of complaints from owners who described being unable to stop the car due to brake failure.
“While moving on a dry, asphalt, city road, approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed, but the brakes did not engage at all. The emergency brake was applied to stop vehicle.”
These models were also affected by the explosive, shrapnel-shooting, Takata airbag recall.
- The 2011 Fusion Hybrid had a total of 13 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 155 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2012 Fusion Hybrid had a total of 16 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 132 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Brake system failure
- Power steering failed
- Poor fuel economy
- Died while driving
- Hybrid motor quit running
2013 and 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2013 and 2014 Fusion Hybrids shared the power steering and braking issues of their predecessors. However, their most common and significant problem is grinding and whining sounds coming from the powertrain.
A number of owners reported strange noises coming from the transmission which often preceded transmission failure.
“Car was making a roughing sound while driving. When in P or N no sound. I took it to the dealer they could not find a problem. 3000 mile later they said it was the transmission and would cost us $11,000 to repair.”
“The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated… The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a defective purge valve which caused the transmission failure.”
“The contact stated that while the engine was idling, there was an abnormal metal scraping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that metal shavings were discovered inside the transmission fluid, and that the transmission needed to be replaced.”
- The 2013 Fusion Hybrid had a total of 51 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 183 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2014 Fusion Hybrid had a total of 39 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 101 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Poor fuel economy
- Noisy transmission
- Paint bubbling
- Car quits and will not run
- Power steering stopped working
Related: 6 Most Common Ford Fusion Problems (Explained)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 0 | – | 0 |
| 2019 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 6 | 12 | 0 |
| 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 8 | 43 | 0 |
| 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 9 | 48 | 0 |
| 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 22 | 45 | 2 |
| 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 39 | 101 | 1 |
| 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 51 | 183 | 1 |
| 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 16 | 132 | 0 |
| 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 13 | 155 | 0 |
| 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 117 | 605 | 0 |
What Problems Do Ford Fusion Hybrids Have?
- Power steering totally went out
- Brake failure
- Transmission failure
- Engine stalls/dies while driving
- Poor fuel economy
- Hybrid motor quit running
- Noisy transmission
- Paint bubbling
- Soy-based wiring attracts rodents
- Wipers not fast enough
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Ford Fusion Hybrid?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | 8.6 | $28,559 – $32,056 | City: 44 – 51 /Highway: 47 – 53 |
| Honda Accord Hybrid | 8.5 | $25,624 – $33,722 | City: 48 /Highway: 47 |
| Toyota Avalon Hybrid | 8.5 | $34,269 – $40,591 | City: 43 /Highway: 43 – 44 |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | 8.4 | $25,567 – $32,183 | City: 45 – 50 /Highway: 51 – 54 |
| Ford Fusion Hybrid | 8.3 | $23,384 – $25,195 | City: 43 /Highway: 41 |
| Chevrolet Bolt | 8.2 | $27,316 – $29,654 | City: 127 /Highway: 108 |
| Honda Insight | 8.1 | $22,331 – $26,441 | City: 51 – 55 /Highway: 45 – 49 |
| Hyundai Ioniq | 8.1 | $22,125 – $31,288 | Electric: 119 – 133 /Gas: 52 – 58 |
| Kia Optima Hybrid | 8.1 | $25,865 – $31,477 | Electric: 101 /Gas: 41 – 42 |
| Toyota Corolla Hybrid | 7.9 | $25,974 | City: 53 /Highway: 52 |
| Ford Fusion Energi | 7.8 | $26,154 | Electric: 103 /Gas: 42 |
| Honda Clarity | 7.7 | $32,421 – $59,167 | Electric: 110 /Gas: 42 – 68 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: Ford Fusion Tune-Up & Maintenance Costs (Complete Guide)
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/fusion
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/ford/fusion-hybrid
https://www.edmunds.com/ford/fusion-hybrid/2020/review/
https://www.kbb.com/ford/fusion/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2020/ford/fusion-hybrid
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Fusion_Hybrid/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/fusionhybrid/
https://www.cars.com/research/ford-fusion/recalls/
