How Long Do Ford Fusion Hybrids Last? (12 Important Facts)

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a midsize sedan that was sold for the model years 2010 to 2020.

It boasts a roomy cabin, crisp design and comfortable ride although some critics say it’s not as refined as its competitors – namely, the Accord and Mazda6.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the average lifespan of the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Here is the short answer to how long the Ford Fusion Hybrid lasts:

A well-maintained Ford Fusion Hybrid can last between 200,000 miles to 300,000 miles. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year, this equates to well over 13 years on the road. However, this mainly depends on how well you take care of the vehicle and your style of driving.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Ford Fusion Hybrid?

Ford has been developing hybrids for over 20 years and the Fusion Hybrid has proven to be very reliable over its 10-year run.

It’s regularly used by taxi fleets and many have logged well over 200,000 miles at this point, on used car sites you can also see models that have passed the 200k milestone and still going strong.

Other Ford hybrids that are regularly used as taxis like the Escape have been known to last over 500,000 miles. So you shouldn’t be too concerned about the hybrid powertrain as they’re known to be incredibly robust.

If you keep up with regular maintenance and routine service intervals, Fusion Hybrids can certainly last over 200,000 miles.

Similar to an EV though, its hybrid battery will start showing degraded performance at around the 10-year mark.

But these can be easily replaced by a mechanic who is familiar with hybrid cars.

Aftermarket replacement batteries are available for roughly $2,000 which isn’t outrageously expensive.

The Fusion Hybrid also comes with an 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid warranty as standard, in some states the hybrid warranty lasts up to 150,000 miles.

If you’re looking at a newer model, there’s a good chance that it will still have a few years left in its warranty.

Keep in mind, your style of driving will also play a key role in longevity – smooth, controlled use of the gas and brake pedals will keep wear and tear to a minimum.

Common Problems of the Ford Fusion Hybrid

We checked out a couple of different databases and Ford Fusion forums to find common issues and weak spots for the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Transmission Issues

A number of second-generation Ford Fusion Hybrids made from 2013 to 2014 were recalled.

A small manufacturing defect caused the transmission to fail prematurely.

Owners of affected models should have received notice from Ford and had their transmissions replaced.

Owners of Fusions Hybrids can also run their VIN on Fords recall page to see whether or not their car was affected by this recall.

Engine Issues

Looking at CarComplaints.com, the 2010 Ford Fusion, which is also its very first model year, has lots of reports of engine issues. 

In many cases, the dashboard starts displaying a large ‘Wrench’ icon and the car itself goes into limp mode.

There haven’t been widespread reports of this issue though, and it seems to only affect a small number of vehicles and unlucky owners.

Some people have been able to get the car going again just by restarting the car. Though there’s not enough info available to suggest that this will work every single time.

Power Steering Issues    

Power steering failures are one of the most reported issues on early model year Ford Fusion Hybrids.

Usually, a power steering warning would just suddenly pop out and the power steering goes out — making the steering wheel harder to turn.

Some owners have had to replace their steering racks or the electric assist motor which can be quite expensive. Others were able to fix it much cheaper by replacing or resetting other power steering components. 

Overall, most model years of the Ford Fuson Hybrid have been pretty solid performers, and most only need nothing more than regular car maintenance.

What is High Mileage for a Ford Fusion Hybrid?

A Ford Fusion Hybrid with over 100,000 miles on the clock is considered high mileage. The majority of Fusion Hybrids will have many more years in them even after 100,000 miles, but there will be more prone to repairs and replacing of parts.

The hybrid battery warranty also expires at 100,000 miles, so if it starts acting up, any repairs will be paid out of your own pocket.

Any money you save buying a high mile Fusion Hybrid might end up going back into the car after a couple of months of ownership.

A 100,000-mile Ford Fusion Hybrid may be a slightly riskier purchase, but the chances of it needing expensive repairs are still very low.

Lots of people buy used Fusion Hybrids at well over 100,000 miles and get past the double century mark with very few issues.

When buying a used Ford Fusion Hybrid, you’ll want to consider the following:

• Maintenance history. Check that the car was properly serviced and the owner can provide evidence of this.
• Get a second opinion. Have it checked by an independent mechanic who is familiar with Ford Hybrids.
• Number of previous owners. As a general rule, less is better. More owners usually means more wear-and-tear. A one-owner car that’s been regularly serviced on time is less likely to have issues and nasty surprises.
• How long you are planning on keeping the car. If you’re planning on keeping the car for a long time, you should evaluate whether the savings you get outweigh spending a bit extra on something newer and more reliable.
• Examine the interior. The condition of the interior tells the story of how well the car was maintained and cared for.

How Long Does the Ford Fusion Hybrid Last Compared to Other Hybrid Cars?

In this section, we’ll compare the longevity and reliability of the Fusion Hybrid against its rivals.

Ford Fusion Hybrid vs. Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry Hybrid is the most popular vehicle in this midsize segment and there are lots of really high mileage examples on the road today.

Toyota is a global leader in the hybrid segment and it has been developing the Camry Hybrid for a long time — resulting in a stellar reputation when it comes to reliability and longevity.

With its Toyota pedigree, we expect the average Camry Hybrid to get to 300,000 – 500,000 miles.

• RepairPal gave both midsize sedans similar reliability ratings of 4/5.
• The Camry is going to be cheaper to maintain with annual repairs and maintenance averaging at only $388 while the Fusion comes out to an average of $581.
• KBB’s consumer reviews gave the 2020 Camry Hybrid a 4/5 for Reliability while the Fusion Hybrid from the same year got a much higher 4.6/5. The Camry has a much larger sample size though, which can skew the numbers and comparisons.
• Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2020 Camry Hybrid an overall rating of 4.3/5, while the Fusion Hybrid got a higher rating of 4.6/5.
• JD Power gave the 2020 Camry an 82/100 for Quality & Reliability while the Fusion got an 87/100.

Looking at the numbers, the Fusion Hybrid isn’t that far off from the Camry Hybrid when it comes to reliability. 

The Fusion has slightly higher maintenance costs, but owner reviews also indicate that it’s still a very reliable vehicle.

The data even suggests that Ford beats Toyota as far as owner satisfaction is concerned. But it’s also important to remember that there are far more Camry Hybrids than Fusion Hybrids — which means that there are many more Camry owners who are likely to report negative issues and experiences online.

For most folks who won’t really try to test the maximum lifespan of their vehicles, there probably won’t be much of a difference when it comes to owning either a Fusion Hybrid or a Camry Hybrid.

Related: How Long Do Toyota Camry Hybrids Last?

Ford Fusion Hybrid vs. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Sonata Hybrid was one of Hyundai’s first attempts at a mass-market hybrid in the U.S.

Both the Fusion and Sonata Hybrids came out around 2010. But the Sonata Hybrid is still in production today and just recently released its third generation.

The predicted lifespan of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is 200,000 – 300,000 miles.  

• RepairPal gave both vehicles the same reliability rating of 4/5.
• The Sonata is slightly cheaper to maintain with its average annual repairs costing $458 compared to the Fusion’s $581 per year.
• KBB’s consumer reviews gave the 2020 Sonata Hybrid a 3.8/5 for reliability which is much lower than the 2020 Fusion Hybrid’s rating of 4.7/5.
• Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2020 Sonata Hybrid an overall rating of 4.5/5, while the Fusion Hybrid got a slightly higher rating of 4.6/5.
• JD Power gave the 2020 Sonata a decent score of 82/100 for Quality & Reliability. The Fusion got a much higher rating of 87/100 for the same model year.

Based on the reviews we’ve looked at, we believe the Fusion Hybrid is going to last a similar amount of miles as the Sonata Hybrid.

The Sonata comes with longer warranties though, which helps address any potential issues it may have.

But Ford has more experience with hybrids than Hyundai, and a lot more early model year Sonata Hybrids have encountered major engine issues when compared to the Fusion Hybrid.

Ford Fusion Hybrid vs. Honda Accord Hybrid

The Honda Accord Hybrid is one of the top choices in the midsize hybrid sedan segment.

The Fusion Hybrid isn’t as special or refined as the Accord Hybrid although they are generally cheaper.

The Accord Hybrid should last a little longer than the Fusion Hybrid, which means it can reach 250,000 – 350,000 miles.

• RepairPal gave the Accord an impressive reliability rating of 4.5/5 which is a little higher than the Fusion’s 4/5.
• The Accord is cheaper to maintain at $400 on average per year compared to the Fusion’s $581 average annual repair cost.
• KBB’s consumer reviews gave the 2020 Accord Hybrid a 4.5/5 for reliability which is lower than the 2020 Fusion Hybrid’s rating of 4.7/5.
• Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2020 Sonata Hybrid an overall rating of 4.5/5, while the Fusion Hybrid got a slightly higher rating of 4.6/5.
• JD Power gave the 2020 Accord an average score of 82/100 for Quality & Reliability. The Fusion got a much higher rating of 87/100 for the same model year.

Though the Accord may be more reliable and cheaper to maintain, the Fusion Hybrid isn’t really that far behind. In many of the reviews we’ve cited, the Fusion was actually rated higher than the Accord.

Both will be very capable daily drivers, the Accord will have better resale values, which is something to consider if you’re planning on replacing it after a few years.

Related: How Long Do Honda Accord Hybrids Last?

Comparison Chart

* Ratings for entire model range (not specific to hybrid models)

Is the Ford Fusion Hybrid Reliable?

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is generally a very reliable vehicle that has no widespread issues associated with it.

They’ve been used extensively in taxi and rental fleets where they regularly log hundreds of thousand of miles year after year and are subjected to above-average abuse. 

The average cost of ownership for a Fusion Hybrid will be pretty similar to its more popular rivals like the Accord and Camry Hybrid.    

Here is additional proof of the Ford Fusion Hybrid’s reliability:

• RepairPal gave the Ford Fusion an average reliability rating of 4/5 which is the same score it gave to the Camry.  
• Owner reviews for newer Fusion Hybrids are quite favorable and it often gets higher ratings than its competitors.

Reliability Compared to Other Midsize Cars

The Best and Worst Years for the Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Ford Fusion Hybrid had two generations over the span of its 10-year run, some years were better than others…

Worst Model Year

According to CarComplaints and CarProblemZoo, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid is the worst model year.

On CarComplaints, the most reported problem for the 2010 model is engine issues. On CarProblemZoo, it’s a tie between power steering failures and airbag recalls.

The 2010 Fusion Hybrid is the first model year so these models will be the oldest and will likely have the highest mileages. These models will also have more early production and build quality issues, as well as less features and upgrades, compared to newer Fusion Hybrids. 

Looking at the CarComplaints website, the 2014 and 2013 model years of the Accord Hybrid have collected the most number of complaints.

Best Model Year

The 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the best model year since it hasn’t had any reported issues so far on CarComplaints or CarProblemZoo.

It’s the last model year for the Fusion Hybrid and it features subtle styling changes, as well Ford Connect and Ford Co-Pilot360 as standard. 

Fusion Hybrids from 2017 and onwards are also good options, these have much newer features compared to the early second-gen models. 

Related: 11 Best & Worst Ford Fusion Hybrid Years (Pictures & Stats)

Model Year and Number of Complaints

Here is the total number of complaints for every model year of the Fusion Hybrid as reported on the CarComplaints website.

What About Recalls for the Fusion Hybrid?

The Ford Fusion has a total of 72 recalls in the 10 years the hybrid version was sold.

You can always check if your Ford Fusion Hybrid has been subjected to a recall campaign by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the Ford recall site or the NHTSA recall database.

It is also important to note that recalls are manufacturing faults repaired at no charge to the consumer.

Here is the total number of recalls for every model year of the Ford Fusion Hybrid according to the NHTSA database:

• 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 0
• 2019 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 1
• 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 0
• 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 3
• 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 8
• 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 11
• 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 17
• 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 17
• 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 6
• 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 9
• 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 0

Ford Fusion Hybrid Model Year List

The Ford Fusion Hybrid went through 2 generations in the 10 years that it was sold.

The first generation Fusion Hybrid was only available from 2010 to 2012. 

The second-generation Fusion Hybrid had a longer run and was sold from 2013 to 2020.

It featured a smaller engine and switched over to lithium-ion batteries which made it lighter and gave it better fuel economy.

The second-generation Fusion Hybrid also saw the introduction of a plug-in hybrid variant known as the Fusion Energi.  

First Generation (2010 – 2012):

• 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid 
• 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid 
• 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Second Generation (2013 – 2020):

• 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid 
• 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
• 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid
• 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid
• 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid
• 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid 
• 2019 Ford Fusion Hybrid
• 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Is the Ford Fusion Hybrid Expensive to Maintain?

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is relatively cheap to maintain and most owners say it doesn’t require anything more than regular maintenance.

Average repair costs for the Fusion Hybrid are also quite reasonable at only $581 per year (according to RepairPal). It’s not as cheap to maintain as its rivals from Toyota and Honda, but this is offset by the Fusion’s lower selling prices.

Early model years of each generation tend to have the most problems. But if you avoid those, the Fusion Hybrid offers a lot of bang for your buck.

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

The Fusion Hybrid’s brake pads can last anywhere from 50,000 – 100,000 miles per set before they’ll need to be replaced.

Its regenerative braking system helps preserve the life of the brake pads and rotors because they don’t need to be used as much.

Many Fusion Hybrid owners have even reported their brakes being fine after 100,000 miles.

• Unlike in most other vehicles, the Fusion Hybrid’s rear pads tend to wear down faster so you’ll probably have to replace them sooner than the fronts. 
• The brake rotors could also get rusted out relatively quickly especially if you live in snow-prone areas. Some cars might need replacement brake rotors well before 100,000 miles.

How Long Do the Tires Last?

The Fusion Hybrid’s tires should be able to last around 50,000 to 70,000 miles or roughly 3 to 5 years with normal use.

They can wear out much sooner depending on road conditions, driving habits, climate and maintenance.

Tips to help you preserve the life of your tires:

• Rotate tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.
• Check your tire pressure every few weeks to make sure they’re at the correct tire pressure.
• Check your wheel alignment every 6 months.

How Long Do the Transmissions Last?

The Fusion Hybrid uses an eCVT or Electric Continuously Variable Transmission which can last well over 500,000 miles and will likely outlast the vehicle.

First-gen Fusion Hybrids used an Aisin/Toyota eCVT while the second gen models used a Ford-developed transmission.

It’s not susceptible to the transmission problems associated with the non-hybrid Fusion models. 

How Long Will the Fusion Hybrid’s Electric Motors Last?

The Fusion Hybrid’s electric motors should be able to last the entire lifetime of the vehicle. 

Electric motors need less maintenance and are more reliable than internal combustion engines.

You’re more likely to need a major engine repair or several hybrid battery replacements before the motors start acting up due to age.

How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?

The Honda Accord Hybrid needs new spark plugs only every 100,000 miles which is part of its major service interval.

You may need new spark plugs sooner if they look too worn out or fouled up during the car’s regular inspection.

How Long Do Ford Fusion Hybrid Batteries Last?

The Fusion Hybrid’s high voltage battery should last at least 100,000 miles although they could well last over 200,000 miles. 

Premature hybrid battery failures are not a common thing for the Fusion Hybrid. In most cases, these can be quickly addressed by the hybrid warranty.

The second generation Fusion Hybrid made the switch to Lithium-ion batteries which are lighter and last longer than the NiMH batteries used in the first-gen models.

After 10 years, all batteries will start showing signs of degradation.

You might see worse mileage compared to when it was newer, but it can still be driven around as long as the engine is fine.

Aftermarket battery replacements are also not that expensive and widely available.

What About Insurance Costs?

According to Insuraviz’s estimates, the Ford Fusion costs an average of $1,570 per year or roughly $131 per month to insure.

This is pretty close to the average insurance for midsize cars and only slightly more expensive by a few dollars. 

Insurance costs can vary from person to person, so be sure to shop around to find the best possible deal for your Fusion Hybrid.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Ford Fusion Hybrid

• Practice smooth and safe driving habits.
• Keep up to date with factory-recommended maintenance.
• Use quality parts and fluids.
• Keep on top of repairs to prevent them from developing into larger problems.
• Regularly wash your Fusion to remove dirt and grime, as well as to protect the paint and undercarriage from rust.
• Keep your Fusion Hybrid stored in a garage to help protect it from extreme heat and cold.
• Read the owner’s manual to learn the location of important components, what your SUV needs and in what quantities, and to understand the symbols and dashboard warning lights.

Resources

https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/warranty/warranties-and-coverage/what-is-the-warranty-on-hybrid-and-electric-vehicles/

https://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/fusion

https://www.kbb.com/ford/fusion-plug-in-hybrid/

https://www.edmunds.com/ford/fusion-hybrid/2020/consumer-reviews/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2020/ford/fusion

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Fusion_Hybrid/

https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/fusionhybrid/

https://insuraviz.com/vehicles/ford/ford-fusion-insurance/