Which Years Of Used Ford Fusion Energis Are Most Reliable?
Ford Fusion Energi by Kevauto - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The EV and hybrid market is a dynamic and rapidly evolving automotive industry segment. With a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and technological innovation, it represents a significant departure from traditional internal combustion engines. As such, car manufacturers are steadfast in launching their all-electric and hybrid vehicles to capitalize on this market growth – including Ford Motors.
One of the most noteworthy additions to the EV/hybrid market is the Ford Fusion Energi. This plug-in hybrid sedan combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to offer both efficiency and performance. The Fusion Energi fits Ford’s lineup as a midrange sedan that bridges the gap between traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and fully electric options.
However, with declining sales and Ford shifting its focus towards SUVs, trucks, and fully electric vehicles, the Fusion Energi was discontinued.
THE FORD FUSION ENERGI YEARS TO AVOID
Read on to learn more about the Ford Fusion Energi years to avoid, the worst year for the Ford Fusion Energi, the best selections for this vehicle, and other valuable car information.
With that said, if you’re interested in a used Ford Fusion Energi, you’ve come to the right place. For today’s post, we’ll go through the Energi’s lineup to determine the most reliable Ford Fusion Energi year and models to avoid.
2013-2019 Ford Fusion Energi
Within the midsize plug-in hybrid segment, the Fusion Energi positions itself as a versatile and accessible option. It appeals to a broad audience, from eco-conscious commuters to those looking to dip into more environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Avoid: 2013 Ford Fusion Energi
First production model years may have unforeseen issues and design flaws, leading to potential reliability concerns. We often advise used car buyers to avoid these early models to minimize the risk of unexpected problems and benefit from improvements made in later years. This is certainly true for the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi.
According to CarComplaints.com, the 2013 Fusion Energi is the worst model year of the plug-in hybrid and has received the most number of complaints. Two of its major reliability woes are the steering and electrical system.
The steering issue seems to be relatively widespread for the 2013 Fusion Energi. Various owners reported steering loss or failure incidents, with some experiencing stiffness in steering while others lost complete control. A local Ford dealer estimated the repair cost of the steering issue at around $1800 plus tax.
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In addition, this plug-in hybrid was susceptible to electric issues. Many drivers reported multiple instances where the car would not start, requiring the 12V battery to be jumped and replaced. The issue persisted even after battery replacement, indicating a problem with the vehicle’s ability to maintain the 12V battery charge. Meanwhile, a complaint was also made about the driver’s side hood latch micro switch warning not shutting off, possibly related to a computer issue.
While it’s far from the most unreliable vehicle on the market, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi should be cautiously approached.
Avoid: 2014 Ford Fusion Energi
The 2014 Fusion Energi is another highly problematic variant of the plug-in hybrid that received a lot of complaints from owners. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has documented a whopping 1,180 complaints and 19 recalls for the 2014 Fusion Energi. So this model is not worthy of consideration for the most reliable Ford Fusion Energi year.
Mechanical issues are pretty prevalent for this version of the Fusion Energi. For instance, the engine can overheat quickly, which may lead to irreversible damage. Like the previous model, Many owners have reported complete failure of the steering wheel of the 2014 Fusion Energi, causing it to lose any assistance.
However, the most common problem associated with the car is the engine block issue. The block is made of two materials with different melting points, leading to uneven expansion.
Overall, the mechanical problems of the 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid are severe and diverse, affecting critical components such as the engine, steering system, starter system, and brakes.
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Avoid: 2016 Ford Fusion Energi
Unfortunately, the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi is notable for the wrong reasons. Like the 2014 model year, the 2016 Fusion Energi received tons of complaints due to various mechanical and electrical issues.
This time, the NHTSA has listed 1,103 complaints, and ten recalls for the 2016 Fusion Energi – that’s way too many grievances to be overlooked. The usual trouble spots include the electrical system, engine and cooling system, fuel propulsion system, powertrain, and body integrity.
Engine problems are the top reason the 2016 Fusion Energi may not be worth your money. Multiple complaints were related to throttle body issues, including a surge forward at a red light and a submarine-like icon appearing on the dashboard. Several people also reported dashboard lights coming on, including traction control, engine light, brake light, and a message to pull over, followed by a loss of power at freeway speed.
This car is also riddled with electrical system problems based on the complaints. From the center console becoming non-responsive, affecting buttons, A/C, windows, and power seats, to loss of power, avoid this model if you don’t want to deal with electrical issues.
THE 10 MOST RELIABLE AMERICAN CARS
Because the car buying experience is so stressful, it’s helpful to go into the dealership with information ahead of time. Therefore, we’ve curated a list of the 10 most reliable American cars so you can approach the process from a place of empowerment.
Buy: 2018 Ford Fusion Energi
For the most reliable Ford Fusion Energi year, the 2018 model is certainly worth considering. For starters, the 2018 Fusion Energi has fewer complaints than the previous models above. Now, this could indicate the reliability of this plug-in hybrid, but it may also mean that it’s not very popular with consumers.
However, this plug-in hybrid had a lukewarm reception. While it was praised for its roomy interior and top-notch fuel economy, many critics feel that its acceleration could be better, and the seriously compromised trunk space is a major deal breaker.
In addition, Ford’s Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system has been a significant concern for many Ford vehicle owners, including those of the 2018 Fusion Energi (although to a lesser extent). Apparently, the EPAS system can fail without warning, causing a sudden loss of power steering while driving. This can lead to a significant increase in steering effort and loss of control.
Overall, the 2018 Ford Fusion Energi is a solid pick for a used midrange plug-in hybrid as long as you can get past its flaws, like weak acceleration and poor trunk space.
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