About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Ford Fusion since 2012, 268 (2.4%) describe transmission shifting problems, the third most reported problem we track on the Fusion. The reports cluster on the 2013, 2016 and 2017 model years, and the 2016 drew the most, with 51. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 47,000 and 109,000 miles. 6 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Ford has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Fusion's automatic transmission shifting harshly, slipping, or rolling after being put in park on cars with the rotary shifter. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2013, 2016 and 2017 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"I have a 2017 Ford Fusion. My issue is the the shifter link cable. There is a little plastic bushing that holds the cable to the transmission that allows you to shift from park to neutral reverse and drive. Well mine broke and I'm glad it was in park."
2017 Ford Fusion, 78,000 miles
"In may of 2017 my transmission was causing my car to jerk forward severely when ever I tried to put on the gas. A Ford dealership replaced/fixed my transmission which was under warrantee at the time."
2016 Ford Fusion, 79,000 miles
"The shift cable became disconnected from the transmission allowing the shift lever to move through the positions, but the vehicle would not move out of park."
2013 Ford Fusion, 120,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Ford has sent dealers 9 bulletins that mention this problem on the Fusion. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Some 2013-2020 Fusion, MKZ and 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission.
Ford: some vehicles transmission will experience, after a cold soak or an extended period with engine off, a 2-3 shift hesitation due to possible hydraulic circuit drain.
Some 2013-2016 Fusion, mkz, and 2013-2015 c-max vehicles equipped with an hf35 transmission and built on or before 8/15/2015 may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission.
Multiple 2014-2016 vehicles equipped with 6f35 transmission and built on 1-jan-2014 and through 31-dec-2015 may exhibit harsh reverse engagement and harsh/delayed 3rd and 5th gear up/down shifts with no dtcs present.
Some 2013-2016 Fusion, MKZ and 2013-2016 C-Max vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission and built on or before 15-Aug-2015 may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission.
Some 2013-2016 Fusion, MKZ and C-Max vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission and built on or before 15-Aug-2015 may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission.
Before you buy a Fusion
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Ford Fusion years have transmission shifting problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2013, 2016, 2017 model years. The 2016 drew the most, with 51 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 83,000 miles, and half reported it between 47,000 and 109,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.