There was a time when the family sedan category was incredibly popular in the United States. Before the dawn of SUVs, if you wanted a family hauler, a sedan was the way to go, and you had many different options that could suit your needs and those of your loved ones. These days, though, sedans are not nearly as popular as they once were, and it can be a little tougher to find a four-door car that is big enough for the kids in the back. The Ford Fusion, though, carried that torch for many years and offered everything you could want in a family car.

While the Fusion SE and other models had many positive aspects, it was also known for some fairly serious transmission issues. Any car owner knows that a failing transmission can be incredibly problematic and should be avoided whenever possible. However, there are some tell-tale signs that your Ford Fusion transmission is failing or that your engine is overheating as a result. However, if you can recognize them early enough, you can get the repairs you need before a major issue arises.

By knowing some of the warning signs of transmission failure in Ford Fusions, you can keep your repair costs low and keep your car running for many years to come.

Common Ford Fusion Transmission Problems

There are a few Ford Fusion transmission problems that are more common than others, and they are the issues you should be keeping an eye out for. One of the most common is delayed shifting. This will be a fairly obvious issue as it will completely change the way your car feels and how it drives. You may notice that the RPM gets incredibly high as your speed increases, and the gears may not change when they are supposed to. It is a good idea to keep an eye and ear on the way your car sounds when you are accelerating, as the RPMs should never get so high that they are noticeable.

Ford Fusion transmissions are also known for hard shifting issues. This means that you’ll feel a jerking or thumping when the transmission is changing gears. This can be due to a lack of lubrication in the automatic transmission itself or an issue with the car’s powertrain control module or transmission control module. Harsh shifting can severely damage the mechanical function of the transmission and could cause problems that will require a replacement.

Signs Your Ford Fusion Transmission Is Failing

Before your Ford Fusion’s transmission fails, there will be a few signs that will let you know an automotive problem is developing. One of the most common is delayed shifting, but there may be other signs that, when combined, mean you have an expensive issue on your hands.

For example, if you notice the delayed shifting with a burning smell or a grinding noise, this could mean that the gears inside the transmission have started to break down. When that happens, the metal shavings from the gears can get into the transmission fluid or the oil, and they can cause permanent damage to the rest of your engine.

If your transmission has started to fail, you may also notice dashboard warning lights. This will usually come in the form of a check engine light or a fluid change notification. If your check engine light comes on and you have also been noticing some of the other signs and symptoms, it is important that you bring your car to a stop as soon as possible. Driving it as little as you can and getting it to a shop right away will help minimize some of the damage and ensure that it doesn’t get worse than it already is.

Ford Fusion Transmission Recall History and Common Problems

In 2022, the Ford Fusion and a few other Ford and Mercury models were the subject of a massive recall due to issues with the transmission. Almost three million cars were recalled by the company because of a common malfunction with a damaged or missing bushing inside the transmission housing. Without the bushing, the transmission would not properly shift into gear, which meant that the vehicle may not always be in park, and it could potentially roll away. It could also not be in the right gear when reversing, which caused six known cases of property damage. The recall affected 2013 – 2016 Fusions.

In addition to the official recall, many Ford Fusion owners have reported serious transmission issues at relatively low mileage. Some drivers have even had to fully replace the transmission at just 50,000 miles, making the Fusion an expensive vehicle to own in the long term, should you run into these transmission issues.

Average Transmission Repair Costs for Ford Fusions

The transmission is one of the most expensive components on your vehicle to repair or replace. According to RepairPal, the average cost of a full transmission replacement is somewhere between $5,758 and $6,267. Since many of the Ford Fusion’s transmission issues are the result of a bad transmission control unit (TCM), it is also a good idea to know how much it costs to replace that unit. On average, you can expect to spend somewhere between $854 and $944 for a new TCM. Because of the high cost of these service center fixes, doing everything you can to keep your transmission in good shape is incredibly important.

How to Prevent Transmission Failure with Regular Maintenance

If you want to keep your transmission in great shape and avoid some of the more serious issues, maintenance should be your number one priority. The best thing you can do for your transmission is make sure that you have the right amount of fluid levels in it at all times. Your transmission fluid prevents extra friction on the gears and keeps them in good condition. If you don’t have the right amount of fluid in your transmission, you could end up with metal shavings in the housing, which is disastrous for the rest of your powertrain.

You should also be sure to have your transmission inspected at least once a year to make sure that it is in good working order. A technician can do things like check the shift timing, the transmission filter, and the control unit to ensure that everything is working properly. This is especially important with the Ford Fusion since it is known for having transmission issues, and you want to know its status at all times so you can act quickly if an issue is developing.

How an Extended Car Warranty Can Cover Ford Fusion Transmission Repairs

If you own a vehicle like the Ford Fusion, which is known for having transmission issues, doing everything you can to protect yourself and your bank account is essential. When you buy a new car from a Ford dealership, it will come with a factory warranty that the manufacturer provides. This is in place to protect you from potential design issues and problems with the car itself. This Ford dealer warranty is usually only valid for somewhere between three years or 36,000 miles and five years or 60,000 miles, though. Once it is over, you will be financially responsible for any repairs that have to be made, whether they are due to a design flaw or not.

After your factory warranty is over, you can get extended coverage that will help you pay for repairs and keep your car running smoothly. An extended warranty, which is more accurately known as a vehicle service contract (VSC), is a great way to protect yourself from known and unknown issues with your car. With the right VSC on your side, you can be sure that if your Ford Fusion’s transmission goes bad, you will be able to get the repairs you need without having to dip into your emergency fund. By knowing that your vehicle is protected, you can rest easy whenever you are behind the wheel, no matter what happens.

Protect Your Transmission and More With Endurance

While the Ford Fusion is a great car for families and individuals who don’t want to dip their toes into the world of SUVs, its known transmission slipping and other issues can be a major problem. If you know what to expect, though, you can be as prepared as possible, and an extended auto warranty is a great way to keep yourself and your bank account as safe as possible.

Whether you have a vehicle with a known transmission problem or not, a vehicle protection plan from Endurance can give you the peace of mind you deserve. Endurance offers protection plans for a wide range of vehicles, from high-mileage cars to top-tier luxury vehicles and even cars that other providers won’t cover. This includes things like vehicles with a rebuilt or salvage title, Canadian Gray Market Cars, and vehicles used for rideshare or delivery.

In addition to excellent coverage, Endurance customers also get a large suite of standard perks and benefits, including 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and travel interruption coverage. For a small activation fee, you can get access to Elite Benefits, which come with tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, collision discounts, and more.*

If you are ready to protect your transmission and your entire vehicle, contact our knowledgeable plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 or get a FREE quote online. You can also shop our eStore to see your price and plan recommendations right away.

For more auto expert resources, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find DIY tips and tricks, provider comparisons, mechanical breakdown insurance information for California residents, and more.