2015 Ford Fusion Safety Report
2015 Ford Fusion: Strong Crash Ratings Mask Numerous Recalls and Persistent Owner Complaints, Especially Regarding Engine, Steering, and Transmission.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Ford Fusion
Reliability Score
The 2015 Ford Fusion receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2015 Ford Fusion
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Ford Fusion:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Backup Camera Failure Intermittent or complete failure of the rearview camera, displaying black screens, distorted images, or error messages, increasing collision risk when reversing. Many owners report this issue despite it not being included in specific recalls for the 2015 model. |
Medium | Common | variable miles |
| Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing Degradation The bushing attaching the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear or causing unexpected movement if not in Park. This was addressed by multiple recalls (e.g., 19S16, 19S07). |
High | Common | variable miles |
| Loss Of Power Steering Assist Corrosion of steering gear motor bolts can lead to detachment and loss of power steering assist, requiring greater steering effort and increasing crash risk. This was covered by recall 19S26. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Brake Hose Rupture And Leak Front brake hoses may rupture and leak fluid, increasing brake pedal travel and extending stopping distances. This was addressed by recall 23V162000. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Engine Coolant Leaks/Overheating Owners report coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke, and misfires, often leading to engine replacement, suggesting a potential design defect. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Steering Wheel Detachment The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen, potentially allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving, leading to a complete loss of steering control. This was covered by recall 18S08. |
High | Rare | variable miles |
| Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure Heat from seat belt pretensioner deployment in a crash may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail, preventing proper occupant restraint. This was addressed by recalls 15S28 and 16S42. |
High | Rare | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Ford Fusion:
Frequent complaints about engine issues, including coolant leaks, overheating, misfires, and stalling, sometimes leading to engine replacement.
Numerous reports of power steering assist loss, steering wheel detachment, and general steering malfunctions, many linked to recall 19S26.
Common issues related to the automatic transmission, particularly concerning the shifter cable bushing degradation, leading to unexpected vehicle movement or inability to select gears.
Complaints about brake fluid leaks, increased pedal travel, and brake light malfunctions, some addressed by recalls 23V162000 and 16S19.
A significant number of complaints regarding the rear backup camera malfunctioning, displaying black screens, distorted images, or error messages, despite no specific recall for the 2015 model.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Ford Fusion
Is the 2015 Ford Fusion safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 Ford Fusion received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, it has a high number of owner complaints (1035 total) and 12 recalls addressing critical safety components like brakes, steering, and transmission, indicating potential reliability and safety concerns beyond crash performance.
What are common problems with the 2015 Ford Fusion?
The most reported issues for the 2015 Ford Fusion are related to the ENGINE (170 complaints), STEERING (131 complaints), and POWER TRAIN (95 complaints). Specific common problems include rear backup camera failures, transmission shifter cable bushing degradation, loss of power steering assist, and brake hose ruptures.
Has the 2015 Ford Fusion had any recalls?
Yes, the 2015 Ford Fusion has had 12 recalls. These include recalls for front brake hose ruptures (23V162000), shifter cable bushing degradation (19S16, 19S07), loss of power steering assist due to corroded bolts (19S26), steering wheel detachment (18S08), and seat belt anchor cable failures (15S28, 16S42).
How does the 2015 Ford Fusion perform in crash tests?
The 2015 Ford Fusion performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an overall 5-star safety rating. It received 5 stars for frontal crash protection, 4 stars for side crash protection, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Are there issues with the backup camera on the 2015 Ford Fusion?
Yes, there are numerous owner complaints about the rear backup camera on the 2015 Ford Fusion. Owners report intermittent functionality, black screens, distorted images, and error messages, which they consider a significant safety hazard when reversing. While other Ford models have been recalled for this, the 2015 Fusion is often excluded, leading to owner frustration.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2015 Ford Fusion boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of its extensive recall history and numerous owner complaints, particularly concerning the engine, steering, and transmission. Thoroughly check if all 12 recalls have been addressed and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these known problem areas, especially the rear camera and powertrain.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Ford Fusion
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Ford Fusion. The data includes 1035 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 12 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 37 reported crashes, 6 fire incidents, 17 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Ford Fusion an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 4 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.