The 2013 Ford Fusion was a major leap forward for Ford — sleek styling, fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines, and a comfortable mid-size package that genuinely competed with the Camry and Accord. It sold by the hundreds of thousands, and millions are still on the road today. But with age and miles comes a pattern of failures that owners are running into more and more: a finicky 6F35 automatic transmission, coolant and fire issues tied to the 1.6L EcoBoost, and a safety-level recall that too many people have never addressed.
If your Fusion is shifting rough, throwing codes, or you've heard about the infamous shifter bushing recall and want to know where you stand — this post covers it all. We've pulled from NHTSA data, owner complaints, technical service bulletins, and real-world repair footage so you're working from solid information, not guesswork.
At Expedia Parts, we want to get you back on the road. Whether that means a used transmission to keep a high-mileage Fusion running or a remanufactured engine to give a solid-body car a second life, we'll walk you through what the problems look like, what they cost to fix, and what your best options are.
What the Research Shows
The 2nd-generation Ford Fusion (2013–2020) has a well-documented record of transmission and engine complaints. 1A Auto's deep-dive on the top 5 problems with the 2013–2020 Fusion identifies the 6F35 transmission and the 1.6L EcoBoost coolant system as the two biggest repeat failure points. A dedicated look at 2013–2020 Fusion automatic transmission problems by Technical Evolution adds more detail on how the 6F35 deteriorates — and why so many owners end up needing full replacement by 50,000–80,000 miles.
The Endurance Warranty breakdown of Ford Fusion transmission warning signs puts a finer point on it: the 6F35 is not a transmission that ages gracefully. Hard shifts, RPM flares, and delayed engagement are early warnings — not quirks to drive through.
The most urgent issue, however, is not a mechanical wear problem. It's a safety recall.
Common Transmission Problems
The 6F35 6-speed automatic is the standard transmission across most 2013 Fusion trims, and it's the most common source of drivetrain complaints on this generation.
Hard shifting — especially the 2-3 shift. Owners frequently report a harsh, clunking shift between second and third gear. This isn't a programming quirk — it's an early sign of internal wear or a failing transmission control module (TCM). If you feel it, don't wait.
Delayed shifting with RPM spikes. The engine revs up but the transmission hesitates to change gears. In a healthy transmission, the gear change follows immediately. When it doesn't, clutch packs and solenoids are often to blame.
TCM failure causing erratic behavior. The transmission control module on the 6F35 has a documented failure pattern that causes unpredictable shifts — sometimes harsh, sometimes missing entirely. A TCM replacement can resolve this in some cases, but if internal damage has already occurred, transmission replacement is the more reliable fix.
Complete transmission failure before 80,000 miles. Multiple owner reports document full 6F35 failures at 50,000–80,000 miles — well within what most owners consider a usable vehicle lifespan.
Shifter bushing recall — this is the critical one. A class action involving approximately 3 million Ford vehicles (filed in 2022) centers on a plastic bushing inside the shifter cable assembly that disintegrates over time. When it fails, the gear indicator shows "Park" but the vehicle is not actually in park. The rollaway risk is real and has caused injuries and property damage. This affects 2013–2016 Fusions. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov immediately if you haven't already.
Ready to replace your 6F35? Shop used and remanufactured transmissions at Expedia Parts — we'll help you find the right fit for your Fusion.
Common Engine Problems
The 2013 Fusion came with three engine options: the 1.6L EcoBoost (4-cylinder turbocharged), the 2.5L naturally aspirated (4-cylinder), and the 2.0L EcoBoost (turbocharged). The 1.6L is the most common — and the most problematic.
1.6L EcoBoost coolant leaks and fire risk. This engine shares the same internal coolant passage design as the Ford Escape's 1.6L EcoBoost, which was the subject of a separate investigation. Coolant can leak into the combustion chamber or onto hot exhaust components, creating both an overheating risk and — in the worst cases — an engine fire. Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on the fire risk. If you have the 1.6L and haven't had this inspected, it belongs at the top of your to-do list.
2.0L EcoBoost timing chain issues. The 2.0L variant has reported timing chain wear earlier than expected. A stretched or failing timing chain affects engine timing accuracy and, if it fails completely, causes catastrophic engine damage.
Throttle body failures. Across both EcoBoost variants, throttle body issues are a reported cause of "Reduced Engine Power" warnings. The engine enters a limp mode to protect itself — drivable, but not safely at highway speeds, and a sign that the throttle body needs service or replacement.
Engine mounts and coolant reservoir leaks round out the common complaints — less dramatic, but worth addressing before they lead to secondary damage.
Recall Note
The shifter cable bushing recall is the single most important safety item on the 2013 Fusion. Ford's shifter design uses a small plastic bushing that degrades over time. When it fails, the cable loses its mechanical connection — meaning the shift lever can indicate "Park" while the transmission is still in gear or in neutral.
This defect led to a class action lawsuit filed in 2022 covering approximately 3 million Ford vehicles across the 2013–2016 Fusion and related models. Additionally, the 1.6L EcoBoost carries a TSB related to fire risk from coolant intrusion.
Action item: Visit NHTSA.gov and run your VIN through their recall lookup. If the bushing recall applies to your vehicle and hasn't been completed, contact a Ford dealer — recall repairs are performed at no charge.
Other Common Failures
Beyond the headline issues, 2013 Fusion owners also encounter:
• Throttle body failure — triggers Reduced Engine Power mode; common on 1.6L and 2.0L EcoBoost trims
• Engine mounts — worn mounts cause noticeable vibration at idle and under load; often overlooked until the problem is severe
• Coolant reservoir leaks — separate from the combustion chamber leak issue; the reservoir itself cracks and weeps, leading to gradual coolant loss and overheating risk if not caught
None of these are automatic death sentences for an otherwise solid Fusion, but they compound quickly if left unaddressed.
Used vs. Remanufactured
When it's time to replace the transmission or engine, you have two main paths:
Used (pull) parts are sourced from salvage vehicles with lower miles. They cost less upfront and can be a smart move if the donor vehicle's mileage and condition are verified. The risk: you're inheriting an unknown service history, and the same failure modes that affect your unit may already be developing in the replacement.
Remanufactured units are disassembled, inspected, and rebuilt to OEM specifications — often with upgraded components in known failure areas. For a transmission like the 6F35, which has documented weak points, a remanufactured unit frequently makes more sense long-term. The upfront cost is higher, but you're getting a fresh start with a warranty to back it up.
For a 2013 Fusion in otherwise good shape — clean body, solid suspension, reasonable miles elsewhere — a remanufactured transmission or engine is often the smarter investment.
Price Range
Here's what to expect for the part itself on a 2013
Ford Fusion (price varies with mileage, condition, core charge, and shipping):
- Used transmission: $700–$1,300
- Remanufactured transmission: $1,600–$2,800
- Used engine: $600–$1,300
- Remanufactured engine: $2,200–$4,000
Get an exact quote for your
Fusion: Search by year, make, and model at Expedia Parts to see current inventory and pricing.
Our Warranty
Every transmission and engine sold through
Expedia Parts comes backed by a warranty — because a part that fails after 60 days doesn't solve your problem, it just delays it. Our warranty terms vary by unit type, so reach out to our team for specifics on the part you're considering. We stand behind what we sell.
Is Replacement the Right Move?
For the 2013 Ford Fusion, the answer is often yes — with one important caveat: address the shifter bushing recall first, regardless of what else you're planning to do. It's a safety issue, it's free to fix through Ford, and it should be handled before anything else.
If your 6F35 is slipping, surging, or has already failed — and your Fusion's body, suspension, and interior are in decent shape — a transmission replacement extends the vehicle's life significantly at a fraction of new-car cost. The same logic applies to the 1.6L EcoBoost: if the coolant issue has compromised the engine but the rest of the car is solid, a remanufactured engine is a legitimate path forward.
Where replacement doesn't make sense: if the vehicle has multiple simultaneous major failures, significant rust, or frame damage. In that case, the math often doesn't work in your favor.
Ready to Get Back on the Road?
The 2013 Ford Fusion is a capable, comfortable mid-size sedan — and most of its known problems are solvable with the right parts. Whether you're chasing down a hard-shifting 6F35, dealing with a 1.6L coolant issue, or just doing your homework before something breaks, Expedia Parts is here to help.
We want to get you back on the road.
Search 2013 Ford Fusion transmissions and engines at Expedia Parts — or contact our team directly if you need help identifying the right unit for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace the 2013 Ford Fusion engine or transmission?
At expediaparts.com, used transmissions typically run $700–$1,300, remanufactured transmissions $1,600–$2,800, used engines $600–$1,300, remanufactured engines $2,200–$4,000 for the 2013 Ford Fusion. Final pricing depends on mileage, core charge, and shipping.
Should I buy a used or remanufactured engine or transmission for my 2013 Ford Fusion?
A used unit is the lower-cost option and makes sense when the rest of your Ford Fusion is in good shape. A remanufactured unit is rebuilt to spec with stronger warranty coverage and is the smarter long-term choice if you plan to keep the vehicle for years. Both are available at expediaparts.com.
Does expediaparts.com warranty Ford Fusion engines and transmissions?
Yes. We back both used and remanufactured engines and transmissions with warranty coverage, and our drivetrain specialists confirm VIN fitment before you buy. We want to get you back on the road.
Related on Expedia Parts
- Warranty policy and Expedia Protection: /warranty
- When your transmission needs a reflash: /blog/when-transmission-needs-reflash
- Transmission slip and shudder after replacement: /blog/transmission-slip-and-shudder-after-replacement
- Overheating after engine or transmission replacement: /blog/overheating-after-engine-or-transmission-replacement
- Used and reman engines: /used-engines
- Used and reman transmissions: /used-transmissions
