Ford sold over 300,000 Fusions in the U.S. in 2015, which was about average compared to how previous years performed. J.D. Power gave the 2015 Ford Fusion a reliability rating of 3- out of 5-stars, which, again, is close to the industry standard. As for recalls, those too were on-par with the norm.
Does the 2015 Ford Fusion have any safety recalls?
Yes, several in-fact. Some of the affected components include:
- Ignition system
- Power steering assist
- Front seat belts
- Steering wheel
- Shift cable
- Charge cord
- Door latches
Thankfully, in this article, we’ll cover each of these 2015 Ford Fusion recalls in detail.
Key Removal Possible While Not in Park
Specifically, it was found that it may be possible to remove the key from the ignition — even if the transmission is not in Park.
Loss of Power Steering Assist
Another recall on the 2015 Ford Fusion was issued in April 2015, and it affects up to 487,301 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models. With this recall, road salt and other contaminants could corrode the power-steering motor attachment bolts over time.
If this happens, the gear motor could detach from the gear housing, resulting in a loss of the power steering assist feature. Drivers may have a more difficult time steering and handling the car, particularly at lower speeds, which may increase the crash risk.
Fusions affected by this recall are more likely to run into power steering problems if driven on roads with high levels of salt usage during the winter months. Places include Michigan, Ohio, Maine, Connecticut, and Missouri.
Because other road contaminants can cause corrosion of these bolts, however, all recalled Fusions need to be inspected by a Ford service technician.
The technician will replace gear motor bolts as required and apply a sealer to protect them from future corrosion. If one or more of them has signs of corrosion or is missing, Ford will install a new steering gear on the vehicle.
Front Seat Belts
This includes two separate recalls: one from December 2016, and another that was not issued until August 2019. With the potential to affect approximately 700,000 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models, this recall involves the front seat belt pretensioners and cables.
In the event of an accident, the heat generated by the deployment of the seat belt pretensioner could cause the entire seat belt anchor to fail. As a result, front-seat occupants may be at a higher risk of severe injury or even ejection from the vehicle in the event of a crash.
Ford will rectify this issue by applying a protective coating to all affected seat belt cables. This coating prevents the pretensioner and anchor from overheating in the event of deployment.
Steering Wheel Detachment
More than 1.3 million Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models are affected by this recall notice issued in March 2018. On these models, the steering wheel retaining bolt (that is designed to hold the steering wheel in place) can loosen over time.
In some cases, this can allow the steering wheel itself to detach. If this occurs while the vehicle is in motion, the driver may lose control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford reports knowledge of two accidents that likely relate to this issue, one of which caused injuries.
Fusions with this recall should be brought to a Ford service center, where dealers will replace the existing assembly bolt with a new one.
A nylon patch will also be installed to help maintain proper pressure on the bolt to prevent it from loosening over time.
Shift Cable Detachment
Two separate recalls were issued for this problem: one in July 2018 (affecting more than 504,000 Escape and Fusion models) and one in May 2019 (related to another 259,000 Fusion models).
This recall relates to models equipped with the available 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It involves a gradual degradation of the transmission shifter cable that may allow for detachment of the bushing from the transmission itself.
When this happens, the driver may shift the transmission lever into Park, but the transmission may still be in gear. If the driver then removes the ignition key and exits the vehicle, it may roll away, causing injuries or property damage.
Ford addressed this issue by replacing the shift cable bushings on all affected Fusions. Until repairs are made, Ford suggests that drivers use their manual parking brake as a backup.
Overheating Charge Cord
This 2018 recall relates to more than 49,000 Ford Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi models, which may have been manufactured with charging cables that do not have a thermistor. Without a thermistor, the charging plug and outlet can overheat, which increases the risk of a fire.
On all potentially affected models, Ford will issue a replacement 120V charging cord with the proper thermistor in place, which automatically ceases charging if overheating is detected.
Door Latches
This most recent recall was issued in March 2020, and may affect up to 288,110 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models.
With this recall, it was found that a door latch component may deteriorate or break over time, which may prevent doors from latching correctly. This increases the risk that a door could inadvertently open while the vehicle is in motion, potentially resulting in an accident or injury.
On models affected by this recall, Ford is replacing all side door latches with new ones.
How Do You Handle a Recall on a 2015 Ford Fusion?
The first step towards resolving the recall on your 2015 Ford Fusion is to call Ford Customer Service directly at (800) 392-3673. Be sure to have the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for your 2015 Ford Fusion close-at-hand. You will find the VIN on your auto insurance card or on your vehicle registration.
The second way to check is to go directly to the Ford recall website, where you can enter the VIN and see if any open recalls exist. As a reminder, all safety recall repairs are conducted free of charge.
What are owners saying about their 2015 Ford Fusions? Find out here.
Photos: Ford
