2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 166 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Fusion Hybrid year — the 2011 model ranks #3 of 11 Fusion Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 6 deaths and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Steering leads the complaint categories with 43 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
166
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
3
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries
6
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2011 compare to other Fusion Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 43 | 26% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 34 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 24 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 20 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 12 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 12 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 4 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | new |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“SISTER WAS DRIVING A 2011 FORD FUSION HYBRID HOME FROM WORK ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 80MPH AS SHE LOST POWER STEERING. SHE WENT UP AN EMBANKMENT AND FLEW THREW THE AIR AND HIT A PILLAR. WE KNOW ADVANCE TRAC LIGHT WAS COMING ON THE DAY BEFORE THAT FROM HER GOOGLE ACTIVITY. SHE WILL NEVER BE ABLE…”
“TAKATA RECALL WE HAVE NOT RECEIVE A LETTER REQUESTING US TO BRING IN OUR VEHICLE TO HAVE THE TAKATA AIRBAG REPLACED. SINCE TAKATA AIRBAGS ARE A "MAJOR" SAFETY ISSUE WHERE HUMAN LIVES ARE AT RISK, I WOULD BELIEVE THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE LAST YEAR. I WANT IN WRITING FROM FORD TELLING US TO…”
“BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN TWO WEEKS. HAS BEEN TO A FORD DEALER TO HAVE THE PROBLEM LOOKED AT THEY FOUND NOTHING, TOLD ME TO DRIVE THE CAR AND IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN THEY WOULD PUT THE CAR ON AN ELECTRONIC TESTER. THE PROBLEM DID SHOW UP AGAIN ON…”
“SISTER WAS DRIVING A 2011 FORD FUSION HYBRID HOME FROM WORK ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 80MPH AS SHE LOST POWER STEERING. SHE WENT UP AN EMBANKMENT AND FLEW THREW THE AIR AND HIT A PILLAR. WE KNOW ADVANCE TRAC LIGHT WAS COMING ON THE DAY BEFORE THAT FROM HER GOOGLE ACTIVITY. SHE WILL NEVER BE ABLE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FUSION HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,237. UPDATED 01/31/2017*CT”
2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 166 complaints put the 2011 model at #3 of 11 Fusion Hybrid years. It is one of the Fusion Hybrid years to avoid.
What are the most common 2011 Fusion Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (43 complaints), airbags (34 complaints), brakes (24 complaints).
Does the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid.
Is the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Fusion Hybrid years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Fusion Hybrid years to avoid are 2010, 2013, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2015. The cleanest record among Fusion Hybrid years belongs to 2020.
How safe is the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.