CVT transmission issues

Tiny
JONSOLOW13
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 FORD FUSION HYBRID
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 131,000 MILES
I just sold my 2010 Ford Focus and it had no transmission issues.
I am thinking of buying a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid with 131,000 miles. Car fax is really clean- no repairs, only standard services and oil changes (tires too).

So my question is, if the car went this long without transmission issues or repairs by the dealer, and if I test drive it and don't find any symptoms, do you think I'm safe from problems? The mileage and age puts the car outside of any settlement.

Your thoughts always appreciated.

PS: the Fusion forums all say the transmission issue is with the 2013-2014 second gen Fusion CVT, not the first gen and after 2014 (2015 on).
Sunday, February 23rd, 2020 AT 6:37 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

First, I would not be honest if I said I feel there will be no problems. The CVT transmissions are not what I consider to be of the best design. As far as the specifics, the year you are looking at is average as far as concerns. Please keep in mind, how long it will last has a lot to do with how the vehicle has been used in the past mileage. I realize it has a clean history. Anytime a vehicle gets over 100,000 miles, things wear out and break. Today's cars have the reputation of lasting well over 200,000 miles. The engines will if they are properly cared for and maintained. However, everything else wears out and fails just from usage.

With that, I have to resort back to the old saying, "Buyer Beware." Although it may last for a long time, it could go bad a day after purchase.

I hope you understand why I am saying this. I never seem to be able to own vehicles under 100,000. And even after I check things and they appear good, as soon as I get it, something fails.

Please let me know if this helps or if I confused you even more. If I did, I'm sorry.

Take care,
Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, February 23rd, 2020 AT 7:17 PM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Don't do it, just my opinion. Ford senior master technician, hybrid technician certified, 27 years experience.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, February 24th, 2020 AT 6:53 AM
Tiny
JONSOLOW13
  • MEMBER
  • 133 POSTS
I am taking your advice and passing on the hybrid.
Thank you for your help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 24th, 2020 AT 6:56 AM
Tiny
JONSOLOW13
  • MEMBER
  • 133 POSTS
As a matter of just understanding your reasoning could you share with me your concerns? Is it the year the type of battery is the 2013 up second gen better? I would be curious.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 24th, 2020 AT 7:02 AM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
I have had more issues with the newer model Fusions as a matter of fact. Battery draws, pinched wires, chafed wires, loose pin fit, weld slag on wiring from the production line, and on and on.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 24th, 2020 AT 11:38 AM
Tiny
JONSOLOW13
  • MEMBER
  • 133 POSTS
Thank you for your time on this.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 24th, 2020 AT 11:58 AM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
You're welcome!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 24th, 2020 AT 5:17 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links