FordFusion2011Overview/ford/fusion/2011/base/

2011 Ford Fusion

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 Fusion.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2011 Ford Fusion, a passenger car, arrives with a 5.0‑quart oil capacity and 5W‑20 API lubricant paired with an automatic six‑speed transmission, while EPA fuel‑economy ratings of 17 city, 24 highway and 19 combined mpg define its efficiency profile. In its model‑year reliability record the Fusion accumulated 2,781 owner complaints, with steering issues topping the complaint categories and nine recall actions issued, placing its complaint volume between the peak 5,124 complaints of the 2010 model and the 176 of the 2020 model. Overall, the 2011 Fusion represents a transitional point where early‑generation concerns have begun to recede, offering a data‑driven baseline for assessing its long‑term durability.

Model year202020192018201720162015201420132011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy17/24/19 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 96r · 500 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 96r · 500 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP205-60R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length190.2 in
Overall width72 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase107.5 in
Curb weight3285 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 61 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined17 / 24 / 19 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume100 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Fusion of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.1–9.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.10 sec — 2017 Sport EcoBoost V6
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2010Sport V6 3.5L V66.70 sec15.20 sec263 hpAWD
2010Sport V6 3.5L V66.80 sec15.20 sec263 hpAWD
2010SEL V6 3.5L V67.10 sec15.50 sec263 hpFWD
2010Hybrid 2.5L I-4 + Elec7.90 sec16.00 sec191 hpFWD
2010SE 2.5L I-48.00 sec16.10 sec175 hpFWD
2010SE 2.5L I-48.10 sec16.10 sec175 hpFWD
2010Hybrid 2.5L I-4 + Elec8.20 sec16.30 sec191 hpFWD
2010Hybrid 2.5L I-4 + Elec8.30 sec16.30 sec191 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 20.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidFord Mercon LV
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.0-6.0
Brake FluidDOT 4
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantUSE FORD PREMIUM GOLD COOLANT
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.0 qt
Engine Oil5W-20 · API

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7.4 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts59 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts13.3 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts15 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts7.4 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug20.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs7 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug14.75 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub185 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub188 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub185 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.38 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.00 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.25-1.38 lbs
Oil TypeYN-32

Service checks

Pressure Test18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature176-183 °F
Pressure Test18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature171-181 °F
RPM55-58 @ Idle rpm
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)55.0-58.0

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket19 ft-lbs / 20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle52 ft-lbs / 66 ft-lbs
Brake ApplicationWITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.118; Rear: 0.118 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.314 in / 0.905 in
Brake ApplicationWITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
117 ft. lbs., Step 2: 3217 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174 ft. lbs., step 2: 9074 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
189 ft. lbs., step 2: loosen 1 turn, step 3: 37 ft. lbs., step 4: 9089 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
189 ft. lbs., step 2: 360 degrees, step 3: 37 ft. lbs., step 4: 9089 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts with the specified engine oil.

130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
3Loosen bolts 360 degrees360 degrees
430 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
590 degrees90 degrees
690 degrees90 degrees
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
135 ft. lbs., Step 2: 3535 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.4 ft. lbs., step 2: turn 457.4 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1install 6 new exhaust manifold stud9 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-818 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 10,000 miCabin Air Filter (inspect)
Every 10,000 miBrake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Cabin Air Filter (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Temperature Controlled Seat Air Filter (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2011 Ford Fusion sits above the peak of the generation’s complaint wave, which spiked to 5,124 complaints in 2010, but falls short of the 2,782 complaints recorded in its own year. Its recall count of nine is lower than the 13 in 2010 yet higher than the six in 2012, indicating a moderate but not exceptional recall burden. The investigation count of four matches the 2010 level, while the TSBS count of 55 is near the high of 56 in 2010 and 2012, suggesting a relatively stable safety‑incident profile. The top complaint categories—steering (1,191), air bags (276), service brakes (132), and power‑train (103)—highlight specific concerns that were not as prominent in 2010 or 2012. Overall, the 2011 model shows a noticeable decline from the 2010 peak but still carries a higher complaint density than subsequent years, implying that while some issues have been addressed, it may not be the most reliable year to buy.

9
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
55
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
4
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
2,781
Owner complaints
80 involved a crash · 10 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 2,781 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering1191
Air Bags276
Service Brakes132
Power Train103
Vehicle Speed Control69
Engine66
Unknown Or Other63
Fuel/Propulsion System53

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 9 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V001000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 07/01/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto… Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free…

16V384000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 31/05/2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford… Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 55 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SSM 546012026-02-23Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
SSM 524762024-04-24EquipmentAll accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the…
SSM 522432024-02-08Engine And Engine CoolingWhen performing any transmission fluid change or topoff involving Motorcraft® Premium…
22B05 S12023-07-27Air BagsCertain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion and…
SSM 516662023-05-26SteeringSome 2010-2012 Fusion/Milan and 2011-2012 MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.5L or 3.0L…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Fusion. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 Fusion take?

5.0 qt of 5W-20 API MEETING FORD SPECIFICATION WSS-M2C945-A, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 Fusion have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Fusion get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined mpg.