2011 Ford Fusion Life Expectancy

With proper care and light usage, a 2011 Ford Fusion should last between 14 to 17 years. But if it’s been driven frequently or missed oil changes, watch out.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Pat Roache
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The average life expectancy for a 2011 Ford Fusion is between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, or between 14 to 17 years, so long as you keep to a strict
car maintenance schedule
.
The 2011 Ford Fusion is a solid, economical sedan that will get you from home to work and back again efficiently and sensibly. While it might not offer all the technological flourishes a new car will, the 2011 Ford Fusion offers enough to provide a good driving experience, not to mention affordable
car insurance
costs.

How many miles can a 2011 Ford Fusion last?

With proper care and regular maintenance, a 2011 Ford Fusion should last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Most American drivers cover an average of 14,000 miles per year. Dividing that over a 2011 Ford Fusion’s lifetime, you should expect to get between 14 to 17 years out of this car—so long as you take care of it!

How long does a Ford Fusion engine last?

The engine keeps your 2011 Ford Fusion running, so it has the same expected lifespan of between 200,000 to 250,000 miles
The 2011 Ford Fusion is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-4 cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque on the S,
SE
, and
SEL
trims. This Fusion engine gets you about 25 mpg combined. The 2011’s top-tier
Sport
trim carries a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. This Sport’s gas mileage is less efficient than the other Fusion engine, getting just 21 mpg combined.
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Can a Ford Fusion last 500,000 miles?

It is highly unlikely that a 2011 Ford Fusion will last you 500,000 miles. Judging from Consumer Reports 3/5 reliability rating for the 2011 Fusion, it seems nigh impossible that this version of the Fusion will last half a million miles—but maybe you’ll prove us wrong.

Average life expectancy for a Ford Fusion

With proper care, the Ford Motor Company claims that any Ford Fusion should last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Considering how long the average car lasts in the U.S., this is pretty good news!
According to the Bureau of Transportation, the average vehicle lasts about 11 years on the road—significantly less than the 14 to 17 years it could take for the 2011 Fusion to hit the 200,000-mile mark. That said, your 2011 Fusion will only be as reliable as you make it!
The 2011 Ford Fusion’s life expectancy depends most on the following factors:
  • Maintenance schedule: Missing even one oil change can put a 2011 Fusion on the path toward a premature demise. If you want your Fusion to hit the 200,000-mile mark, a strict maintenance regimen will be key.
  • Mileage: If you don’t drive your Fusion as much as the average, your car’s lower workload may help it push past the 17-year life expectancy mark.
  • Accident history: An accident can hurt the long-term prospects of any car, including the 2011 Fusion. Accidents can wear down a car’s structural strength, increasing wear and tear.
If you’re on the hunt for a good used car and have your eyes on a 2011 Ford Fusion with well under 200,000 miles on it, you’ll likely be able to squeeze a few good years out of it. That said, if a Fusion has well over 200,000 miles on its odometer, you’ll want to give it a good hard look before buying. Take a look at its vehicle history and get a reputable mechanic to give it a thorough once-over before you hand over your hard-earned cash.

How to extend a 2011 Ford Fusion’s life expectancy

If you’re looking for a magic elixir that will extend your 2011 Ford Fusion’s life expectancy indefinitely, we can’t help you. However, the not-so-secret secret to extending your 2011 Fusion’s life expectancy past its expected best-before date comes down to one thing—maintenance
Follow Ford’s recommended maintenance schedule from your owner’s manual to a T to keep your 2011 Fusion on the road for as long as possible. That means using Ford’s recommended synthetic oil for your oil changes at least every 5,000 miles. Be sure to
change your transmission fluid
every 25,000 miles to ensure all parts move smoothly, and wash your car every now and then to prevent
rust damage
.

Common 2011 Ford Fusion problems to watch out for

The 2011 Ford Fusion is part of the model’s first generation, and it is known for its fair share of problems. If you own a 2011, keep an eye, ear, or nose out for the following, common problems:
  • Steering: The 2011 Ford Fusion is known to suffer power steering problems, including total failure, around the 72,000-mile mark. It will cost an average of $1,620 to repair a Fusion’s power steering system.
  • Transmission: The 2011 Fusion’s transmission can start to slip around 49,000 miles, and this can be a pricey repair—roughly $3,000. At around the 71,000-mile mark, a 2011 Fusion’s transmission can lose power altogether—this can cost around $600 to fix. 
  • Transmission oil leaks: A worn
    axle shaft seal
    can cause transmission oil leakage on a 2011 Ford Fusion around the 76,000-mile mark. This will cost about $230 to replace.
  • Rust: Rust can start to develop between 3 to 5 years of driving the Fusion, particularly around the trunk lid where it eats into the chrome. 
  • Squeaks and creaking over bumps and around turns: Your Fusion’s strut assembly, which helps ensure smooth handling and ride height, can get worn out around the 100,000-mile mark. If the struts need to be replaced, this will cost between $300 to $440.
  • Swollen lug nuts: Around the 65,000-mile mark, the lugs used to secure your wheels into place on a 2011 Ford Fusion can swell, especially if over-tightened. Removing them will require drilling and extraction, rather than just loosening. Replacing swollen Ford lug nuts will cost between $120 to $160.
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FAQs

A very small percentage—just 0.03% of cars make it to 300,000 miles. Will your trusty 2011 Ford Fusion be one of them?
According to Hotcars.com, one driver’s 2006 Ford F-250 pickup truck has lasted at least 1.2 million miles, logging roughly 200,000 miles a year hauling trailers back and forth across the country. As of early 2023, this hog is still running strong.
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