Hi!
So, after finally making my last payment on this vehicle, just about everything has changed or doesn't consistently work.
The car has 97K miles on it. Was a great car until at 67k miles the spark plugs were changed and somehow caused my AC to intermittently blow hot air. I had a battery issue as well around the same time and took to Dealership and both problems were fixed.
For some reason, yet to be explained, my entire black underpinning was wripped off at Dealer. They said it didn't matter as we're in FL and no worries because only roads that are salted for ice would be an issue. (Strange answer)
Beginning October 2018, the power steering went out the same time I had a flat tire. The dealer said it was caused by an eroded bearing, even though there is a recall.
Long story short, the battery keeps dying. It's been at PepBoys 3 separate times after purchasing a new battery from there. After picking it up with the new battery, a week later on way home from work the car started running hot, and the AC went out and it wouldn't start. Called a mobile mechanic who put a new serpentine belt. It got me back home.
Couple weeks later, new battery dies again, take it back they said it was a bad battery and replaced. 5 days later, battery dead, had it towed they replaced the connectors. Got it back and they fixed the power steering, but now the radio doesn't turn on, nor do the gear shift lights when it's dark.
I think the battery may be dying bc I lost the original key fob. When the car is locked from the inside there were no problems, but one night with it left unlocked it's sitting out there dead and won't start.

Has anyone had this happen? Could it be the alarm draining the battery? I've checked fuses and they seem fine. It just seems like im trading one thing for another and I'm very disappointed in this vehicle. I paid almost $24,000 for this car over 6 years and to now have it with less than 100K miles on it, I wasn't expecting to have such an unreliable car.

My brother was recently here and recharged the AC. It seems to be working, (well before the battery again died) but the last time I was in it, I thought it might not be as cool. I might be paranoid, but both times in the past, it makes a wheezing noise when the air isn't cool. I'm afraid it is going to do this again. He asked me about a code for the radio, but I was not given a code as I have in the past with Honda. And the display just says "Ford Fusion" and is unresponsive to any touch, including the power on/off for the radio/clock display. It does not have sync or any thing actually. I feel something happened when they towed it. The 2and time I got it back there was a loud popping coming from the speaker so I left it off, but the stereo and speakers are factory but they sounded great before and I'm so disgusted with the issues from this car and the amount of money I paid for it.

Before, I've had 10+ year old Honda Civics and Toyota Camry, all purchased with over 100k miles. I have lost my job and cannot afford a big dealership bill, but need to have a reliable car. Even without the a/c, I need to know what's causing this bc pep boys has given up and said I need to take it to the dealership, but if my theory is correct about just needing a new key fob, I can do that for $330.
I would be so gracious if anyone has experienced anything like this with a Fusion. Now I'm going to have to beg a neighbor to jump me, totaling about 7 times in 4 months, but the last time this happened, it was unable to be jumped, it had to be towed. They say that the alternator is fine, and I've had bad ones that died while I was driving. This car, the battery dies overnight and I think it's bc I forgot to lock it, but honestly I can't remember if I did or didn't since it's worked for almost 3 weeks since getting it back this last time.

 

Here is one possible explanation;
For what ever reason you are taking it to a service place that may be less expensive repair wise, if you add up the amount spent , you might have come out ahead paying the more expensive dealership.

There is a problem with what we call " A parasitic drain" in your vehicle. Places like PB don't usually have the equipment or ability to diagnose this type problem.The dealership should and also a good electrical shop with access to the needed info. Yes there are vehicles that can be less troublesome ,but I believe a lot of the problems you are seeing are not being handled the best way...
Let's face it , today's vehicles are getting quite complicated and even the dealerships have trouble finding capable personnel.
Have you checked around for a highly recommended shop? We don't always have the time to do this , but it can be time well spent. Once you find a reputable shop that can get the bugs out and get on a regular maintenance schedule, a lot f those problems should go away.

 

That's Bovine Scatololgy. The under tray is an aerodynamic panel to make sure there is enough air going through the radiator above and to keep turbulence under the car at a minimum. This tells me that they have no interest in helping a customer and they try to take advantage of you.

Battery draining: I had that fun experience with another car not related to Ford. It turned out that the anti theft system tried to engage but it couldn't because one sensor kept telling it the hood was open. Of course the hood was closed but the sensor did not get triggered because a rubber **** was missing. It cost me a new battery as well. The rubber stop I got fro free. Hanky is right here: you need a qualified auto electrician/mechanic to diagnose it.

AC: I just bought a '12 Fusion and the previous owner had the AC recharged last year and the year before that. The dealer from whom I bought the car fixed a leak under the hood.before I took delivery. So far so good. Again you need someone who prides himself in proper diagnosis,

Radio? I don't know. But I cannot imagine it having to do with the tow. But there could be a short somewhere in the dash that disabled the radio and causes the parasitic drain that keep killing your battery. Take Hanky's advice.

I keep a log on everything that is being done to the car. This really helps with keeping track of issues and with figuring out when to move on to a fresher vehicle.

 

Hi bluewind,
Glad you are still with us !
I am aware of your new name on the forums , and recall some very interesting conversations we have had in the past.
It is unfortunate some dealerships don't show quite the interest we would like, but like everything else , you are lucky when you get a good one.

 

Hi Hanky!
I am glad you are still here as well. I suppose I am a Ford man. It's not because of rabid enthusiasm but more out of a mostly rational selection method. Ford models tend to meet my criteria and do so with a reasonable price tag. Currently we have a '10 Focus and the '12 Fusion I mentioned above. The Sonata is still in the family but son number 2 moved to California and therefore it is out of reach. So I will be doing very little in the other forum. Anyway, we are now empty nesters, but don't get your hopes up, we won't adopt. ;-)

 

Not even for a few y/// // e/a rs,,,months ? Well, I guess if you don't ask , you don't get nuttinnnn. .
How about if I got a nickname close to Juniors ?
I' promise not to do any repairs on your wheelbarrow, how about that? Wife still won't let me touch HER wheelbarrow..She still gets pretty nervous when I stop to look at it !
Guess ya gotta know when you have it good.huh . lol

 

Sorry Jonesgirl for the issue you seem to be continuously having with your 2012 Fusion. I have one I've owned since it had 10 miles on the OD and today has 138k. I luckily have had only minor issues over the years; i.e. water pump, a couple of batteries and a steering rack and throttle body both recalls and both replaced for FREE of charge to me. If you believe the dealer "ripped off" or damaged any under panels I suggest you go back and speak to the service manager, or owner, and demand they replace at their cost. Their explanation is BS and unacceptable. If your complaint falls on deaf ears I would let every social media rating service you can think of such as YELP, GOOGLE even BBB know of the poor customer service you got from this dealer. Good luck!

 

Google ford complaints. You can file a grievance with them.

 

Not sure about this , but I would think folks go to a dealership for a few reasons.
Maybe , past good service,
Maybe they have no choice,
Maybe from recommendation.

Do that many folks actually check the BBB before going there, don't know.
What they do , DO,,,,,,,,,,, is what friends recommend.
Your recommendation good or bad is worth more .
Sometimes a meeting with the dealership owner works wonders.