2003 Ford Fusion petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Ford Fusion petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Ford Fusion petrol than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Ford Fusion

  35.9% All 2003 cars

  18.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 3.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Ford Fusion

  20.6% All 2003 cars

  11.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 4.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Ball joint dust cover2.4× usual
  Ford Fusion

  11.2% All 2003 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Brake lights1.9× usual
  Ford Fusion

  10.6% All 2003 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 4.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Brakes pulling to one side2.7× usual
  Ford Fusion

  6% All 2003 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2003 Ford Fusion petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Ford Fusion petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  48% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  45% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  39% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  34% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  14% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

Known faults on the 2003 Ford Fusion petrol

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Water leaking into the cabin

  All engines

  Faulty pollen filter seals can let water into the cabin.

  At the viewing: Feel the front carpets for damp.

  Source: What Car?: used Ford Fusion (2002-2012) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Ford Fusion petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Ford Fusion petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 Ford Fusion petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2003 Ford Fusion petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?