New Fusion/Sudden bouncy ride

[GoodbyeVW]

I just bought a Fusion last week and have been commuting to work without issue. Tonight, something strange happened as I started for home. It felt like the car was on a trampoline. Each tiny bump made a huge bounce, and the car didn't feel stable. I thought I had a flat or there was some issue w/a tire. I got out and looked at the tires (granted, it's dark out), but they look fine. I can't visually see a problem. I, of course, will get the car in for service, but I'm in a bind, as the job is brand new (one week old, like the car....) and the dealer isn't exactly close to where I live. And, oh, there's a snowstorm predicted for tomorrow afternoon...So, I'll get the car in there soon, but perhaps not tomorrow. Does anyone have any idea what this could be? It's very disconcerting, given this is a brand new car...

[xmech2k]

Sounds more like a strut or suspension problem. Without the shock strut to dampen the springs, it's like a trampoline.

[Blue 11 Fusion]

If you had any kind of rain or snow to where the struts could have gotten wet one of your struts probably got water in it and froze... I had a escort that did that... But I've never heard of that happen to a new car. You can walk around the car and try to bounce the suspension to see if they all compress, if one or two doesn't you know that is the issue.

[GoodbyeVW]

If you had any kind of rain or snow to where the struts could have gotten wet one of your struts probably got water in it and froze... I had a escort that did that... But I've never heard of that happen to a new car. You can walk around the car and try to bounce the suspension to see if they all compress, if one or two doesn't you know that is the issue.

[GoodbyeVW]

Yes, we had snow over the weekend, and I didn't drive the car all that much on Sunday. Another snowstorm is predicted tomorrow. Is anything getting hurt by my not getting it taken care of (whatever that would entail...driving it into a warm garage? which I don't have). If I have to drive around like this the next day or two, is that okay? I've never had this happen in any car.

[Blue 11 Fusion]

Its not the greatest on you or the car but it shouldnt hurt anything... If you make a appointment at a dealer you might be able to wait for it if they find the problem right away... If it is what I was describing driving into a garage above 40 or so should help you, but it is only a bandaid.

[Waldo]

If a shock were freezing the car would feel harsh and thumpy, not like a trampoline.

 

Have you actually checked the tires with a gauge? Modern tires don't always look low. One of my snow tires has a slow leak so I keep an eye on it visually. I thought it was still good but when I checked it with a gauge it was only 15psi!

 

But from your description it really does sound like a shock issue.

Edited January 11, 2011 by Waldo

[GoodbyeVW]

So, I took the car into the dealer. They said they checked everything - I guess that means the shocks, struts - and they said they can find nothing wrong. They drove it without me, and said it was fine. Then, they drove it with me, and the guy said that's how Fusions drive. I don't understand this at all. Either I didn't notice this before, and am just noticing it, or something is wrong, and they didn't find it. I did a search on Fusion and 'bumpy ride' and actually did come up w/something on this forum where people were talking about how terribly the car drove on local roads, and how well it drove at higher speeds.

 

What does a stiff suspension mean, and what makes that good?

 

I have been driving for many years, and never noticed how a car 'feels' on the road. All the cars I've owned have 'felt' fine. I traded in a 99 Passat. I never felt as if there was an issue with bounciness and vibration.

 

I just spent 20K on a car, so I need to like this car...

 

What is with the bouncing around...? It seems absolutely crazy...It's not like I'm even going over visible bumps...and, yes, sometimes it does feel like a thud...the sensation is mostly in the back of the car, not the front...it's the strangest thing...

 

Does this sound normal? Should I take it to another dealer? Or is this the car's feel?

[GoodbyeVW]

Hey...I just found another forum w/a discussion on this issue; it looks to be a car forum in India, and they're discussing the Fusion:

 

---The Fusion ROCKS!!! – YES the fusion rocks and it rocks just like a boat. I think this could be attributed to the high stance of the vehicle, the hard suspension and the wider tyres on the fiesta chassis. You would be thrown around in the car on bad roads. Especially at low speeds the ride is so uncomfortable that you would think something is wrong with the vehicle. And you cant do high speeds consistently since you feel slightly uncomfortable once you cross the 90-100km/h mark. This should be due to the low weight of the all aluminum!!!

 

guys, if you like the fusion you wont get anything better than this at this price. (except if you dont mind owning the FIAT Adenture). But in return to the exceptional power, handling, interior space and good F.E figures you need to bear with the ride quality on bad roads and the really Bad service centre guys and highly expensive spares. But still IT IS A DRIVERS CAR in every sense upto the 90-100km/hr mark. After that you are kicked into the ALERT!! Zone. Overtaking on higways is a dream with this car.---

 

So, this caught my eye: "Especially at low speeds the ride is so uncomfortable that you would think something is wrong with the vehicle."

 

I live in an older suburban area w/older roads, and my commute to work is 45 min to an hour, none of it highway.

 

I am beyond disappointed with the feel of this car, but I'm going to get over it...as the bank owns most of it, and I need to keep driving this car...The feel - in the seat - driving the thing is great. And the car feels so substantial. The road feel is, well, terrible.

[Moosehead]

Hey...I just found another forum w/a discussion on this issue; it looks to be a car forum in India, and they're discussing the Fusion:

.

 

The Fusion sold in Europe and India is completely different and has nothing in common except the name. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Fusion_(European)

[GoodbyeVW]

What the guy describes tho is my car...So, the question remains then: should I take it to another dealer to have them look at it? I just bought the car 2 weeks ago...this is really the last thing I expected to be doing....

[GoodbyeVW]

Readt this; I could have written it. No idea what to do. Suggestions welcome.

 

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Fusion_Hybrid/2010/suspension/harsh_jolting_rock_hard_rear_suspension.shtml

[xmech2k]

I think this could be attributed to the high stance of the vehicle, the hard suspension and the wider tyres on the fiesta chassis.

 

You think this refers to the US Fusion???

 

But still IT IS A DRIVERS CAR in every sense upto the 90-100km/hr mark. After that you are kicked into the ALERT!! Zone. Overtaking on higways is a dream with this car.---

 

And that comment first of all doesn't make sense as he says it's a drivers car only up to 60 mph?? Secondly, he either contrdicts himself by saying overtaking is a dream, or his english isn't great and he means you'd have to be dreaming to think you could overtake anyone...

 

If everything checked OK at the dealer, your car should be just like all the other Fusions out there. (Barring the possibility they are giving you the run-around.)

 

Have you checked the tire pressures? Someone could have gone crazy at during a servicing, or I understand some people like to over-inflate to get better gas mileage, but you will definitely get a harsher ride. I know once I got new tires at a discount place, and riding home, it felt like i was riding on steel railod car wheels. Checked the pressure and they were something stupid like 45 psi! Should have been 30ish, I forget exactly. (I recall seeing an Impala with 'wagon' wheel rims and what looked like 1/2" thick tires parked in what appeared to be employee parking. Maybe those run at 45 psi and that was the guy filling tires...) But anyways, that can make a huge difference. Do you know your tire pressures?

 

Edit: On further thought, maybe I'm departing from what you say is the problem. Your op said a very bouncy ride, which I would connect with a floating kind of ride, but then the 2nd link you gave refers to a very harsh ride, "the rear suspension has absolutely no compliance (give) whatsoever. Instead of the springs compressing to absorb road irregularities, the entire car bounces up and down." She is somewhat describing the stiffer suspension on many (including the Fusion) modern cars. She also refers to Ford fixing the 'problem', but this isn't a problem, it's the way the car was designed. There is give in the suspension, just that it's not as much as cars with softer, more floaty rides. It's a broad subject which I shouldn't begin here, my post is way too long already. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it just honestly sounds like you purchased the wrong car if you are looking for a soft ride. Should have looked into something like a Buick, or I hear the Camry has a pretty soft ride, or an SUV.

 

I hope you can find a happy resolution to your problem. Maybe some softer shocks would help, but I know that would hurt seeing as you just bought this car. Good luck.

Edited January 17, 2011 by xmech2k

[GoodbyeVW]

You think this refers to the US Fusion???

 

 

 

And that comment first of all doesn't make sense as he says it's a drivers car only up to 60 mph?? Secondly, he either contrdicts himself by saying overtaking is a dream, or his english isn't great and he means you'd have to be dreaming to think you could overtake anyone...

 

If everything checked OK at the dealer, your car should be just like all the other Fusions out there. (Barring the possibility they are giving you the run-around.)

 

Have you checked the tire pressures? Someone could have gone crazy at during a servicing, or I understand some people like to over-inflate to get better gas mileage, but you will definitely get a harsher ride. I know once I got new tires at a discount place, and riding home, it felt like i was riding on steel railod car wheels. Checked the pressure and they were something stupid like 45 psi! Should have been 30ish, I forget exactly. (I recall seeing an Impala with 'wagon' wheel rims and what looked like 1/2" thick tires parked in what appeared to be employee parking. Maybe those run at 45 psi and that was the guy filling tires...) But anyways, that can make a huge difference. Do you know your tire pressures?

 

Edit: On further thought, maybe I'm departing from what you say is the problem. Your op said a very bouncy ride, which I would connect with a floating kind of ride, but then the 2nd link you gave refers to a very harsh ride, "the rear suspension has absolutely no compliance (give) whatsoever. Instead of the springs compressing to absorb road irregularities, the entire car bounces up and down." She is somewhat describing the stiffer suspension on many (including the Fusion) modern cars. She also refers to Ford fixing the 'problem', but this isn't a problem, it's the way the car was designed. There is give in the suspension, just that it's not as much as cars with softer, more floaty rides. It's a broad subject which I shouldn't begin here, my post is way too long already. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it just honestly sounds like you purchased the wrong car if you are looking for a soft ride. Should have looked into something like a Buick, or I hear the Camry has a pretty soft ride, or an SUV.

 

I hope you can find a happy resolution to your problem. Maybe some softer shocks would help, but I know that would hurt seeing as you just bought this car. Good luck.

[GoodbyeVW]

I'll check the tire pressure. Do you think this guy needs a Buick as well?

 

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Fusion_Hybrid/2010/suspension/harsh_jolting_rock_hard_rear_suspension.shtml

 

I drove a manual transmission VW Passat for 12 years. Never experienced anything like the rock hard ride of this Fusion. Before that, drove a manual Toyota Corolla for 6 years. Never felt anything like it. Before that drove a manual VW Diesel Rabbit. Loud, but the ride was fine.

 

It's my first automatic. And the 'cushiest' car I have ever owned. I can't see how my driving two tin cans and then one decent car (the Passat) and never experiencing anything like this makes me a candidate for some sort of mushy riding car.

 

Do you think it's possible that I'm - telling the truth?

 

The car has a freakin problem. The way the guy in the post describes the ride in his hybrid is identical to the ride I'm experiencing. I've been driving around in cars for more than 40 years. I know what a car feels like. My guess is that a problem w/the suspension in these cars will be revealed. You can say you read it here first.

 

Thanks on the tire suggestion. I will check them tomorrow.

[xmech2k]

This is one of the biggest problems of the internet: troubleshooting cars over the internet. Sometimes describing the problem effectively can be difficult. At first you say the ride is too bouncy, like a trampoline. Then you link to something that says the rear suspension has absolutely no give which you say is a perfect description of what you're experiencing. Two completely opposite descriptions. I didn't doubt you were telling the truth, but what are you trying to tell us?

 

And here's another funny problem that's been going on probably since someone tried to sell the first wheel, from your link:

Was assured that the rock hard rear suspension would loosen up with a few miles of driving,

I guess it took me a while to learn, too. The salesman will tell you whatever you want to hear to sell you that car. But this was that posters problem, not yours.

 

Also, that link you mentioned again referred to a hybrid, while you posted this in the 2.3/2.5 liter section. If there's someone who can help out with this, knowing if it's a hybrid or not might help. I know the hybrid is also 2.5L, but I'm sure you understand the significance it could have here.

 

Well, I was just trying to help, but without experiencing the problem, I guess I just don't understand. Please keep us posted as to what you find. Good luck.

[drolds1]

If your dealer's answer is that all Fusions drive that way then they should have no problem letting you drive another identically equipped Fusion to verify that.. If it behaves differently then they'll have to look at your car more carefully. As xmech2k says, it's very difficult to diagnose complaints over the Internet, especially those that might be subjective .

[Larryh86GT]

I've had my 2011 SE for a little shy of 2 months now. Since you started this thread I have been paying attention to the ride and have to say I'm not seeing anything like you have described here with my Fusion. Granted it's not a sports car but there is really no bouncyness to the ride to me. It seems pretty firm for a family car. I live in an area of the country that has lots of potholes and dips and bumps in the road and I see what the cars in front of me do on the dips and bumps before I get there and the Fusion doesn't seem to bounce as much as many cars over the same road. I agree with others here that you should go back to your dealer and "test drive" another Fusion. Good luck figuring it out.

 

Larry

[GoodbyeVW]

Thx for the suggestion. I'm going Monday to drive another Fusion at the dealer w/a mechanic. From what I can find in my googling, some people experience this, and some don't. The reason I went back and forth between trampoline and hard bumps (or whatever) is that I've never experienced driving in a car that reacts so strongly to the slightest rough surface in a road. Going over one type of road makes it feel like the back of the car whacks down, and it's like a, well, whack! And then you go over a manhole cover, and the whole thing bounces. I have been driving for many, many years and never once paid attention to the suspension or road feel or noise of a car. I just drove, and got to where I was going, and it felt fine. I never felt as if I needed dramamine or a drink after I stopped the car, but I do w/this car.

 

My sense is that each, individual car likely has a different 'feel' and some people lucked out and some didn't. The last time I bought a new car, I drove it a few blocks, thought it felt fine, and never had an issue for 12 years straight. I had no idea to even look for something like this. I didn't notice a problem on 2 test drives w/the Fusion, but I didn't drive all that far, or on different road surfaces.

 

The fact that the mechanics can't find anything makes me pretty frustrated. I am going to, again, talk to them about the tire pressure, altho they said it was 'fine' whatever that means.

[akirby]

Thx for the suggestion. I'm going Monday to drive another Fusion at the dealer w/a mechanic. From what I can find in my googling, some people experience this, and some don't. The reason I went back and forth between trampoline and hard bumps (or whatever) is that I've never experienced driving in a car that reacts so strongly to the slightest rough surface in a road. Going over one type of road makes it feel like the back of the car whacks down, and it's like a, well, whack! And then you go over a manhole cover, and the whole thing bounces. I have been driving for many, many years and never once paid attention to the suspension or road feel or noise of a car. I just drove, and got to where I was going, and it felt fine. I never felt as if I needed dramamine or a drink after I stopped the car, but I do w/this car.

 

My sense is that each, individual car likely has a different 'feel' and some people lucked out and some didn't. The last time I bought a new car, I drove it a few blocks, thought it felt fine, and never had an issue for 12 years straight. I had no idea to even look for something like this. I didn't notice a problem on 2 test drives w/the Fusion, but I didn't drive all that far, or on different road surfaces.

 

The fact that the mechanics can't find anything makes me pretty frustrated. I am going to, again, talk to them about the tire pressure, altho they said it was 'fine' whatever that means.

 

That really sounds like a broken shock.

[Waldo]

You still haven't even told us what year, what size tires you have, how many miles on the car and what the tire pressure is (buy yourself a gauge and use it!). All of those are details we need to help out.

 

But the Fusion is a harsher riding car than a Passat or a Corolla. It's a necessary compromise to deliver the sharper steering and handling that the Fusion has.

[Larryh86GT]

Going over one type of road makes it feel like the back of the car whacks down, and it's like a, well, whack! And then you go over a manhole cover, and the whole thing bounces.

 

If the back of the car "whacks down" that's not a soft suspension issue. There's something wrong. I find it difficult to believe a mechanic can't find the problem. I would go to another dealer.

 

Larry

[GoodbyeVW]

If the back of the car "whacks down" that's not a soft suspension issue. There's something wrong. I find it difficult to believe a mechanic can't find the problem. I would go to another dealer.

 

Larry

[GoodbyeVW]

2011 Fusion SE. Tires - 17-inch? I haven't checked the tire pressure myself yet. They checked it and said it was 'fine.' I will check it. I'm going to the dealer Monday. Spoke to the service manager; meeting w/him and driving another Fusion to compare the feel. Will take it to another dealer if there's no resolution. There is certainly a chance this could be me, and my lack of familiarity with these cars. I"m at the point where I'm doubting myself. A friend is coming this weekend to drive the car. He has an Accord and has driven my old Passat. We'll travel the roads I take to work. The car takes turns very well. The issue is with the back of the car, not the front. I'm driving low speeds to work (30-45)....two lane roads; not highway driving....for about an hour each way, so I have plenty of time to focus (or obsess) on this...It's possible the car is just extremely harsh at low speeds. I guess most people aren't familiar w/trolley tracks (unless you're from Philly or San Francisco), but it feels like driving over those if you go over a manhole cover or any other normal dip or bump. If this is just how the Fusion drives, then I definitely bought the wrong car. I think of a 12-year-old Passat and an old model Corolla as driving rougher, not smoother, than a bigger, more luxurious car, but maybe I'm wrong. Maybe for me, less is more. I never experienced anything like this with those cars. Didn't feet 'rattled' after driving them. As I said before, they got me from one place to the next, and I never noticed road feel. Just drove the things and paid attention to traffic, not bumps in the road.

[BAT BEAR]

2011 Fusion SE. Tires - 17-inch? I haven't checked the tire pressure myself yet. They checked it and said it was 'fine.' I will check it. I'm going to the dealer Monday. Spoke to the service manager; meeting w/him and driving another Fusion to compare the feel. Will take it to another dealer if there's no resolution. There is certainly a chance this could be me, and my lack of familiarity with these cars. I"m at the point where I'm doubting myself. A friend is coming this weekend to drive the car. He has an Accord and has driven my old Passat. We'll travel the roads I take to work. The car takes turns very well. The issue is with the back of the car, not the front. I'm driving low speeds to work (30-45)....two lane roads; not highway driving....for about an hour each way, so I have plenty of time to focus (or obsess) on this...It's possible the car is just extremely harsh at low speeds. I guess most people aren't familiar w/trolley tracks (unless you're from Philly or San Francisco), but it feels like driving over those if you go over a manhole cover or any other normal dip or bump. If this is just how the Fusion drives, then I definitely bought the wrong car. I think of a 12-year-old Passat and an old model Corolla as driving rougher, not smoother, than a bigger, more luxurious car, but maybe I'm wrong. Maybe for me, less is more. I never experienced anything like this with those cars. Didn't feet 'rattled' after driving them. As I said before, they got me from one place to the next, and I never noticed road feel. Just drove the things and paid attention to traffic, not bumps in the road.

 

Sounds about right. The car is bouncy. Sounds normal.