Buy Ford Fusion Reflectors

Quick takeaway: A rear reflector (also called a bumper reflector insert, rear marker, reflective lens, or retro-reflector) is the red plastic piece tucked into each corner of the Ford Fusion's back bumper. It does not shine by itself-headlights from other cars hit the lens, and the specially textured plastic bounces that light straight back to the driver behind you. A healthy reflector helps people spot your Fusion sooner at night, in fog, or in the rain, cutting crash risk and keeping the car legal on the road .

Overview

Ford first put this reflector on the 2006 Fusion and kept the same simple idea through the 2020 model run, switching to a slightly sharper shape in 2013 when the body style changed. Each bumper carries two pieces-one on the driver's side and one on the passenger's side. They snap into the bumper cover with plastic tabs and need no wiring because they rely on retroreflection rather than bulbs . (Wikipedia)

Function

Retroreflectors work like thousands of tiny "cat's-eye" prisms molded into clear or red-tinted polycarbonate. When light strikes the lens, the prisms send it right back toward the headlight source, making the car appear brighter without electricity . Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 says every passenger car must have rear reflex reflectors between 15 and 60 inches above the road and able to meet minimum brightness in Table XVI-a . If either reflector is cracked, loose, painted over, or missing, the vehicle can fail an inspection. (eCFR, Flagger Force)

Compatibility

• 2006-2012 Fusion & Milan: straight-edge style reflector-identical left/right fit across all trims.
• 2013-2020 Fusion & Fusion Energi/Hybrid: swept-edge style; look for part numbers that begin with DS7Z-13A565- (driver) or DS7Z-13A565- (passenger).
• The piece also fits the mid-cycle "Sport" bumper used from 2017 to 2018.
  Always match the model year before ordering so the curve follows the bumper line.

Construction

Modern reflectors use injection-molded polycarbonate (PC) for the lens because PC is light, tough, and handles heat better than PMMA acrylic . Fillers such as titanium-dioxide pigment boost strength and brightness . Because PC can yellow under UV, most lenses get a thin hard-coat or a UV-blocking layer . A molded reference mark-usually "SAE A" or "DOT"-shows the part meets FMVSS 108. Independent labs like CAPA test replacement reflectors for strength, color, and photometry before awarding a certification seal . (CAPA Certified)

Installation

Replacing a reflector is a five-minute DIY task:

1. Park & protect. Engage the parking brake and place a mat under the bumper.
2. Pop the tabs. Slide a trim-pry tool or flat plastic pick between the reflector and bumper. Gently release the outer tab first, then the inner .
3. Clean the pocket. Wipe away dirt so the new lens seats flush.
4. Snap in new piece. Align the locator pin, press until all clips click.
5. Test. Shine a flashlight from six feet back to be sure both sides reflect evenly. (YouTube)

Care Tips

• Wash with mild soap-harsh cleaners dull the lens.
• Wax the bumper, but avoid getting wax on the reflector surface.
• If fogging appears inside, swap the piece; moisture cuts brightness.
• After any rear-end impact, inspect clips for hairline cracks. (Flagger Force)

Common Problems

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Safety & Law

A U.S. safety recall in late 2012 underscored how seriously NHTSA treats FMVSS 108 light-reflection rules: early 2013 Fusions with a headlamp coating flaw were recalled because the beam failed brightness checks . Rear reflectors fall under the same standard. Driving without them can lead to citations or liability if a rear-end crash occurs at night.

Styling Mods

Many Fusion owners swap the stock red lens for an LED "reflector-light" that doubles as a brake or turn signal. Before wiring extras, be sure the part still carries a reflective surface; FMVSS 108 requires passive reflection even if LEDs burn out . Use add-on harnesses that do not tap directly into the lighting control module to avoid bulb-out warnings. (Federal Register)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are the bumper reflectors red, not white?
A: FMVSS 108 says rear reflex reflectors must be red so drivers can instantly tell front from back at night .

Q: Will a missing reflector make my Fusion fail yearly inspection?
A: Yes. State inspectors reference FMVSS 108 tables; a missing or cracked lens is grounds for failure .

Q: Can I paint the reflector body-color and leave a small clear strip?
A: No. Any paint reduces the reflective area and brightness below the legal minimum .

Q: Do LEDs behind the lens improve safety?
A: Extra light can help, but only if the part still meets the passive "bounce-back" brightness standard; LEDs alone are not enough .

Q: What material is the lens made from?
A: Injection-molded polycarbonate blended with pigments and a UV hard-coat for clarity and impact strength .

Q: Is a cracked reflector an MOT or DMV fine?
A: Many jurisdictions treat it like a cracked tail-light-the officer may issue a "fix-it" ticket that turns into a fine if ignored .

Q: Are aftermarket parts legal?
A: Look for the DOT/SAE mark and (optionally) a CAPA seal; both show the piece passed independent photometry and durability tests .

Q: How bright should a correct reflector be?
A: At a 1° observation angle and 0° entrance angle, Table XVI-a lists a minimum of 4.0 cd/lux for a red reflector .

Q: Can I reuse the old clips?
A: The clips are molded into the reflector; if one snaps, replace the whole lens to keep a snug fit .

Q: Will a reflector from a 2014 fit my 2019 Fusion?
A: Yes-2013-2020 share the same swept-edge design. Units from 2006-2012 will not fit the later bumper profile.

Sources

1. eCFR § 571.108 - Federal Lighting Standard (eCFR)
2. Federal Register, "FMVSS 108 Re-Write Final Rule," 2007 (Federal Register)
3. GovInfo PDF, Table XVI-a Reflex Reflector Photometry
4. Wikipedia, "Retroreflector" (Wikipedia)
5. Flagger Force, "Technology Behind Retroreflectivity," 2017 (Flagger Force)
6. PMC Article, "Thermal & Optical Characterization of PC Reflectors," 2025
7. Buildings.com, "Polycarbonate Components Simplify LED Lamp Design"
8. SABIC, "Automotive Lighting-Lexan™ PC Resin"
9. Wikipedia, "Polycarbonate"
10. CAPA Certified, "Compliance Test Results of Lighting Parts," 2003 (CAPA Certified)
11. NHTSA Recall 12V-553 Letter, 2012
12. YouTube, "How to Replace Reflectors 2006-2012 Fusion," 2023 (YouTube)
13. DIY Video Tutorial, "Install Rear Reflector 2006-2012 Fusion," 2024
14. Federal Register Notice, Photometry Petition Example, 2020
15. GovInfo CFR 2020 Edition, FMVSS 108 PDF