2018 Ford Fusion
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 440 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 15 Fusion model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 9 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 6 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMar 10, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Campaign 23V162000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, steering wheel/handle barMar 12, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
Campaign 18V167000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
271 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, May 26, 2023
My engines been leaking radiator fluid and I was told there was a recall on the engine block because of this issue. I went to ford and they said they had a recall on it but they didn’t tell me that it expired. Even after I was scheduled for an appt I had to get a flex location to diagnose it and they said that the recall for it expired and they couldn’t do anything about it. Before I took it to ford I took it to 2 car repair shops and they told me the same thing that it was the engine block.
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to misfire. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact stated he added coolant to the coolant reservoir. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the hub gasket was leaking coolant fluid into the engine, causing the engine to overheat. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Power train, Engine, May 16, 2023
Misfires, overheating, Coolant leaking into cylinders
Engine, May 10, 2023
I purchased my car in September 2018 and I have brought my car in for many service problems within the first year alone. I now have a broken flywheel or flex plate, and my car is under 5 years old. With the amount of repairs I have done to my car it is as if I bought a used car. I am the first person to drive my car as it was purchased brand new.
Engine, May 7, 2023
Check engine light came on and then the vehicle overheated. The vehicle started to lose power and I had to pull to the side of the road, on a busy highway. I let the car cool down and drove it to a gas station a mile away, it drove incredibly roughing, had a thick, white smoke coming from the tailpipe and coolant was low. It was then towed to a Firestone in the area. They could not diagnose it properly, so I was then towed to the nearest Ford Dealership. Codes P0217, P0302, P0316, P1285 Advised P0302 was a misfire in Cylinder 2, pulled the coil and plug and found coolant in the cylinder. Ford quoted me $10,400 to replace the entire engine assembly with a long block, said there were no recalls for this issue even though it's common and that my car was no longer under warranty.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing of the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that coolant was leaking into the engine cylinders. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The manufacturer later was informed that the vehicle would not be covered under warranty or recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. The consumer stated the vehicle had a coolant leak in the engine which caused corrosion and other damage to the engine.
Engine, May 1, 2023
2018 FORD FUSION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE BLOCK ISSUES. UPDATE 07/06/2023- Consumer states: " This is my second letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to address the neglect by FMC, its attorneys and dealerships to resolve a defective 1.5L Eco boost engine. With recent media addressing the detrimental errors of governing agencies, whistleblowers missing submarine with reports of safety issues, and so much more, I believe you know Ford Motor Company needs to do the right thing and accept their responsibility, address the repair, replacement and financial compensation necessary to the American people. This is not an issue to make more lawyers wealthy, although they need to get paid, it's an issue that can contribute to the healing a nation, one step at a time. Please respond to myself at the above address, and my attorney for resolution." Enclosed: June 09, 2022 - FMC Letter - Customer Satisfaction Program 19837 June 09. 2022 - FMC Letter - Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 April 17, 2023 - Letter to FMC - with multiple cc May 10, 2023 - State of Michigan. Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Oiv1s1on May 17. 2023 - State of Michigan, Regulatory Monitoring Division May 18, 2023 - State of Michigan, Attorney General, Consumer Protection Case letter May 24.2023 - State of Michigan Office of Investigative Services Case letter
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder with a large cloud of bluish smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the vehicle was also shuddering and idling rough when started. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic retrieved DTC: P0304 and determined that there had been a misfire in cylinder #4. The dealer recommended that the spark plugs be replaced, and the fuel system cleaned. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred and returned the vehicle to the same dealer who diagnosed and found that coolant had intruded into the engine block and recommended that the engine be replaced. The contact researched online and related the failure to manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 Coolant Intrusion (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,556. The consumer stated the vehicle is no longer in her possession.
Engine, Apr 27, 2023
Engine failure as described in TSB 22-2229, confirmed by local Ford dealer (Bill Brown Ford in Livonia, MI). This issue is not a normal wear & tear issue, it is a combination of Design & Manufacturing flaw (known by Ford) however Ford Warranty will not provide me with any financial assistance for the repair. An engine should never have the wall between the piston cavity and cooling cavity break down ever. This issue should be under a recall. This failure could easily have taken place on the interstate at night leading to immediate side of the road situation and very nearly did since we were to take a trip several states away the next day.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, she observed that a cloud of white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled; however, the engine started to misfire, and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that a message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into cylinders #1, #2, and #3. The dealer determined that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 - Coolant Intrusion (Engine and Engine Cooling) and that the repair had been a one-time free repair. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Engine, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the powertrain malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started overheating. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and the dealer stated that coolant was leaking into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provide no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 151,981.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that engine coolant had leaked into the cylinder #3, causing severe damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was no longer eligible for the Extended Warranty Coverage. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a sound of liquid present inside the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that engine coolant was present inside the engine cylinders and the engine short block needed to be placed. The engine short block was replaced but later the vehicle began to drive sluggishly and would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine, Mar 18, 2023
Since 2021 we have had problems with the car. The car started smoking and cutting off for some known reasons. We contacted Vidalia Ford known also as Paul Thigpen where the car was purchased. There have been numerous attempt to get the car fixed by Paul Thigpen and we will get the car out the shop and take it back. The car is jerking, still cutting off, and car smoking. Told us that was normal for that car to smoke. We was told by Paul Thigpen that we needed a motor in the car. All of a sudden after this car Fusion car motor have been broken down numerous time. We are told that Ford Corporation would not send a new motor for the car. We have went to pick up the car on one occasion and started the car up and it was smoking like it was on fire. All the techs ran to the car because they thought the car was on fire. We have called Ford Corporation to speak to someone in their Consumer Affairs office. Asked us to take it to another Ford Dealership in Dublin, GA and they told us we needed a motor and they will get the motor in a few days. These people calls and say the same exact thing Paul Thigpen tech stated that Ford would not send the motor. When we got the car back, it's still jerking and smoking. The techs fails to put in notes that Ford Corporation fails to fix the vehicle. Now the vehicle is sitting in the yard and we are making payments. The oil is leaking from the motor. I reported it to the Better Business Bureau and Ford failed to respond. The Better Business Bureau stated to send it to you all. This car had stayed in the shop months at a time. Yes, we are angry consumers who has paid for an extend warranty on this vehicle when purchased. Darren from Consumer Affairs called and left a message on the voicemail that we can't get mad because Dublin Ford refused to fix our vehicle. We have not enjoyed the vehicle and it's wrong how Ford is doing people. They are trying to let the warranty runs out. Everyone claims to be full when it first happened with oil probl
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact depressed accelerator and the vehicle continued to lose motive power. The contact stated that she observed a large cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was blinking off and on. The contact pulled off the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into the engine block. The manufacturer had issued a Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21N12 (Engine and Engine Cooling), however the vehicle no longer qualified for the program. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Engine, Feb 7, 2023
The check engine light came on my 2018 Ford Fusion on 2/6/23. On 2/7/23 the car was diagnosed by a Ford dealer as having a coolant intrusion issue. Upon doing research, Ford was aware as early as 2019 that that the 2.0L EcoBoost engines have this common problem. They Issued a Technical Service Bulletin detailing the problem. However, Ford is not recalling these vehicles. They have told me that the only fix for the problem is to remove the engine and replace the long block for $8000. Vehicles like mine with the 2.0L EcoBoost engines have a defect that cause coolant to leak into the engine’s cylinders, which can cause corrosion, oil dilution and contamination and engine failure. Furthermore, this defect creates a safety risk because the lack of coolant created by the leaks causes overheating and can result in the cylinder head cracking, total engine failure, or worse an engine fire. If there is a risk that the engine could catch fire on all these vehicles, that puts my life, my passengers lives and others sharing nearby roads lives in danger. I am urging the NHTSA to investigate this claim and the numerous consumers that have these faulty engines. Please hold Ford accountable and force them to replace these engines to keep us citizens safe.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 7, 2023
While driving down the road the car suddenly flashed engine coolant is over-temperature warning and shut off and lost power. Inside of my vehicle the car was not showing it was running hot on the temperature hand. I was on a blind curve and barely made it to a pull off before the car completelyshut off. There have been no signs of over heating before this. There is a coolant intrusion in the cylinder and the engine block needs to be replaced. 120000 miles and out of warranty.
Engine, Oct 26, 2022
Misfires on cylinder 2. Engine burning oil slowly. Mileage is only 64,390.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated with a message stating "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" displayed. Additionally, the engine sputtered while the vehicle was being started and there was gray smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant was leaking into cylinder #1, causing damage to the engine long block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Engine, Aug 17, 2022
I am a retired mechanic with over 13 years of professional experience working at multiple dealerships. I purchased my 2018 Ford Fusion with 2.0L Ecoboost on 6/29/2022 with 73,555 miles. Two days after delivery, within 1 minute of leaving home, the CHECK ENGINE light was illuminated. When I returned home, I used my diagnostic scanner to find code P0300 set. What I found interesting is that the scanner indicated that the code had been cleared 298 miles earlier, which indicated either the prior owner cleared the code, or the dealership cleared the code prior to marketing it for sale. Two days ago, on the way home from work, the CHECK ENGINE light came on again, and I was able to determine that the code was a P0302, misfire on cylinder 2. I checked the coolant level of the car, and it was below the minimum mark on the reservoir. I removed the spark plug from cylinder #1 and cylinder #2 for visual inspection and comparison. Visual inspection of the plugs had a normal carbon build-up on the piston in cylinder #1 and on the ground electrode of the same spark plug, whereas on cylinder #2 there was no carbon buildup on the spark plug nor on the top of the piston; it was "wet looking". I reinstalled the spark plugs, and topped the coolant off and bled air out of the coolant system. I did utilize a combustion gas leak detection tester marketed by Blue Point that I have used in the past to diagnose faulty head gaskets, but the results were inconclusive. On my drive to work the next day, the CHECK ENGINE light was no longer illuminated. This morning, I examined the coolant reservoir, and there is a noticeable decrease in volume of coolant in the reservoir from the day before, along with the misfire on startup and illumination of the CHECK ENGINE light, with code P0302 being set. To date, the selling dealership and Ford have denied my request for any extended warranty assistance for replacement of the defective designed 2.0L engine. I now have a car I cannot use at all.
Power train, Engine, Aug 17, 2022
There is a coolant leak into the cylinder which causes it to misfire. Ford is aware this is a known problem!!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 12, 2022
My car shuts down for some reason while I’m driving and has been running rough for the last couple of days. Also my horn does not work at all. This is a hazard for not only me but everybody. My vehicle have not been inspected, or not that I know of. When I first brought the car 2 years ago I noticed the horn was weak but was told that’s how they sound. I forgot when my check engine light came on but it had to be 2 or 3 months ago. Just recently my car started to stop on me while I’m in traffic, the first time it happened was in June. I also went to Autozone to see why the check engine light, but it only says small EVAP leak.
Engine, Jul 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the check engine and the temperature warning light illuminated indicating that the vehicle was overheating. The contact was able to pull over, turn off the vehicle, and waited for the engine to cool down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the head gasket was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle than was taken to an authorized Ford dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was 121,000.
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 2, 2022
My transmission has start to work weirdly. My car started vibrating when I am driving slow. When move to second gear suddenly the car make stop and move again.
Engine, Jun 1, 2022
Bought 2018 fusion used with 20k miles. Driving to work the check engine light came on. Took it to auto zone they ran codes and said misfire cylinder 3. Replace plugs and coil packs. Next day check engine light came on again. This time had rough idle at start up. Turned car off and contacted closest ford dealer. Upon inspection told me coolant leaking into head with no blown head gasket. Said to be common problem with ecoboost engines. Need to replace engine for over $7800. Not under warranty and Ford knows of issue and won't stand behind their product. I'm a single mom with no car to get to work now and no way to fix this. It would take me years to save enough to fix this car. Completely hopeless at this point. No car=no way to work. No job=no home or food. This is a common problem and well known issue but tough luck? How can this be right? How can I feed my children or pay rent? What am I supposed to do? This is not fair. You made a faulty product so you should stand behind it and make it right. This has literally destroyed my life.