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 and engine cooling, Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion into the engine had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12, but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 164,000.
Engine, Feb 1, 2024
Coolant is leaking into the engine, , Service Advisor (Lapalce Ford) said engine would need to be replaced, Said no warrantly would cost $10,000.00 to replace, Issues began in early 2023 with spark plug miss fire, Had a tune up done, but problem persisted, An engine warning light came on indicating that misfire in one of the coils, Had the spark plug and coil replaced during June of 2023, Problem persisted and warning light came on again, brought to ford to look and as was told that it was coolant leaking into the engine and that it would need to be replaced September of 2023.--I got a second opinion from Roy's Auto Tech in Marrero la and had them replace the engine with a new ford engine. $9720.59. Other than this issue this vehicle is was like new. --It has to be a mechanical defect with the design of the engine, and ford is aware as there have been multiple complaints of the exact same issue long before my problems arose.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 29, 2024
Coolant is leaking into my oil.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 25, 2024
In November 2023, within 2 weeks of having all my oil/other fluids changed/checked/replenished for normal maintenance, the engine light to my 2018 Ford Fusion Titanium with EcoBoost engine came on suddenly. I let the car cool for several hours, then looked under the hood and could see I still had ample engine coolant. So I called my nearest official Ford Dealership/Service center, and their soonest appointment was a week or so away. The day of, I could not start the car. After dozens of attempts to start the car, it finally did start, but would not accelerate more than 5-10mph, and a warning message: "Reducing power to lower engine temperature" - but this made no sense as the engine had not been running at all for 12+ hours overnight. When I finally got the car towed to the Ford dealership, they took multiple days to diagnose, even though I had scheduled this appointment more than a week prior. Finally the Director of Service at this Ford Dealership texted me: "VERIFIED CONCERN. SCANNED FOR CODES AND FOUND P021D P0303 P0316 P06E9 P1026 P1285 P1299 P164D. LIVE DATA POWER BALANCE SHOWED DEAD MISFIRE ON CYL 3 AND MULTIPLE MISFIRE ON ALL OTHER CYLINDERS. FOUND COOLANT RESERVOIR EMPTY. REMOVED CYL 3 IGNITION COIL AND SPARK PLUG AND FOUND COOLANT INTRUSION IN CYL 3. WILL NEED TO REMOVE AND REPLACE LONG BLOCK ENGINE ASSEMBLY WITH NEW." The quote for this was over $12,000 and non-negotiable. Other texts from Ford's Director of service: "The 1.5 and 2.0 have a bad design... EcoBoost are known to have issues" ... "Even if you took care of the head gasket odds are the engine would still have failed down the road." Ford ADMITTED to me by text to foreknowledge of MAJOR engine design flaws, EXTREME safety concerns, likelihood of engine fires. As has been documented by thousands of other Ford owners, this INACTION by Ford could have cost me, my RideShare passengers, anyone in the car, OUR LIVES. I now have no car, no job, and no way to pay off my auto loan. HELP!
Engine, Jan 25, 2024
I purchased a 2018 Ford Fusions on [XXX]. After two days check engine light came on. The code was showing misfire of 3rd cylinder. I took it to Angela Krause Ford Dealership, in Alpharetta, Ga. The are saying coolant is getting into the cylinders and that the short block needs to be replaced. After doing research, I have found this is a big problem for Ford. A customer Satisfaction Program has been out concerning this issue. ([XXX]). In this program it states the year range, plant manufactured, and mileage that is included in this program. My car is a 2018 Ford Fusion and fits the plant manufactured location and is under mileage threshold. Ford is saying my Vin is not registered for this program. My car is having exact issues and fits the criteria perfectly. I need help to get this covered by Ford. A clear issue, that they have had and recognized. My Car fits the exact profile. Please help get this Vin registered under the program or help get this covered. I believe this could have been an issue before I purchased car. Although Bulletin says coverage is transferred to subsequent owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH, the message "Coolant Level Low" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the roadway and added coolant to the vehicle; however, the same message was displayed the following day while driving. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 was misfiring due to coolant intrusion. The mechanic replaced 1 coil, 1 spark plug, and the coolant reservoir hose; however, the check engine warning light turned off temporarily and the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant intrusion in cylinder #2, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Ford TSB: 22-2229. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 2, 2024
I went on a road trip to see family which needed 5 hours of travel. After returning and parking the car, I noticed a knocking noise coming from the engine bay when it was started and was idling. After doing what I could to rule out possible problems I concluded the Flexplate might be the culprit due to Recall 22N12 with Ford. A short time later, my car started to stall if I did not keep my RPM's high enough while my vehicle was stopped. After getting an inspection done with a dealership they confirmed that it is the Flexplate. The symptoms gradually got worse which is what ultimately led me to bring it in to a dealership instead of a different shop. The problem is that this repair estimate I got says this repair is going to cost me $3,000. I am arguing that my vehicle should have been on Recall 22N12. After contacting Ford and going back and forth for 2 and a half hours they told me i'm out of luck and that there was nothing they can/will do about this.
Power train, Engine, Jan 2, 2024
At 80,000 miles my car displayed Error codes that read “Cylinder misfire”. After taking it to a mechanic, I replaced spark plugs and ignition coil. After about 1 month I received a message that said “coolant engine overheating”. The message disappeared after 5 seconds. Shortly after, my car’s engine started to fail. The acceleration wasn’t working and I was forced to pull over. After a few minutes I restarted my car and drove home. When I arrived home I noticed that all the coolant in the coolant reservoir was empty. I refilled the coolant to drive my car to a local mechanic. Once I arrived the coolant reservoir was half way empty. There were no external leaks. The mechanic confirmed that the head gasket was ruined because of the overheating due to the coolant leak. He confirmed that that the leak had caused the original “cylinder misfire code” and coolant had leaked into the engine. My safety was put at risk because my car engine could have over heated or started a fire due to the coolant leak. I cannot drive my car anymore due to the coolant leaking into the engine
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was running rough. Additionally, the A/C was making a loud squealing sound while activated. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the coolant level was low. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer it was purchased from, and the water pump kit timing belt was replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The contact was unable to confirm that the vehicle had been repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12; however, the campaign had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Engine, Dec 19, 2023
Block cracked internally inside cylinder number 2 causing a misfire, white smoke on start up, coolant lose, and overheating. Problem is called coolant intrusion. Safety is at risk is the car dies on the interstate. It has a check engine light for misfire on cylinder 2. Ford is aware of this problem but says my vin is not affected by this problem even though I have this problem.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 18, 2023
Purchase car in 2019. 4 years later my car is overheating due to a cylinder crack. No recall was found using my vin number but with a cylinder crack and car overheating this is a safety issue.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 11, 2023
I heard fluid from what seemed like my dashboard and a puff of white smoke, no sensors came on. My Ford fusion continued but ran rough. I was pulling out of a parking lot onto the street and my Ford fusion was nearly t-boned because it would not accelerate. Later that day my overheat sensor came on and my fusion left me stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere with a baby in 100 degree heat. I called a local mechanic, he put water in it and drove it to his shop. After 400 dollars worth of work the problem persistent, he then checked it for the notorious coolant intrusion issue and confirmed a misfire and coolant intrusion in cylinder 2. It's now parked and has not been driven in 3 months.
Engine, Dec 11, 2023
Vehicle’s engine was misfiring for a while before check engine light came on. Showing cylinder 2 misfiring codes when scanned. The first dealership replaced the spark plugs, didn’t fix the issue. The next dealership said I have coolant intrusion and need to replace engine.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Dec 9, 2023
I have a 2018 ford fusion 2.0L ecoboost with around 77k miles and started to see coolant loss with no visible signs in engine bay or below.car, rough start with error P0316 and occasional misfire. White smoke comes from exhaust on start sometimes. Also have to fill coolant every other day or so. It looks as coolant intrusion issue very common with these engines.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 9, 2023
My cars coolant is leak and I don't know where it goes. It overheats and the coolant continually needs to be added. The coolant cap has cracked twice and its is hard to find a replacement cap and we can't drive the car. I have taken it to two auto repair shops, and they said the issue can NOT be fixed. I am in fear of it overheating all the time. This is causing me fear and I believe it is dangerous and I am stuck paying for a car I can't drive.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, and the vehicle briefly shuddered. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the head gasket and turbo charger. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 22, 2023
M 19 year old daughter purchased the 2018 Ford Fusion 1.5L FWD certified on May 10th from AutoNation Ford of Orange Park, FL on 5/10/2023. Car broke down on 7/31/23 at 93032 miles and had it towed back to AutoNation. Was told that the flexplate broke and that there was coolant intrusion in one or more cylinders. Had the car repaired using the extended warranty plan that was purchased for the engine repair. Also paid to have the flexplate replaced. Received the car back on 9/22/23 with 93041 miles. On 9/26/23, check engine light at 93173. Code read oxygen sensor and emission purge valve sensor. Did not have repaired right away so that we can save up for the cost since it wasn't covered by the extended warranty plan. The cost was going to be about 700.00. Then the car started to hesitate in traffic while making a loud "farting" noise and eventually breaking down on 11/8/23 . We were able to get it to Garber Ford in Green Cove Springs but was told by the mechanic that the car is to dangerous to drive anymore. After a diagnostic was performed, we were told that not only is the evap purge valve bad, the car now needs a new transmission. The transmission pours out as fast as they can put it in. Due to the broken flexplate being noted during the first repair, its highly likely that the warranty company will cover. Estimated cost is 10k if we approve the breakdown and they deny. If we do not approve the breakdown so that insurance can inspect and just replace the transmission it will be 7-8k.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle into the dealer for an oil change, the contact was informed that the engine was empty of coolant. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined coolant intrusion had caused damage to the cylinder head, requiring a replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 47,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, he observed excessive smoke coming from the engine compartment as well as the rear exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined there was coolant intrusion into the engine cylinder that caused damage to the cylinder head. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Nov 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined coolant intrusion had caused damages to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 18, 2023
I was driving and all of the sudden engine overheated and car could not drive over 10MPH during an extremely bad storm at night on the highway putting me in extreme danger if someone were to have been behind me. There were no engine lights on or warning signs of this happening and just happened out of nowhere car was driving fine before it happened. Issue happened on September 26th, 2023. This is the second engine problem I have had since getting the car in 2021. Last issue was with the top half of the engine CAC/intake manifold and luckily was under warranty or would have been over $6,000. Had vehicle towed to Ford dealership and there verified a check engine light fault. P0303 active in PCM. Upon diagnosing the concern found that the head gasket is leaking into cylinder 2 and 3 due to a failed cylinder block assembly. Need to replace the short block assembly with an updated design. Was quoted $8,700 to fix the issue. I can't afford to pull that kind of money out to fix a car that isn't even 5 years old. Car is no longer under warranty.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the engine was running rough while the vehicle was idling. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated the following day. The contact stated that the failure recurred while the vehicle was idling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine cylinders, causing the engine to misfire. The dealer related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 22-2322 and informed the contact that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 69,900.
Power train, Engine, Oct 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that she initially received a notice in the mail about a Customer Satisfaction Program-19B37. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the program was cleared off the vehicle. The contact then stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the "Service Engine" warning light appeared on the instrument panel. In addition, the vehicle would fail to start upon refueling. The contact used a code reader which determined that the purge valve was defective, and the part was replaced. Once the purge valve was replaced, the vehicle was restarted, and the code reader then showed a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact replaced the spark plugs and engine coils but then noticed moisture in the engine block. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test where the mechanic confirmed coolant intrusion in the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer reached out to the manufacturer and was informed by text that manufacturer would not assist with the repair of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37. The contact called the manufacturer herself and the manufacturer denied the program. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Engine, Oct 13, 2023
I bought my 2018 Ford Fusion new and it currently has 35,000 miles on it. It began misfiring about 2 months ago, and then the check engine light came on. After a diagnostic exam, I was told the engine needed to be replaced. Luckily I was still within the warranty extension window for this particular problem, so the engine was replaced. However, I spent the majority of this time without my car. They were able to secure me a loaner car, but only for 3 days out of the total duration of the repair. I was stuck without my car the remainder of the time with very little communication from Ford about what was going on. When I asked if my car was still at risk of the same thing happening again, I was given a very vague answer that was not particularly reassuring.
Engine, Oct 4, 2023
While driving the vehicle a light came on indicating that the "Engine compartment was overheating". The next time driving the vehicle the light was gone away and shortly later the Check Engine light came on. Took to the local dealership and they determined that their were 2 verified misfires and when they pulled the plugs using a scope they found coolant intrusion in one of the cylinders. The recommendation per Ford is to replace the engine assembly.