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: steering
19 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 3, 2026
The electric power steering went out and locked my steering cannot figure out why and traction control light on and service light
Steering, Engine, Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering functionality while decelerating. The vehicle jerked, and a driver assistance system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,017.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Mar 30, 2026
Transmission is now not shifting out of park and this is after having issues with the engine allowing coolant to get in and causing damage with the cylinders. Would not pass the pressure test. When calling ford customer service and headquarters telling me there is no way they can help with good will. Find this troublesome when they already know the EcoBoost causing issues to the car and my car is not at 120,000 miles yet. After seeing the 2013-2016 models already have a recall for the exact same thing and you're going to say this is not related is beyond ignorant on the company's behalf.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 28, 2026
My vehicle has been throwing codes that the shifter cable is misaligned or misadjusted for a long time now. The dash flashes between neutral and drive while im driving. It says shift system fault all the time. I have to shut the car off and turn it back on to get it to work. I stalled out on a hill the other day and was almost rear ended by someone behind me. The steering wheel has physical play. It feels like it wobbles or sways while im driving and it shakes. I just had new tires put on and balanced so it's not that. The manufacturer website is claiming the recall is "complete" in their database, but the safety hazard still exists on the vehicle.
Steering, Jan 23, 2026
The steering wheel is coming loose and is making it hard to drive. The car is becoming seriously dangerous. Others are having issues with this. Please let's fix these cars. I have children!
Steering, Traction control system, Engine, Jun 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted, and the contact stated that the steering wheel was loose while operating the vehicle. The contact stated that the traction control warning light flashed on the instrument panel during one of the failures. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure of the vehicle. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Steering, May 5, 2025
I was driving as normal I went to make a turn and out of nowhere my car would not turn and almost got smashed on the side of the car would not have swerved out of the way. There was no warning signs lights symptoms or anything one minute it was normal the next was what could have been a deadly situation. After getting a mechanic to diagnose it after removing the steering wheel, because initially was thought the steering column went out or broke, it was found out to be the middle of the steering wheel where it connects to the column that is suppose to be the shape of an Alan wrench was almost completely worn down to almost a flat circle. I cannot stress enough how scary and deadly this could have been to me and other motorist. This was verified by mechanics this is not normal wear and tear this has to be a defect.
Steering, Feb 11, 2025
No power stearing, Steering Gearbox malfunction. Power steering going out while driving is a major safety issue. Yes dealership confirmed issue and ordered parts for repair Ford dealership inspected issue and said that it needed repaired. Power steering went out while driving almost causing an accident. No warning, lights came on when the power steering went out saying that there was a power steering fault.
Steering, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. the contact stated that there was excessive movement in the steering when the steering column was making a clicking sound while turning to the left. The contact stated that while turning to the left, the steering wheel was seized, and the contact had to use excessive force to turn the steering wheel to the left. While pulling out of a parking space, the advance track mode and power steering loss messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the steering had failed and replaced the lower control arm, tie rod, and rack and pinion on the driver's side of the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Steering, Dec 24, 2024
Shift system fault
Steering, Sep 26, 2023
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR HOME FROM DINNER AND I MADE A LEFT TURN. AS MY STEERING WHEEL WAS RETURNING TO CENTER FROM MAKING THE TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY LOOSE AND IS STILL LOOSE AT THIS PRESENT TIME
Steering, Lane departure, May 23, 2023
While navigating a corner, suddenly vehicle became difficult to steer, numerous warnings became came active on dashboard for Steering Assist Failure, AdvanceTrac Failure, Hill Start Assist Failure. A collision into a ditch was narrowly avoided.
Steering, Mar 16, 2023
The steering wheel has become loose and unstable. And was told my vehicle wasn’t on the recall list for the same problem as the other vehicles.
Steering, Feb 27, 2023
Steering wheel is loose and wobbly
Steering, Aug 17, 2022
I just bought my car almost 2 months ago. It has 32,000 miles. Having steering issues.
Steering, Aug 12, 2021
I just recently purchased my 2018 Ford fusion SE and about 2 months after I purchased it I noticed clanking noise coming from the front driver side tire area. I took it to Mavis and have them look at it and they said that the bolt that held on to the steering control arm had gotten loose and they tightened it it did not make a noise for maybe a day or so and then it just started clanking and the steering and controlling is a lot looser now. I have not been in an accident I am filing this safety report and I am contacting Ford dealership to look at it to see if it could possibly be due to the recall that these cars have on them for the steering I don't know why if it is my VIN number wasn't included but I'm going to have Ford dealership check it out. There were no lights that came up flashing no warning signals but the car's steering has gotten extremely loose and I want to get the problem fixed before there is an incident
Steering, Aug 24, 2019
STEERING WHEEL LOSE
Steering, Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2018
WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE GOES OVER 70 DEGREES, THERE'S CREAKING NOISES UNDERNEATH, SOMETIMES VERY LOUD WHEN TURNING, EVEN WHEN PARKED, MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT IT MAKES THE NOISE. LOOKING ONLINE, THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS THAT REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM, MY CAR HAS ONLY 72K MILES AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS GOING TO BREAK. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALL SUMMER THIS YEAR AND IT'S GETTING LOUDER. THIS HAS TO BE A RECALL.
Steering, Apr 7, 2018
SOLD CAR WITH OPEN RECALL FROM MAC HAIK FORD , GEORGETOWN, TX