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: other or unspecified
47 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2023
The rotary dial gear shifter has intermitantly malfunctioned for 6 months in two ways. 1) When the rotary dial gear shifter is put into park, very often it won't move out of park. Won't go to D, R, or N.In the beginning I was using the key to the car to stick in a slot in the center counsel and that would pop it out of park. This worked for a few months. Since then I need to hit it firmly with a fist to get it to pop out of park. Sometimes I need to turn the car off and wait 10, 20, 30 minutes before hitting it with a fist will get it out. 2) The second way it malfunctions is that when it is in park sometimes it moves to Drive all on its own. I will exit the car after putting it in park. When I come back it won't start because it is in Drive. I always make certain it is in Park when I exit. These things put me at risk because I live in Minnesota. I have been alone parking lots at negative 20 degrees in the dark and could not drive home. I would spend a long time (hour) turning it off and on, pushing on it etc. before it would move out of Park. A few times someone has had to come get me. Then the the next day take me back and it spontaneously works. This happens in moderate and hot weather too. ALSO Myself and bystanders and other cars are at risk when it keeps moving on it's own from Park to Drive -any bump or push to the car on a hill would send it rolling. I took it to Autonation in White Bear Lake where it was purchased from in 2018. The problem would not occur for them. They quoted $1500 to replace the rotary dial shifter. I have looked into this problem and discovered Ford Recalled a variety of models(vin numbers) for this same problem in 2013 -2016. They have not yet issued a recall for any 2017-2018 models. (vin numbers)I have discovered I am not alone. Other people on forums or videos on the internet with 2017 and 2018 have the same problem. I talked to Ford today and they wouldn't tell me how many complaints they have gotten.
Other or unspecified, Power train, Mar 16, 2023
The transmission jumps, doesn’t want to shift gears, revs up on its own. The recall for the fusions year models 3013-16 is the same thing my car is doing.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 5, 2023
When I stop to get fuel/gas for my car, I am unable to turn the ignition off because if I do, the car will not restart immediately or at all. There is also a jerking motion immediately after fueling and while driving. There is a "wailing" noise immediately proceeding the car shutting down. The check engine light is on.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2022
Dial on gear shift kept saying "shift fault, see manual " after investigating, bushing from shifter cable bushing was missing. Many other fusions have had this complaint and recall was issued for certain years. Possibilities are car going out of gear while parked and rolling away. This is a safety for the Ford fusion.
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2022
I have had this issue twice now. The vehicle says shift sensor fault or shift sys fault or something. The bushing on the transmission has failed for the 2nd time. Both times stopping me from being able to drive my vehicle to be able to get to my place of employment.
Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2022
Calling this a safety issue may be a stretch, but I can see where a potential exists. In my 2018 Ford Fusion the trunk frequently pops open of its own accord while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off. It happens often enough that I am afraid to leave anything of value in it. My wife is afraid that it could happen someday while we're driving the vehicle. A trip to my local Ford dealer yielded nothing, and they told me that they had never heard of such a thing happening. They did offer to "troubleshoot" it for me at their full labor rate! Nothing found on the Ford website. A Google search, however, revealed that this has occurred frequently in the Fusion and in other Ford vehicles, as well as in vehicles from other manufacturers. I love the car and would hate to get rid of it because of this vexing problem, but I'm afraid to leave my golf clubs in the car while I run into a store. Also, the fear that it could pop open while vehicle is in operation leaves me with fear that something could fly out of the trunk and cause an accident or injury. Same Google search has shown a number of reports of this happening.
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 and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2022
Ford issued a recall in 2020 for my car for coolant leaks. My vehicle was under warranty at the time (28k miles), and in the same week had white smoke emissions, engine stalling on the interstate and overheating in idle. The smoke never went away even after extensive, month long repair. The vehicle again had the same issues in august 2020 (76k miles), taken to Ford dealership with $3,000 in out of pocket expense. It is now March 2022 (82k miles) and my vehicle is still showing signs of coolant leak with no help from any Ford dealership.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Feb 18, 2022
The audio/navigation display screen on my 2018 Ford Fusion went black as I was backing out of a parking spot almost causing an accident. It immediately came back on after this but unfortunately, it started to happen regularly upon startup, while driving, parked, just randomly, and for longer periods of time. It also started to increase the volume and I couldn't control it. The system completely stopped working after several weeks. I did a lot of research and noticed that this is a significant problem with Ford Accessory Protocol Interface Modules (APIM). Some have already been recalled on certain models of Fords and why they are not recalled on any that go out is beyond me. Seems that in and of itself would place some liability on the manufacturer in the event of an accident. The dealership wants to charge over $1,200 to replace the faulty APIM, which they described as a continued problem that everyone knows about. So maybe that is the reason it is not recalled. They can make money selling the vehicle and then another $1,200 after 40,000 miles when it goes out. I am very frustrated and will now be $1,200 less happy. Yes, I am frustrated at the financial impact, but it was a safety issue initially and at times startled me while driving, which could have caused an accident. I am sure that there are numerous examples of previous complaints that are able to prove this.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 17, 2022
Cylinder 2 Misfire. Told engine needs to be replaced due to a leak. Car was completely dead overnight with no other symptoms leading up to it.
Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2022
I was leaving a doctors appointment and a message randomly displayed stating "Stop Safely Now" and the car quit moving. A yellow warning light came on as well. Fortunately I was in a parking lot, but I was unable to get the car to turn off or move for almost 10 minutes. Finally I was able to get to turn off and turn back on and drive home without another incident. It appears this is a common safety issue with Ford's hybrid vehicles. I am happy this didn't happen on a street road or the highway and that my daughter wasn't with me. I cannot be getting stranded places with the cold winters in Iowa or with my child.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jan 13, 2022
Faulty APIM for radio/navigation/rear view camera. System won’t turn on or operate In cold weather. When warm, system works perfect.
Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2021
On four separate occasions the truck will randomly open while driving. After the first couple times I was extremely careful to ensure I did not randomly hit the button or had my key fob in a way that the truck release could be activated by accident. Despite this the truck will still randomly open on its own. Could be a very dangerous situation if the trunk is full.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 30, 2021
Electrical: My car’s radio was going out and I took to Ford for a check while getting oil change. They said normal don’t worry about it. At this time I was still in warranty. When taken to Ford the 2nd time,they “reset” my SYNC & then the radio/touchscreen complete stopped working within 48 hours. When I told them, I just happened to be out of warranty then. Touch screen is completely blank! It will not turn on or allow controls for heat nor a/c. Cannot see backup camera nor can I hear the beeps. The USB plugs and outlets are also not working! This began in January 2020. I have a 7 month old at the time and it was a very cold winter. Engine: Fast forward to August 2020, my car just shut down in the middle of the highway and started shaking with my then 15 month old! Pulled over and had it towed to Ford. Ford told me it needed a new Engine and would cost $7500 to get it fixed. I had never issues before and each oil change received the multi point inspection and I was never informed of any issues prior to.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2021
MISSOURI
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2021
Blower motor keeps overheating and failing, potentially leading to engine fire
Power train, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2021
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN A WRENCH SENSOR POPPED UP ALONG WITH THE AIRBAG SENSOR AND THE CAR STARTING DE-ACCELERATING AND SHAKING AND I HAD TO PULL OVER. I WENT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS DIRTY SO THEY CLEANED IT AND THEY CLEARED THE CODE BUT IT RECENTLY HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES. WHEN IT HAPPENS IT MAKES THE CAR NOT ABLE TO START AS EASILY. IT'S REALLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT MAKES IT TO WHERE THE CAR WILL JUST NOT ACCELERATE AND IF YOU ARE ON THE HIGHWAY THERE ARE CARS FLYING RIGHT PAST YOU. THIS HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF 3 OR 4 TIMES.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2021
GEAR DIAL STUCK IN PARK MODE. GEAR DIAL I WILL NOT MOVE. WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST STARTED THEN TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF AND TRYING OVER AND OVER I WAS ABLE TO GET IT INTO GEAR. THIS LAST TIME THAT DIDN'T WORK. ATTEMPTED TO GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL USING THE NEUTRAL OVERRIDE METHOD BUT IT FAILED. CAR HAD TO BE WENCHED ONTO THE TOEING TRUCK WHILE STUCK IN GEAR. PROBLEM BEGAN OCCURRING AT 40,000 MILES. THE BATTERY IN THE CAR DIED FROM LEAVING THE LIGHTS ON AND THIS SEEMED TO 'RESET' THE PROBLEM AND NO ISSUES FOR 6 WEEKS. ORANGE WRENCH WARNING SIGN APPEARED AGAIN AND NOW THE CAR IS STUCK IN PARK AND HAVE TO TOW IT TO A FORD DEALER. I ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED THE BLUE ANTI THEFT LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHES. AFTER THE BATTERY DRAINED AND THE PROBLEM RESET THEN I ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE LOCK BUTTON TWICE AND THIS IS WHEN THE BLUE LIGHY STARTED FLASHING AGAIN AND I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK MODE. WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT 40,000 MILES I WAS DRIVING THE INTERSTATE AND THE BLUE ANTI THEFT LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND THE CAR ALARM SOUNDED WHILE I WAS AT A 75 MPH SPEED. I HAD TO STOP THE CAR, TURN IT OFF, HIT THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON MY KEY FOB TO GET THE. ALARM TO STOP SOUNDING. I BELIEVE THE TWO ISSUES MAY BE RELATED AS THEY HAPPEN AT THE SAME TIME. THE ORANGE WRENCH ONLY APPEARS WHEN THE CAR WILL NOT GO IN GEAR. WHEN THE CAR HAS EASILY GONE IN DEAR THE ORANGE WRENCH IS NOT PRESENT. AGAIN, I AM UNABLE TO ENGAGE THE NEUTRAL OVERRIDE BY USING THE KEY IN THE OVERRIDE SLOT. THE LIGHTS WILL FLASH ON THE DIAL BUT THE CAR WILL NOT GO INTO NEUTRAL, IT REMAINS STUCK. I HAVE TRIED MANY TIMES AND HAD OTHERS TRY IT AS WELL SO I KNOW IT'S NOT USER ERROR. CAR ALARM GOES OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2020
AT A RENT-A-CAR FACILITY IN ABSECON, NJ, CUSTOMER RETURNED THE VEHICLE COMPLAINING THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED. CAR WAS PARKED, NO DOORS WERE AJAR (RENTAL AGENT MADE SURE OF IT), LOCKED VEHICLE, AND TRIED THE HANDLES. FOUND AFTER ONE OR TWO PUMPS ON ANY HANDLE THE VEHICLE WOULD UNLOCK ITSELF. EVEN TRIED TO LOCK WITH THE EJECT KEY IN THE FOB ITSELF AND THE SAME RESULT OCCURRED. CHECKED BACK LOG ON VEHICLE FOR KEY CODE ON THE DRIVER DOOR TO FIND NO SUCH CODE AVAILABLE. THIS MAY BE AN ELECTRICAL/FUSE ISSUE REGARDING THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS.
Other or unspecified, Jan 12, 2020
METAL SCRATCHING UNDER CAR
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.