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
440 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle hesitated while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that coolant was leaking into the engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Engine, Aug 19, 2023
My car overheated due to a head gasket leak, which released coolant into the piston cylinders, causing the engine to overheated, resulting in engine block damage. My car almost blow up!!!! This is a lawsuit against fords ecoboost engines. They need to pay for this fully!!
Engine, Aug 15, 2023
I usually use an automatic starter to start my car so I did not notice when starting the car that it was shaking for a good 30 seconds after starting the engine until one day I got in my car and started it normally the whole car shook for about 30 seconds then stopped and the check engine light came on. I was on my way to dinner driving on the parkway and my engine started to over heat and I could not accelerate. I pulled over and googled what to do when your dashboard says "engine coolant over temperature" , So I rolled down all the windows and blasted the heat. After ten minutes when the engine cooled off I tried to acclerate slowly and the car would not accelerate. I had to leave my car on the side of the road to let it cool down for hours, I went back to get it two hours later. Thankfully driving slowly I made it off the parkway and managed to get the car to a local shop. They informed me that the coolant had leaked into the engine causing the engine to fail and it needed to be replaced. I began looking into it and found that there was a recall on all 2014-2018 ford fusions for that exact issue. I called the dealership, and they of course tried to make it seem like it was my issue and I needed to have it towed over so they can look at it. The dealership has been absolutely no help for a faulty engine, If I didn't do research and look into the current lawsuit against the company they would have made me pay for the brand new engine $7000+. They are fixing the engine for no charge but refuse to give me a loaner car or pay for a rental car which is beyond me. I do not understand why I should come out of pocket for a rental car for two weeks when I pay for my car that I should be driving. Terrible customer service. I hope this helps anyone else having similar issues!
Engine, Aug 11, 2023
I was not informed of a recall. I started having issues with my engine about 4 months ago, it stopped on me in another city and state Montgomery, Alabama. I currently live in Pensacola, Florida. I have not been able to afford a new engine. I am a single mother on one low-income. I sent my car to a ford dealership and was told that i need a new short block on my engine due to the coolant leak. Well come to find out there was a recall that I was unaware. Now Ford will not cover my repairs at all. They stated the recall was over in November 2022. Now I contacted customer relations on Friday 8/4/2023 and was told they could fix it and I was awaiting a call from the agent that was assigned to my case and never received a call back. I called everyday three times a day for about a week for a supervisor to tell me on Thursday 8/10/2023 that the agent closed my case. I was not notified at all even after being told multiple times that customer relations would cover the repairs. All I am asking is for the car to be fixed. I would like for someone to contact me
Engine, Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact connected an OBD reader to the vehicle and retrieved a diagnostic code that indicated that cylinder #2 had misfired. The contact stated that he replaced the spark plugs himself; however, the failure recurred two days later. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the compression had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,295.
Back over prevention, Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while reversing, the back-over prevention camera went blank. The contact shifted into the drive and the screen started rebooting independently. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the instrument panel started flashing with the radio inoperable message displayed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the back-over prevention camera was not activated. The contact checked the fuse, and the fuse was properly secured. On another occasion, while the contact was reversing, the back-over prevention camera went blank, causing the contact to nearly strike a pedestrian. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that there was no recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that there was no recall associated with the failure and the contact provided information on how to reset the software. The contact stated that the software reset failed to fix the issue. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Engine, Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine started to misfire. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact stated on July 28, 2023, while driving 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH. The contact parked the vehicle because the vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,669.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 31, 2023
The contact’s son owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. Additionally, the mileage had exceeded any extended warranty coverage. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who after 3 days diagnosed and determined there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact spoke with the dealer and was informed that the failure was a known issue; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
Engine, Jul 31, 2023
In July 2023 my vehicle started to display a shudder upon start up. The check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to my local mechanic who informed me that there was a cylinder 1 misfire. The spark plugs were replaced. Approximately one week later the engine light came on and I took the car to the local mechanic.. The mechanic said cylinder 1 was again misfiring. The mechanic examined the engine and determined that the newly installed spark plugs were corroded due to engine coolant leaks. I was advised that Ford Motors issued TSB 22-2133 for this problem recommending an engine replacement. I took the car to the local Ford dealership for a diagnosis. The dealership informed me that the engine coolant was empty and that the engine needed to be replaced and cited the TSB. Research showed that Ford Motors has known of this problem affecting the 2.0L EcoBoost engine for many years but has not taken steps to discontinue manufacture of the type of engine affected and continued to use it in other models and year vehicles. The sudden loss of engine coolant and resulting catastrophic engine loss is a serious safety issue where a vehicle, if continued to be driven, could overheat, catch fire or cause a serious accident if occurring on a highway at speed. Ford Motors should issue a recall of this engine and replace them in all affected vehicles. Presently, Ford will only replace the engine if after the problems occur and at the consumer's expense. Ford knowingly manufactured, used, and sold defective engines in many model year vehicles risking customer safety and causing consumers financial hardships to correct the problems with no guarantee that the problems will not reoccur.
Suspension, Jul 29, 2023, crash
my vehicle axel and suspension broke while driving vehicle hit driver side curb while in turning left lane at the intersection during the green light to avoid another vehicle driving unsafe. Hitting a curb should not have cause vehicle axel and suspension to collapse. This could have caused major accident because vehicle behind me could have ran into the rear end of my vehicle while in the turning. Also particles were falling from underneath the vehicle while trying to get vehicle over to the far right lane out of the way of other vehicles.
Power train, Engine, Jul 27, 2023
Bushing that controls the shift gear pops out I am aware that other fords have a recall for this yet this one is absent from your list
Engine, Jul 24, 2023
I purchased a 2018 Fusion in January with 118k miles. 6 months later the engine light came on sometimes it wouldn’t start. Misfires can cause fires and it was absolutely chugging gas. Took it to ford they diagnosed coolant intrusion and said I need the new updated cylinder block. Wasn’t covered under my extended power train warranty I had with the car and it was almost a $9000 fix. I’ve got a lemon on my credit now and ford needs to recall or compensate to this asap
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light remained illuminated with the engine temperature gauge showing that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Power train, Jul 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions while shifted into gear, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the parking brake warning light flashed and remained illuminated. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact stated that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Engine, Jul 5, 2023
Engine stalling while driving and stopped, excessive coolant consumption, hard start, white smoke from exhaust. My vehicle has stalled while driving on the highway at 70mph with my 7 year old child in the car with me, my vehicle has also stalled while sitting at a red light or stop sign, this puts myself, my passengers and other vehicle at risk of an accident. I called the dealership today to inquire about my issues and was told there was a FORD customer satisfaction report that was put out on the issues I was having, I Googled the issue and found the 21N12 or 19B37 which expired in November 20, 2022 or 84, 000 miles. The dealership suggested I reach out to Ford. I did this today (7/5/23) spoke with CSR Jerrica who stated there was nothing they could do. I never received the notice regarding this issue and also was told they use a 3rd party to send those out. My engine light came on over the weekend along with the wrench light. I have mentioned the stalling to the FORD dealer previously who stated there were no lights on and could not get the car to recreate the stalling so nothing was mentioned or done. They are now saying since I have issues this falls under the expired customer satisfaction they issued.
Engine, Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact self-inspected the vehicle and noticed that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Southfork Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (17725 South Fwy, Manvel, TX 77578); however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 59,860.
Engine, Jun 6, 2023
Radiator failure. Causing engine to shut down. Check engine light appears.
Power train, Jun 6, 2023
Overheating message displaying. For safety the car has a low power mode and it activates. Let’s vehicle sit for 20 mins. Adding coolant lifted the hood container appeared to be empty. Purchasing the ORANGE! coolant auto zone suggested. Added and started vehicle LOAD noises and car overheated again after 1 min. Paid my extended warranty silverrock for diagnostic so many times because this car have been nothing but issues but this overheating issue and belt situation is on going. The gauge isn’t holding pressure. Takes to shop everytime and maintains maintenance. I can provided all documents from the shop visits. My car is safe according to everyone else but I don’t feel safe I’m paying for a car that barely works. It’s always in the shop. Not fair.
Power train, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while parking, the vehicle failed to shift to the drive position. The contact opened the hood and pushed the cap back on the bushing. While driving, at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled. There were no warring lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer where it was diagnosed transmission bushing cap detached. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who provided case CAS-43077151-Q4R8H4. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Wheels, May 30, 2023
lug nuts are swollen and lug nut wrench does not fit on lug nuts. Had to get special tool to remove flat tire and replace lug nuts
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.
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.
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, May 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions, multiple attempts were needed to shift the gear shifter out of park(P) after starting the vehicle. The wrench warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle had not yet been taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.