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.
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.
Fuel system, Other, May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and driving from a complete stop, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds. The contact stated that the failure ceased while driving 40 MPH however, the failure recurred while driving below 40 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the flywheel was fractured and 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 80,000.
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.
Power train, Apr 21, 2023
Car stopped in the middle of parking lot while i was trying to park in moving traffic. I was almost hit by another car. Transmission gear was stuck, gear didn't shift, gear moved by itself to park. Car wouldnt move. Transmission hesitates and jerks while driving
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.
Wheels, Apr 18, 2023
Replacing tires for the first time in this vehicle & all lug nuts on each tire is swollen. Reached out to Ford & they advised to file a complaint as my vehicle is not recalled for this at this time but there is a recall for swollen lug nuts under 22S59
Wheels, Apr 18, 2023
The caps on the lug nuts fall off then the lug wrench does not fit, and the caps twist and now the dealer is charging me add to get then off, and usually I have to pay for some and it just happens again and again.lug nuts are 15.00 each.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start soon after refueling. Additionally, while stationary and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate or stall upon depression of accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the powertrain warning light would intermittently appear on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Mar 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(R), she was unable to shift between gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the under hood shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the mechanic for routine oil change service; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve (CPV) needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the part was replaced; however, the vehicle stalled after being refueled. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 22V413000 (Power Train). The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
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
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.
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.
Equipment, Mar 15, 2023
Android Auto is incredibly unresponsive to user input. Using a Moto G Power cell phone (~2 years old...no performance issues when not using Android Auto), the screen lags for 5-10 seconds between inputs, requiring the user to make many attempts to press the cars Ford Sync 3 Infotainment screen. This is forces the user to take their eyes off the road for way longer than is safe. The quality of Google and Android Auto is considerably worse than Ford's native Sync 3 system...frankly Android Auto is dangerous. Tried this with multiple cables, and even other phones, and in other Ford vehicles and it is just as unresponsive. I don't understand how something so unregulated (Android Auto) is permitted to be used natively in vehicles. I believe car infotainment systems are supposed to be using "Realtime OS's", and I highly doubt Android Auto is doing this.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the trunk unlatched independently. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,205.
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.
Steering, Feb 27, 2023
Steering wheel is loose and wobbly
Electrical system, Feb 23, 2023, fire
The driver reported they were driving at approximately 55 MPH and began to smell something burning. They pulled over to the left shoulder and saw the trunk on fire. The fire totally destroyed the vehicle.