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.
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.
Engine, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started hesitating. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #2, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB: 20-2100 (Coolant in Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke, And/or Illuminated MIL); however, the VIN was not included in the service bulletin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the TSB. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the vehicle was overheating, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into various cylinders had resulted in damage to 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. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 103,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the engine was misfiring with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The size of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe had increased over time. The “WRENCH” warning light remained illuminated. The check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was hesitating while attempting to start. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine block had coolant intrusion in two cylinders and was causing the misfire. The contact replaced the coils and spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The contact became aware of NHTSA ID Number: 10213732 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which was linked to the failure. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included due to the mileage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under the NHTSA ID Number. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Power train, Jan 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. The service vehicle message was displayed. There was a highlighted rectangle displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P0218/P177S was retrieved, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Academy Ford Sales (13401 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20707); where it was diagnosed that the transmission, intermittent clutch, and shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with coolant leak into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a complaint. The vehicle remained at residence unrepaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Engine, Jan 9, 2025
Engine overheated multiple times during high speed/high traffic situations due to a design flaw within the engine. Ford was aware of these issues in this engine for years and still knowingly sold them to American consumers, myself included. This is wrong and erodes the trust myself and others have in the American auto industry.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 8, 2025
The contact's son owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact's son stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and white smoke emitted from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions and the coolant level was abnormally low. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Jan 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, and the transmission failed to shift into third gear. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,433.
Engine, Dec 26, 2024
The car was taken to the repair shop due to reduced speed and shaking. The repair shop mentioned that a bulletin for the car indicated that coolant could leak into the engine. They reported that the coolant had indeed leaked onto the engine, causing the gasket to blow. The dealer was contacted and was informed that it was an extended warranty of up to 84000/ 7 years. so I was referred to NHTSA Case S3H0j5
Steering, Dec 24, 2024
Shift system fault
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Engine, Nov 24, 2024
During traffic on the highway, my car had a slight rumble to it but no warning lights were on and there were no weird sounds or smells coming from my car. After I cleared the traffic, the rumbling dissipated but as I accelerated my check engine light turned on and began flashing. I immediately exited and pulled over. After popping my hood, it smelled of burnt oil and the entire engine bay looked like it had been misted with oil. Auto shop scanned the engine light and said I had a cylinder 2 misfire. Another auto shop had said my engine was out of commission and I’d need a new one.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 21, 2024
EVAP system leak. Vapor leak causes car to not start after putting gas in the tank. It takes several tries before the car starts up. Engine light stays on which causes car fob not to auto start.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Nov 20, 2024
While waiting at a red traffic light in drive and on a slight incline, engine shut off by itself and car started rolling backward with my foot on the brake pedal. The pedal felt harder than normal to push but didn't stop the car. A car stopped behind me was put at risk of impact with the rear of my vehicle. I could see I was getting closer and closer to hitting the other car. As this was happening, i pushed the start button and managed to restart the engine and put it in drive to pull away just before impact. Problem hasn't been reproduced by anyone. Vehicle or components haven't been inspected by anyone. No warning light lamps or other symptoms of the problem prior or during remaining drive home. I don't know if this is related but the car does have a random no start symptom due to a battery discharge condition while parked overnight. This happens very rarely and is not reproducible when the battery is charged. Ford has a TSB ref.17-2192 on this failure that is applicable to my VIN but they will not cover it since my car is out of warranty (Time and 73K miles). The dealer further stated that there is no guarantee that this re-programming of the PCM will fix the problem. The Ford dealer gave me an estimate of $214 for the re-programming of the PCM and it does not include a new battery if it needs it. I have an appointment to get it done on 11/22/24 but I'm reluctant to pay for something that may not fix the parasitic PCM draw on the battery. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Power train, Nov 16, 2024
Transmission issues, I had my transmission replaced right out of warranty so Ford assisted 4 grand to assist the repair because the dealership took a mmtj to get my car in, i didn't know it was going to go over the trade in program replacements in miles. The car shifts weird, in drive the vehicle acts as if it was put in neutral randomly and it jerks you hard into gear throwing you and passengers into the back of the seat a,pay got hit two times it also when you start the car, put it in drive it throws it's self back into park then you put it back into drive or reverse and it grooms and goes as if I'm accelerating which i got hit once backing out of a sppt because of this i hagea friend who has the same issues why is theee not a recall on their ford fusions or them getting sued????
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering significantly and the engine overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving at 20 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a coolant intrusion in the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 and TSB Number: 22-2134. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced rough idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the spark plugs were replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the fuel injector in cylinder #3 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to Terrebonne Ford (339 St Charles St, Houma, LA 70360), where it was determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine, Nov 5, 2024
On [XXX], My car began attempting to overheat. This caused me to stop, and park the car until it cooled down, multiple times. (Unsafe) All of my fluids have been filled and checked occasionally prior to this. After multiple roadside trips, I presented my car to AutoNation FORD which is located on Philips Highway in Jacksonville, Florida. An inspection was performed on my vehicle over the weekend which proved my car in fact has a coolant intrusion which is the Latest Recall for the Ford Model. The dealership informed me that my car does not qualify under the recall due to the mileage of the vehicle which is currently 130k. This seems so unfair because I did not do anything wrong that led to this. I am unable to drive my car a mile or 2 without it trying to overheat. This is a risk and I do not feel safe operating this vehicle. It was also very displeasing hearing that operating the unsafe vehicle is my only other alternative besides coming out of pocket with 14k. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak in the engine and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine and the cylinders needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed of an Extended Warranty Program; however, the contact was informed that the mileage had been exceeded by 9,000 miles. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the extended warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,451.
Engine, Oct 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was driving rough. In addition, the contact noticed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of coolant. The failure progressed, and the engine started overheating. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a cracked engine and coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided no assistance. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 22-2134; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the program. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,800.
Power train, Oct 29, 2024
The vehicle started jerking violently out of nowhere while being driven only 35 MPH. It immediately became unsafe and unable to be driven without any warning whatsoever. No lights on the dash or anything leading up to this issue. After being diagnosed we were told the transmission needs to be completely replaced. Also after doing some research we have discovered that this is a well known issue with this vehicle that has not been addressed with this year model, but was with previous model years.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the message "Coolant Temperature Overtemperature" was displayed, causing the vehicle to decelerate. The contact stated that another message advising that the engine power was reduced, and to pull to the side of the road was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road and checked the coolant level. The contact noticed that the coolant was overheating and leaking. The contact added coolant to the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine was misfiring on cold starts. A message advising to service the engine soon was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine, and the dealer determined that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 due to the mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Engine, Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the "Engine Overheated Idle Engine" message was displayed on the instrumental panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 102,405.
Power train, Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after her son had placed the vehicle into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond when shifted into drive(D). The contact stated that the WRENCH (Transmission) warning symbol appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the shifter cable bushing and the shifter cable bushing cap needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NTHSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.