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 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled occasionally and returned to normal operation once the contact had turned off and restarted the vehicle. In addition, there was smoke coming from the tailpipes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was drivable and was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak, and the mechanic suggested that the vehicle be taken to a Ford dealer. The vehicle was towed to a Ford dealer where it was confirmed that there was a coolant intrusion into the cylinder head gasket. 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 for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the message "Turn Engine Off" was displayed, and the engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine had overheated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The contact was advised that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Engine, Aug 13, 2024
My Vin # is: [XXX] and matches TSB 22-2322 // Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 by all written criteria. My vehicle is exhibiting the exact symptoms as coolant leaking into cylinder bore (#3 in my situation). When I called my local Ford dealership and Ford Corporate office, they told me that my vehicle doesn't fall under that coverage, but couldn't tell me why. My make/model/year/manufacturer date/location/engine, etc. all match what is written in the TSB/CSP. If Ford states that my vehicle doesn't qualify for this program, I need an exact/specific explanation as to why my vehicle doesn't qualify for this TSB/CSP. Nobody can tell me and I keep getting the run around. This is unethical as everything written matches my vehicle and situation but I am being denied coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 11, 2024
I drive a 2018 Ford fusion ecoboost. It started with a misfire on cylinder 4 and in that same week the engine started to over heat. Had the spark plugs replaced. Upon checking and monitoring coolant levels noticed I was losing coolant. Wasn't having any puddles in the driveway and no visible leaks under the hood. After few trips to work and home the engine would overheat and my work is less than 2 miles from my home. Started to quickly get worse, more codes popping up on my fixt obd2 scanner. From po304, PO300, PO303, B124D, PO313, PO316, PO317.
Engine, Aug 9, 2024
My fusion has been acting up lately. Everytime I turn on the car In the morning it sounds super rough and it shakes more than usual. I have to fill the coolant every once in a while because the car just eats the coolant up. I took it to a ford dealership to make sure there are no leaks but there weren’t. Car seems to have coolant intrusion by the amount of times I need to re fill coolant. I have attached picture of coolant always below minimum line.
Engine, Aug 7, 2024
I took my vehicle into a Ford dealership due to having a engine code of P0302 for engine misfire 8/3/24.Received a call from the dealership stating that I have coolant intrusion in cylinder 2 and has caused catastrophic engine failure.It has never been stated that there had been 2 previous recalls for this issue at any time while owning this vehicle.I called the Ford dealer that I recently had my oil changed at and asked if there was any notes on any issues or concerns when my oil was changed and was told no but there was a recall on the vehicle for this exact issue but it had expired.The dealership stated a new motor is needed costing $5,600 for a short block or $8,600 for a long block.I called Ford Customer Care and was told that with this being an ongoing issue to report it. I am at a loss after reading how many people have had this issue and Ford knowingly has had 2 recalls on it but people are still having to pay for a new engine because of the mileage on their vehicles at engine failure due to the boring between the cylinders causing the head gasket to fail. My car has a little over 135k miles and the previous recall stopped at 85k miles.I don't have an extended warranty and that would be the only way at this point that Ford would cover the expense.When buying a vehicle from a trusted company and then not being notified of an actual recall by Ford or even from the dealerships when being serviced if you aren't having that specific issue I don't think that is ethical or making sure their customers are safe.It puts not only my family but others at risk that have the same engine which can cause engine fires,failure while driving and money out of pocket that shouldn't have to be paid because of a known issue that currently has a pending class action lawsuit over.Ford needs to stand by their customers and reinstate this recall to include higher mileage cutoffs to make things right for all customers with the same manufacturer defect even if it takes longer to comeup
Power train, Engine, Aug 5, 2024
Originally, the car had Cylinder 2 misfire followed by the engine overheating. No crash, thankfully. have had this car for approximately 2 years, and put less than 30,000 miles on it. I took the car to Kings Ford Services where they discovered the engine block had been miscast resulting in engine coolant to enter cylinders 2 and 4, thus killing the engine. Spoke with Eric Hutton, Service Advisor Kings Ford Inc, (513)-683-0220 ext. 219, who said he has seen this happen multiple times with Ford Fusions and that the 1.5L has been recalled, but not the 2.0L which my car has. Per Kings Ford Repair Receipt: "Inspected the engine base part number to confirm it I'd 206 then with the engine at normal operating temperature, pressurized the cooling system to 20 PSI FOR 5 hours and the pressure dropped more than 4 PSK. Removed the spark plugs, used a borescope and found coolant has entered the cylinders. Removed the engine and replaced the long block assembly using all of the approved Ford gasket removers, parts cleaners, shampoo and metal surface prep wipes to clean all related mating surfaces per the workshop service manual. Also replaced all other related seals, gaskets, and non reusable hardware and reinstalled all components Removed for repairs in the reverse order of removal. Evachated, pulled system into vacuum, and recharged thr air conditioning system to service the engine assembly." I called Beechmont Ford who filed a claim with my warranty, but the warranty refused to aid and gave many excuses that were not true to the problem such as "it was a gasket issue not an engine" despite Mr. Hutton telling them multiple times it was the engine. I found out later their excuses were just that as Ford Inc. said the warranty expired within a year of having the car. They also had heard of this happening before, as well. Ford Inc. who was willing to pay a portion of the bill, $5,000, despite it being a manufacturing issue. Car was fixed and returned to me on 08/01/2024.
Engine, Aug 2, 2024
While driving car started misfiring like crazy out the blue and losing power leaving me stranded by the road in the heat. Come to find out it has coolant intrusion. I have 2018 ford fusion. Luckily it didn't catch on fire but ford is aware of this problem and continues to do nothing.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated whenever cold starting the vehicle, the vehicle idled rough. 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 determined that coolant had leaked into the engine block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer that the vehicle was no longer under warranty coverage under recall: 21N12 - Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinder (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,080.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jerked, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After pulling over, the contact observed that the vehicle was idling rough and turned off the vehicle. Upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle initially failed to start and required a jump start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who observed coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the long block 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 102,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started and idling, there was white smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact inspected the vehicle; however, no visible fluid leaks were noticed. The vehicle then stalled, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was not available.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 11, 2024
My vehicle has an engine defect from the manufacturer Ford. I was told it is a coolant intrusion from the original design of the head of the vehicle engine. I have had it inspected by Bell ford in AZ however, they will not take responsibility of the defect and saying I am liable for repair. I am confused if it’s a defect in a design from a manufacturer how I am responsible for such said repair the check engine light came on, and I took it in for a diagnosis, no prior issues to the vehicle whatsoever ability wise I’ve contacted customer service and they said there is nothing they can do to contact you guys
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 2024
Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 1.5L EcoBoost for Ford Fusion vehicles built on or before June 10, 2019 may indicate low coolant levels, white exhaust smoke, or rough running conditions Myself and a few of my relatives and friends who have the same vehicle have experienced this and yet no recall was issued when I looked it up by vin . I have called the hotline number several times and have got ahold of no one . I have been on the phone up to an hour each time . I would like someone to contact me pertaining to this I have documentation from dealer in regards of issue. I have sent a letter to ford company pertaining to this and also have foster legal assistance to how I can proceed with getting issue fixed .
Power train, Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the flex plate. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 22N12. 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 116,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while starting the vehicle, with cloud of white exhaust smoke coming from the tailpipe intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into the engine, 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 it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an alarm for the coolant temperature being elevated. The contact pulled over and turned off the air conditioner and the vehicle. The engine cooled off while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that coolant was leaking into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but there were no recalls for the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Engine, Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced two years after purchasing the vehicle brand new. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and was significantly sluggish while the RPMs were significantly elevated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal. The power train and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while shifting to reverse(R), a message indicating that the transmission was in reverse(R) was displayed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed 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 79,225.
Engine, Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was sputtering, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to coolant intrusion 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 but provided no assistance. The contact was informed the vehicle has experienced the failure listed in Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37 and 21N12. However, the Customer Satisfaction Programs had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Power train, Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to shift between gear. The contact also stated that the vehicle automatically shifted into neutral and rolled backwards. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the transmission shift cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a safe location and the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to a coolant leak. 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 a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not eligible to be covered under TSB: 22-2333. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,891.
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failure with the spark plugs. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. While the mechanic attempted to replace the spark plugs, the contact was informed that the spark plugs fuse had detached and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 119,107.
Engine, May 31, 2024
2018 Ford Fusion 2.0L ecoboost engine coolant intrusion issue at around 76000 miles. Took to dealer today to check for needing constant coolant topoffs and rough idle and check engine light. Dealer diagnosed as coolant intrusion in cylinders and into the engine, asked for full engine replacement (long block) at $7200 + tax bill. I called Ford customer service, they said no recall or customer satisfaction program to get a discount on the repair bill. Very disappointed at Ford quality, a whole engine replacement needed at less than 80k miles on a well maintained car. Requesting NHTSA to force Ford to issue a recall and cover the repairs since its a wide spread issue.
Engine, May 31, 2024
Losing coolant in the engine. No apparent leaks on ground or around engine. Rough running when first started but smoothed out after a few miles. Engine overheats if close watch isn't done on the coolant reservoir. I am worried the engine may catch fire if it gets too hot. Taken to mechanic who could not repair. Codes found P 3002 & P1299.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a failed EVAP purge system. The contact was informed that the EVAP purge system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the fuel tank made a vibrating sound before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart immediately. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted after several attempts. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 21, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle; there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact then stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the coolant and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test showed that there was coolant intrusion into one of the cylinders. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact provided the same information. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.