2018 Ford Fusion

The engine cooling system and engine block failed due to coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. This issue has been diagnosed by an independent mechanic and is available for inspection upon request. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an independent service center, which diagnosed coolant intrusion into the engine block, a known issue on this engine. The shop recommended full engine replacement and stated this is a common failure in this vehicle. Not yet by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The issue has only been inspected by a certified independent mechanic. Yes, a check engine light appeared along with a coolant temperature warning message. The vehicle also began to idle roughly, produce heavy exhaust, and consume coolant. These symptoms began appearing shortly before diagnosis in June 2025. I own a 2018 Ford Fusion with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle recently began experiencing coolant loss, heavy exhaust, and check engine alerts. A certified mechanic confirmed that coolant has intruded into the engine block, causing internal misfires and risk of major engine failure. I was told this is a common and well-documented issue with this engine design, yet there has been no official recall from Ford despite similar problems affecting other models (referenced in Ford TSB 19-2208). The mechanic has recommended a full engine replacement with an estimated cost of $13,000. This is a serious safety concern, as the engine can overheat, stall, or seize while driving.

2018 fusion AWD Titanium, less than 70,000 miles, no warning, no reason. Driving 70mph on interstate when low coolant light comes on, check engine light comes on, car starts losing power and running rough, finally full stall in middle of freeway with catastrophic engine failure due to coolant leak and faulty design. Car was not low on any fluids as they were checked everyday before it was driven. This could have gotten me and my children killed and quite frankly I dont know how it didn't. I bought this car with 44k miles on it. Drove it less than 30k miles and had catastrophic engine failure. This was AFTER I had it in the shop several times for crank shaft position sensor, wouldn't start, and several other problems. The car was taken care of and in immaculate condition. Ford knew these engines would fail prematurely and continued to manufacture them and sell them.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted, and the contact stated that the steering wheel was loose while operating the vehicle. The contact stated that the traction control warning light flashed on the instrument panel during one of the failures. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure of the vehicle. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust, and the engine was running abnormally rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #1, 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. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

My vehicle has had the check engine light come on intermittently. I took a look under the hood to see if I could spot any issues. The only issue seen was the coolant level was low. After refilling the coolant and a short time driving, perhaps 50-60 miles, the light went out. Then the light came back on a couple days later. Without making any changes the light went out a couple days later. It has done this several times and I thought it may be a faulty sensor or something. I have recently taken it to the dealership for a tune-up, emissions test, multipoint inspection and a transmission flush. I informed the service person that the check engine light will come on and go out and the only thing I have done to the vehicle was add coolant. He suggested the complimentary diagnostic to further identify the issue. During the diagnostic process the auto tech discovered that the coolant has been leaking into the number 2 cylinder. This is the reason for both the fluid loss and the check engine light. From my understanding this is a known issue with my vehicles engine type and has been for some time now. The only fix is to replace the engine. My overall issue is that the safety light (CEL) will say that there is an issue and then it goes away signifying the issue is resolved. The potential hazards of this could possibly lead to an individual unknowingly putting themselves and others at risk with an engine that is prepped for failure. An engine that could overheat, catch fire, throw a rod, or simply lose power in a very dangerous location. For example the freeway, a bridge with heavy traffic, or on train tracks…etc. I believe the risk of failure and potential to lose a life should be considered heavily against the cost of a recall. I don’t believe during the buying process it has ever been disclosed that this specific engine is prone to this problem. I know I would not have made my purchase knowing the engine would need to be replaced within the first 10 years of ownership.