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2018 Ford Fusion

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Fusion do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 1,109.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

188 reports with mileage · 250 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 201 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports1 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

438 reports
72,000 miles · Nov 13, 2023
Power Train

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the transmission inadvertently shifted into a lower gear. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The v…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the transmission inadvertently shifted into a lower gear. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ODI #11554873

30,000 miles · Nov 8, 2023
Back Over Prevention

The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the infotainment system screen was black. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to activate, and the screen remained black. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken …

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The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the infotainment system screen was black. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to activate, and the screen remained black. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rearview camera screen 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 30,000.

NHTSA ODI #11554162

96,000 miles · Nov 7, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined coolant intrusion had caused damages to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA ODI #11554079

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2023
EnginePower Train

I was driving and all of the sudden engine overheated and car could not drive over 10MPH during an extremely bad storm at night on the highway putting me in extreme danger if someone were to have been behind me. There were no engine lights on or warning signs of this happening and just happened out of nowhere car was driving fin…

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I was driving and all of the sudden engine overheated and car could not drive over 10MPH during an extremely bad storm at night on the highway putting me in extreme danger if someone were to have been behind me. There were no engine lights on or warning signs of this happening and just happened out of nowhere car was driving fine before it happened. Issue happened on September 26th, 2023. This is the second engine problem I have had since getting the car in 2021. Last issue was with the top half of the engine CAC/intake manifold and luckily was under warranty or would have been over $6,000. Had vehicle towed to Ford dealership and there verified a check engine light fault. P0303 active in PCM. Upon diagnosing the concern found that the head gasket is leaking into cylinder 2 and 3 due to a failed cylinder block assembly. Need to replace the short block assembly with an updated design. Was quoted $8,700 to fix the issue. I can't afford to pull that kind of money out to fix a car that isn't even 5 years old. Car is no longer under warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11550712

100,000 miles · Oct 18, 2023
Power Train

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating while driving uphill. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the gear shifter dial became firm and made i…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating while driving uphill. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the gear shifter dial became firm and made it difficult to shift the vehicle out of park(P). An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact there was no recall associated with the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11550589

69,900 miles · Oct 17, 2023
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the engine was running rough while the vehicle was idling. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated the following day. The contact stated that the failure recurred while the vehicle was idling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the engine was running rough while the vehicle was idling. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated the following day. The contact stated that the failure recurred while the vehicle was idling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine cylinders, causing the engine to misfire. The dealer related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 22-2322 and informed the contact that the short block 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 69,900.

NHTSA ODI #11550494

78,000 miles · Oct 13, 2023
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that she initially received a notice in the mail about a Customer Satisfaction Program-19B37. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the program was cleared off the vehicle. The contact then stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle …

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that she initially received a notice in the mail about a Customer Satisfaction Program-19B37. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the program was cleared off the vehicle. The contact then stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the "Service Engine" warning light appeared on the instrument panel. In addition, the vehicle would fail to start upon refueling. The contact used a code reader which determined that the purge valve was defective, and the part was replaced. Once the purge valve was replaced, the vehicle was restarted, and the code reader then showed a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact replaced the spark plugs and engine coils but then noticed moisture in the engine block. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test where the mechanic confirmed coolant intrusion in the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer reached out to the manufacturer and was informed by text that manufacturer would not assist with the repair of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37. The contact called the manufacturer herself and the manufacturer denied the program. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #11549854

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2023
Engine

I bought my 2018 Ford Fusion new and it currently has 35,000 miles on it. It began misfiring about 2 months ago, and then the check engine light came on. After a diagnostic exam, I was told the engine needed to be replaced. Luckily I was still within the warranty extension window for this particular problem, so the engine was re…

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I bought my 2018 Ford Fusion new and it currently has 35,000 miles on it. It began misfiring about 2 months ago, and then the check engine light came on. After a diagnostic exam, I was told the engine needed to be replaced. Luckily I was still within the warranty extension window for this particular problem, so the engine was replaced. However, I spent the majority of this time without my car. They were able to secure me a loaner car, but only for 3 days out of the total duration of the repair. I was stuck without my car the remainder of the time with very little communication from Ford about what was going on. When I asked if my car was still at risk of the same thing happening again, I was given a very vague answer that was not particularly reassuring.

NHTSA ODI #11549816

75,000 miles · Oct 12, 2023
Power Train

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The message " Shift Sys Fault. Service Required" was displayed. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to respond as…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The message " Shift Sys Fault. Service Required" was displayed. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A bystander assisted the contact in manually moving the transmission shifter cable bushing back into position. The contact stated vehicle then responded as needed; however, the failure recurred while driving and hitting a pothole. The transmission shifter cable bushing was manually moved back into position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the failure was related to the transmission shifter cable bushing; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact purchased the part from the dealer, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the part. The mechanic informed the contact that the repair was temporary, and that she would need to take the vehicle to dealer for an adequate repair. The dealer was contacted and stated that the earliest availability was in 3 weeks. 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 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #11549578

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2023
Engine

While driving the vehicle a light came on indicating that the "Engine compartment was overheating". The next time driving the vehicle the light was gone away and shortly later the Check Engine light came on. Took to the local dealership and they determined that their were 2 verified misfires and when they pulled the plugs using …

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While driving the vehicle a light came on indicating that the "Engine compartment was overheating". The next time driving the vehicle the light was gone away and shortly later the Check Engine light came on. Took to the local dealership and they determined that their were 2 verified misfires and when they pulled the plugs using a scope they found coolant intrusion in one of the cylinders. The recommendation per Ford is to replace the engine assembly.

NHTSA ODI #11548127

Official recalls

2

23V162000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Mar 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

18V167000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar

Mar 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

RQ22004 · Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures

Opened Aug 8, 2022 · Closed Mar 24, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak. As a result, the driver may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. It should be noted that the subject vehicles identified fell outside the scope of NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-469, which addressed front brake hoses rupturing on certain MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The result causes a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needing to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.On March 10, 2023, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted to NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-162 (Ford Recall 23S12) to address front brake jounce hoses that may rupture. Ford found the rupture occurs from a localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid due to cyclic fatigue through tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. The supplier for the front brake jounce hoses is Hitachi. This recall affects the subject vehicles equipped with non-hybrid engines and the suspect front brake jounce hoses (a total of 1,280,726 vehicles). The recall covers subject vehicles built from February 3, 2012 to July 19, 2017 when the suspect hoses were used in vehicle production. The remedy is for dealerships to replace both front brake jounce hoses with new hoses that have a revised braid material at no cost. The vehicles equipped with hybrid engines are excluded from the recall because the internal hose pressure is much lower due to the regenerative braking provided by the hybrid brake system. No failures of brake hoses on hybrid vehicles have been reported to ODI or Ford.Ford's actions address ODIs concerns at this time. Hybrid vehicles will be monitored for related failures. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by new circumstances.The 103 ODI numbers cited above can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11511014, 11510867, 11510318, 11509030, 11505993, 11504989, 11504400, 11502147, 11502082, 11501820, 11501283, 11498439, 11498296, 11496842, 11496335, 11494931, 11494851, 11494252, 11493001, 11492084, 11492070, 11491444, 11491274, 11488858, 11488027, 11487627, 11487416, 11487233, 11486150, 11484924, 11484526, 11484080, 11483948, 11483926, 11483739, 11483723, 11482773, 11482690, 11481077, 11480788, 11480294, 11480052, 11479338, 11479334, 11479252, 11479247, 11479187, 11479094, 11479048, 11478985, 11478953, 11478729, 11478216, 11476892, 11476282, 11470558, 11468994, 11467109, 11466294, 11462746, 11461217, 11456065, 11455367, 11444848, 11436419, 11436376, 11430685, 11428329, 11425083, 11421026, 11420738, 11420735, 11420298, 11418197, 11403926, 11397549, 11366991, 11366757, 11361016, 11359968, 11354569, 11352165, 11350344, 11348799, 11343929, 11343205, 11331947, 11329020, 11319596, 11310529, 11292271, 11288455, 11254787, 11253479, 11253244, 11234622, 11230669, 11230050, 11228240, 11221111, 11143630, 11129392 and 11120228.