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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
Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2023
Engine

I usually use an automatic starter to start my car so I did not notice when starting the car that it was shaking for a good 30 seconds after starting the engine until one day I got in my car and started it normally the whole car shook for about 30 seconds then stopped and the check engine light came on. I was on my way to dinner…

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I usually use an automatic starter to start my car so I did not notice when starting the car that it was shaking for a good 30 seconds after starting the engine until one day I got in my car and started it normally the whole car shook for about 30 seconds then stopped and the check engine light came on. I was on my way to dinner driving on the parkway and my engine started to over heat and I could not accelerate. I pulled over and googled what to do when your dashboard says "engine coolant over temperature" , So I rolled down all the windows and blasted the heat. After ten minutes when the engine cooled off I tried to acclerate slowly and the car would not accelerate. I had to leave my car on the side of the road to let it cool down for hours, I went back to get it two hours later. Thankfully driving slowly I made it off the parkway and managed to get the car to a local shop. They informed me that the coolant had leaked into the engine causing the engine to fail and it needed to be replaced. I began looking into it and found that there was a recall on all 2014-2018 ford fusions for that exact issue. I called the dealership, and they of course tried to make it seem like it was my issue and I needed to have it towed over so they can look at it. The dealership has been absolutely no help for a faulty engine, If I didn't do research and look into the current lawsuit against the company they would have made me pay for the brand new engine $7000+. They are fixing the engine for no charge but refuse to give me a loaner car or pay for a rental car which is beyond me. I do not understand why I should come out of pocket for a rental car for two weeks when I pay for my car that I should be driving. Terrible customer service. I hope this helps anyone else having similar issues!

NHTSA ODI #11538608

100,568 miles · Aug 11, 2023
Engine

I was not informed of a recall. I started having issues with my engine about 4 months ago, it stopped on me in another city and state Montgomery, Alabama. I currently live in Pensacola, Florida. I have not been able to afford a new engine. I am a single mother on one low-income. I sent my car to a ford dealership and was told th…

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I was not informed of a recall. I started having issues with my engine about 4 months ago, it stopped on me in another city and state Montgomery, Alabama. I currently live in Pensacola, Florida. I have not been able to afford a new engine. I am a single mother on one low-income. I sent my car to a ford dealership and was told that i need a new short block on my engine due to the coolant leak. Well come to find out there was a recall that I was unaware. Now Ford will not cover my repairs at all. They stated the recall was over in November 2022. Now I contacted customer relations on Friday 8/4/2023 and was told they could fix it and I was awaiting a call from the agent that was assigned to my case and never received a call back. I called everyday three times a day for about a week for a supervisor to tell me on Thursday 8/10/2023 that the agent closed my case. I was not notified at all even after being told multiple times that customer relations would cover the repairs. All I am asking is for the car to be fixed. I would like for someone to contact me

NHTSA ODI #11537847

116,295 miles · Aug 3, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact connected an OBD reader to the vehicle and retrieved a diagnostic code t…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact connected an OBD reader to the vehicle and retrieved a diagnostic code that indicated that cylinder #2 had misfired. The contact stated that he replaced the spark plugs himself; however, the failure recurred two days later. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the compression had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,295.

NHTSA ODI #11536201

68,000 miles · Aug 1, 2023
Back Over Prevention

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while reversing, the back-over prevention camera went blank. The contact shifted into the drive and the screen started rebooting independently. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the instrument panel started flashing with the radio inopera…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while reversing, the back-over prevention camera went blank. The contact shifted into the drive and the screen started rebooting independently. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the instrument panel started flashing with the radio inoperable message displayed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the back-over prevention camera was not activated. The contact checked the fuse, and the fuse was properly secured. On another occasion, while the contact was reversing, the back-over prevention camera went blank, causing the contact to nearly strike a pedestrian. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that there was no recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that there was no recall associated with the failure and the contact provided information on how to reset the software. The contact stated that the software reset failed to fix the issue. The failure mileage was 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #11535722

105,669 miles · Jul 31, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine started to misfire. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact stated on July 28, 2023, while driv…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine started to misfire. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact stated on July 28, 2023, while driving 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH. The contact parked the vehicle because the vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,669.

NHTSA ODI #11535574

129,000 miles · Jul 31, 2023
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact’s son owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that coola…

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The contact’s son owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. Additionally, the mileage had exceeded any extended warranty coverage. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

NHTSA ODI #11535491

127,000 miles · Jul 31, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who after 3 days diagnosed and determined there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was …

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who after 3 days diagnosed and determined there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact spoke with the dealer and was informed that the failure was a known issue; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

NHTSA ODI #11535488

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2023
Engine

In July 2023 my vehicle started to display a shudder upon start up. The check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to my local mechanic who informed me that there was a cylinder 1 misfire. The spark plugs were replaced. Approximately one week later the engine light came on and I took the car to the local mechanic.. The…

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In July 2023 my vehicle started to display a shudder upon start up. The check engine light came on. I took the vehicle to my local mechanic who informed me that there was a cylinder 1 misfire. The spark plugs were replaced. Approximately one week later the engine light came on and I took the car to the local mechanic.. The mechanic said cylinder 1 was again misfiring. The mechanic examined the engine and determined that the newly installed spark plugs were corroded due to engine coolant leaks. I was advised that Ford Motors issued TSB 22-2133 for this problem recommending an engine replacement. I took the car to the local Ford dealership for a diagnosis. The dealership informed me that the engine coolant was empty and that the engine needed to be replaced and cited the TSB. Research showed that Ford Motors has known of this problem affecting the 2.0L EcoBoost engine for many years but has not taken steps to discontinue manufacture of the type of engine affected and continued to use it in other models and year vehicles. The sudden loss of engine coolant and resulting catastrophic engine loss is a serious safety issue where a vehicle, if continued to be driven, could overheat, catch fire or cause a serious accident if occurring on a highway at speed. Ford Motors should issue a recall of this engine and replace them in all affected vehicles. Presently, Ford will only replace the engine if after the problems occur and at the consumer's expense. Ford knowingly manufactured, used, and sold defective engines in many model year vehicles risking customer safety and causing consumers financial hardships to correct the problems with no guarantee that the problems will not reoccur.

NHTSA ODI #11535419

Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2023
SuspensionCrash

my vehicle axel and suspension broke while driving vehicle hit driver side curb while in turning left lane at the intersection during the green light to avoid another vehicle driving unsafe. Hitting a curb should not have cause vehicle axel and suspension to collapse. This could have caused major accident because vehicle behind …

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my vehicle axel and suspension broke while driving vehicle hit driver side curb while in turning left lane at the intersection during the green light to avoid another vehicle driving unsafe. Hitting a curb should not have cause vehicle axel and suspension to collapse. This could have caused major accident because vehicle behind me could have ran into the rear end of my vehicle while in the turning. Also particles were falling from underneath the vehicle while trying to get vehicle over to the far right lane out of the way of other vehicles.

NHTSA ODI #11535195

Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2023
EnginePower Train

Bushing that controls the shift gear pops out I am aware that other fords have a recall for this yet this one is absent from your list

NHTSA ODI #11534798

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.