2018 Ford Fusion problems, complaints & recalls

2018 Ford Fusion recalls (2)

• Recall 23V162000Mar 10, 20231,280,726 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 18V167000Mar 12, 20181,301,986 vehicles
  STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

  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.

  Risk: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

• RQ22004Opened Aug 8, 2022Closed Mar 24, 2023led to recall 23V162000

  Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures

  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 rupturin…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

Recent 2018 Ford Fusion complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Oct 5, 2026FLEngine

   My 2018 Ford Fusion suffered a sudden and complete engine failure caused by internal coolant intrusion — coolant leaking into the cylinders and destroying the engine. Pep Boys diagnosed that the failure developed internally over time and could not have been avoided by the owner. This is a known Ford factory defect in the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, documented in Ford's own publications (SSM 47204, SSM 47462, TSB 19-2346, TSB 22-2229), all of which cover the 2018 Fusion. The root…

   NHTSA complaint #11768910 · source
2. Filed Sep 30, 2026NCEngine

   Capital Ford of Wilmington diagnosed my vehicle with coolant intrusion into cylinder 2, accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes P0302 and P0316, after check engine light came on. I have been advised that the vehicle requires a complete engine replacement, with an estimated cost of $13,180.89. The vehicle has experienced sputtering and hesitation, creating concern that it could lose power or stall. These symptoms are concerning. After researching this issue, I have learned…

   NHTSA complaint #11768079 · source
3. Filed Sep 25, 2026OHEngine

   My 2018 Ford Fusion Titanium FWD (VIN: [XXX]) suffered a catastrophic engine failure while driving, causing sudden vehicle overheating, severe engine misfires, and a dangerous loss of power on the roadway.A certified Ford dealership inspection (Invoice #XXX) confirmed that the vehicle has a textbook manufacturing flaw known as EcoBoost coolant intrusion. A pressure test showed an immediate 5 PSI drop within 10 minutes, and a borescope confirmed that engine coolant is…

   NHTSA complaint #11766837 · source
4. Filed Sep 20, 2026KYEngine

   My engine coolant keeps on overheating, I’ve tried changing the antifreeze tank out for a brand new one and it helped the issue for a while but I have to relieve the pressure myself which is a hazard. I’ve had to change the coolant in the tank more than 5 times and it just seems like it’s leaking somewhere other than going into the engine to cool it. When I go out roundabouts off a highway the engine overheats and makes the car go into a safe mode where it won’t go and I…

   NHTSA complaint #11765677 · source
5. Filed Sep 9, 2026MNTransmission & Drivetrain

   Got home and vehicle would not go into park. I can get it to drive but its only low range. Upon having it inspected, it was discovered the shift cable bushing at the transmission lever was missing.

   NHTSA complaint #11763218 · source
6. Filed Sep 2, 2026122,000 miMIEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming antifreeze. The ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic associated the failure with the engine. The vehicle was taken to a…

   NHTSA complaint #11761524 · source
7. Filed Aug 26, 2026NJEngine

   We have coolant intrusion in cylinder 2 of our engine. This can cause highway failure of engine cuts out, car runs rough and it can become a fire hazard. We paid for a diagnostics through a ford dealer. Who we uses all the time for our warranty needs. We noticed car was starting to run rough and check engine light came on 8/5/26

   NHTSA complaint #11759853 · source
8. Filed Aug 25, 2026DEEngine

   my 2018 ford fusion has catastrophic engine failure. Engine stuttering and misfires with check engine light. Low coolant levels with no visible puddles under the car. Engine overheating, could possibly catch fire. Car recently had a tuneup was told no issues at the time. Failure mileage at 109,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11759398 · source

Compare the 2018 Ford Fusion with another vehicle →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology