2018 Ford Fusion: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 500 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (36% of complaints); the 2020 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 9 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Mar 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 500 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 have to stop on the side of the road. When I'm driving with my heat on the heat will go cold when I slow down. If I'm not going over 3x1,000 RPMs it will go cold and fluctuate. This has been going on for months now.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2026
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2026
“The electric power steering went out and locked my steering cannot figure out why and traction control light on and service light”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2026
“The air bags did not deploy on the front passenger side after a two car accident. There was an injury to the passenger of the car. Vehicle was inspected by police and there were no warning signs”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2026
“There is a known coolant intrusion into the engine that caused the engine to suddenly only go to a certain speed while on the freeway. It could have caused an accident on the freeway by suddenly going at such a slow speed. It is now found out that the problem is known by Ford and is part of a technical service bulletin, but no recall has been issued on this known problem. The TSB associated are 19-2139, 19-2375, 20-2100. By not making this a recall, Ford is knowingly putting lives at risk with potential sudden loss of speed in these engines. It is lucky this was late at night when not many cars were on the road.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
“I own a 2018 Ford Fusion EcoBoost. I purchase it in 2021 with 11K miles on it. Today it has 34K miles and the engine block developed a crack. Through my research and my Ford dealer, I've discovered this issue is a known issue with the 1.5 and 2.5 litre engines in the Fusion. My repair bill would be just about 7K. ”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
“There is a recall for the transmission cable bushings for years 2013-2106. The recall came out in 2022. This same bushing is used in the 2018 ford fusion model that was not fixed. The bushing on my vehicle which is a 2018 complete failed while I was driving and left me immobile until I searched for a fix and found the bushing completely gone. Ford Escape: Model years 2013-2019, Ford C-Max: Model years 2013-2018; Ford Fusion: Model years 2013-2016; Ford Transit Connect: Model years 2013-2021; Ford Edge: Model years 2015-2018. Each model besides the fusion went past the 2018 model in which the 2018 fusion should be apart of”Owner report · Power Train · May 2026
“When I put my car in drive it locked up on me & kept reversing all the way back to park the car would not move no matter what gear it was in it was just locked. I had to have the car towed.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 17 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
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.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2018 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Fusion years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Fusion by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Ford Fusion reliable?
NHTSA has 500 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Ford Fusion. The most complained-about area is engine (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Fusion problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 90,000 miles or less.
Does the 2018 Ford Fusion have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.