2018 Ford Fusion problems

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The Ford Fusion is a mid-size car that was manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. From the 2006 through 2020 model years, two generations of the Fusion have been produced in gasoline, gas/electric hybrid, and gas/plug-in electric hybrid variants. The Fusion was manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly plant in Sonora, Mexico, alongside the Lincoln MKZ, and formerly the Mercury Milan, both of which share its CD3 platform.

Production on the first Fusions began on August 1, 2005. The Fusion replaced the Mondeo for the Latin American markets—except in Argentina (where the current European Mondeo is available) and in the United States and Canada (where it superseded the then mid-size Taurus and the compact Contour). The Fusion is positioned between the compact Ford Focus and the full-size Ford Taurus. In the Middle East, this model is sold alongside the Mondeo. Versions sold there are available only with the 2.5-liter engine. Unlike in the United States, Canada, and Latin America, no V6 engine is available in that region. The same is true in South Korea, where only the 2.5-liter engines (including those for the hybrid model) are available as of the 2012 model year.

The second generation line-up includes a gasoline engine option, an EcoBoost engine option, a next-generation hybrid model, and a plug-in hybrid version, the Ford Fusion Energi, making the Ford Fusion the first production sedan to offer these four options. Sales of the gasoline-powered and hybrid versions began in the U.S. in October 2012 under the 2013 model. Sales in Europe and Asia as Ford Mondeo began in 2015, along with South Africa, where the Fusion name was used. Deliveries of the Fusion Energi began in the U.S. in February 2013. The entire 2013 Fusion line-up was awarded with the 2013 Green Car of the Year at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. In 2019, the Fusion was the seventh-best selling car in the United States.

2018 Ford Fusion

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Common 2018 Ford Fusion problems

The 2018 Ford Fusion has received generally positive reviews from consumers and experts, with many praising its fun driving experience, quiet interior cabin, and standard technology features. However, there are some common problems that have been reported by owners of this car.

One of the most common issues is coolant leaks, which have been reported in some 2018 Ford Fusion models at around 85,000 miles. These leaks are caused by gaskets that fail in the 2.0L engine, allowing coolant to leak. Ford has issued a technical service bulletin for this problem, and many of the repairs have been covered under warranty. If the issue is not covered under warranty, the repair cost is around $1,300.

Another issue that has been reported by owners of the 2018 Ford Fusion is damage to the wiring harness by rodents. Ford uses a soy-based wiring harness in the Fusion, which attracts rodents in some cases. If the wiring gets damaged, it can cost around $1,000 to replace. However, there are strobe lights available that can deter rodents from entering the engine compartment and are available for under $50.

Bubbling paint, particularly around the lower rocker panels, has also been reported by some Fusion owners at around 25,000 miles. This is caused by salt corroding the paint in areas where roads are salted. The only way to fix the problem is repainting affected areas, which can cost around $850 per panel.

While there is only one recall on the 2018 Ford Fusion, which covers the steering wheel detaching, these common problems can still be a concern for potential buyers. It is important to note that these issues are similar to other midsize sedans, although the repair costs are slightly more expensive than the competition.

In summary, while the 2018 Ford Fusion has received positive reviews overall, there are some common problems that have been reported by owners, including coolant leaks, damage to the wiring harness by rodents, and bubbling paint. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and consider the potential repair costs when making their decision.

2018 Ford Fusion engine

Does 2018 Ford Fusion have problems?

Common problems found on the 2018 Ford Fusion include coolant leaks, damage to the wiring harness by rodents, as well as bubbling paint. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize sedans, although the repair costs are slightly more expensive than the competition.

Are there any recalls on a 2018 Ford Fusion?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You'll need your car's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

How many miles can a 2018 Ford Fusion last?

Overall, the Ford Fusion will last around 250,000 miles with proper care.

Are Ford Fusions known for transmission problems?

Ford Fusion Transmission Issues

In the time we have been taking Fusion cases, we have become aware of the following alarming issues with models Fusion models 2010 through 2016: Jerking, shuddering, or jolting when shifting gears. RPM malfunctions. Electrical malfunctions.

Are 2018 Ford Fusions reliable?

How Reliable Is the 2018 Ford Fusion? The 2018 Fusion has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power.

Are there any recalls on a 2018 Ford Fusion?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You'll need your car's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

How many miles will a 2018 Ford Fusion last?

Overall, the Ford Fusion will last around 250,000 miles with proper care. It's an excellent vehicle with a much longer lifespan than the average for other Ford vehicles. With proper maintenance, you can expect to keep your Ford Fusion for more than a decade, even if you buy it used on the market.

Does Ford Fusion have engine problems?

In recent months, multiple reports of persistent engine problems have arisen from those who drive a 2019-2020 Ford Fusion. Customers are expressing concern over engines that shudder, shake, lose coolant rapidly, or otherwise fail to operate as intended.

2018 Ford Fusion car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Fusion problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine problems
  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Ford Fusion vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2018 Ford Fusion

The NHTSA has received 328 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Ford Fusion. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2018 Ford Fusion vehicles.

2024-10-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-01-25
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD7JR
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the "Engine Overheated Idle Engine" message was displayed on the instrumental panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however the failure still occurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was once again diagnosed the the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. 
2024-10-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD2JR
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after her son had placed the vehicle into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond when shifted into drive(D). The contact stated that the WRENCH (Transmission) warning symbol appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the shifter cable bushing and the shifter cable bushing cap needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NTHSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
2024-10-16

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
  • VIN: 3FA6P0G70JR
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and hesitated to come to a stop. In addition, there was fuel leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who confirmed that the brake fluid was leaking from the hose. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.)The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
2024-10-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-06
  • VIN: 3FA6P0D98JR
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and white smoke came out of the exhaust pipe; there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The "Engine Coolant Overtemperature" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a coolant leak intrusion into the cylinder and that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-2346. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the failure; the manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,700.
2024-10-15

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD2J
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart on the third attempt however the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine and the cylinder heads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 13,000.
2024-10-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD0JR
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
2024-10-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD8JR
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started sputtering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine. The dealer determined that the short block needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12; however, the vehicle was not covered due to the mileage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a notice for Ford Campaign Number: 21N12 was previously sent; however, the contact had not received the notice. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
2024-10-07

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
  • VIN: 3FA6P0D9XJR
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while his wife was driving 60 MPH, the wrench symbol became displayed. The power train fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle started to shake with the check engine warning light illuminated. The power steering was inoperable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
2024-10-01

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD6JR
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle took approximately three minutes to start. The vehicle started after several attempts. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the vehicle needed a tune up and an oil change. The vehicle was repaired but the power train warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
2024-09-29

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-17
  • VIN: 3FA6P0LU9JR
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: In Mid-August I was sitting at a stop light about to turn left. I was about the 3rd car in line. The light turned, and the first car turned left, and we inched up the car in front of me was able to turn, and the traffic was clear enough for me to also make the turn. However, in the middle of the turn my car didn’t stall out but lost all acceleration. I was pushing the gas, but while the car coasted forward it didn’t begin the drive. However, I never lost power. It was like the car jumped from “Drive” into “Neutral” and I coasted through the turn. I hesitated slightly and then pushed on the gas. The engine made sound but no movement other than coasting. Finally, I felt a small jolt and the car started moving forward. I was able to clear the intersection and was back in Drive mode. At that time the “Engine Warning” light came up on the dash. The car was able to move, nothing else seemed to have a problem, breaks still worked, I pulled into a parking lot. I pulled over, parked, but did not turn the car off immediately. I was able to drive forward and back-up while in the parking lot, as well as make turns. After about a minute I turned the car off to see if the car would automatically “fix itself”. I waited about three minutes and then started the car again, and it started without any problem, but the Warning light was still on. I left the parking lot and was able to drive with the Engine Warning light was still on, but no problem with anything else. I drove about five miles toward home when the Warning light turned OFF. I drove to Oxmoor Ford for service, but the service department was closed. I then drove to AutoZone where they did an initial plug into see if they could find what caused the problem. They were not able to determine anything. I returned home and made the appointment for the Oxmoor Ford service center. The car service cost me $7371.17.
2024-09-25

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-01-25
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD7JR
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the transmission independently shifted into the park(P) while driving at speeds of 30 MPH or exceeding the speed. The gear shifter had detached from the vehicle while driving over rough road surfaces. The contact had to manually maneuver the gear shifter to move the gear shifter to the desired position. The wrench symbol was displayed on the instrument panel, indicating that the vehicle needed to be serviced. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the gear shifter had a detached that needed to be repaired. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer had been contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
2024-09-24

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HDXJR
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Driving down the interstate and lost power due to rough running engine. I barely made it to the emergency lane before someone hit me. Coolant intrusion in the cylinders cause the engine malfunction. Ford is fully aware of this problem and refuses to help.
2024-09-19

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-19
  • VIN: 3FA6P0H75JR
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced twice. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The power train warning light was illuminated. The messages "Shift System Fault”, “See Owner’s Manual" and "Take Vehicle to Service Center Immediately" were displayed. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that while shifting to drive(D) or to reverse(R), the gear shifter independently shifted back to park(P). The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure milage was approximately 89,000.
2024-09-19

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD6JR
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: The car overheated and threw the code p1299, pulled over and there was no visual coolant leak. Put coolant in it and drove it to the garage a few days later, they told me coolant has leaked into the block and that I will need a whole new cylinder block and head gasket. Looked up recalls for my type of car and it showed 2013-2018 ford fusions have recalls about my problem and showed the symptoms and my car has every symptom of that recall but yet there is no active recall for my car.
2024-09-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-27
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD3JR
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was smoking with the engine overheating. The wrench symbol was displayed and was flashing on and off. The engine warning light was illuminated and flashing on and off. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the thermostat housing was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that there was no recall coverage for the failure. The contact was referred to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 76,422.
2024-09-16

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
  • VIN: 3FA6P0D97JR
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Engine has misfire in cylinder one from coolant intrusion. TSB 22-2229. Engine coolant leak can cause many problems for the engine and other components to fail and even break. Dealership confirmed, they’re are other fusion models and same engines with the same problem in the 2.0l. There were no previous lights on the dashboard the car is maintained well.
2024-09-14

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-06
  • VIN: 3FA6P0G76JR
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: After reversing out of my driveway I could not get me fusion to go into drive. After getting the car back into my driveway my fusion starting putting the emergency brake on I would take it off and it would automatically put the parking brake back on. After looking at a video of problems with the shifter I popped my hood and found that the shift cable had come off. There is a recall on fusions for this issue but my year is not included.
2024-09-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD6JR
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced rough starts and there was a slushing liquid sound coming from inside the dashboard. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the check engine warning light remained illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine block was cracked and causing coolant to leak into the engine. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 120,000.
2024-09-10

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
  • VIN: 3FA6P0D97JR
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: 2018 fusion ecoboost with no lights or warnings would not start. Took to ford to repair, took them several weeks and several of the same part to fix crankshaft position sensor. Was given a clean bill of health on car. Everything was I'm good condition they said after I paid the 1500.00$ repair bill. Less than 1 week later the car dies while on highway going 65 mph without warning. No lights, nothing. Just sputtered and died. Done all I could to get out of the way so I would not be hit on highway. Catastrophic engine failure resulting in engine locking up had occurred. This car has been taken care of, less than 75k miles on it and the engine is garbage. I lost my job, almost lost my life, lost my home, over half of my possessions all as a direct result of this faulty car that was designed to fail. Ford knows about this engine problem, they continue to sell these cars and refuse to pay for repairs or recall them.
2024-09-09

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-20
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD1JR
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
  • Summary: While driving, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated on the dashboard. Within 5-10 minutes, the vehicle began to lose power and struggled to maintain speed. Over the next 15 minutes, the vehicle's performance continued to deteriorate, eventually shutting down completely. Despite multiple attempts, the vehicle was unable to be restarted, the vehicle has not been inspected and the vehicle never gave any prior warning of potential failure this was the frist and only issue I had with this vehicle I had to have the vehicle towed home due to not starting
2024-09-04

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-07
  • VIN: 3FA6P0D9XJR
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown. The dealer determined that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the engine was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
2024-09-04

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD6JR
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: It was losing calling but no coolant leak, rough idle/driving and blows white smoke out of the exhaust and threw the code p1299 so I took it to a garage and they told me it was the cylinder head gasket but my car has no recalls on it and I looked up my problem and it said 2013-2018 ford fusions with the 1.5l built before June 2019 and mine was built in feb 2018 and I haven’t received any mail about a recall.
2024-09-03

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
  • VIN: 3FA6P0HD0JR
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire, and the low coolant level warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2 and 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 but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
2024-09-03

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
  • VIN: 3FA6P0H92JR
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Coolant leaked into engine cylinder #4, requiring a new engine.
2024-09-03

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-22
  • VIN: 3FA6P0H70JR
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond, jerked, and experienced hard shifts while responding. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal transmission damage that caused clutch B to fail. The dealer determined that the transmission 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 80,559.

2018 Ford Fusion recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2018 Ford Fusion.

2023-03-10
  • Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: 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: 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.
2018-03-12
  • Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
  • Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
  • Summary: 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: 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.

Negative 2018 Ford Fusion car reviews

  1. Olin Bogisich 2025-06-09

    The Ford 2017 Fusion has unfortunately not met my expectations in terms of reliability. Despite purchasing the car after spending hours in sales, I have experienced multiple issues with the battery draining overnight and the car not starting up again after short trips. This has caused me concern and inconvenience, especially when the car stalled in the middle of traffic. Although Ford has attempted to fix the issue by replacing the computer software, the problem has persisted. As a result, I cannot recommend purchasing a Ford vehicle, including the Ford Fusion.

  2. Buck Satterfield 2025-05-18

    Hello! I received my car on January 3rd, and I usually drive under 6000 miles per year. Currently, the car only has 350 miles on it and it's the top of the line Fusion model, loaded with all the bells and whistles. Unfortunately, last week the car's electronics had a total meltdown in my driveway and I had to have it towed to the dealer for warranty repair. The dealer initially told me it would take about two weeks to get to the repair, and they had no idea what was wrong with it. However, after I contacted Ford Customer Service to complain, they stepped up and authorized the dealer to do what was necessary to fix the car and at least get me into a rental. The dealer found out that the audio system had a

  3. Jaiden Paucek 2025-04-26

    I recently switched over from a Lincoln MKS to a Ford vehicle due to the Ford employee discount. Although the car is great and comes with all the bells and whistles, including premium audio, leather, and heated seats, I have been experiencing some issues with the steering. Unfortunately, the Ford customer service has not been helpful in resolving the issue. Despite sending numerous emails to Ford Corporate, I have not received any response. Overall, I am regretting my decision to switch to Ford due to the poor customer service. I may consider going back to foreign cars, as I have had better experiences with brands like Lexus in the past.

  4. Jacques Thompson 2025-04-04

    I replaced my 2007 Passat with a 2017 Fusion Titanium, but unfortunately, the car has been experiencing some issues. Despite visiting the dealer, the problem persists and I have been left without a loaner car for the two-week period. As a result, I have decided to part ways with this car and will not be considering Ford as an option in the future.

  5. Guiseppe Swaniawski 2025-03-16

    When I picked up the car from the dealership for the first time, I got into it and it wouldn't start. At first, I thought it was just because it had been sitting for a while, but it turned out to be a recurring issue. Despite taking it to the shop multiple times, the problem persists and I have had to resort to using a portable jumper to start the car every time. It has been a frustrating and unsafe experience, as I have been stranded and even missed work because of it. However, I am hopeful that the dealership is finally acknowledging the issue and working to find a solution. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Positive 2018 Ford Fusion car reviews

  1. Orville Jenkins 2025-04-26

    I've had the car for just over 9 months now and it's been great! I did have to get one repair done, but it was a simple fix - just a software patch to reprogram the battery drain issue. Overall, the car is really quick for its weight and even quicker than my old 2008 BMW 328i. The AWD really helps with the handling, which is similar to the BMW. The only area where it falls a bit short is the braking - they're good, but not quite up to the level of the 328i's excellent brakes. The engine is really outstanding though, with plenty of power and very little turbo lag. It pulls really hard and the transmission has been reliable, although I do wish it had snappier shifts in Sport Mode. I haven't taken it past 120 MPH, but it was still going strong at that point. You do have to be careful at freeway speeds though - it's easy to go from 60 MPH to 100 MPH without even realizing it! The gas mileage is decent, but for the performance you get, it's definitely worth it. I can get nearly 30 MPG cruising at 75 MPH on a level road, but if I really put my foot down, it can drop down to 16 or so. I average about 22 MPG in combined commute driving. The interior is really spacious and the electronics are top-notch. The sound system could be a bit better, but it's still decent. The seats are comfortable, although they're not full leather. It's a really quiet ride and can be a great commuter car that just happens to have a lot of speed on tap. Or, if you put it in sport mode, it can be a bit more high-strung and a lot of fun! Plus, the trunk is really large.Overall, I'm really glad about my 40 K purchase. I now have a replacement for my 2008 328 I that is faster, quicker, and handles just about as well, even if it doesn't stop quite as short. Plus, it was much cheaper than a 2017 BMW equivalent. It's great to see an American car that can compete with the Germans too!

  2. Olaf Ankunding 2025-03-04

    Starting in 2016, the Fusion no longer has a 3.5mm audio jack, which has been replaced with a 2.0 USB plug. I understand how frustrating this can be, as all the converters I tried for USB to 3.5 didn't work with Ford Sync. As an Uber driver, it's important for my riders to be able to plug in, and Bluetooth isn't always the best option. However, I still highly recommend the Ford Fusion for its American-made quality. This is my second Fusion and I'll probably get a third. One of the biggest differences I've noticed compared to foreign cars like the Camry or Accord is the ride quality. Even after 100k miles, my Fusion still rolls over bumps and potholes like it's nothing. This is the main reason I bought another one after 150k miles. In a Camry, the ride quality decreases after 60k miles. In addition, I appreciate the heavy doors on the Fusion and the overall heaviness of the car, which helps it hold the road better. I've been getting between 40-60 mpg on the new Fusion Hybrid, which makes me very happy. Just one last thing, I wish the Ford Engineers would move the window lock button on the driver's door somewhere else because my finger always locks the windows when I use my window. Overall, I highly recommend the Fusion, as it's a reliable car that won't let you down.

  3. Greg Erdman 2025-01-17

    After reading a full-page article in the Post two years ago, we finally purchased the 2018 Fusion Sport. We are thrilled to say that this exciting vehicle has exceeded all of our expectations, just as the article suggested it would. Our trip to Toronto, through ice and snow, was pain-free thanks to its AWD. The acceleration and handling are fantastic, and the Ford engineering, styling, and comfort are all top-notch, especially considering the affordable price. We highly recommend this car as it offers great value.

  4. Jonathan Mitchell 2025-01-09

    What a fantastic job Ford did! I absolutely love my 2nd Fusion. My other one is a 2015 2.0 AWD with over 100k miles on it now, and it has only needed oil changes and new tires. I fell in love with the 15 2.0 and was really looking forward to the Sport. For now, I plan to keep both cars. Although, the Sport is way too nice to drive in the snow!

  5. Toney Schmidt 2025-01-08

    The car rides like a vehicle that costs over 45k, which is impressive for its category. The Microsoft Sync system is straightforward and easy to use. The car and Sync system have an extensive range of functions. The adjustable ambient interior lighting is a great feature, especially at night when you can choose your preferred color. The Ecoboost turbo performs well without being too loud in the cabin. The sport mode with the better fuel map is excellent for passing or accelerating past other drivers. Overall, the car is fun and comfortable, even with two car seats (one forward-facing and one rear-facing). Considering the cost, it's a pretty sweet deal.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2018 Ford Fusion problems:

2018 Ford Fusion Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
2018 Ford Fusion Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/report/ford/fusion/2018

Nov 30, 2022 ... The 2018 Ford Fusion lasts around 250,000 miles with some coolant and wiring issues mentioned by owners. At $16,075 to $24,625, it's a decent ...

Common issues? | Ford Fusion V6 Sport Forum
Common issues? | Ford Fusion V6 Sport Forum
https://www.fusionsportforums.com/threads/common-issues.19720/

Apr 15, 2020 ... I read that the late-build 2017's have these problems mostly resolved. Are there any common issues for 2018 and later models? Just want to ...

2018 Ford Fusion Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
2018 Ford Fusion Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2018-ford-fusion/problems

Problem with your 2018 Ford Fusion? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2018 Ford Fusion.

2018 Ford Fusion Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2018 Ford Fusion Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/ford/fusion/2018/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2018 Ford Fusion? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

2018 ford fusion s jerks and struggles to accurate sometimes : r ...
2018 ford fusion s jerks and struggles to accurate sometimes : r ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/fordfusion/comments/125lhfp/2018_ford_fusion_s_jerks_and_struggles_to/

Mar 29, 2023 ... 107k transmission issues here. 66k i got coolant intrusion. car has been a nightmare.

Other years of Ford Fusion

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Fusion 2019
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25

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Fusion 2020
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38

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Fusion 2006
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41

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Fusion 2007
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1059

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33

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Fusion 2008
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1349

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33

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ford fusion 2009 photo
Fusion 2009
Ford

1014

7

40

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