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2018 Ford Fusion problems

What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.

442owner complaints
2safety recalls
9involved a crash

Also reported: 1 fires, 6 people injured, 0 deaths. Each complaint is counted once even if it lists several components.

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Most reported problems

Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 442.

Engine205
Usually 68,000–111,000 miles (middle half of 59 reports with mileage)
Power train106
Usually 72,000–108,000 miles (middle half of 45 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Automatic transmission (3); Automatic transmission › internal › bearings/bushings (1); Automatic transmission › internal › gears (1); Automatic transmission › lever and linkage › column shift (1)
Engine and engine cooling88
Usually 87,000–120,000 miles (middle half of 81 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Cooling system (1); Engine (1); Exhaust system › emission control › gas recirculation valve (EGR valve) (1)
Unknown or other47
Usually 37,000–65,000 miles (middle half of 5 reports with mileage)
Electrical system26
Usually 20,717–63,220 miles (middle half of 8 reports with mileage)
Parts named: 12V/24V/48V battery (2); Ignition › coil › high tension/spark plug wires (1)
Fuel/propulsion system22
Usually 8,774–13,521 miles (middle half of 2 reports with mileage)
Steering19
Usually 36,500–99,500 miles (middle half of 6 reports with mileage)
Wheels11
Usually 41,500–52,500 miles (middle half of 2 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (3)
Back over prevention8
Usually 60,000–88,000 miles (middle half of 5 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Sensing system › camera (2); Camera system (1); Warnings (1)
Fuel system, gasoline6
Usually 72,500–87,500 miles (middle half of 4 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Storage › evaporative emissions › hoses/valves/sensors (1); Storage › tank assembly › filler pipe and cap (1)

When problems show up

Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.

Engine

59 reports with mileage · median 90,000 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Power train

45 reports with mileage · median 81,700 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Engine and engine cooling

81 reports with mileage · median 101,000 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Safety recalls (2)

Recalls that cover the 2018 Ford Fusion. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.

Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov

Service brakes, hydraulic › foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 23V162000 · 2023-03-10 · 1,280,726 vehicles

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

Full recall text and remedy

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.

Steering › steering wheel/handle bar

Campaign 18V167000 · 2018-03-12 · 1,301,986 vehicles

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…

Full recall text and remedy

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.

Questions to ask the seller

Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.

205 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 68,000 and 111,000 miles.

Has the transmission been serviced or repaired? On the test drive, watch for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts.

106 owner complaints mention the transmission or drivetrain, half of the reports with mileage are between 72,000 and 108,000 miles.

Any overheating, coolant loss, or engine repairs? Ask for invoices and check the coolant level and temperature gauge on the test drive.

88 owner complaints mention the engine or cooling system, half of the reports with mileage are between 87,000 and 120,000 miles.

Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.

26 owner complaints mention the electrical system, half of the reports with mileage are between 20,717 and 63,220 miles.

Any stalling, hesitation, loss of power, or fuel smell? Ask whether fuel-system parts were replaced and get the receipts.

22 owner complaints mention the fuel or propulsion system.

Has the open recall work been done? Ask for dealer service records, and check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year.

Other Ford Fusion years

Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.

Compare all years on one chart

Source: NHTSA complaints file (FLAT_CMPL, updated 2026-10-21) and NHTSA recalls file. Page generated 2026-10-22.

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