RoadVitals

2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid Brakes Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Brakes reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
9
Latest Jun 30, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
15%
of 59 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 9 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming brake

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Brakes
Filed Jun 30, 2026
1 injury reported

The chrome trim on the parking brake switch started chipping. The sharp edge drew a drop of blood and small pieces attached to your fingers. Replaced the switch in June 2026

NHTSA ID
11747443
Incident
Apr 1, 2026
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Aug 23, 2025
Crash reported

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE that affects the braking system and related electronics: 1.The ABS stopped functioning previously. 2.Recently, the car displayed a “Brake Malfunction” warning for the first time, which appears when making sharp turns. 3.The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) stopped working some time ago. These issues are extremely dangerous. The electronic brake booster and ABS module are critical for safe braking, especially in emergency situations. With the ABS and brake assist compromised, the pedal can suddenly become rock hard or soft, stopping distance increases dramatically, and traction control/ABS is unavailable during hard braking. I am concerned this is a systemic issue with the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE braking system and not isolated to my vehicle. This failure could put drivers, passengers, and others on the road at serious risk. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential recall action to protect the safety of drivers nationwide.

NHTSA ID
11682612
Incident
Aug 23, 2025
Brakes
Filed Feb 7, 2025

Leaking fluid, etc similar to recall on other 2018 Ford Fusions

NHTSA ID
11641441
Incident
Jan 1, 2024
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed May 2, 2024

Park Break engages on its on when the engine is turned off

NHTSA ID
11586631
Incident
Mar 21, 2024
Brakes
Filed Mar 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact engaged the electric parking brake and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle and determined that the brake line on the output of the ABS pump had failed. The contact stated that the front driver's side brake hose had previously ruptured and was replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 160,300.

NHTSA ID
11580097
Incident
Mar 29, 2024
Mileage
160,300 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, there was a grinding sound coming from the front brake pads. After shifting into drive, the message "Emergency Brake Failure, Vehicle Shutting Off" was displayed and the vehicle turned off. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 180,000.

NHTSA ID
11558984
Incident
Aug 15, 2023
Mileage
180,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 10, 2021

Car is parked and fine. Started car and ABS comes on. Then brake fluid is low. Then hose line is ruptured and throwing out brake fluid.

NHTSA ID
11428517
Incident
Jul 30, 2021
Brakes
Filed Jul 23, 2021
Crash reported

I was able to replicate the first issue once, second issue happens more frequently: Braking system not grabbing on as hard as they should and abs did not activate. car also seems to lunge forward sometimes when slowing down, most noticeable when preparing to turn. Took the car to get inspected at a Ford Dealership, they claim to no be able to replicate the issue. I've also opened up a case with Ford Motor Co.

NHTSA ID
11426179
Incident
Jul 20, 2021
Brakes
Filed Apr 14, 2018

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT AND WAS SLOWING TO MAKE TURNS, I EXPERIENCED A HORRIBLE SCREECHING NOISE THAT WAS COMING FROM WHAT SOUNDED LIKE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AREA. IT SOUNDED LIKE THE SCREECHING OF METAL ON METAL. I FOUND A SAFE LOCATION AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. THE ISSUE OCCURRED AGAIN WHILE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE BACK OF HIS FLATBED AND AGAIN APPEARED TO CORRELATE TO USE OF THE BRAKE WHILE DRIVING IT UP THE INCLINED FLAT-BED.

NHTSA ID
11085082
Incident
Apr 13, 2018
Mileage
2,252 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .