SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
2018 Ford Fusion
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 434 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Ford Fusion, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 160 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 37 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 38 |
| Oct 2021 | 3 | 41 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 42 |
| Dec 2021 | 2 | 44 |
| Jan 2022 | 3 | 47 |
| Feb 2022 | 3 | 50 |
| Mar 2022 | 2 | 52 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 53 |
| May 2022 | 4 | 57 |
| Jun 2022 | 2 | 59 |
| Jul 2022 | 3 | 62 |
| Aug 2022 | 12 | 74 |
| Sep 2022 | 5 | 79 |
| Oct 2022 | 4 | 83 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 84 |
| Jan 2023 | 3 | 87 |
| Feb 2023 | 6 | 93 |
| Mar 2023 | 7 | 100 |
| Apr 2023 | 9 | 109 |
| May 2023 | 12 | 121 |
| Jun 2023 | 2 | 123 |
| Jul 2023 | 11 | 134 |
| Aug 2023 | 12 | 146 |
| Sep 2023 | 11 | 157 |
| Oct 2023 | 8 | 165 |
| Nov 2023 | 7 | 172 |
| Dec 2023 | 10 | 182 |
| Jan 2024 | 9 | 191 |
| Feb 2024 | 12 | 203 |
| Mar 2024 | 12 | 215 |
| Apr 2024 | 14 | 229 |
| May 2024 | 15 | 244 |
| Jun 2024 | 4 | 248 |
| Jul 2024 | 9 | 257 |
| Aug 2024 | 11 | 268 |
| Sep 2024 | 15 | 283 |
| Oct 2024 | 12 | 295 |
| Nov 2024 | 8 | 303 |
| Dec 2024 | 3 | 306 |
| Jan 2025 | 6 | 312 |
| Feb 2025 | 6 | 318 |
| Mar 2025 | 10 | 328 |
| Apr 2025 | 9 | 337 |
| May 2025 | 12 | 349 |
| Jun 2025 | 8 | 357 |
| Jul 2025 | 18 | 375 |
| Aug 2025 | 6 | 381 |
| Sep 2025 | 2 | 383 |
| Oct 2025 | 7 | 390 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 391 |
| Dec 2025 | 3 | 394 |
| Jan 2026 | 3 | 397 |
| Feb 2026 | 3 | 400 |
| Mar 2026 | 8 | 408 |
| Apr 2026 | 5 | 413 |
| May 2026 | 6 | 419 |
| Jun 2026 | 6 | 425 |
| Jul 2026 | 5 | 430 |
| Aug 2026 | 4 | 434 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine26653.0%
- Powertrain (other)10320.5%
- Fuel system306.0%
- Electrical285.6%
- Steering193.8%
- Driver assistance142.8%
- Other / unspecified122.4%
- Brakes61.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSTEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
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 rupturing on certain MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The result causes a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needing to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.On March 10, 2023, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted to NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-162 (Ford Recall 23S12) to address front brake jounce hoses that may rupture. Ford found the rupture occurs from a localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid due to cyclic fatigue through tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. The supplier for the front brake jounce hoses is Hitachi. This recall affects the subject vehicles equipped with non-hybrid engines and the suspect front brake jounce hoses (a total of 1,280,726 vehicles). The recall covers subject vehicles built from February 3, 2012 to July 19, 2017 when the suspect hoses were used in vehicle production. The remedy is for dealerships to replace both front brake jounce hoses with new hoses that have a revised braid material at no cost. The vehicles equipped with hybrid engines are excluded from the recall because the internal hose pressure is much lower due to the regenerative braking provided by the hybrid brake system. No failures of brake hoses on hybrid vehicles have been reported to ODI or Ford.Ford's actions address ODIs concerns at this time. Hybrid vehicles will be monitored for related failures. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by new circumstances.The 103 ODI numbers cited above can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11511014, 11510867, 11510318, 11509030, 11505993, 11504989, 11504400, 11502147, 11502082, 11501820, 11501283, 11498439, 11498296, 11496842, 11496335, 11494931, 11494851, 11494252, 11493001, 11492084, 11492070, 11491444, 11491274, 11488858, 11488027, 11487627, 11487416, 11487233, 11486150, 11484924, 11484526, 11484080, 11483948, 11483926, 11483739, 11483723, 11482773, 11482690, 11481077, 11480788, 11480294, 11480052, 11479338, 11479334, 11479252, 11479247, 11479187, 11479094, 11479048, 11478985, 11478953, 11478729, 11478216, 11476892, 11476282, 11470558, 11468994, 11467109, 11466294, 11462746, 11461217, 11456065, 11455367, 11444848, 11436419, 11436376, 11430685, 11428329, 11425083, 11421026, 11420738, 11420735, 11420298, 11418197, 11403926, 11397549, 11366991, 11366757, 11361016, 11359968, 11354569, 11352165, 11350344, 11348799, 11343929, 11343205, 11331947, 11329020, 11319596, 11310529, 11292271, 11288455, 11254787, 11253479, 11253244, 11234622, 11230669, 11230050, 11228240, 11221111, 11143630, 11129392 and 11120228.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The 1.5L EcoBoost motor has coolant intrusion problem on cylinder 3. The 1.5L EcoBoost motor sputters while driving causing the engine to be sluggish and not get up to speed when turning and might cause an accident on the highway due to the motor failing due to coolant intrusion design flaw in Ford Motor. Yes, Ford dealership confirmed the coolant intrusion problem on cylinder 3 and check engine light keeps coming on and off. Yes, the Ford dealership inspected the 1.5L engine in the vehicle and ran test to confirm the coolant intrusion problem on cylinder 3. There was no other warning lamps or symptoms prior to the failure/degrade of engine
- NHTSA ID
- 11756448
- Incident
- Apr 20, 2026
On August 10, 2026, I was driving my 2018 Ford Fusion at approximately 40 mph under normal driving conditions when, without warning, the hood unexpectedly released and flew completely backward into the windshield. The hood had been closed prior to driving and there was no warning before the failure. The hood struck the windshield with significant force, shattering it, immediately blocking my forward visibility, and sending broken glass into the passenger compartment and onto me. Because I suddenly could not see the roadway, I lost control and the vehicle left the road. Fortunately, no other vehicles or pedestrians were involved and I did not require medical treatment. This was not a hood that simply became loose or partially opened. The hood fully opened and struck the windshield. Based on what occurred, it appears the primary hood retention/latch and the secondary safety retention mechanism both failed to prevent the hood from fully opening. The exact mechanical cause requires inspection. The impact caused extensive damage to the hood and windshield and tore/deformed metal around the windshield/A-pillar/roof area. An independent eyewitness across the street personally witnessed the incident occur in real time, and I have photographs documenting the aftermath. The vehicle has approximately 156,000 miles, was in good operating condition, and remains unrepaired and unaltered following the incident so the hood latch, secondary safety catch, striker, hinges and related components can be inspected. Ford was notified immediately and opened case CXH-08862363-V8C8X7, which Ford advised was escalated to its Office of General Counsel. I am reporting this because this apparent hood-retention safety failure created an extremely dangerous situation. Had this occurred at highway speed, at a higher speed, in heavy traffic, or near pedestrians, the consequences could have been catastrophic.
- NHTSA ID
- 11756127
- Incident
- Aug 10, 2026
Coolant leaking into the engine.
- NHTSA ID
- 11754816
- Incident
- Sep 16, 2019
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
- NHTSA ID
- 11754361
- Incident
- May 11, 2026
Transmission/cracked flexplate started approximately 12 months prior with vibrations getting progressively worse, complete failure needing replacement along with shift cable bushing causes vehicle to select wrong gear position when another is commanded by driver. Shrapnel from case or components could be expelled during flexplate/converter failure. Incorrect gear selection could lead to potential injury or damage from improper gear selection.
- NHTSA ID
- 11753612
- Incident
- Feb 8, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
- NHTSA ID
- 11752380
- Incident
- May 20, 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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11751875
- Incident
- Jun 7, 2026
Vehicle would not recognize car being in Park. Displayed warning messages: Shift Sys Fault Confirm Park Brake Before Exiting Vehicle. Transmission Not In Park
- NHTSA ID
- 11749574
- Incident
- Mar 20, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs.
While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.